After the rush of Christmas, one simply wants to sit back with a glass and a good read. Be it wonderfully illustrated photo guides or a good garden read, we have you covered.
Here are 2021’s top garden releases.
Pollinators, predators & parasites
By C. Sholtz, J. Scholtz & H. De Klerk
This hardcopy is the ideal introduction to the roles of insects in your garden. It explains why you need wasps, bees and anthropods as well as what they eat, what eats them and how it all ties together. It also has a guide to the various insect orders and how to identify them.
Where to buy: Link
Saunder’s Field Guide to Gladioli
If you missed the release of this gorgeous tribute to two of South Africa’s most beloved naturalists, then this is your chance. Gladioli have weathered the horticultural storm for decades, but it is the species that call South Africa home that truly shines brightly. The book contains meticulous details on each species as well as up-to-date photographs.
Where to buy: Link
Gardening in the shade in South Africa
By Allan Haschick
The book artfully explains everything from the types of shade to how to grow understory plants from around the world in South Africa. An emphasis is placed on exotic plants such as Bromeliads, orchids, Rhododendron, Azaleas, Begonias and Hydrangeas with select indigenous plants such as Clivias and Plectranthus.
Link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/book/gardening-shade-south-africa/9781432309909
Mushrooms of South Africa
By Marieka Gryzenhout
A pocket-sized guide to all the weird and wonderful fungi that grace our shores. The colourful photo’s and descriptions will come in handy when the odd shroom pops up on a log.
Where to buy: Link
Field Guide to Renosterveld of the Overberg
If you have come across the wonderful story behind the Hawegskloof Nature reserve, then you already know how critically endangered the Renosterveld biome is. This guide, released in 2021, is the culmination of several enthusiastic naturalists who have poured everything into detailing the last remnants of the Renosterveld and its beautiful flora.
Where to buy: Link
An Invitation To Tea
By Maranda Engelbrecht
The exquisitely compiled book celebrates the wonder that is tea. An ancient beverage that has circled the globe will come alive among the pages and inspire even the most taciturn of coffee drinkers to try a cup. A great book to acquire for any kitchen gardener.
Where to buy: Link
Audiobooks & more
For more suggestions on books (both audio and visual) as well as video’s to peruse this summer, see the following articles:
