Bedford 
Country Gardens

SA's gardening calendar favourite. Explore open gardens in Bedford & surrounds, Eastern Cape.

Bedford, South Africa.
Where Country Charm Meets Vibrant Living

Tucked against the breathtaking Kaggaberg mountain, Bedford is a gem of the Eastern Cape, a place where life is lived with heart, humour, and a deep love for the land. Famous for our Bedford Country Gardens (held every October/November), we’re known for fun-loving farmers, fabulous hospitality, and landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Here, historic charm meets wide-open spaces. Rolling grasslands and dramatic valleys - Mankazana, Cowie, and Baviaans River - are home to Angoras, Merinos, beef cattle, goats, and game.

Twenty Three Years of Springs Worth Celebrating in 2026

Now in its twenty-third year, the Bedford Country Gardens event has quietly become one of South Africa’s most beloved rural gatherings – and the 2026 edition promises to be the finest yet. Every spring, this historic Eastern Cape village trades its usual stillness for something altogether more colourful, as private gardens fling open their gates and Bedford does what it does best: welcome strangers like old friends.

This year’s event unfolds over two long weekends – 30 October to 1 Nov and 6 to 8 November 2026 – with approximately 16 private gardens open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Four distinct routes wind through the area, each with its own character: the Town Route, Mountain Route, Cowie Valley Route and Heading West Route. If you’re weaving through heritage rose gardens on a village street or standing in a farm garden with the mountains at your back, each route offers a completely different version of Bedford’s remarkable landscape.

Entry is R30 per garden per person, payable in cash at the garden you’re visiting. For inquiries or tickets, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw directly on 083 874 7816.

Accommodation in Bedford can be booked in advance at www.bedford.co.za or hello@bedford.co.za and given how popular the festival has become, booking early is strongly advised.

The event has always been more than a garden tour, and 2026 is no exception. Highlights include Ernst Pringle’s Butterfly Talks, flower shopping at Floradella Flower Farm, and guided visits to the South African Heritage Rosarium and local Mill. Hope Street invites a leisurely browse through boutique shops, while Bedford’s restaurants and cafés offer the kind of unhurried, flavourful meals that make you forget you had anywhere else to be.

For gardeners and garden club members, the event is a living reference book – planting combinations, heritage varieties, design ideas and the generous knowledge of passionate garden owners around every corner. For photographers, artists, nature lovers and anyone in need of a proper slow-travel escape, Bedford in spring is difficult to improve upon.

Full programme to be released in the beginning of October 2026.

What's happening in Bedford?

Bedford – The Heartbeat of the Countryside.

Stay in Bedford
Where Comfort Meets Country Charm

Stay a Night, Love it for Life.

Would love to be part of the action?

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𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲.

Indigenous plants have evolved naturally in South Africa’s conditions, making them uniquely suited to our landscapes. In the Eastern Cape, choosing native species is not a trend - it is an investment in a garden that works. 

Here is why they matter.

Key benefits include water-wise gardening - many indigenous plants are drought-tolerant and perfect for water-restricted areas, support biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, butterflies and beneficial insects, and are eco-friendly, requiring less fertiliser and fewer pesticides. 

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, consider agapanthus, wild iris, candelabrum lily, pelargonium species, and aloes. All are locally adapted. All thrive in our climate. All feed the birds and bees that keep your garden balanced.

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, often requiring less water and being more resistant to local pests, while providing better support for local wildlife such as birds and pollinators.

Stop fighting your climate. Work with it. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀. 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #aloes

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲.

Indigenous plants have evolved naturally in South Africa’s conditions, making them uniquely suited to our landscapes. In the Eastern Cape, choosing native species is not a trend - it is an investment in a garden that works. 

Here is why they matter.

Key benefits include water-wise gardening - many indigenous plants are drought-tolerant and perfect for water-restricted areas, support biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, butterflies and beneficial insects, and are eco-friendly, requiring less fertiliser and fewer pesticides. 

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, consider agapanthus, wild iris, candelabrum lily, pelargonium species, and aloes. All are locally adapted. All thrive in our climate. All feed the birds and bees that keep your garden balanced.

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, often requiring less water and being more resistant to local pests, while providing better support for local wildlife such as birds and pollinators.

Stop fighting your climate. Work with it. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀. 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #aloes
...

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𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 - 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲. 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱.

Winter is lopper season. This is when you reach for them most, when roses need cutting back, when deciduous trees show their bones, when every branch worth pruning becomes visible.

Loppers are long-handled pruning tools specifically designed for cutting branches that are too thick for standard hand pruners. They are designed to cut branches up to around 50mm thick. If your secateurs are straining, loppers are what you need.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.

