This encyclopedia of plants contains entries for over 20 000 plants, providing a awho's who' of the plant world. Organised in an A to Z format by botanical name, the individual plant entries provide a detailed description of each plant and its features, notes on origin, cultivation requirements, growth habit, propagation and pests and diseases; the use of symbols in the entries makes them very accessible for easy reference. Introductory sections discuss South Africa's gardening tradition, show how the world's 12 hardiness zones work and look at the environment and the plants that grow in those zones, explain plant nomenclature, and tell the story of plant geography and classification. Lists of plants suitable for growing in specific areas, e.g. tropical, dryland and seaside gardens, are given. The introduction also provides ideas for garden design and the best ways to use the colour and interest provided by the huge variety of plants available.

Each month we select our favourite photo from the photographs submitted by our photographers. This months selection is a beautiful photograph which was taken by Sonja van der Merwe. For more amazing photos see our photo gallery.

If you enjoy taking photos of your garden, the plants and the creatures inhabiting your garden, and you would like to share them with the rest of the gardening community send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will let you know how you can go about submitting your photographs and having them published in our photo gallery.