Farm

At first glance, stone pines may not look like edible plants, but these tall conifers are the source of the pine nut. Pine nuts, the small, naked seeds that fall from pine cones, are one of the ingredients of pesto (blended with basil, garlic, oil and Parmesan cheese). Pine nuts are known as pignoli or pinoli…

The oldest record of cauliflower  dates back to the sixth century BCE. A member of the cabbage family, the word  “cauliflower” comes from the Latin caulis, meaning “cabbage”, and floris, meaning “flower”. They are grown for their thick, undeveloped flowers and flower stalks, not for their leaves. Of all the brassicas, cauliflower is the most difficult…

Do you know the worst enemies of your plants and crops in your garden? It’s crucial to determine the locations or sources of pests for prompt intervention. Garden pests are a nuisance because they’re destructive when neglected. They can ruin the leaves and eat the flowers and fruits of your produce.  There are many types…

On a hot summer’s day, a chilled slice of watermelon is right up there with an ice-cold glass of lemonade. Oh-so refreshing! Watermelons are mostly water, so munching your way through a few slices is a pleasant way to hydrate, but did you know that this sweet, succulent fruit is also soaked with nutrients, antioxidants…

1. CATS SCAT! Tired of finding feline calling cards in your garden? Here are four simple solutions. Make a repellent by combining two parts cayenne pepper, three parts dry mustard and five parts flour. Simply mix together and sprinkle. Cats don’t like tea leaves, so empty your used ones onto the garden soil. Try using a…

The pomegranate is among the oldest cultivated fruits, originating from Persia, Afghanistan and surrounding areas. The fruit is striking to look at hanging on the tree, but even more beautiful when you cut it open to reveal the fleshy jewel-like seeds inside. In fact, the name “pomegranate” translates to “seeded apple” and the fruit is…

A key ingredient in the famed French perfume channel No 5, Ylang Ylang is a warm-climate flowering tree. The bewitching scented oil we know as ylang ylang (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) is derived from the very fragrant flowers of a tropical tree. The flowers have long, slender, streamer-like petals and smell like a cross between tropical…

Aloe vera is a small succulent with spiky grey-green leaves. It originated in northern Africa and has naturalised through much of Africa and around the Mediterranean. It’s very easy to grow as it readily produces “pups”, or small offsets. Just one plant can quickly lead to having many plants to share. Individual plants grow to…

If you haven’t heard about lavender, you might just be living under a rock. Lavender is well-known all around the globe for its beauty, fragrance, and medicinal properties. If you are looking for a plant to add to your summer garden, there is nothing better than lavenders. With their beauty and fragrance in your garden,…

Do you want to grow vegetables without the need for raised garden beds or planting rows? Well, we’ve got the solution for you. To save on space, why not grow them in pots? You’ll be having a bountiful harvest in no time as long as you know which ones to grow. To help you pick…

We are lucky enough to have a twin compost bin – one section breaks down while the other one piles up on an almost daily basis. Two or three times a year the ‘add’ pile gets so high it threatens to topple over, so we know it’s time to use or bag the stuff that’s ready….

Keep vines under control to get more grapes.  Grapevines are rampant plants that need to be kept under control. Sitting under a pergola draped in vines, glass of sauvignon blanc in your hand, you could be forgiven for thinking that you’re living the dream – and the good news is that gardeners don’t need to…

If your edible or ornamental gardens have the right space, a nicely designed entry adds anticipation and dimension to them. As well as creating a warm and inviting welcome, a garden entrance can segment a space into garden rooms or highlight a focal point like a statue or piece of garden art. It can frame…