BLOEM - JULY 2024

Garden tasks for July
• Prune the roses from 20 July to 3
August and dig fresh compost into
the soil around the roses. • Feed
winter annuals, herbs and vegetables
in pots with a liquid fertiliser. • Water
spring bulbs for 40 minutes once
a week. • Water the veggie garden
once a week and protect frost-tender
veggies with frost cloth. • Turn the
compost and moisten if the heap is
dry. • Put food and water out for the
birds. • Service the lawnmower.
We’re planting...
Calibrachoa ‘Bumble Bee’ for
its vibrant, dramatic flowers that
bring spring just a little bit closer.
This tough grower flowers under
the lowest of light conditions,
brightening end of winter gardens,
containers and hanging baskets. It
also thrives in the heat, making it a
long-lasting garden or patio plant.
Plants grow 15 to 30cm high and
can spread up to 60cm. As its name
implies, it attracts bees, as well as
butterflies. Grow it in a position that
receives plenty of sun. Water garden
plants once a week and containers
or hanging baskets more often. Feed
once a month with a liquid fertiliser.
Details: www.ballstraathof.co.za
getitmagazine.co.za/bloemfontein
Indoor plant of the month
Who can resist the fragrance of
lavender. Feeling a little blue? Just rub
some lavender leaves through your
fingers and inhale their perfume. Pot
lavender ‘Blue Magic’ is one of the
earliest lavenders to flower and it likes
a warm room or patio that receives
morning sunlight. Let the soil dry out
slightly before watering and nip off
the dead flowers to encourage more.
At the end of its flowering period,
cut back and plant in full sun in the
garden or in an outdoor container.
Lavender leaves and flowers have
many uses. Add sprigs to cupboards
to freshen them up or sip a cup of
soothing lavender tea before going to
bed or put a sprig or two under your
pillow. Details: www.lvgplant.co.za
July 2024 Get It Bloemfontein 23