Easy To Grow Flowers for Your Garden

It is an unfortunate reality that not every person was born with either green fingers or the patience to cultivate and nurture a beautiful garden. If you are somebody with very little spare time there is good news.

There are a large number of flowering plants that you can grow with minimum effort while enjoying gorgeous results. Some of the most popular easy growing options include:

• Sunflowers – the humble sunflower is first on the list. Find a sunny spot, plant the seeds and wait to witness a giant rising. Be careful to keep them out of the wind to protect their tall stems from breaking.
• Sweet peas – this petit plant produces pretty small flowers. It is also a creeper and can therefore cover large areas with beautiful blooms. It requires lots of water, so it’s ideal if you live in an area where water restrictions are not imposed.
• Marigold – if you want a plant that can grow almost anywhere, marigold should be somewhere close to the top of your list. They love and thrive in lots of sunlight and the soil in which it’s planted should be able to drain water easily.
• Pansy – you can plant the seeds in sunny or slightly shaded areas of the garden in soil that is porous enough to drain well. It will flower in its first year of growth after which it might die. Pansies come in a wide variety of colours allowing you a wide range of options.
• Fuchsias – it will grow just about anywhere and is therefore a good choice for those with limited gardening time. They thrive during the summer months and look especially good in hanging baskets on porches around the house.

There are many more options to choose from but the above selection is a great place to start.

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Top 6 Winter Flowers in South Africa

Just because its winter does not mean people have to stop enjoying flowers. Life would be a little less beautiful without the addition of some blossoms to brighter up your day during the months of June and July.

In South Africa we are fortunate enough to have a wide variety of winter blossoming flowers available and here we’ll look at some of the most popular ones.

Gladioulus

This genus contains approximately 260 species, most of which are to be found in sub-Saharan African and South Africa. This means that locally, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to colours and varietals. They are equally beautiful in a vase as part of an arrangement, or in your garden.

Antirrhinum

Commonly referred to as Snapdragons – due to the shape of their flowers – it is a popular choice of bloom for the colder times of the year. They are available in a range of shapes and colours.

Rhododendron

This Asian flower species is also found locally. Popular colours include white, red, pink and purple.

Protea

Our national flower has become extremely popular in recent years and is frequently used at special occasions. They can also be enjoyed in the countryside of the Western Cape and Limpopo, to mention two areas.

Strelitzia

Another native of the Rainbow Nation, it is made up of five different species. It is also known locally as the “Crane Flower” and has a very distinctive petals of orange and blue. It is an eye catching addition to any garden.

Rose

Perhaps one of the most enduring signs of love, nothing quite says it like a beautiful red rose. They are available in a number of colours, shapes and sizes, not to mention their fantastic perfume scent.

Lobelia

These lovely delicate flowers can be found in a number of different colours and flower in large numbers. The blooms also come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

We’ve barely touched the surface of all the available species, but rest assured, you’re spoilt for choice no matter what the season. And once winter moves on, you’ll get to look forward to the fresh spring blossoms.

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Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Flowers Fresh

A stunning flower arrangement in your house is something worth trying to make last as long as possible. Depending on where you live and the local climate, it can become tricky keeping your flowers fresh and beautiful.

Fortunately, there exists a number of tips and tricks for keeping your bouquets looking as good as new.

• Add a copper coin to the water – Copper oxide is a natural fungicide and many people swear by adding a few coins into their vases to prevent fungi from forming in the water.
• Dissolve sugar into water – This is a popular choice for many people.  It is thought that the sugar acts as a substitute for sucrose that is formed during photosynthesis. One spoon of sugar will be fine.
• Aspirin – This common medicine is an acid which prevents bacteria from forming around the cut part of the stem. In turn, this is said to help reduce the wilting of flowers. Crush one tablet and mix it with water before adding your flowers.
• Add lemon juice to the water – This is a natural acid and thus has the same effect has aspirin. All that’s needed is two table spoons and you’re good to go.
• Recut the stems every day or two – Every moment the flower spends in water, the stem starts closing up progressively. By re-cutting the stem, you ensure that the uptake of water by the flower is maintained. Cuts should be made at 45 degree angles.
• Remove all the leaves and foliage below the waterline.
• Change the water regularly – A dose of fresh water will help contribute to keeping your flowers pretty for longer.

