Lollies Garden

Lollies Garden Gardening blog about urban farming, sustainable gardening, to organic pest control. Join me in creating a thriving, sustainable green space—no matter the size!

I share eco-friendly tips, showcase my garden, and offer online classes to help you grow.

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02/05/2026

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Hello fellow gardeners and homesteaders 🌱It has been wonderful connecting with many of you from around the world, exchan...
10/02/2026

Hello fellow gardeners and homesteaders 🌱

It has been wonderful connecting with many of you from around the world, exchanging knowledge and building a sense of community. I love learning about different growing climates, challenges, and creative solutions!

If you could share one piece of advice for handling difficult conditions in your garden, what would it be?

Drop a comment and say hi 👋😊

Greetings from sunny South Africa, Port Elizabeth 🌻🇿🇦





Have you heard of a Rhizome? 🫚A rhizome is a creeping underground stem that grows horizontally, producing roots and shoo...
09/02/2026

Have you heard of a Rhizome? 🫚

A rhizome is a creeping underground stem that grows horizontally, producing roots and shoots along its length.

Examples include Ginger, Galangal, Turmeric, Bamboo, Iris, Canna lilies, and some grasses.

They store energy and nutrients, helping plants survive drought or winter.

Aloe africana (Uitenhage aloe) Aloe africana is a beautiful South African aloe valued for both its medicinal and garden ...
08/02/2026

Aloe africana (Uitenhage aloe)

Aloe africana is a beautiful South African aloe valued for both its medicinal and garden benefits. The gel from its leaves is traditionally used to soothe minor burns, sunburn, skin irritations, and insect bites. It also supports skin hydration and healing when applied topically.

In the garden, this hardy aloe attracts pollinators, tolerates drought, and adds striking winter colour with its tall orange flower spikes, making it both useful and ornamental.

Nature truly gives us plants that heal and beautify at the same time. 💚


Orange haze occurs when low-angle sunlight scatters blue light, leaving red and orange tones.For gardeners, a bright eve...
07/02/2026

Orange haze occurs when low-angle sunlight scatters blue light, leaving red and orange tones.

For gardeners, a bright evening glow can signal changing atmospheric moisture and shifting weather.

💡Drought gardening tip People often tell me that their plants are dying during the drought that we are experiencing in o...
05/02/2026

💡Drought gardening tip

People often tell me that their plants are dying during the drought that we are experiencing in our area. They ask how to get their gardens right...?

The key is Soil quality and Water retention. Building an ecosystem (Plant Succession), as a single plant can't create a micro climate that helps cool the area down.

➡️ Compost and mulch are essential, especially with sandy, poor quality soils.

Book your garden consultation, let's grow together, naturally! 🌱

📞 WhatsApp 073 964 9697

🌍 How the Water Cycle Works – A Simple Guide for Gardeners & Nature Lovers 🌱The Water Cycle is the natural process that ...
05/02/2026

🌍 How the Water Cycle Works – A Simple Guide for Gardeners & Nature Lovers 🌱

The Water Cycle is the natural process that moves water from the Earth to the sky and back again, helping plants, animals, and ecosystems survive.

💧It begins with Evaporation, when the sun heats water in oceans, rivers, and lakes, turning it into water vapour.

☁️ This vapour rises into the air and cools, forming clouds through Condensation.

🌧️ When the clouds become heavy, water falls back to the ground as Precipitation like rain, snow, or hail.

🌿 Plants then release moisture back into the air through Transpiration, continuing the cycle and keeping our planet green and thriving.

02/02/2026

Crucifer Shield Bug or Cabbage Bug (Eurydema oleracea)

This striking little insect is a sap-sucking shield bug and it feeds on plants like cabbage, kale, broccoli, and mustard greens.

How to water your garden 💦Watering your garden properly is one of the most important things you can do for healthy, happ...
02/02/2026

How to water your garden 💦

Watering your garden properly is one of the most important things you can do for healthy, happy plants.

🌱 Here’s a simple, practical guide you can follow:

1️⃣ Water at the right time

Best times:

Early morning (ideal)

Late afternoon / early evening

Why?

▪️Less water is lost to evaporation

▪️Plants absorb water better

▪️Leaves dry during the day, reducing disease risk.

💡Avoid watering in the hot midday sun — most of the water just disappears into the air.

2️⃣ Water Deep, Not Often

It’s better to water deeply and less frequently than a little every day.
This helps roots grow deeper, making plants stronger and more drought-resistant.

Rule of thumb:

▪️Flower beds & veggies: 2–3 times a week

▪️Lawns: 1–2 deep waterings per week

▪️Pots: Check daily (they dry out faster)

3️⃣ Water the Soil, Not the Leaves

Aim for the base of the plant, not the leaves:

▪️Prevents fungal diseases

▪️Gets water straight to the roots where it’s needed

💡A watering can, hose on low pressure, or preferably drip irrigation, works best.

4️⃣ Know Your Plants

Different plants need different amounts of water:

▪️Vegetables & seedlings → need more frequent watering

▪️Herbs → moderate watering

▪️Indigenous & drought-tolerant plants → less watering once established

5️⃣ Check Before You Water

Stick your finger into the soil about 5–10 cm deep:

▪️If it feels dry, water

▪️If it feels moist, wait

This prevents overwatering, which can cause root rot.

6️⃣ Use Mulch

Add a layer of mulch (bark, straw, dry leaves, or compost) around plants.

▪️Keeps soil cool

▪️Reduces water loss (moisture retention)

▪️Improves soil health

7️⃣ Water Slowly

Let the water soak in instead of running off. Slow watering means deeper root growth and less waste.

8️⃣ Watch for Signs

Too little water:

▪️Wilting

▪️Dry, crispy leaves

Too much water:

▪️Yellow leaves

▪️Soggy soil

▪️Mushy roots

Let me know if these tips helped you, I'd appreciate your feedback!

Happy gardening 🌼

30/01/2026

💡Drought gardening tips:

Shew, it's been a cooker of a day! 🥵
We are experiencing a drought currently in and around the area of Algoa Bay/Port Elizabeth.

Everything is beginning to dry out and die around the City. That's why mulching and composting is essential to minimize evaporation and to increase soil retention, to help your garden survive.

We have been without water and electricity for most of the week, which doesn't help the situation either.

Start a compost heap and use kitchen scraps, if you need to stretch your budget.
Use containers to catch rainwater from your downpipes. Every bits helps!

💡 Don't throw cooked food (attracts rats and flies) or citrus/onion (kills the microorganisms that decompose the plant matter) onto the heap.

Happy gardening 🌱

Address

Kragga Kamma Road, Theescombe
Port Elizabeth

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