New Garden Features Plants of South Africa

by Diane Goldsmith

As the rains begin to soak the ground of the International Garden, some of its newest plants are beginning to grow. Over the past year, a new design has been installed in the South Africa section of the garden, spear-headed by a person who has spent time studying these species in their homeland—the Drakensburg Mountains of South Africa. Jeanette Miller first learned about these amazing plants in courses in Horticulture at Merritt College in Oakland.

Propagating alongside Kiamara Ludwig, Jeanette caught the passion for South African plants. In 2005, she was lucky to get a place on a tour to South Africa led by Panayoti Kelaidis of the Denver Botanical Gardens. There she was able to see various species of plants growing in their natural environment.

On her return to California, she began to transform her own garden in Lafayette to resemble the landscape she had seen in South Africa.

“These plants are harmonious with our environment in California,” she says. “They are very water-wise, and can be paired with our own California Natives. They look attractive together because they have drought adaptations that are very similar. Many plants have small leaves, fine textures, and gray-green foliage.”

Jeanette worked up a concept for the new garden, with the help of a committee from the Markham Board, made up of Carol Bassett, Susana De Trapaga, Barbara Hopkins, and Diane Goldsmith. Carol, a landscape designer, created a planting plan from Jeanette’s roughs and the project was launched.

The plants have been in the ground through the first winter, and have had a year to develop. There have been some new additions this year thanks to the efforts of Carol Bassett and donations from Robin Parer of Geraniaceae. A number of Geranium species including Pelargonium ionidiflorum are now growing in the garden. Troy McGregor tracked down a number of South African restios, which are large grass-like plants, to add as well. If they all survive the Concord climate, Markham will soon have one of the best collections of these amazing plants in the Bay area.

Best of all, from the viewpoint of the garden visitor, there are now signs in place to identify these interesting plants. Thanks to Chris Christensen, Jim Felde, and Trish Barnes, the identity of these plants is no longer a mystery.

The whole idea of these International Gardens is for visitors to learn about interesting new plants that can go into their own Concord gardens. There is a focus on plants that are beautiful, but also drought-tolerant.

As Jeanette Miller reminds us. “We don’t want to get stuck in geography, but these South Africans are good with lavenders and rock roses.” Learning about plants from South Africa gives you more options in your plant palette, for color, texture, and seasonal interest.

Highlights on South African Plants

by Chris Christensen

Sumac is the common name for over 200 species of shrubs and small trees of the Genus Rhus. Sumac are distributed worldwide in semitropical and temperate climates. The African Sumac, Rhus lancea is native to the Highveld and Bushveld of South Africa. This evergreen to semi-evergreen tree grows slowly to a height of 25’ to 30’ with a nearly equal spread. It is either single- or multi-trunked with dark, fissured bark revealing orange to maroon colors beneath. Branches are open and spreading. Outer branchlets are graceful and weeping. Four to five inch dark green leaves are composed of three long, slender leaflets. Small yellow flowers bloom in spring followed, on female trees, by clusters of flatish yellow-green to red fruits which are a favorite food for birds. African sumac is a good tree for gardens and patios. They prefer sun or partial shade and well-drained soil, although at Markham, we hae noticed that the Rhus lancea has done well in our clay soils. When established, they are fairly drought tolerant.

Athanasia pinnata is a South African shrub growing as tall as 6’ with a 4–5’ spread.Silver-gray, short, fine foliage surrounds the long stems. In late spring and summer,the stems terminate in flat-topped clusters of yellow flowers. Flowers age to deep gold in Fall. The plant is evergreen and drought tolerant.

Melinus nerviglumis, Ruby Grass, is a small evergreen to semi-evergreen grass with gray-green to blue-green foliage growing in clumps 1–2’ tall and wide. Foliage turns purple-red in winter. In late spring to early summer, showy, 3–4” pink flowers are borne on stalks about 1’ above the foliage. Spent flowers are still attractive in winter. This grass grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Though average water is preferred, the plant can tolerate some dry spells.

Mallees Planted in the Australia/New Zealand Garden

by Troy McGregor

After a few months of planting, weeding and mulching, the Australia/New Zealand garden is really starting to shine. We’ve added a range of new plants from both summer-dry Western Australia as well as semi-humid Eastern Australia. The garden is a testing ground for some new plants yet to be released into the USA, as well as tried and true species not often seen in our area. The goal is to demonstrate which plants work best and to give local gardeners an idea of how to use them.

Six small scale species of Eucalyptus and three Acacias have been planted, as well as numerous species of Grevilleas, Banksias and Hakeas. Evergreen Lomandras are used extensively as a cohesive design element to tie all the plants together. They are a drought tolerant grass-like plant that never requires cutting back or additional care.

