dyton mupawaenda
Andrew Mangwarara
I WAS fortunate enough to be in Bulawayo for the National Youth Day celebrations, staying at Matilinda Lodge, a three-star establishment.
Offering standard hotel amenities, the lodge has been operating since 2007.
The place’s small garden provides a tranquil and beautiful setting.
The name “Matilinda” is derived from the owners’ names, Linda and Matthias Moyo.
This week, we will focus on star shrubs for the garden. One of my favourites is the cherry pie (Heliotropium arborescens), which boasts bright purple flowers.
What makes it unique is that it blooms year-round.
Another excellent choice is the Cape honeysuckle (tecoma capensis), also a year-round bloomer, with rich, bright red or orange flowers.
However, it can grow quite large, so regular pruning is necessary if you have a small garden.
Bougainvilleas are another great group to include, offering numerous cultivars.
Some have been bred to remain compact and visually appealing.
Their flowers or bracts come in various colours and some varieties have curly leaves.
Bulbous plants like Agapanthus and clivia also have a place in the garden, with their interesting and attractive blooms.
Roses, of course, are a well-known garden staple.
While they require care, they will reward you with beautiful flowers.
Although they can survive neglect, their blooms will be significantly fewer.
Lantana species were once known to be invasive, but newer cultivars are now garden-friendly.
They flower profusely and have a long blooming period.
Hydrangeas are another excellent group of plants that should not be overlooked.
Their bloom colour is determined by the soil pH, making them a fascinating and rewarding addition to any garden.
Strelitzias offer exceptional beauty.
Strelitzia reginae is smaller than strelitzia nicolai, which is essentially a large tree.
Dwarf varieties are also available, offering a miniature option.
Grouping them creates a stunning visual impact.
We must also include crotons (codiaeum variegatum pictum cultivars) on today’s list.
They provide vibrant colour year-round.
Their foliage shines throughout the year, adding constant interest to the garden — a worthwhile investment indeed.
The list continues and we will explore more options at a later date.
In the meantime, enjoy your gardening!
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