It is that time of the month again. Come and join us at our plant sale
Location: University of the Western Cape, UWC Nature Reserve Unit. Please use the main gate West link entrance from Robert Sobukwe Road adjacent to the security gate.
Wednesday, 14 August 2024
Plant Sale Advert
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Come shop at our nursery for our monthly plant sale from 08:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m. at the University Western Cape, UWC Nature Reserve Unit. Please use the main gate, the West Link entrance from Robert Sobukwe Road, adjacent to the security gate.
Monday, 22 July 2024
Plant Sale Advert
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It is that time of the month again. Come and join us at our plant sale
Location: University of the Western Cape, UWC Nature Reserve Unit. Please use the main gate West link entrance from Robert Sobukwe Road adjacent to the security gate.
Wednesday, 10 July 2024
Dracaena aletriformis
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by Admin | July 10, 2024 | Indigenous indoor plants | 0 comments
Common name: large-leaved dragon tree
Family: Ruscaceae
Origin: South Africa
Plant description: an evergreen, usually single-stemmed small tree that grows between 2 to 5
metres tall. It is tan-coloured bark marked with leaf scars. The leaves,
crowded near the top of the stems, are glossy green, leathery, strap-shaped,
and slightly drooping, reaching up to 1 meter in length. During summer
(November to February), tall spikes of sweetly scented, tiny, yellow-green
flowers bloom, followed by striking orange berries.
Light and position: prefers shade
Water requirement: medium water requirement (water consistent during the growing season and
less during winter).
Plant care: plant in well-drained fertile soil and composted soil. Keep it out of
direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Re-pot only every 18 to 24 months, ideally
during the growing season. When re-potting, choose a pot with good drainage 5 to 10 cm larger than the root ball. The pot will give the plant enough
space to grow.
Pest and diseases: generally disease-free, but look out for snails as they can cause
damage.
Propagation: to grow more Dracaena aletriformis,
use seeds or cuttings. It grows easily from fresh seeds. Remove the sticky,
orange pulp before sowing as it contains a growth inhibitor that will slow germination.
Sow seeds in spring or summer in a compost-rich medium. Place seeds in the shade.
Cuttings should be taken from the stem. Stem or side-shoot cuttings will
root well in a sand/fern fibre mix.
Thursday, 4 July 2024
Community Outreach Programme
The goals of a community outreach program include:
- To improve the quality of life for community members
- To raise awareness of important issues
- To build relationships between the organisation or individual and the community
- To empower community members to make positive changes
The visit promoted environmental awareness and the use of indigenous plants through educational gardening and propagation activities.
Here are some of the topics that were covered:
- Parts of a plant
- Types of roots
- Soil types
- Gardening tools
- What plants need to grow
- How to make new plants and keep the old ones (Propagation)
- Types of plants
- Indigenous and exotic plants
Monday, 22 April 2024
Plant Sale Advert
Friday, 19 April 2024
Trees
🌳Trees are essential components of the environment, providing benefits to ecosystems and human well-being. However, what exactly is a tree? Simply put, a tree is a woody perennial plant with a single main stem or trunk, typically growing to a considerable height and bearing lateral branches. In his book 'What's That Tree?', Eugene Moll defines a tree as a free-standing woody plant that generally reaches a height of 3-4 meters and has a girth of at least 100mm (about the length of the long edge of a credit card) at chest height.
One of the key benefits of having trees is their ability to produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which is essential for all living organisms. They act as carbon sinks by absorbing pollutants to help mitigate climate change. Trees provide habitats for wildlife and food for birds and small animals such as squirrels, offer shade and cooling effects, reduce noise pollution, and enhance the overall aesthetics of an area.
In gardens, trees can offer several advantages. They can increase property value, provide privacy, reduce energy costs by providing shade in the summer and windbreaks in the winter, and create a tranquil and attractive outdoor space. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Trees can be costly to maintain, shed leaves, and damage pipes and foundations.
It is imperative to consider numerous factors when buying or growing a tree. When selecting a tree, choose one with a straight trunk, evenly spaced branches, and a healthy root system. Avoid trees with signs of disease, pest infestation, or damage. When choosing a tree, ensure it will fit comfortably in your yard without overcrowding or causing obstruction when it reaches maturity. The size of your yard does matter when choosing a tree, as you will need to select a species that fits the space available and will not overgrow the area as it grows.
By carefully selecting and planting trees, we can enhance our surroundings, improve air quality, and create a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.
| Name of a tree | Size | Aspect | Unique features |
| Brachylaena discolor Coast silver oak  |
4 – 10 m | Shade, full sun | Evergreen Drought resistant Medicinal and cultural uses Excellent bee tree Non-invasive root system Ideal for coastal, parks and school gardens Makes an excellent hedge or windbreak. |
| Combretum kraussii forest bushwillow  |
7 –9 m | Shade, full sun | Semi-deciduous Drought resistant Can tolerate heavy clay soil Minimal waste (leaf /fruit shedding) Non-invasive root system Good screening tree Medicinal plant |
| Curtisia dentata Assegaai tree  |
15 m | Full sun | Evergreen Coastal tolerance Ideal for hedge/screen Attracts birds Wind tolerance Suitable for a small garden Suitable to plant indoors Medicinal plant |
| Dovyalis caffra Kei apple  |
2 – 5 m | Full sun or semi-shade | Evergreen Drought resistant Attracts birds and butterflies Edible plant Makes an excellent security hedge or windbreak. |
| Ekebergia capensis Cape ash  |
15 m | Full sun | Evergreen Edible plant Drought resistant Attracts birds & butterflies Used to make furniture Medicinal plant |
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