Wat beter as om op ‘n sonnige dag ‘n ete buite te hê, of dit nou ‘n tafel gesette ete is of net ‘n gemaklike piekniek. In so geval is dit altyd lekker om ‘n goeie atmosfeer in die tuin te skep deur die plante wat geplant word. Daar is talle maniere om tekstuur, kleur en atmosfeer aan ‘n tuin te bring.

The fastest way to add colour and interest to your garden is to plant up a variety of containers with colourful, fast-growing annuals and perennials. Place these around your patio and outdoor entertainment area where their beauty can be appreciated. Group containers together for more impact.

Another quick-fix solution is to introduce focal points to liven up dull areas. Suggestions would include an attractive birdbath, a statue, an urn or a garden bench. Don’t go overboard though – less is more, in this case.

When selecting colourful plants to brighten up your borders, remember to group them in quantities of 3, 5 or 7 for a more natural look. Try to also group plants according to their colours and tints.

And instead of the traditional Christmas stocking, how about using gumboots, straw baskets or a watering can? Wrap secateurs, gardening gloves, seed packets and a trowel in a tea towel reflecting a gardening motif, or fill a basket with sunscreen, organic soap, hand lotion and garden gloves.

Take a look at the “Life is a Garden” website for more suggestions (http://lifeisagarden.co.za/home/summer/holiday-gardening.html, http://lifeisagarden.co.za/home/special-occasions/celebrate-the-holidays.html).     

Geseënde Kersfees en ‘n voorspoedige nuwe jaar van die Nonke Plants Span.