Spring brings out the gardeners, and horticulturist Amanda Maphumulo drops the knowledge about indigenous gardens – and why it’s worth keeping one!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (14 November 2025) – Indigenous gardens do the important work of supporting healthy ecosystems. They thrive alongside the environment instead of against it. Yet there are still misconceptions around them.
Amanda Maphumulo, a horticulturalist at Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh, has debunked 4 of those myths and unpacks the pros of becoming an indigenous gardener.
Myth 1: Indigenous Gardens Are Boring and Colourless
“People often imagine indigenous gardens as being all green and spiky, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” shares Amanda. “When planned properly, indigenous gardens can deliver year-round colour, from the fiery reds and oranges of Aloes in winter, to the purples and blues of Plectranthus, the sunny yellows of Bulbines, and the elegant whites and pinks of Watsonias in spring.”
These plants are all found naturally along the KZN South Coast, where Maphumulo and her team are led by South African botanist Dr Elsa Pooley, creating beautiful water-saving indigenous gardens.
“Having an indigenous garden is best because it brings life into your garden. You get to invite different birds and insects that feed on the plants, and at the same time, you stabilise the soil, which minimises erosion. They’re hardy and tough and can survive environmental changes with ease – but like people, they still need tender care,” Maphumulo adds.
Myth 2: Indigenous Gardens Don’t Attract Butterflies and Birdlife
Amanda says, on the contrary, one of the greatest joys of indigenous gardening is the wildlife it brings. Indigenous gardens are exactly what local species evolved with, which is why they thrive there. The gardens Maphumulo tends have seen mongoose, spurfowl, and Klaas’s cuckoos all stop by for visits.
Myth 3: Indigenous Gardens Must Be Completely Unattended
“Low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” Indigenous plants cope well with local conditions, but they still benefit from the basics. For those who enjoy a bit of gardening but don’t want to be overwhelmed, this is the ideal balance.
Maphumulo’s tips for indigenous garden maintenance:
Start with healthy soil: A good composted bed with organic material will help your plants thrive.
Plan for all seasons: Choose a mix of flowering plants that bloom at different times to ensure year-round colour.
Water and feed, but don’t overdo it: Indigenous gardens prefer moderation and balance.
Myth 4: Indigenous Gardens Are Sparse and Unstructured
There’s a belief that indigenous gardens must look “wild,” but Amanda says structure is absolutely possible once you understand how the plants grow.
“An indigenous garden doesn’t have to look wild or untamed,” says Amanda. “When you understand the plants and how they grow, you can create a structured, elegant garden that’s as spectacular as any exotic landscape, with far less environmental impact.”
Amanda’s day-to-day work, led by Dr Pooley’s vision, shows just how much biodiversity an indigenous space can support when it’s planted right. You’ll welcome more pollinators, healthier soil, natural resilience to the climate, and more life in every corner of your garden.
Sources: Supplied
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