Bypass loppers feature two curved, thick blades that glide past each other when making a cut, providing the cleanest cut. Anvil loppers have a single sharp blade that cuts against a flat surface — better for deadwood.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺.

Late autumn or the end of winter when most plants are gearing up for a healthy growth spurt and blooming in the upcoming spring or summer. Most plants respond well to winter pruning because they are dormant and suffer less stress.

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀.

▪ Keep blades sharp and clean. Dull blades crush stems instead of cutting them.

▪ Cut at a downwards angle so water runs off the wound.

▪ Open loppers wide and place the branch deep between the blades before cutting.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. 

Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape opengardenssa

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 - 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲. 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱.

Winter is lopper season. This is when you reach for them most, when roses need cutting back, when deciduous trees show their bones, when every branch worth pruning becomes visible.

Loppers are long-handled pruning tools specifically designed for cutting branches that are too thick for standard hand pruners. They are designed to cut branches up to around 50mm thick. If your secateurs are straining, loppers are what you need.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.

Bypass loppers feature two curved, thick blades that glide past each other when making a cut, providing the cleanest cut. Anvil loppers have a single sharp blade that cuts against a flat surface — better for deadwood.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺.

Late autumn or the end of winter when most plants are gearing up for a healthy growth spurt and blooming in the upcoming spring or summer. Most plants respond well to winter pruning because they are dormant and suffer less stress.

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀.

▪ Keep blades sharp and clean. Dull blades crush stems instead of cutting them.

▪ Cut at a downwards angle so water runs off the wound.

▪ Open loppers wide and place the branch deep between the blades before cutting.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za.

Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape opengardenssa
...

2 0
“𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.” 
— 𝗨𝗻𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻

This is what gardens are, really. Not about perfection. Not about control. But about offering something another chance - a plant you thought had died back, a corner that looked bare two seasons ago, a space you thought would never recover.

The gardens of Bedford are built on second chances. Twenty-three years of them. Every spring, they prove it again.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa

“𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.”
— 𝗨𝗻𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻

This is what gardens are, really. Not about perfection. Not about control. But about offering something another chance - a plant you thought had died back, a corner that looked bare two seasons ago, a space you thought would never recover.

The gardens of Bedford are built on second chances. Twenty-three years of them. Every spring, they prove it again.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
...

5 0
𝗩𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 - 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻. 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿.

In the Eastern Cape, August is a pivotal month for the vegetable garden. You are not quite out of winter, but you are close enough to begin planning ahead. The good news is you can do both — keep harvesting what you planted in autumn and begin planting for spring.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁.

Broad beans and peas are the legumes of the South African winter garden and are sown directly from seed from April through June, tolerate light frost comfortably, and produce generously over an extended harvest period. Both can still be sown early in August in the Eastern Cape - think of this as your last chance for a winter legume harvest before spring arrives.

Potatoes are an August crop. The early crop is planted now and will be ready for harvest by October. Seed potatoes can be grown year-round, especially in containers that can be protected, with the main crops being an early crop from August to October.

Tomato seeds can be sown indoors now, 6-8 weeks before the final frost date, so they are ready to transplant when the soil warms. Keep them in a warm, protected spot while they establish.

From your autumn plantings, you will still harvest carrots, beetroot, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce, cabbage and celery. Winter is the ideal time to grow carrots, beetroot, turnips and radishes in most South African regions as these crops prefer cool soil temperatures.

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁.

▪ Prepare beds now for spring plantings. Add compost and organic matter while the soil is still workable.

▪ Protect young seedlings from wind and unexpected late frosts with row cover or cloches.

▪ Keep wat

𝗩𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 - 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻. 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿.

In the Eastern Cape, August is a pivotal month for the vegetable garden. You are not quite out of winter, but you are close enough to begin planning ahead. The good news is you can do both — keep harvesting what you planted in autumn and begin planting for spring.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁.

Broad beans and peas are the legumes of the South African winter garden and are sown directly from seed from April through June, tolerate light frost comfortably, and produce generously over an extended harvest period. Both can still be sown early in August in the Eastern Cape - think of this as your last chance for a winter legume harvest before spring arrives.

Potatoes are an August crop. The early crop is planted now and will be ready for harvest by October. Seed potatoes can be grown year-round, especially in containers that can be protected, with the main crops being an early crop from August to October.

Tomato seeds can be sown indoors now, 6-8 weeks before the final frost date, so they are ready to transplant when the soil warms. Keep them in a warm, protected spot while they establish.

