Grow your favourite things

Spring is a time of renewal, when the garden bursts into colour with plants that celebrate the new season. For me, a few favourites evoke nostalgia and remind me why I love gardening so much.

Lavandula Stoechas: Crowned Lavender

Flowering on short stems with a display of purple to pink toned flowers, there is always a wow reaction when lavender are in full flower. Also called Mediterranean Lavender, Crowned lavender are identified by the interesting flowers that have little wing like tips which sit as a crown above the bit that all the pollinators hone in on. Plant in well-drained soil, avoid watering directly on the leaves, and place in full sun. Compact clumping makes them prone to rot if overwatered. Deadhead regularly and feed with organic flower fertiliser monthly for best results.
Lavender reminds me to slow down and take a breath which is always a good idea.

Yesterday Today Tomorrow: Brunfelsia

As spring settles in, the fragrance of Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow fills the air. If you don’t already have one, this is the year to plant it. One of the toughest and most resilient garden shrubs, it stands the test of time and blooms every spring, evoking happy memories and simple joy.
It grows in full sun to half-day sun, is extremely waterwise, and can be clipped to shape or left to grow naturally. Plant one well-established bush and it will always be there tomorrow, with flowers for today, recalling the joys of yesterday.

Iris Louisiana the water Iris

The Louisiana Iris adds drama to the garden while remaining a classic favourite. Its sword-like green leaves and vibrant, frilled flowers make it a stunning focal point.
It thrives in organically rich soil, in shady herbaceous borders, or even as a bog plant at a pond’s edge. Flowering in late spring, it can be divided every few years to multiply your plants for free. A gardener’s delight.

True Blue Cascading Convolvulus

One of the most rewarding trailing groundcovers, True Blue Cascading Convolvulus grows only 20cm high, forming a lush carpet of foliage. Its flowers are spectacular, and the bees love it.
Plant in full sun for best flowering, or in half-day sun if needed. Use it to cascade over walls, rocky spots, hanging baskets, or patio containers. While peak flowering is late spring to early summer, the foliage and occasional blooms remain rewarding throughout summer.

Spring Gardening FAQ - Johannesburg and Gauteng

• When does spring gardening start in Gauteng?

Spring gardening in Gauteng usually begins in September and runs through November, with warming temperatures and increasing rainfall.

• What are the best spring plants for Johannesburg gardens?

Top spring plants include Crowned Lavender, Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow (Brunfelsia), Louisiana Iris, and True Blue Cascading Convolvulus.

• Which spring plants attract bees and pollinators in Gauteng?

Crowned Lavender, Brunfelsia, True Blue Cascade Convolvulus, and Louisiana Iris are all excellent for pollinators.

• How should I care for spring flowering plants?

Plant in well-drained soil, give full to half sun, water moderately, and deadhead or prune regularly to encourage more blooms.

• Can I plant water-loving irises in Gauteng gardens?

Yes. Louisiana Iris grows well in rich soil, shady herbaceous borders, or as a bog-edge plant or pond feature.

• How do I make my spring garden more colourful and resilient?

Choose sun- and waterwise plants, mulch beds, plant for pollinators, and space plants for good airflow to prevent disease.