Marigolds not old-fashioned

LIFESTYLE NEWS - If they remind you of your grandmother's garden, you may think marigolds are old-fashioned.

However, they have made a comeback. If it's warm, rich colours you are after, then marigolds are just the plant for you.

Marigolds are particularly good at adding bold swatches of eye-catching colour to an outdoor space.

Their colourful flowers come in shades of orange, yellow, red and bi-coloured, with many flower shapes and sizes to choose from.

It's no wonder they have made a comeback in contemporary gardens.

If you have lots of sun and well-drained soil, you can grow these easy-to-care-for and ultra-rewarding bedding plants with very little fuss.

Here are a few tips for growing marigolds in your garden:

• Plant marigolds in full sun in a well-composted bed;

• To ensure continuous blooms (up to four months at a time), deadhead the plants regularly;

• Feed plants every six weeks with a balanced fertiliser;

• Marigolds are a water-wise choice, so once they have settled in after transplanting, water them infrequently.

For more information, visit www.lifeisagarden.co.za.

Weather 22°C