Any tree shade reminds me of my late aunt who swore that whenever she did not feel well, she preferred to travel from her town house back to her village home that was surrounded by trees.
gardening with Doreen Badze
She was convinced that if she sat under the magnificent Munondo tree that was right outside her round thatched kitchen, she felt much better. She obviously had bonded with this particular tree and probably the fresh air she was breathing and the tranquility provided by her surroundings brought her the holistic healing she needed at the time. Evidently, the many tree benefits include the provision of human retreat.
I was blessed with treasures of several Musasa trees and two huge Muzhanje “male” trees. I also inherited a huge Magnolia tree that came with the property. In this article I would like to explore what homeowners blessed with large shade trees can plant under their shade trees. My approach to designing is exactly how I imagine it. Your garden is your sanctuary; set it up the way you want it. However, under the shade there are some dos and don’ts.
You cannot dig around and plant anything. There are specific plants that can stand the shade while others may be a waste of time for they will simply not thrive. A woodland can be created with shrubs and perennials right under that tree.
Some people like to put a bench under the tree to sit on while protecting themselves from the sun, as well as creating a path that will take them to the base. This becomes part of the décor surrounded by a bunch of plants that could range from the following;
Cast iron plant
This is an evergreen perennial that thrives with little light or water. It will spread to form a thick mass.
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Holly or autumn fern
Ferns have been the most common plants to plant under the tree as they also quickly grow densely, creating much-needed activity.
Mondo grass
This is an evergreen leathery grass that creates an attractive carpet.
Among these are many more your garden nurseries can help you with. You can start with just a few of these plants to save yourself from buying so much and keep dividing most of them to plant under other trees on your property. Paying attention to that shade tree this rain season can add the drama in your garden by filling those empty spaces.
Tuta Absoluta Update
One farmer visited our nursery complaining that another nursery had sold her tomato seedlings that were not thriving. I further asked what symptoms they were exhibiting, and the description fitted the pest attack of Tuta Absoluta. Some farmers are still not aware of the pest being referred to as gonye and are being caught by surprise of failed crop. Tuta Absoluta is spreading throughout the country. This is the tomato leaf minor that feeds on tomato fruit and on chlorophyll, killing the plant. Several pesticides are being recommended by agronomists. I urge farmers to pay attention to what works for them. Tuta Absoluta is known to develop quick resistance to some pesticides, therefore it is important to use several of the recommended ones. According to a recent article I read written by one Dr Campbell of Charter Seeds, the following chemicals were recommended; Trigard 75wp 15ml/knapsack, Suntap 60g/16l, Belt 15ml/knapsack, Levo 15ml/knapsack, Steward 15ml/knapsack and Ampligo150zc 15ml/knapsack. I will continue to update farmers about Tuta Absoluta in an effort to increase awareness of this new pest to Zimbabwe that is threatening tomato production.
This week in our nursery we have the following seedlings, cabbage star 3316, hardened and ready to go, beetroot, eggplant, spinach as well as green pepper.
Happy gardening week!
Doreen Mutobaya Badze is a retired nurse and passion driven gardener. She can be reached on Cell: 0779730880 or 16 Metcalf Road, Greendale, Harare. Email: [email protected]
