The Sunday Mail
Andrew Mangwarara
Pasangano, loosely translated, means “a meeting place” and Pasangano Complex, which is located at the Avondale Shopping Centre, seems to be just that.
The shopping complex houses a number of businesses, but our concern is how the entrance was so aesthetically designed that it gives visitors great pleasure and it sure is a great meeting place.
It is more like an island of beauty with masses of various exotic plants such as the arum lily (zantedeschia aethiopica), the African lily (agapanthus africanus) and the white alyssum.
The entrance to the building is adorned with a combination of cycads, giraffe sculptures and the beautiful leopard tree (caesalpinia ferrea). The secret to this beauty lies beneath the plants. By feeling the soil texture, one can easily tell the healthy condition of this garden, which brings us to the important subject of this campaign.
The soil pH, land preparation, soil fertility and soil organisms are central in establishing a successful garden with healthy plants.
Let us briefly look at these aspects.
Basically, the soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Most plants require a pH of about 5,5 to 6,5.
Thanks to the advancement in technology, testing kits can be purchased to measure the pH of your soil. The corrective action to take if the soil is acidic is to add lime. If it is too alkaline, you apply ammonium nitrate or organic matter.
Without proper land preparation, plants cannot grow well; they will not match those at the Pasangano Complex.
A soil depth of between 20cm and 30cm is essential for the growth of most shrubs. Trees, however, require a depth of a metre. Always try to break the soil pan before planting. Soil fertility guarantees the success of any garden. Of note in the group of important nutrients for plant growth are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are supplied by various fertilisers or just manure (organic matter).
Organic matter also improves soil texture. Organisms such as earthworms help with decomposition, making soil nutrients available. In conclusion, good soil ultimately results in healthy plant life.
If you would like to be featured in our green-up campaign, contact us on the number above. Feedback: [email protected] or [email protected]
