As National Tree Planting Day approaches, I grapple with a deep sense of frustration. While well-intentioned, planting trees feels hollow against the backdrop of ongoing destruction of cherished landscapes like Scott’s Farm in Ripley Valley. Despite the proven mental and physical health benefits of nature, urban sprawl continues to encroach on every green space. National Tree Day, established by Planet Ark in 1996, aims to foster environmental stewardship by encouraging Australians to plant and care for native trees. However, without concrete plans and sustained actions, these efforts risk becoming mere PR gestures. Proper tree management, selecting the right species, and ensuring aftercare are crucial. We need to shift the conversation to comprehensive green growth planning, creating urban jungles rather than concrete deserts, and fostering a genuine culture of environmental responsibility. Only then can we make a meaningful difference.
Amid discussions about exotic species becoming problematic in Australia, it’s crucial to re-examine native plants' role in our gardens. While I cherish native plants, I also appreciate many exotic species and believe they can coexist harmoniously.
Recognise that native plants can become weeds, like the Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana), which can invade higher rainfall areas. Native gardens require effort, including soil cultivation, fertilising, and regular maintenance.
Genetic modification to meet consumer demands for constant flowering plants risks diluting native species' genetic integrity, weakening resilience and harming ecosystems.
By prioritising robust genetic traits and educating consumers, we can create sustainable gardens that celebrate both native and exotic species.
Gardening after deluges of rain can be hard but worth it for our mental health. Recent weather events have lead to our home gardens being inundated with large amounts of water. Unfortunately our productive gardens may not be exactly ready for plantings and other established plants are rotting in the ground. Here are some quick tips for gardening after the rain.
Creating a water-wise garden involves choosing the right plants, caring for the soil, and watering effectively. Healthy soil is essential for proper hydration, and deep watering promotes robust plant roots.
Fungus gnats, those pesky flying insects hovering around indoor plants, pose a threat to plant health in humid Australian climates. A blend of prevention and management keeps these pests at bay, preserving a healthy indoor garden.
Discover the unparalleled satisfaction of tending to your lawn. Dive into the myriad of positive attributes lawns bring to your garden landscape, from recreational spaces to mental well-being. Explore sustainable practices to enhance these benefits while minimizing environmental impacts.
I find garden design concepts like ‘Mediterranean Garden’ hard to give actual plants for as it’s a concept, a feeling especially in Ipswich’s ever changing climate and soils. No matter what your garden design is it should be a complete sensory experience and practical for YOU. Here are my tips for creating a ‘Mediterranean Garden’ in Ipswich
Buying open pollinated, no chemical treatment, bio dynamic seeds is ‘the best option’ for starting your thriving vegetable garden. We have chosen Eden Seeds as they are a great Australian company with an ethos we align with. They stock both Organic and no chemical treatment, Bio dynamic seeds and we try to stock a good range of both.
Moon Planting Calendars can help unlock the secrets of the lunar cycles with easy-to-follow directions on the right time to plant, when to fertilise, when to cultivate, when to harvest and when is best to time preserve fruit.
Transform your patchy lawn into a lush green paradise with these expert lawn care tips. Learn how to aerate, use soil wetting agents, fertilize, and control weeds organically. Say goodbye to unwanted invaders and welcome a healthy, vibrant lawn just in time for Christmas. Get ready for backyard cricket and envy-inducing lawns with our comprehensive lawn care guide.
I know the current trend is growing fruit and vegetables from scraps. I would never recommend growing anything from scraps or seeds from fruit and vegetables you buy from the shops. .
Sometimes gardening can be really annoying… who has been cursing all this humidity? Do you some of your plants look a little wilted, yellowing off, die back, dropping dead, getting rust, inundated with caterpillars, snails, slugs, grubs in lawns……. The list goes on
“An economic threshold is the insect's population level or extent of crop damage at which the value of the crop destroyed exceeds the cost of controlling the pest” Which basically means it would cost me more to deal with the problem than it would to replace the plant.
How do you improve any soil? Getting your soil right makes plants more robust and less prone to disease and insect attack, helps them develop better roots and helps the soil retain moisture for longer.
So to Improve Soil my mantra is ORGANIC MATTER, ORGANIC MATTER, ORGANIC MATTER.
