Red Swiss chard
Gardens, irrespective of the time of year and no matter how big or small they happen to be, are a soothing balm to ward off the everyday hassles of life. They are — or should be — places of peace, reflection, relaxation, healing and turning dreams into reality.
Creating cool tranquillity is an excellent gardening project to initiate this month when, even as we sizzle in once upon a time unthinkable heat, the approaching monsoon season promises respite.
To demonstrate the point, take something as simple as a chair, place it outside, in the shade and, next time you return home, hot and exhausted from an unbearable day in the office or a headache inducing shopping trip, sit on that very same chair with a long, cooling drink in hand and try to relax. Relaxation may or may not come ... but ... place even a single green pot plant, a Monsteria deliciosa perhaps or a gently waving fern, close to the chair and the atmosphere changes immediately, peace will come.
On summer days, when temperatures and humidity levels are at their peak, make your garden an ultimate haven by planting these flowers and vegetables
Multiply one plant by as many as you have space for — and have the necessary water to support — and a much needed haven is in full, beautifully soporific, swing. It is a ‘swing’ you can design to suit personal taste by adding and subtracting whatever pleases you in days, weeks, months and years to come.
Shade tolerant shrubs, suitable for pot or container cultivation, suitable for increasing natural privacy in such a spot include: ‘Acalypha’, ‘Aralia’, ‘Clerodendron’, colourful ‘Crotons’, blue flowered ‘Duranta’, ‘Panix’ with its pretty, heart-shaped, leaves. Plus, if or where shade is partial, a mix of the following perennials to increase texture, interest and fragrance to the plan: ‘Monsteria deliciosa’, rubber plants, ‘Anthuriums’ with their unusual spathe flowers, surprisingly tough asparagus ferns, quick to have babies spider plants, gorgeous, velvety leaved and rainbow hued ‘Coleus’, ‘Maranta’, ‘Tradescentia’, ‘Zebrina’ and a selection of ‘Jasminium’ for good measure. Your local nurseries will have so many suitable plants to choose from that you will find making a selection more than a little difficult!
Pots of whichever seasonal flowers happen to be in bloom can also be dotted here and there, being replaced every few weeks, for an ever changing palette of your favourite colours and — if possible — scents.