The Gardener & Friends – Season 1

The Gardener & Friends is a captivating new gardening television show that invites viewers to explore the world of gardening alongside the renowned, green-fingered Tanya Visser, and her industry friends. Set against the backdrop of South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, the program showcases inspirational gardens designed by some of the country’s most talented landscapers. Each episode of The Gardener & Friends offers a delightful mix of entertainment and education, as Tanya and her friends share easy-to-follow DIY projects that viewers can replicate in their own gardens. From growing mouth-watering veggies to building eye-catching garden features, the show provides practical tips and creative ideas for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Moreover, The Gardener & Friends keeps viewers informed about the latest gardening tools and gadgets, ensuring that they stay up to date with must-have equipment to enhance their gardening experience.  

Tune in to The Gardener & Friends exclusively on The Home Channel DStv 176 and get ready to be inspired by the joys of

Episode 13

We tap into some summer loving plants that will add interest to a sunny spot in your garden. XO shares ways to help your garden get through the hot summer months and we visit a feature garden in Cape Town designed by Margot van der Westhuizen that embraces its setting. If you’re looking to display epiphytes, then Tanya has a DIY project to create a frame to hang them on.  Guest: Margot van der Westhuizen – Landscape Designer 

Episode 12

We look at colourful annuals for your spring garden. Tanya shares a DIY project to keep dirt off your shoes, while XO shares tips on creating a healthy and happy garden. We visit a Stellenbosch Garden designed by Henk Scholtz and Tanya shows you how to grow veggies from seed. 

Episode 11

We look at colourful plants for hanging baskets, XO shares tips on getting your annuals to flower for longer, while Phindile gives us an introduction to indoor plants and how to care for them. Tanya is back in the veggie garden, showing you how to grow a rainbow of goodness. 

Episode 10

Tanya has a fun tool cubby DIY up her sleeve, while Linda Galvad shares a recent organic vegetable garden with us. XO looks at lawns and how to get the best out of yours, while Tanya digs into potted herbs. 

Episode 9

Tanya looks at a variety of ornamental grasses and demonstrates a fun pot recipe for you to try. XO shares tips on caring for plants in containers and Phindile taps into the benefits of indoor plants. When it comes to pruning citrus trees, we have some tips to share. We also visit a stunning coastal garden designed by Carrie Latimer.  

Episode Guest:

Carrie Latimer – Landscape Designer 

Episode 8

We look at SunPatiens and why you should plant some. Snails can cause havoc in your garden, so knowing how to keep them at bay is crucial. Tanya shares an easy-to-follow DIY project to welcome visitors to your home and she plants some vegetable seeds to show you how to grow micro-greens. We also look at a garden shredder and what to do with your shreddings.  

Episode 7

We look at the humble daisy and why you should have them in your garden. Phindile is back with more must-have indoor plants and shares how best to take care of them. Tanya takes on a DIY that only has a few steps, but that will see you rise to new heights. We look at garden weeds and what you can do to keep them at bay. And if edible colour sounds fun, then Tanya takes a closer look at some of the options you have to consider.  

Episode 6

Tanya looks at Coleus and the colour they bring to any garden. We visit an organic vegetable garden and speak to Ben Getz about elements that make for a successful food garden. Tanya shares a step-by-step pot recipe that can withstand even the sunniest spot and we look at alien invasives and how best to deal with them. For those looking to grow fruit and veg on a smaller scale, Tanya calls on pots and demonstrates just how easy it can be.  

Episode Guest:

Ben Getz – Urban Harvest  

Episode 5

Tanya sheds light on a garden stalwart, the humble Marigold. Phindile shares pointers on how to better understand your indoor plants and their needs. We step into the workshop to see how Tanya makes a decorative stepping paver for the garden and we look at ways to keep your perennials going for longer. Tanya guides us to gardening in pots when space is limited. 

Episode 4

We take a closer look at Euphorbia milii and why you should consider having them in your garden. XO advises on roses and how you can get the best out of yours. While we’re at it, why not introduce herbs and veggies into your ornamental garden – we show you how! Then a must try DIY project to make a beautiful serving tray using a piece of live-edge wood. We also visit a beautiful garden designed by Rowena Smuts.  

Episode Guest:

Rowena Smuts 

Episode 3

We take a look at some fantastic summer plants that work well in a garden bed or even in a pot. Phindile shares more information on indoor plants and how you can present them to look their best. We tackle ways of dealing with pests in the garden and head into the veggie garden to discuss must-have items for a successful seed sowing station. 

Episode 2

We take a closer look at some fleshy-leaved ground covers perfect for a sunny garden bed or pot. We take charge of ways to get the most out of your citrus trees and jump into the workshop to build a fun bird-box. Hanging baskets area great way to bring instant colour and life to any corner of your house and doing it right will ensure a happy and healthy-looking feature.

Episode 1

We look at some winning succulents and how to create a stunning pot recipe. Compost is a vital part of a healthy garden, so making your own is a must. We visit a feature garden in Cape Town, designed and implemented by Kathryn Phillips. Phindile shares tips on succulents that can be enjoyed indoors, and Tanya looks at another must have power tool. 

Episode Guest:

Kathryn Phillips – Lavender & Thyme Landscaping

Other Seasons

>> Click here for Season 1

>> Click here for Season 2