Articles
Wicking beds are a great idea for a dry continent like Australia, as they make efficient use of an increasingly scarce resource, our precious water. With droughts becoming increasingly frequent, wicking bed systems are becoming popular. They also help time poor...
With these step by step instructions, I will show you how to repurpose a pallet by turning it into a raised garden bed. The pallet garden bed is a wonderful DIY project and a comparably cheap way to get you on your growing journey. All the wood you need to build one...
Written by Rose Collins (Bachelor of Teaching- Early Childhood) & niece of Angus Stewart. The current times we are living in are challenging us all in so many different ways and on many different levels. I believe our own outdoor space (no matter how big or small)...
Why small plants in tubes are a great choice Small tubes are a nice idea if you want to stock your garden with new plants, as they are much cheaper to buy than normal nursery plants in larger pots, and can often grow well and catch up to larger plants and have better...
How can I add more colour to my garden? It is possible to have wild flower colour in your garden all year with some of the fantastic new Australian plant varieties now on the market. And proven older long flowering varieties such as 'Bush Pearl' and 'Diamond'...
Rather than fighting against sea spray or saline soils, the trick with salty gardening is to choose plants that have originated in coastal zones around the world. There is something for everyone's taste that will not only...
How to make potted presents If your special person loves gardening why not create a unique gift that will give them months or hopefully years of pleasure. Choose a large container and fill it with a creative blend of colours and textures. And a good way to go is to...
Various essential oils derived from plants have been used for centuries to repel insects with the best known being citronella. Plants that have lemon scented leaves are supposed to be the best at repelling insects. In particular a pelargonium called 'Mozzie...
What can I plant in a shady spot in the garden One planting problems in the garden is finding something that will grow in shady spots in the garden such as under trees or alongside south-facing walls. Many species grown for their floral displays will not perform well...
Plant Breeding In The Home Garden Perhaps the most satisfying of all gardening pursuits is the propagation of plants from seed and then growing them through to maturity. Imagine taking that a step further and creating a new plant that is worthy of replicating and...
How to mulch and feed at the same time In all but the coldest parts of Australia plants are awakening from their winter slumber by August or September. The surge in growth that is triggered by spring conditions needs to be accompanied by sufficient moisture and...
How do I transplant plants in the garden and minimize losses? Late autumn and late winter are terrific times to move established plants that you may want to reposition or give to a friend. Moving plants in hot, dry or windy weather is to be avoided if possible. The...
Poinsettias - potted Christmas decoration The fiery red flowers of the poinsettia have long been popular as a decorative plant for the festive period due to their long lasting qualities as a potted plant. Poinsettias originate from Mexico and can grow into a large...
Magnolias are beloved by many, whether it is the striking appearance of a bare-branched magnolia breaking into flower at winters end when little else blooms, or the sheer impressiveness of a single Magnolia grandiflora blossom, the pure white contrasting with the rich...
arm weather pests and how to control them in non-toxic ways Summer is a time when pest activity is often at a maximum so keep a careful watch for sucking pests such as aphids and thrips. The first sign is usually the appearance of distorted growth in the growing tips...
Rainwater Tanks Have you ever observed how a fall of rain will green up the garden and spark new growth in your favourite plants? Rain water is a great garden tonic, and is especially good during a thunder storm, as it can change nitrogen gas to nitrogen compounds-...
How do I water plants? A very good indicator of when plants need to be watered lies in the appearance of the plant. Subtle changes in the colour and attitude of the foliage are indicators of water stress. As soon as the foliage goes slightly limp the plant is...
Modern potting mixes often feature large amounts of organic materials such as composted pine bark. Such mixes can gradually break down and also run out of nutrients, particularly if they are required to last beyond 12 months. If you have a pot plant that is looking a...
Cyclamen is one of the best winter flowering pot plants suitable for indoor decoration. By purchasing a nice healthy plant in late autumn or early winter you can have blooms for months during the cooler time of year when not much is happening in the botanical...
Potted plants provide opportunities to grow some easy care perennials which will provide long term colour. There are some fabulous choices in smaller perennial plants which are made for long term container growing: Kangaroo paws- the smaller varieties of kangaroo paws...