The start of a new year is always filled with so much potential. It’s a great time to reflect on the past and set new goals for the future. It’s a time to set intentions, create new habits, and work towards making this year the best one yet. Whether you’re starting a new job, moving cities or simply trying to get your gardening project underway, now is the time to set the tone for the rest of the year.
Trees tend to bring a sense of joy and rumination, especially during the new year, which makes January the perfect time to add some greenery to your space. Let’s look at a selection of some “local is lekker” trees you can plant this new year!
Celtis Africana (White Stinkwood)
Making for a beautiful bonsai subject, our magnificent white stinkwood is fast and easy to grow under a wide range of conditions; it is essential in the bird garden, forming part of the canopy and providing good roosting and nesting sites. It is perfect for large gardens and avenues; providing welcome shade in summer while allowing the sun through in winter. This is a lovely tree which adds beauty and interest to any garden.
Kiggelaria Africana (Wild Peach)
A must-have for a butterfly garden! Many birds also feed on the seeds and Cuckoos prey on the larva of the butterflies! The seeds are encapsuled in decorative grey-green pods which burst open to reveal a cluster of orange seeds. The Wild Peach is hardy, fast-growing, and often also planted as a windbreak or hedge to create privacy for these reasons. A wildlife-friendly garden will not be complete without the Wild Peach tree.
Olea europaea subsp. Africana (Wild Olive)
This impressive, widespread evergreen tree with its densely branched crown is up to 14m high, or it can be a multi-stemmed shrub. The Wild Olive is a beautiful tree with grey-green leaves and an interesting shape. It is a useful screener and contrast tree that is hardy and drought resistant. It is ideal for the small to medium garden. This tree is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
Podocarpus latifolius (Real Yellowwood)
Known for its historical dominance all over the country, this dioecious, evergreen canopy tree may reach 30m high with its straight 1,2m wide trunk. The real yellowwood is slow growing but very long-lived and it can withstand some frost. The unusual textural appearance of the leaves makes it a good contrast or background for other trees, and the colourful receptacles of the female tree are the most attractive.
Erythrina caffra (Coastal Coral Tree)
The Coastal Coral tree is a popular statement tree because of its spreading canopy and beautiful flowers. It can also tolerate wind, diverse types of soil, and drought conditions. It is a tough, fast-growing species that has stood the test of time. Suitable for large gardens, this tree will give you years of joy.
A tree is truly a gift that will keep on giving and is sure to be appreciated for many years. Visit www.justtrees.co.za to see a collection of our trees.