Monarch butterflies are declining in number due to herbicide spraying related to biotech crops, according to environmental groups in the US. Environmental groups seeking federal protection for monarch butterflies blame the use of genetically modified crops for the insect’s steep decline. Petitioners claim that while there were as many as 1 billion monarchs as recently as … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 6: Dune Spinach
Dune Spinach is a spreading shrub with dark green, sessile, glistening succulent leaves. Its family name is Aizoaceae (carpetweed family) and name Tetragonia decumbens. The sheen is caused by small, shiny, water-storage cells that cover the surface of the leaf (similar to the ice plant). The small, 4-petalled, yellow flowers are situated in groups of 3-5 in the upper leaf … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 5: Mustard Family
The Mustard Family or Brassicaceae is one of the easiest groups of plants to identify in the wild and all members of this family are edible, though whilst none will poison you, there are those that taste better than others. There are however, one or two suspect agricultural modifications to be mindful of. Easy ID tip: all you need to remember is "4 petals with 6 stamens - 4 … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 4: Purslane
Puslane is delicious and nutritious. A great option for those who are just starting to forage and haven’t yet developed the taste for it yet. It is also super easy to grow and is a great little ground cover that helps to stop the soil from drying out too much in summer. Soft, succulent purslane leaves have more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green and even more … [Read more...]
Wild About Weeds Part 3: Dandelion
Dandelion reminds us of the abundance that life holds. The seed head is symbolic of this - since it was believed that if you make a wish or focus on your dearest dream and then blow the seeds. These little messenger seeds will carry your wishes to the heavens - thereby making your dreams come true. Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) Habitat: Found in a very wide variety … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 2: Nettle
My absolute favourite wild edible and medicinal plant has to be Nettle. It is my “go to” when I am feeling unsettled or out of sorts. This wild edible is a super food in terms of nutrition! This modest little plant saved many a family during times of war when food was scarce. It is a most abundant little healer growing all over the world. This vibrant little plant is a … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds part 1: Veldkool
Want to learn more about the medicinal and nutritional value of the common weeds in your garden? Today Tracy Armbruster - our weed enthusiast – kicks off her series for all of us to learn together: W.E.E.D’s (Wild, Enriching, Edible, Delight’s) are simply amazing! What I love most about them is their pioneering spirit. Their “survival of the fittest” attitude. They have … [Read more...]
First Sustainable Farm Award winner
Nedbank, WWF-SA, the Illovo Planters Group (IPG) and the Eston Show committee launched the inaugural Nedbank Sustainable Farm Award at the 2013 Nedbank Eston Show, which took place this past weekend in Eston, KZN. The Award seeks to recognise agricultural businesses that are practicing sustainable farming principles, particularly in terms of integrating the social, … [Read more...]
Realizing the full potential of your Garden
It’s not so long ago that our gardens were productive as well as aesthetically pleasing, containing a veggie garden, a small orchard, and herbs and medicines too. How wonderful, but perhaps too much hard work? Or so thought some, as gardens moved away in disdain from anything productive or working class, to the opposite extreme of being purely decorative. Some modern gardens … [Read more...]
Mr T Pot’s veggie patch
Mr T Pot sounds more like a character from a Beatrix Potter story than a farm worker from Mooi River. However, our Mr T Pot has a wonderful tale to tell about cabbages and kale. Last year, the Midlands Meander Education Project received funding from Thatu UK to assist Carshalton School get their food garden growing well and able to provide fresh, organic veggies to … [Read more...]