From your autumn plantings, you will still harvest carrots, beetroot, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce, cabbage and celery. Winter is the ideal time to grow carrots, beetroot, turnips and radishes in most South African regions as these crops prefer cool soil temperatures.

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁.

▪ Prepare beds now for spring plantings. Add compost and organic matter while the soil is still workable.

▪ Protect young seedlings from wind and unexpected late frosts with row cover or cloches.

▪ Keep wat
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5 0
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 - 𝗢𝘄𝗹𝘀

𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗺𝘆.

An owl hunting in your garden at dusk is the sound of a healthy ecosystem working. Rodents are a key food source for many birds of prey. A single owl can control a rodent population that would otherwise devastate your vegetable garden, your stored goods, your peace of mind.

But there is a problem. When pests such as rodents consume poisoned bait, they often do not die immediately. During this vulnerable period, they become easy prey for predators like owls. Because birds of prey regularly eat multiple rodents, the toxin builds up in their bodies over time.

This is called secondary poisoning. The owl eats the poisoned rat. The owl becomes toxic. The owl dies slowly, bleeding internally.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻.

Removing food and shelter can often solve a rodent problem before traps or poison are needed. Remove fallen leaves and garden debris. Trim dense vegetation. Seal gaps in sheds and storage. Use trapping instead of baiting. These changes protect owls and the other predators that keep your garden in balance.

If you must control rodents, use mechanical traps. Do not use poison. Your garden’s owls - and their gift of pest control - depend on it.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #owl

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 - 𝗢𝘄𝗹𝘀

𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗺𝘆.

An owl hunting in your garden at dusk is the sound of a healthy ecosystem working. Rodents are a key food source for many birds of prey. A single owl can control a rodent population that would otherwise devastate your vegetable garden, your stored goods, your peace of mind.

But there is a problem. When pests such as rodents consume poisoned bait, they often do not die immediately. During this vulnerable period, they become easy prey for predators like owls. Because birds of prey regularly eat multiple rodents, the toxin builds up in their bodies over time.

This is called secondary poisoning. The owl eats the poisoned rat. The owl becomes toxic. The owl dies slowly, bleeding internally.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻.

Removing food and shelter can often solve a rodent problem before traps or poison are needed. Remove fallen leaves and garden debris. Trim dense vegetation. Seal gaps in sheds and storage. Use trapping instead of baiting. These changes protect owls and the other predators that keep your garden in balance.

If you must control rodents, use mechanical traps. Do not use poison. Your garden’s owls - and their gift of pest control - depend on it.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #owl
...

10 0
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 - 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝘆. 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲.

Agapanthus is native to South Africa and thrives in various conditions, making it a favourite for many gardeners. In the Eastern Cape, it is a plant that does what you ask of it — flowers reliably, tolerates neglect, and produces blooms that stop traffic.

Agapanthus is incredibly low-maintenance and drought-resistant. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them ideal for tricky garden spots that get morning sun but afternoon shade. Once established in the ground, agapanthus are relatively drought tolerant.

This is a plant for any gardener. Beginners can plant them and forget them. Experienced gardeners can mass them for dramatic effect or tuck them into containers. They grow large enough to command space (up to 1.5m on flowering stalks) or small enough to fit into tight corners.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring as new growth appears. A layer of compost around the base each year will also keep them happy and healthy. Every three to four years, you might want to divide overcrowded clusters.

Plant them now, in late winter, and by November they will be unfurling the kind of blooms that make a garden look intentional and alive.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #agapanthus

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 - 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝘆. 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲.

Agapanthus is native to South Africa and thrives in various conditions, making it a favourite for many gardeners. In the Eastern Cape, it is a plant that does what you ask of it — flowers reliably, tolerates neglect, and produces blooms that stop traffic.

Agapanthus is incredibly low-maintenance and drought-resistant. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them ideal for tricky garden spots that get morning sun but afternoon shade. Once established in the ground, agapanthus are relatively drought tolerant.

This is a plant for any gardener. Beginners can plant them and forget them. Experienced gardeners can mass them for dramatic effect or tuck them into containers. They grow large enough to command space (up to 1.5m on flowering stalks) or small enough to fit into tight corners.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring as new growth appears. A layer of compost around the base each year will also keep them happy and healthy. Every three to four years, you might want to divide overcrowded clusters.

Plant them now, in late winter, and by November they will be unfurling the kind of blooms that make a garden look intentional and alive.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #agapanthus
...

9 0
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀.

Earthworms play a pivotal role in the regulation of soil health. They are not glamorous. They do not flower or fruit or look anything like a garden should. But they are doing the most important work in your garden right now.

