Hooked on salvia
2008-04-24
Marguerite Lombard
SALVIA plants are ideally suited for Wellington’s hot climate, according to salvia expert Jenny Ferreira who recently took part in the Rare Plant Fair at Rustenberg in Stellenbosch. Her Klein Optenhorst garden at the foot of Groenberg in the Bovlei is well known in gardening circles, and her annual open day is a regular entry in local garden clubs’ calendars. Over the years Jenny Ferreira has gained a specialist’s knowledge on salvias, and has between 75 and 80 different species in her garden. Their colours range from whites and pale pinks, through the oranges and reds to dark blue. Many are collectors’ plants and were carefully nurtured from seed. “Salvias are one of the few plant families that come in a whole range of blues - such striking blues that range from azure to almost purpleblack. In fact, I recently discovered a black salvia called Salvia discolor. The plant has nearly black flowers that are beautifully contrasted against pale silver leaves.” Jenny Fer- reira participates regularly in the annual Rare Plant Fair, and explains that the idea originated when a gardening friend decided to raise money for a charity. “We were all very keen gardeners, growing our own plants, and we knew of many small nurseries specialising in unusual plants. “The idea was for us to get together in autumn, bring all our extra plants along, especially the more unusual or rare ones, and then sell them to fellow gardeners for charity. “It is such a wonderful event. There is always such an air of anticipation. I always arrive quite early to set out all my plants in my designated area and make sure they look beautiful. It is always a bonus when they are in flower. “Then the gates open and all the collectors descend on one like a herd of buffalo - all keen to ask questions, share their experience and exchange ideas. I have met wonderful fellow gardeners at these fairs - people that regularly send me seed and their new discoveries.” Salvia or sage is an aromatic plant that is found throughout the world. “Australia was the only continent that missed out on the salvias. There are absolutely hundreds of species. Those found in the Americas are really exceptional. Then we also have quite a few indigenous species as well.” Jenny explains that her interest in salvia stems from a chance purchase. “Years ago I bough a salvia at a nursery. I did not recognise the name, but took it home and planted it. It was an absolute thug of a plant: it would have been happy to take over the whole garden, neither did it bat an eyelid when the summer temperatures went up to 38 degrees. It just stood there and thrived. “I was intrigued and started reading up on salvias, and visited nurseries looking for new species and hybrids. There are quite a few different kinds, and they all seem to be very happy here in my garden.” Her plant collection is however not restricted to salvias. “I just can’t say no to an interesting plant. So although I love good design and really admire serene formality in a garden, I can’t do it. My garden is quite wild by comparison.” Since buying the Klein Optenhorst property in 1987, her garden has grown and extended to every corner of the property - except for a sliver of vineyard at the entrance. “I knew for certain that I wanted to live here the moment we drove down the driveway. I experienced an immediate sense of recognition. It was like falling in love.”
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