Isl and HOMe islander

Carissa is salt-tolerant, green armored buffer

Carissa (Carissa Macrocarpa) is native to South Africa, but it is a long-time favorite of our area and you will find it planted along the eastern coastline of F l o r i d a a n d a c o u p l e places along the western c o a s t o f S o u t h w e s t

Florida

One of the large varieties that grows well in S o u t h F l o r i d a i s t h e N a t a l P l u m c u l t i v a r , k n o w n a s l a r g e n u mnum in its native Africa

The cultivar has small white flowers that carry a c i t r u s f r a g r a n c e a l l y e a r l o n g a n d s m a l l plum-shaped fruit Although the fruit can be made into a jelly, when the fruit is small it can be poisonous I would recommend just appreciating its small grape-like reddish appearance instead Another popular variety for our area is the Emerald Blanket, a dwarf cultivar that has a low-spreading growth pattern This variety makes an excellent choice for a low groundcover shrub, providing a rich, dark green swath of color

Carissa can survive in sandy soil and has a high tolerance for salt, which makes it ideal for island plantings But be warned of its small, sharp 1-2 inch thorns that tend to hide underneath its small glossy leaves On the Natal Plum and Boxwood Beauty cultivars, the leaves as well have spiked ends and are not recommended next to a walkway Although, if you are looking for a buffer plant that could be kept a couple feet in height and that can deter intruders say along a busy pedestrian path, the Natal Plum might be a good choice for you

If you are artistic in nature and have the patience for the art of Bonsai, trimming plants with a Bonsai appearance could be an interesting choice. There are also varieties of Bonsai, Prostrata or Horizontalis (Natal Creeper), that are smaller in size and can be maintained about 2-foot in height Even left to its natural grown pattern, Carissa is a good choice in an Asian-themed garden because of its clean compact leaf patterns With just minor trimming to maintain a nice shape, you can keep the plants looking good It requires just basic plant care, regular watering letting it dry out between watering and fertilizer a couple times a year to keep it looking healthy

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www facebook com/rswalshinthegarden