These creatures help aerate the soil and break down organic matter, contributing to a nutrient-rich environment. As they move through the soil, they create pathways for water and air. As they digest organic matter, they turn it into castings — concentrated nutrients that plants can access.

Earthworms feed on soil and dead or decaying plant remains, including leaf litter and dead roots. They are the principal agents in mixing dead surface litter with the soil.

𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆:

▪ Add compost and organic matter regularly. This is their food supply.

▪ Avoid tilling and digging unnecessarily. Undisturbed soil is their home.

▪ Skip chemical fertilisers and pesticides. These harm them.

▪ Keep soil moist through mulch. Earthworms need moisture to survive.

The presence of earthworms is a sign your soil is working. Nurture them, and they will nurture your garden.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #earthworms

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀.

Earthworms play a pivotal role in the regulation of soil health. They are not glamorous. They do not flower or fruit or look anything like a garden should. But they are doing the most important work in your garden right now.

These creatures help aerate the soil and break down organic matter, contributing to a nutrient-rich environment. As they move through the soil, they create pathways for water and air. As they digest organic matter, they turn it into castings — concentrated nutrients that plants can access.

Earthworms feed on soil and dead or decaying plant remains, including leaf litter and dead roots. They are the principal agents in mixing dead surface litter with the soil.

𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆:

▪ Add compost and organic matter regularly. This is their food supply.

▪ Avoid tilling and digging unnecessarily. Undisturbed soil is their home.

▪ Skip chemical fertilisers and pesticides. These harm them.

▪ Keep soil moist through mulch. Earthworms need moisture to survive.

The presence of earthworms is a sign your soil is working. Nurture them, and they will nurture your garden.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #earthworms
...

3 0
“𝗧𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄.”
-Audrey Hepburn

It is that simple. Every seed, every cutting, every bed you prepare is an act of faith. You do not know if it will grow. You do not know if it will flourish. But you plant it anyway, trusting the seasons, trusting the soil, trusting that the work matters.

The gardens at Bedford have been planting for twenty-three years. And every single year, the gardens believe in tomorrow.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa

“𝗧𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄.”
-Audrey Hepburn

It is that simple. Every seed, every cutting, every bed you prepare is an act of faith. You do not know if it will grow. You do not know if it will flourish. But you plant it anyway, trusting the seasons, trusting the soil, trusting that the work matters.

The gardens at Bedford have been planting for twenty-three years. And every single year, the gardens believe in tomorrow.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
...

7 0
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 - 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱.

A frog in your garden is not a pest - it is a sign that your ecosystem is balanced. More importantly, it is a pest controller working while you sleep.

A single frog can eat over 100 insects in a single night. They hunt beetles, caterpillars, cutworms, grasshoppers, grubs, slugs and other creatures that threaten your plants. No chemicals. No toxins. Just nature doing what it does best. 

Frogs help to keep the insect population in balance in your garden and they control the insect population. Their presence is a sign that something is working right beneath the surface. The food chain is intact. The garden is alive. 

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲:

▪ Provide water. A pond, a shallow basin, even a saucer of water refreshed daily will draw them.

▪ Leave wild areas. Long grasses, leaf piles, and unmulched corners give them shelter and hunting grounds.

▪ Skip the pesticides. Frogs need insects to eat, and chemicals kill both the problem pests and the food supply.

▪ Plant indigenous plants. They attract the insects frogs need.

Frogs are quiet workers. You hear them more than you see them. But if you listen on a warm evening and hear that croaking, your garden is doing something right.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 - 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱.

A frog in your garden is not a pest - it is a sign that your ecosystem is balanced. More importantly, it is a pest controller working while you sleep.

A single frog can eat over 100 insects in a single night. They hunt beetles, caterpillars, cutworms, grasshoppers, grubs, slugs and other creatures that threaten your plants. No chemicals. No toxins. Just nature doing what it does best. 

Frogs help to keep the insect population in balance in your garden and they control the insect population. Their presence is a sign that something is working right beneath the surface. The food chain is intact. The garden is alive. 

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲:

▪ Provide water. A pond, a shallow basin, even a saucer of water refreshed daily will draw them.

▪ Leave wild areas. Long grasses, leaf piles, and unmulched corners give them shelter and hunting grounds.

▪ Skip the pesticides. Frogs need insects to eat, and chemicals kill both the problem pests and the food supply.

▪ Plant indigenous plants. They attract the insects frogs need.

Frogs are quiet workers. You hear them more than you see them. But if you listen on a warm evening and hear that croaking, your garden is doing something right.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
...

6 0
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 - 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆

𝗔 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗔 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁.

