Carol’s garden was a natural draw at Open Gardens Constantia 2014.
Why? Tea was served there! Also a lot of cake, and sandwiches.
But the surprise waiting for everyone at the garden gate was the beautiful herb and vegetable garden, which was very popular with visitors. Above, Thai basil and an Alpine strawberry collection formed a luxurious border at the entrance.
Carol told us, “I enjoy vegetable gardening as it is so worthwhile eating what one has produced, and knowing that it is organic.”
Knowing what you are eating, how it was grown, is one of the great pleasures of the home gardener, regardless of scale.
Giant mustard is flanked by companion marigolds, natural pest controllers. They have long been used by organic gardeners as pest traps. In the background is the indigenous and familiar Tulbaghia, or wild garlic. Both edible and useful, it also has a reputation for driving away harmful pests.
Picture-perfect ruby chard (the stems are delicious cooked in their own right as a side dish).
The centre of the vegetable garden has a rustic wooden tuteur as its focal point, drawing the eye and supporting tomatoes.
Now that the guests have left, Carol can get back to eating her vegetables again!
Open Gardens Constantia 