Orange blossoms... that wonderful smell of citrus trees in full bloom. The scent of citrus flowers triggers a feeling of contentment, perhaps because we can visualize sun-ripened oranges, nartjies and lemons. It’s yours: fresh, vital and organic if you plan and steward well.

In temperate areas of Namibia, your orchard may well be soft fruit like peaches and apricots, but most likely citrus and prickly pears will be your go-to. By knowing your soil, climate and expected rainfall, you can nurture an orchard that will bless you with fresh produce.

Don’t forget the humble mulberry that we all grew up with and the joy of watching silkworms move through their life cycles. Nature as a classroom with its abundant colours, scents and textures is yours to enjoy. Stewarding garden projects, whether flower beds, vegetables or fruit, teaches the family to make compost, do research on plants and their upkeep, plan ahead, measure the plots, prepare the soil, do careful seeding – and wait patiently for the shoots, the plants, the flowers, the fruit.

The payoff can be disappointing (deal with it!) or joyous, depending on numerous factors. It’s a lesson in try, try and try again. The reward lies in the abundance of your orchard and the sensuality of blossoms in full bloom. It’s a sensory journey through ripened fruit trees, fragrant petals and foliage glistening with morning dew. What is more satisfying than an early-morning walk through your self-planted garden?

When planning your orchard or flower garden, consciously choose what appeals most to you: Is it the scent you are after? The colour? The fruit itself? Consider the perfume of jasmine, the burnt orange of marigolds, the velvety texture of garden roses or biting into a moist, fuzzy peach.

This theme reminds us to touch, taste and breathe deeply; to get closer to the earth and to consciously add our best, whether imperfect or not.

How to grow a peach tree

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), peach trees thrive in moist, but well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They should be planted in a sunny, sheltered spot, ideally against a south- or south-west-facing wall to protect blossoms from frost.

If your soil is poor, dig a bucketful of organic matter, such as garden compost, into the soil you remove from your planting hole and use this to backfill after planting. This minimises soil disturbance and helps your tree get off to a strong start. How to grow a peach tree Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first years and while fruits are developing, but avoid waterlogging.

Each spring, apply a balanced fertilizer and mulch to retain moisture. Prune annually in early summer to maintain an open, well-lit shape that encourages fruiting and reduces disease. Remove dead or weak wood and thin overcrowded shoots.

Pupkewitz Megabuild:
Eugene le Roux
Horticulturist
Cell: 081 124 6965