Menu
rooiels-vision-garden-banner-img

In The Garden

Gardening in Rooiels can be both a joy and a challenge. The soil, topography and wind conditions all combine to create conditions which only certain plants can tolerate. On the plus side, we are in the middle of the Cape Floral Kingdom, with a higher concentration of plant species than many tropical rainforests. 

Planting indigenous and endemic plants not only gives us the highest chance of success, but also allows our properties to be a natural continuation of the surrounding landscape.

Here are some tips on how to garden sensitively and sustainably in Rooiels.

  • Choose indigenous plants that can cope with the conditions, and support pollinators, birds and local wildlife without taking up more than their fair share of water and nutrients.  Have a look at the references section below to find out about suitable species.
  • Remove any invasive alien plants you find on your property. Species like wattle, Silky Hakea, Port Jackson, Rooikrans, Spider Gum and Australian Myrtle not only crowd out and overtake our indigenous species, but are also fire hazards, burning hotter and fiercer than the endemic vegetation.

👉 Identify and learn about invasive plants on the IAP Directory.

  • The road verges are owned by the municipality and are not part of our properties. They are also vital seed banks for local species. Don’t clear or aggressively cut back the vegetation next to the road. 
  • Poisons, herbicides and pesticides harm more than their target – their effects are devastating through the whole ecosystem. Never use rat poison, snail bait or harmful sprays outdoors. 
  • Accept that your garden may be a source of food for wildlife. Klipspringers, dassies, baboons and porcupines will all dine on bulbs, roots, shoots and seeds. To them, it is simply food that they need for survival. And in many cases, plants are adapted to their foraging cycles to propagate and disperse, enriching the overall environment. 

👉 Here are some excellent gardening reference materials created by local Rooielsers.