Gardening with Gael - The time has come

As the Walrus said, ‘The time has come’. I began these articles with the development of the Block 13 years ago. I remember the real estate agent was intent on finding a sea view no matter how often Box requested good soil and some bush. We both took spades and turned over the beautiful clay loam and knew it was the right one. And it was. For 14 years we have had the sheer joy of working with the most amazing soil. I remember Box giving me Harrie and his digger for two days for my birthday to carve out the terraces down the hill. I prefer planting on flat land. Probably years of gardening in sand and trying to capture every available piece of moisture has driven me to terrace every slope in sight.

In March the Block family members take over and with that the time has come for me to finish writing my articles. I must say I am sad to do it. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute and also the lovely feedback I have had from readers.

The Christmas issue usually features a Christmas theme. This year I have had a lot of questions about the beautiful red poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) that is a favourite gift at this time of year. The stunning red ‘flower’ is actually made up of brightly coloured bracts which surround what is an insignificant flower. It’s these bracts that make the impact. They are perfect centre pieces for the table or coffee table. They brighten a dull corner.

They are a bit tricky. They like to be moist but not too wet. Over-watering can cause the leaves to yellow and drop off. They like a sunny spot but not the afternoon sun. They do not like cool draughts. Because they are sub-tropical/tropical plants they prefer a fairly constant temperature of between 15 and 20 degrees. Remember this for winter.

Once I planted one out. It was in a ground level window box on the north/north-west side of the house by a chimney, sheltered from that cold prevailing westerly wind by part of the house. The sun left it in the late afternoon and without realising I had provided it with perfect conditions. The soil was a mixture of potting mix and volcanic soil. It never got really wet and did it grow. For years it flourished. I hacked it back many times. Outside they can grow up to four metres.

Originally from Mexico, it derived its name from Joel Poinsett, the man who introduced it to the United States where it became a holiday tradition. Poinsettias flower in the winter which is perfect for the northern hemisphere. Here they are cultivated in light and temperature controlled glasshouses in order for us to enjoy them at this time of the year.

Sometime next year we will move into the retirement house Box is building for us and once again I begin a garden on sand. Already this year I notice the toll the heat is taking on the plants and the regularity with which I have to water. Sand and summer heat will be the biggest challenge. The Block allowed me to indulge in an enormous variety of plants. The clay loam held the moisture. Established trees provided shade. Those 14 years were the most enjoyable of my gardening life. This new garden will have many more constraints and as a result be considerably smaller. Time to be creative in other directions. Thank you once again for reading and have a happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year.

The poinsettia is a very appropriate Christmas centrepiece with its green and red colour.