GARDENING WITH ALOES
In this large garden, the unmistakable bold outlines of Aloe ferox and A. arborescens are complemented by the carefully placed rocks and the variety of ground cover and companion shrubs.
‘There is ample evidence that any information on this subject
[the cultivation of aloes] will be welcomed by the public, and it behooves
the botanist to encourage this healthful appetite in every possible manner.’
Reynolds in Succulents for the amateur by Brown et al. (1939): 147
Aloes are classic plants, naturally crafted by and for arid landscapes. Together with a range of related succulents, aloes are becoming increasingly popular with horticulturists and gardeners. They address a trend towards classical garden design, while still fitting in with more contemporary ideas of creating spare, uncluttered landscapes.
By observing a few simple rules, you can successfully grow these fleshy-leaved plants in climates ranging from mild and subtropical to harsh and arid. As they are well adapted to storing and conserving water in order to survive periods of drought, aloes offer low maintenance and easy care, whether they are planted in open beds or in containers.
Once gardeners have discovered the benefits of using succulents in general, and aloes in particular, they often find them irresistible. Switching to succulents provides welcome relief from the seasonal chore of replacing thick drifts of exhausted annuals. The cheerful red, yellow and gold of aloe flowers offsets their grey-green leaves and provides a colourful contrast, particularly to evergreen plants. Aloe shrubs, as well as the more tree-like aloe forms, can readily be used to give structure and form to a mixed garden.
Aloes, in particular, are perfectly at home in the African landscape and its prevalent climates. In addition, they look good when surrounded by earthy accessories created from local materials, like pieces of natural wood and rocks.
In order to grow aloes successfully, it is important to know the conditions under which they flourish in their natural habitats. This will give you an idea of how much exposure to the sun they like, the preferred soil type and conditions, the associated indicator species and vegetation, and a host of other useful biological and environmental information.