My Winter Garden

David cuts the frost net to size

Uh-oh. It’s that time of the year in South Africa. It’s WINTER! Yes, after an idyllic and prolonged summer, the cold winter months have finally arrived. In the area where I live, winter is short and harsh. Now, readers from the really cold parts of the world will laugh if they see what we call cold. For instance, this morning the minimum temperature was 1 °C (not MINUS 1 degree, 1 degree). The frost lay thick on the lawn and the water pipes were frozen. The temperature inside my house was only marginally warmer than outside at 6am when I went outside to feed the dogs.

Enter the Minister of Parks and Gardens: Mme Angie Hedges - "Oi David,you should start this side"

It is also time to cover those shrubs and young trees which are frost tender. Armed with, scissors, stapler and my camera I followed John who carried a roll of frost net and the wooden struts. Angie, Megan and Eddy, tails wagging and tongues lolling, came up in the rear. I mean this was exciting stuff. Mum in the garden always means exciting stuff.

"OK if you insist, I'll hold this side down while you cut"

David helped John cut the frost net, while Angie and Eddy cavorted on out material which was rolled out next to them. I’m always amazed and pleased at the patience with which my gardeners treat my animals.

Mmm, I wonder if what this frost net tastes like...

Finally, John and David had covered all the plants which we thought might need protection. Now it only remains to see whether Angie with the help of her accomplice, Eddy will pull the screens off from the plants.

Angie on guard at the newly covered shrubs

It is necessary to protect tender shrubs and trees during our winter months