Cape Peninsula Coastal Gardening
A book by Tara Dalton
OUT NOW!
Tara has written the book Cape Peninsula Coastal Gardening in collaboration with horticulturalist, Gael Gray and botanist Lee Jones who expanded the plant list for the Klein Slangkop Eco Estate and included plants that are found in the greater Kommetjie area, as well as in other parts of the coast on the Cape Peninsula. Photographs in the book are taken by Tara, Katrien Heere and botanist, Dr Tony Rebelo.
WHERE CAN I BUY TARA'S BOOK?
Happy By Nature at Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden
Scout at the Emporium, Noordhoek
Foragers Deli & Wholefoods, Scarborough
Kalk Bay Books, Kalk Bay
Artvark, Kalk Bay
Studio50, Imhoff Farm
Wordsworth Books and online with Wordsworth Books here: https://www.wordsworth.co.za/search?q=coastal+gardening&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
Or contact Tara directly by email at info@taradalton.com
What is Cape Peninsula Coastal Gardening all about?
Mission
To preserve and celebrate the extraordinary flora of the Cape Peninsula while inspiring a new movement in ecological gardening.
The Need
The Cape Floristic Region, one of the most biodiverse floristic regions on earth, is under severe threat from urban and agricultural development. Habitats are shrinking, and many species face extinction. At the same time, there is growing public interest in rewilding and sustainable gardening. In the UK, the Knepp Rewilding Project transformed public attitudes towards ecological restoration; South Africa has the same opportunity, but no clear voice leading the way. This book seeks to bridge that gap by linking conservation with everyday gardening practices.
Talks
If you are interested in hearing more I am planning to give some more talks on the premise behind the book in February 2027. Follow me on @taradaltongardendesing for any announcements.
Click any photo to enlarge
Photo credit: Katrien Heere
Purpose of the Book
Inspire people to appreciate and protect their local flora.Encourage creation of wild areas in gardens using indigenous plants and proven rewilding techniques. Provide a clear, visual guide to identify and grow local species.Raise funds for a feasibility study into partnerships with nurseries and institutions (such as the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden) to expand the availability of indigenous plants for the retail market.
Hyperlocal Flora Goals
To give this project structure and longevity, any profits from book sales will be put towards:
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Promoting awareness of hyperlocal flora and its conservation value.
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Educating the public through books, talks, and demonstration gardens.
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Encouraging sustainable horticultural practices.
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Collaborating with experts, nurseries, and conservation groups to improve propagation of local genetic plant material grown for retail markets.
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Raising funds for research, feasibility studies, and community initiatives.
Errata
We've found two errors in the first printing. Apologies for any confusion, and thank you to readers who help keep this book accurate.
1. Page 124, Chapter 8: Small shrubs.
Printed: The last plant on the page is identified as Pelargonium gibbosum (Gouty Storksbill/Dikbeenmalva).
Correct: The plant is Pelargonium myrrhifolium var. myrrhifolium (Coarse Myrrhleaf Storksbill/Wildemalva).
2. Page 153, Chapter 10: Geophytes.
Printed: The last entry for Bonatea speciosa (Green Woodorchid), the photograph shows Trachyandra divaricata.
Correct: The correct photo for Boantea speciosa is below:
Last updated: 04 October 2026. If you spot anything else,
please contact info@taradalton.com.