If you follow a few of these suggestions, you might find that your stunning blossoms keep you smiling a bit longer than usual.

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Choosing the Perfect Birthday Gift

Birthdays are a time of joy and celebration, commemorating how far someone has come in their lives. This special day has to be a memorable experience for the birthday boy or girl, so choosing the right gift is essential. However, selecting a present can be quite tricky, especially when you have to consider the person’s taste and your own budget.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift to give someone for their birthday, here are a few of our recommendations.

Keep on walking

A good whisky is enough to make a mature connoisseur of liquor feel happy on their special day. We recommend a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label accompanied with sweet Belgium chocolates. You can order it in a basket that also comes with biltong and homemade fudge, among other tasty treats. This gift is perfect for your dad or husband.

Fresh blooms for the birthday

If you’ve ever stood by reception to see someone receive a bouquet of flowers, you’d really understand the significant of a lovely selection of blooms. Truth be told flowers never get out of style, and the right collection is enough to make someone smile and feel youthful. We recommend that you get a basket decorated with dazzling colour spectrum of pink gerberas, roses, lilies and berries.

A chocolate sweet tooth

On such a special day such as a birthday, the dentist should be the least of your concern, especially when you know just how much the birthday girl loves her chocolate. Treat her to a chocolate buffet in a basket containing some of the tastiest confectionary around. We think you should look out for a hamper with an exquisite range including the likes of Fererro Roche and Sally Williams.

Spoiled for choice

No birthday is complete until the party girl gets pampered like the queen she is. Everyone knows just how much a soothing bath is like dipping into the fountain of youth, so why not get her a rejuvenating bath time gift. Try selecting something that has scented candles and soaps, along with other accessories. The cherry on top should be a tasty liquor such as Amarula, which she can enjoy while she bathes.

As you can see, choosing the right gift isn’t that hard at all. All you need is to ensure that you’ve thought really long and hard about it. Because when it comes down to it, it’s the thought that really counts.

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How to Leave a Lasting Impression on Your First Date

Going on your first date with someone you’ve been eyeing for a while is not something to take lightly, especially when you have to consider how it will determine the future of your relationship. If you’ve been thinking of taking your love interest to KFC and want to them one P.S. chocolate, we urge you to stop and think long and hard about the mistake you’re about to make. While it’s good to go with the flow, you have to be original with your first date, as this will leave a lasting impression on your prospective lover.

With this in mind, here are a few tips you should consider when taking out someone on a date.

1.       Take a shower

We know you take a bath, or at least we hope so. What we mean is that you should get real tidy with yourself. In other words, do some personal grooming before stepping outside to go fetch your date. For example, if you’re a guy and your nails have transformed into claws, clip them to the appropriate length. This will save you from the embarrassment of having to apologise for poking your date’s eye out.

Also remember to apply a unique scent, as a rich aroma can make all the difference.

2.       Get them flowers

Before going out with your potential significant other, you may want to consider sending flowers or a gift basket filled with treats your date likes. That means you should do your homework to find out what their personal interests are. This will allow you to pick the best gift, which will make them see how much of a charmer you are.

3.        Wear some clothes

The kind of clothes you wear is dependent on where you plan to take your date, so dress accordingly. Both men and women appreciate someone who dresses smart. This is not to say you have to wear the most expensive clothes, but your clothes must be at least cleaned and ironed.

4.       Choose a location

Most people think that expensive places are the best place to impress dates, but they’re wrong. It’s not the price of the menu that will woo your date, but the setting. If your date is into intimate themes, save some cash and cook them dinner. This is, however, dependent on your cooking skills. Both men and women appreciate a person who can cook, and if you succeed in creating a delectable dish you’re on the right track.

Leaving a lasting impression will require some effort on your part. You should try to be original and create a unique setting for your date to enjoy. And, everything goes south on the first date, you can always order flowers to apologise.

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5 Gifts for Mom and Dad’s Anniversary

Oh dear, it’s that time of the year where you have to celebrate mom and dad being together since forever. Apart from having to listen to how they met for the 13millionth time, you also have to buy them a fitting gift. Finding the right one can be as hard as asking mom whether you can go to the movies.

Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of gifts you should buy your mom and dad for their upcoming big day.

1.        Give that couple a bells

Being married for many years takes plenty of commitment, and your parents being together for so long is a testament of their endearing. If they’re the type to watch the sun go down on the porch, you should think of getting them a bottle of Bells brandy in a basket filled with other tasty treats. Watch them as they enjoy their sundowners while nibbling on Belgian chocolate for mom and dry wors for dad.

2.       Breakfast in Bed

They’ve been cooking for you since you were in young, so it’s time to show them some love by cooking up a storm – try not to burn down the house. Make them breakfast while they’re still asleep and surprise them by serving it while they’re still in bed. Although it’s your parent’s day, they’ll really feel loved, knowing that you’re happy they’ve been together for so long.

3.       Framed Wedding Picture

Some of your parent’s wedding photos are relegated to photo albums that seldom get opened unless your grandmother is around. Instead of letting those images gather dust or warp, you should have them framed and hang them around the house on the day of their anniversary. If you have time and are sneaky enough, place one right on the bed side so that they can wake up to it.

4.       Anniversary Celebrations

With such a busy day, mom and dad may not have time to plan something special for their anniversary. However, this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t celebrate. While your parents are at work, slaving away, you should think of inviting all their close friends and family over for a surprise party. If you have enough budget, maybe consider buying them a cake as well.

Your parents will glow with joy when they see the effort you’ve made into make their day a memorable one. And maybe, just maybe, you might be able to go to the movies if you play your cards right.

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Tips on how to ask the big question

While not as lauded as wedding, making the proposal is a huge event. It could even be argued that what the big day is to a woman is what a proposal is to a man. There’s much planning involved, as the atmosphere must be perfect for when you pop the question.

As much as it is an exciting time, it can be quite difficult getting everything together. Are you going to propose by candle light while a violin serenades her heart? Or are you going to do it where you first kissed under the stars? You can find yourself so overwhelmed and, as a result, get cold feet. But fear not, as these tips can help you plan the perfect scenario for when you ask her, “will you marry me.”

Kiss from a Rose

Flowers are everything and can make or break any occasion depending on choice and arrangement. Consider what her favourite blooms are and order them to be delivered to her during the day just so she knows you’re thinking about her. Also leave a meaningful message on the batch to remind them of your love.
For extra measure have another batch delivered later in the day.

Hotel California

Hell hath no fury like a hungry woman’s scorn, so you don’t want to propose to them when they’re on an empty stomach. Make dinner reservations at a lovely restaurant, especially the one they’ve been dying to go to. Alternatively, you can take them to the restaurant you first went on date to. Try to avoid anything tacky, like a fast food outlet; it’s good for the stomach’s grumblings, but not for the yearning of the heart.

Ask the manager if it’s possible to have your own set of flower arrangements, so your area is unique to the rest. Make sure the restaurant offers a quiet and soothing experience where you won’t have to shout at the top of your lungs when you pop the question.

From This Moment On

You don’t necessarily need to pop the question at the restaurant, and you may want to avoid overly crowded places as she might become overwhelmed, which could be disastrous. You should consider taking her to the beach where a violinist will be waiting for you, playing a soulful, harmonious string. However, where you take her is up to you. It should still be peaceful and have a romantic allure about it.

Alternatively, you can try to find out what her dream proposal is and try make it a reality. Avoid anything dangerous that may potentially lead to you or her getting hurt, especially her.

This Gift

While hiding the ring in a glass of wine or the food might sound like a great idea, it’s not as bright when they accidentally swallow three months’ worth of your salary. You may feel the need to have a special presentation, but try to be original. A good idea is to give her a set of puzzles to solve and upon achieving them, she’ll arrive to the ring. Try to look for a puzzle box that only opens when every mystery is solved – she’ll love it.

Apart from its originality, it’s also an adventurous and memorable idea that you’ll both talk about well into you older years together.

The day you decide to you want to ask her to marry you will be an exciting and quite unnerving experience. Always remember to make it as romantic as possible, considering her interests and your past experiences. Make her realise just how much you want to spend the rest of your life with her, and that you value you her.

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