Life is a Garden | South Africa |

In September, 2009 Idols winner and passionate plantsman, Jason Hartman planted a monkey thorn tree (Acacia galpinii) at the SA Nursery Association Trade Day to herald the arrival of spring this week. Hartman was also able to publicise his Planting Season campaign to encourage gardeners to get planting this spring. Visit www.jasonsgarden.co.za

This Arbor Week (1-7 September, 2009), make your contribution to South Africa by planting a tree in your garden, school, office gardens or by sponsoring a tree to be planted in an area that desperately needs greening (see www.trees.co.za).

Honouring and planting trees during Arbor Week is a celebration which originated in Switzerland and was formalised by J. Sterling Morton, a journalist from Nebraska. In 1872, he approached the Nebraskan Agricultural Board to set aside a day to plant trees throughout the state. The day was eventually named after his house, 'Arbor Lodge'.

South Africa held its first Arbor Day in 1983 and in 1996, the celebration became Arbor Week. ‘Tree of the Year’ promotions, which have been run by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry since 1975, were incorporated into Arbor Day festivities.

Planting a tree this year? Choose one of the three indigenous Trees of the Year for 2009:

Monkey thorn (Acacia galpinii). This fast-growing deciduous acacia can reach a height of 20m with a 20m spread, so only plant it in large gardens or parks or along roads where there is enough space. Creamy to light yellow flowers appear during the growing season (September-October) and purplish brown pods that are relished by monkeys (hence the common name) appear in February-March. This water wise tree can survive hot dry conditions when established and tolerates moderate frost.

Tree fuchsia (Halleria lucida). This 4m tall evergreen tree is an essential in the garden of all bird lovers as it attracts both nectar and fruit eating birds to the garden. It flowers from May to December, with tubular clusters appearing on shoots from old wood. The blooms are brick-red to yellow, and are followed by berries from August onwards. It tolerates moderate frost.

Round-leaved teak (Pterocarpus rotundifolius). This deciduous tree grows about 8m tall and has a slender upright growth habit, making it an attractive tree in gardens. Deep yellow, pea-shaped flowers appear from September to January. The scented nectar-rich blooms attract many insects. The larvae of the bushveld charaxes butterfly also thrive on its leaves. Plant only in frost-free gardens and water regularly.