Much of the garden is now labeled, thanks to volunteers from Markham and Chevron, as part of the Week of Caring. More signs will follow, allowing visitors to leave the garden inspired by what they have seen. Stop by when you get a chance and see how we’re growing.

New Eucalyptus Species

Eucalyptus has a bad name due mostly to the large Tasmainian Blue Gum (E. globulus). However, to lump all Eucalyptus into the same category would be to miss out on the smaller varieties. These members of the genus, commonly referred to as Mallees, offer the gardener an evergreen, drought tolerant option to replace some of the more pedestrian species we currently utilize. The term Mallee is restricted to species less than 30’ that grow from a lignotuber or swollen root crown.

The highest density of Mallees is in arid areas of Australia with decent winter rainfalls. Unlike the Tasmanian Blue Gum, Mallee seed does not germinate readily outside of the nursery environment.

A small number of Mallees are being introduced into the nursery trade as awareness of their benefits spreads. At Markham Nature Park and Arboretum, we began planting some of the lesser know Mallees a year ago and have since added a few more ornamental varieties. Our goals are to trial and demonstrate these plants in an environment not too dissimilar from those of local gardens. Listed below are a few the species we have growing along with observations of their characteristics and adaptability to the garden.

Eucalyptus wandoo (White Gum)

The tallest of the Mallees, topping out at around the 30’ mark, is from South-Western Australia where the climate is similar to that of our region. The bark of E. wandoo is generally smooth, with grey to white mottled flakes that peel to expose new cream-colored skin. A portion of the bark persists creating a rustic appearance. Up to 15 buds per stem pop open from Fall through winter exposing small cream colored flowers.

Eucalyptus platypus (Round-leaved Moort)

This is another Western Australian species but a little smaller in stature, ranging in height from 15 to 25’. The Round-leaved Moort, as the name suggests, has glossy, rigid, round leaves with an average diameter of 1.5”. This Mallee is a fast grower and seems to be the most adaptable to conditions of extreme heat, frost and heavy soils. It is reported to withstand both drought and short periods of being waterlogged. It has also been used in areas of salt spray, making it an ideal candidate for recycled water with its high levels of salinity. The flower color ranges from white to chartreuse.

Eucalyptus decipiens

From South-Western Australia, one report has this plant listed as growing to 20 to 25’. From our observations, this attractive Mallee has grey, flaking bark with grey-green leaves typical of the Eucalyptus form. It has performed well in the garden and shows no sign of stress from heavy soils or frosts from the previous winter.

Eucalyptus erythrocorys (Red Cap Gum)

Planted in Spring 2011, this is one of the most ornamental Mallees. We are trialing this species for frost tolerance which we suspect will be an issue in our inland garden. More information to come after we hae trialed it for some time.

Eucalyptus macrandra (Long-flowered Marlock)

This is one of the smaller Mallees, growing  to 16’. We planted this in late Spring of 2011 and look forward to seeing how it handles its first winter. Masses of yellow flowers adorn this species and its marbled bark (at maturity) is unique and attractive.

Eucalyptus ‘Moon Lagoon’ (Fine-Leafed Mallee)

This Mallee is a staple of the floral trade and has the most attractive foliage of all those trialed. New growth is orange/red maturing to silver that shimmers in the sun. This plant is still growing in the nursery and is due to be planted in the garden in Spring 2012.

The Community Garden at Markham Serves the Needs of Gardeners

by Trish Barnes

The Community Garden at Markham Nature Park and Arboretum is a cooperative venture of the City of Concord and the Markham Regional Arboretum Society. The gardens provide a wonderful opportunity for Concord families and individuals who need land to grow food. The garden contains twenty-five leased plots, each approximately 20’ by 20.’

Every year, plot owners grow vegetables and herbs. The obvious benefit from their gardening efforts is the wonderful bounty of food produced. However, numerous studies have shown that gardening provides other benefits as well. Gardening can relieve stress, provide the mind with rest, and help keep people physically fit.

Some Concord Community Garden plot holders recently shared their thoughts about their experiences in the Concord Community Gardens.

In these difficult economic times, the garden means more to us than it previously did. I’ve always enjoyed gardening as a hobby, but holding a plot in the community garden is even more critical today. It puts organic food on our table that we might not otherwise afford. —Ernestine Norde   

I’m always happy in the garden. It’s a quiet, peaceful place where the whole modern world disappears. I even find peace in the garden when I’m not there—as I can visit this happy place in my mind. A garden teaches us patience and gives us rewards. It gets rid of negative feelings, and takes us to a happier, simpler time. —Sheilah Ravenscroft

This year, the policies for the use of the Community Garden have been updated and a new Garden Manager has been appointed by the Board. Karen Mahshi, a long-time member, will take on the job. Although all plots are currently occupied, there is a waiting list. Please contact the office at 681-2968 or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. You can visit our web site at www.markhamarboretum.org.