Newbie saying hello

[Cycas]

Hello everyone

I am a newbie, not only to forums, but also to gardening.
I think that after 7 years of gardening I am still very new and hope to learn from you.
I also hope to share some of my experiences with you all.

I am from a small town called Stellenbosch in South Africa.

There are many wine farms in the area, alas they belong to the well-to-do. Though I get to enjoy the wonderful sites everyday.

As for plantswapping - I do not know if it is possible - me being here in SOuth Africa and most people on the forum being from the states. But I can always learn from all your tips.

See ya all
Cycas

[zuzu's petals]

Hiya, Cycas,
It's very nice to meet you, Plant Swap is a great place to learn lots about gardening.

I'm certain that we can all learn from each other.
I'd love to know what you grow in your garden, there in S. Africa,
I know that I still feel quite new to some aspects of gardening
even after . . . . ermmm
. . . . well, far, far more than 7 years.

[Cycas]

Thank you for your wonderful response Zuzu.

I cannot grow many fancy plants. We need to conserve water. So I try to go waterwise.

I do however hate the idea of making use of pebbles as mulch - (The pebble thing seems to be the trend here these days) I use barkchips, that I "harvest" from my own firewood, as mulch and my dogs simply love playing with it as well.
I have some Strelizia nicolai
Plectanthrus (ground cover)
A small grass patch (used as lawn for dogs.)
Gazania
Geranium (Purple ones)
Agapanthus
Indoors I have orchids: Cymbidium , Anselia africana, and some Dendrobium. (Also some unidentifiables.)
I hope to grow some Pleione, Disa

And last but not least - I started growing a saintpaulia.

[lcosden]

Welcome Cycas.. Was almost sent there on the last project.. How's the weather down there?? It's freezing up here in NY..

[Cycas]

Thanks Lcosden

I feel for you guys there in the northern hemisphere.

FOr the past couple of days we had temperatures going right up to 34 degrees Celsius. - that is 90+ degrees Fahrenheit (I am guessing now)

All I can do these days is do my normal day to day tasks, go for a dip in the University of Stellenbosch swimming pool. And of course gardening and surfing a bit.

[lcosden]

LOL.. I am so jealous.. Should have insisted on getting staffed on that project.. Although this weekend's not too bad.. Suppose to go to the high 40's.. But compared to your temperatures, our warm spell's a joke..

[missg]

Hi Cycas,
Welcome to plant swap.
I understand what your, saying
the more I learn about gardening seems like
the more I need to learn.

I started gardening in containers,growing
plants from seeds and cutting in 2005. Something was
easy and some plants was not so easy. I don't
give up I keep trying.

like you say I sure we will be able to learn from each other.

Hi lcosden, How are you doing.

Gale

[lcosden]

Hi Gale.. Feel like a big beached whale here.. LOL.. Another 3 months left before the baby ready to come out to play..

[missg]

I glad to hear from you,
3 months will pass be for you
know it. And that's when the
fun begin.
take care.
Gale

[Cycas]

Oh Gosh

This is exciting Lcosden. I love babies. I can't wait for Mr Right to come into my life so I can also start with a family.
Congratulations. Three months will pass quickly and in the mean time enjoy being the center of attraction. when baby comes baby will take up the lime light.

[lcosden]

I don't mind if the baby want to take the lime light.. Maybe she can take the carpel tunnel with her.. Got bad carpel tunnel from the pregnancy and it's not suppose to go away for a month after delivery.. **sigh** So she can have the limelight.. More than happy to give it to the baby girl..

[PlantSwap]

Hi Cycas, welcome to the forum.

[Cycas]

Thanks again for the wonderful welcome. You are all so kind.

And lcosden I will keep you in my thoughts.

[lcosden]

Thank you Cycas.. Another two months, then the baby will be here.. Hopefully the carpel tunnel will be gone then too..