KNOW HOW

We usually start and end our gardening lives with small spaces, often courtyards and potted balconies. Both can be wonderfully rewarding if one gets the basics right before one even buys the first plant

Franchesca Watson reflects on a project that brought to life a dramatic garden in the Karoo

Resources

Be sure you are clear about the number of resources you have to input the garden. The most important of these are space, time, water and money. They all have a huge bearing on the design of what you do and the plants you select. There is no point in spending a packet on gorgeous plants if you have no intention of devoting water and time to the project.

Handbrakes

Understand and accept the handbrakes. Almost every garden project has limitations – these can be wind, soil, extreme sun or shade, or lack of water. One needs to work within these parameters, otherwise, one will be disappointed.

Ground prep and soils

Plants are 100% reliant on the soils that they grow in. Plants need nutrients and water repeatedly. If the soils are unable to provide nutrients or hold water, the plants will suffer. Clay soils restrict nutrient uptake and hold water often “drowning” the plants. It will be more productive to provide good soils for smaller plants that will grow than buy larger plants that will perform badly in poor soils. The adage that the money should go into the ground is true. In addition to decent soils, plants will need fertilising seasonally, especially in confined spaces like planters and courtyards.

Irrigation and drainage

If you travel or your attention to the garden is erratic, consider an irrigation system. Most irrigation systems will save water, particularly if one can install drip systems, or weather-or moisture monitoring devices. Know that the settings should be changed to suit the seasons of the year, check the system often and have it serviced every spring. At the same time as providing water, think about drainage – rainwater and excess irrigation water will need to be able to move away in a controlled manner.

Design

When designing your courtyard or balcony, suitable space should be allocated for people to use first. Work out how your partner, family members or guests will gain access to tables and chairs, and how you will circulate through the space. Also, where it is best to appreciate any views from, and where you may require screening or privacy. Then you can allocate space to the plants and plant containers. If you have enough space, a water feature will always add magic – this can be as simple as a lovely pot filled with water and water lilies.

The plants

Only now are you ready to think about which plants you want in your space. Besides what they look like and how they live together visually, you need to understand their needs and pair plants with similar requirements in terms of water, sun, soil types, and so on. Consider their fully grown shape and size and understand how you will have to prune them if they are going to grow too large for their position. Also, consider how the plants will look throughout the seasons. For example, there is no point in planting a deciduous plant as a screening hedge, but losing leaves in winter may be good for a pergola allowing light into the rooms adjacent during miserable winters.

A personal rule of thumb:

I often write down a long list of all the plants that I think would look good. Then I carefully and realistically go through the list and eliminate the ones that will not be suited for the conditions, or will grow too big.

I make my final selection from the plants that are left.

Franchesca Watson

082 808 1287 franchescawatson.com