Don’t let mosquitoes spoil balmy summer evenings. Jane Griffiths has advice on growing your own anti-bug herbs.
Scented pelargoniums, lemon balm, lemon grass, lemon verbena and lavender not only smell nice – the really good news is that they repel mosquitoes. Grow them in pots and move them to where they are needed or plant them in your herb garden and use them to make an insect-repelling balm.
Lemon balm
Also known as melissa or bee balm, it bears small white flowers that bees love. Ancient Greek beekeepers would crush the leaves and rub them on the hives to encourage bees to return. (Melissa means ‘honeybee’ in Greek.)
IN THE GARDEN
This lemon-flavoured member of the mint family is hardy, requiring nothing more than an occasional trimming. It likes full sun to partial shade and plenty of moisture. After it’s flowered, cut it back to prevent it from becoming straggly. Lemon balm can be invasive, so keep an eye on it and divide the plant if necessary. In frost areas, it dies back in winter. Its strongly scented leaves repel many pests. Sprinkle the leaves around the base of vulnerable seedlings or on newly seeded areas.
Lemon grass
Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av South African Garden and Home.
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Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av South African Garden and Home.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Winter Warmer
Properly insulated homes are the next frontier for South Africa in a world of higher energy costs and a harsher climate
Carved in MARBLE
Use marble around your home to create an instantly luxurious feel
A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom
Not all of us are graceful ballet dancers or stylish fashion followers, but we can still stake a claim to elegance
Nature's Hidden Harvest
Clutching a bovine bolete deep inside a pine forest, Ryan Enslin discovers nature's bounty as he unearths her hidden gems and edible treasures
PAPER BRIQUETTES
Fuel your winter fire with these home-made briquettes made from recycled paper that you would otherwise throw away. Each brick burns for up to 1.5 hours
WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS
Winter houseplant care is not complicated, but there are a few essential tips to follow to keep your plants alive until spring arrives
In The Garden
July Garden To-dos
ELEGANT AGAVES
Low-maintenance and always looking their best, you can't ask for much more from these showstoppers
MIRROR UPDATE
Turn any old or plain rectangular mirror into luxe home decor with this simple and beginner-friendly DIY
LOFT LUXE
This Cape Town loft remodel, inspired by Balinese living, shows how much of an impact minimalist design can make in small spaces