Janine is the kind of gardener who does not apologize for the dirt under her fingernails or the way the season determines what gets done. She shows up, boots on, ready to work. Mandalay has become an extension of her - unpretentious, full of colour, and unapologetically alive.

The garden has had help along the way. Jimmy excels with hedges and planting. Lucas arrived as a weeding specialist and stayed because the work matters. Together they have shaped something that feels less like a showpiece and more like a working landscape - one that bends to the seasons and the people tending it.

There is something refreshing about a garden that does not hide its process. Mandalay shows its bones. It shows its effort. And it shows the person at its centre - someone who loves what she grows and is not afraid to say it.

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 - 30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden, paid at the gate.

For information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 - 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆

𝗔 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗔 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁.

Janine is the kind of gardener who does not apologize for the dirt under her fingernails or the way the season determines what gets done. She shows up, boots on, ready to work. Mandalay has become an extension of her - unpretentious, full of colour, and unapologetically alive.

The garden has had help along the way. Jimmy excels with hedges and planting. Lucas arrived as a weeding specialist and stayed because the work matters. Together they have shaped something that feels less like a showpiece and more like a working landscape - one that bends to the seasons and the people tending it.

There is something refreshing about a garden that does not hide its process. Mandalay shows its bones. It shows its effort. And it shows the person at its centre - someone who loves what she grows and is not afraid to say it.

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 - 30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden, paid at the gate.

For information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
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𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 - 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲. 𝗣𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿. 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿.

Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) is a shrub or small tree that experts consider key to reviving vast areas degraded by overgrazing and drought. It is native to the Eastern Cape - this is your plant. 

Spekboom is a phenomenal carbon sponge and an excellent soil binding plant that prevents soil erosion. Late winter and spring bring a flash of tiny pink flowers to this plant. These flowers are a rich form of nectar for insects, which in turn ensures your garden will be filled with birds. 

This is a plant that works. It can survive on as little as 250 – 350mm of water per year. It responds beautifully to pruning and grows densely, making an excellent hardy hedge. It is edible and used in salads or as a cocktail garnish. 

In a garden, spekboom does several things at once. It holds carbon. It holds soil. It feeds insects. It feeds birds. It feeds people.

Plant it now, in late winter, and by spring it will have already begun its quiet work.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenss

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 - 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲. 𝗣𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿. 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼𝗿.

Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) is a shrub or small tree that experts consider key to reviving vast areas degraded by overgrazing and drought. It is native to the Eastern Cape - this is your plant. 

Spekboom is a phenomenal carbon sponge and an excellent soil binding plant that prevents soil erosion. Late winter and spring bring a flash of tiny pink flowers to this plant. These flowers are a rich form of nectar for insects, which in turn ensures your garden will be filled with birds. 

This is a plant that works. It can survive on as little as 250 – 350mm of water per year. It responds beautifully to pruning and grows densely, making an excellent hardy hedge. It is edible and used in salads or as a cocktail garnish. 

In a garden, spekboom does several things at once. It holds carbon. It holds soil. It feeds insects. It feeds birds. It feeds people.

Plant it now, in late winter, and by spring it will have already begun its quiet work.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenss
...

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𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼.

In the Eastern Cape, your lawn is dormant through winter. It is not suffering - it is resting. But the work you do in late winter determines what it looks like in October.

Now is the time to:

▪ Remove moss and thatch. Use a rake or scarifier to pull up dead matter. A thick layer suffocates new growth.

▪ Aerate the soil. Prick holes across the lawn with a fork, spaced 10cm apart. This lets water and air penetrate to the roots.

▪ Over-seed thin patches. Scatter seed across bare spots and lightly rake in. Water gently.

▪ Apply compost. A light top-dressing of well-rotted compost feeds the soil as it breaks down.

One month of attention now means a spring lawn that looks like it belongs in Bedford.

Featured Lawn: Belmont

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa 

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa

𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼.

In the Eastern Cape, your lawn is dormant through winter. It is not suffering - it is resting. But the work you do in late winter determines what it looks like in October.

Now is the time to:

▪ Remove moss and thatch. Use a rake or scarifier to pull up dead matter. A thick layer suffocates new growth.

▪ Aerate the soil. Prick holes across the lawn with a fork, spaced 10cm apart. This lets water and air penetrate to the roots.

▪ Over-seed thin patches. Scatter seed across bare spots and lightly rake in. Water gently.

▪ Apply compost. A light top-dressing of well-rotted compost feeds the soil as it breaks down.

One month of attention now means a spring lawn that looks like it belongs in Bedford.

Featured Lawn: Belmont

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.

Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa

#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
...

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