Gardening

Whether you’re tending to a herb garden, pot plants, a beach house or a beloved established garden, the AboutSeniors gardening page can help you find the answers to the trickiest questions a green thumb can cultivate.
Ask Teena
Teena is the ‘gardeners’ gardener‘ who has inspired a generation of horticulturalists to create their own masterpieces. She combines radio broadcasting, writing and lecturing about gardening with managing a nursery and running her own garden consultancy business. Her own garden with shared with the public as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme saw more than 3000 people streaming through the gates. To have your question answered by Teena, email
AboutSeniors is privileged to share her knowledge with our garden-loving visitors. Read her answers to your Q&A here.

A new take on native garden

A native garden is one of the easiest ways to minimise your carbon footprint and keep you garden looking it’s best when water is scare. Native gardens need not be drab and scruffy as demonstrated in YOURLifeChoices PDF, A new take on native gardens. 

Green Thumbed Sites

• Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants (ASGAP). For those interested in the cultivation, propagation, conservation and appreciation of Australia's native flora.
  Go there
  
• Australian Water Gardener. Comprehensive free gardening information site for garden pond owners.
  Go there
  
• Flora for Fauna. Attract birds, butterflies and other fauna to your garden. Find out what native plants will attract what wildlife in your part of Australia.
  Go there
  
• Gardening Australia. The ABC's gardening program website.
  Go there
  
• Garden Clubs of Australia Inc. Find your local club, seasonal tips and more.
  Go there
  
• Garden Web Australia. Hosts forums, garden exchanges, articles, contests, a plant database, a garden-related glossary and online catalogues.
  Go there
  
• Global Garden. National monthly online gardening magazine and resource.
  Go there
  
• Organic Gardening. Aims to encourage organic vegetable growing.
  Go there

Garden help

Keeping a garden tidy can be a difficult job, even for the young, fit and able-bodied. YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Vivien, wants to know where those who are less able can obtain help to keep their garden in order.

Q. Vivien
I work at a garden supplies/hire place. Last week an elderly pensioner called in to see if we had a lawn edger to hire. We didn’t so I suggested he hire a whipper-snipper. That wasn’t an option for him as he isn’t as able-bodied as he used to be. Is there anyone he can contact to do a little job for him like edging the lawn for a cheap rate or voluntary? I really felt for him and would like to help him if I can.

A.
How lovely for you to care so much. I would suggest contacting your local Commonwealth Carelink Centre who will be able to advise which services are in the area and how you qualify for them.

You can find details of your nearest centre by clicking the link below:

www.health.gov.au

How does your garden grow?

YOURLifeChoices gardening guru, Teena Crawford, loves gardens in autumn and is more than happy to answer subscribers’ questions.  This week, she deals with how to keep your garden flourishing as the temperature drops.

Q. Bill’s wilting veggie patch
I’ve always been keen on growing veggies in the little garden that I have, but never seem to have much luck over the autumn months.  I rely more and more on what I can grow from my garden to supplement my diet, so can you suggest which varieties are almost fool-proof?

A.
After your summer crops have finished plant some vegetables suitable for the cooler months of the year. It depends on climate and where you live in Australia, but I would suggest broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beetroot and peas.  These are all good autumn and winter vegetables which help provide a healthy diet.

Q. Violet’s tree dilemma
I have just moved to a smaller house and my garden area is limited.  My previous garden was quite large and established and I would like to replicate what I had on smaller scale.  Which trees can I plant which won’t grow too large, but are easy to establish?

A.
It’s always hard to leave behind a garden which has been much loved and cared for but, look on the bright side, a smaller garden can be just as pleasing, with less work!  Trees suitable for small gardens which establish quite quickly include:

Lagerstroemia indica - ‘crepe myrtle’
Malus ioensis ‘Plena’ - ‘crabapple’
Azara microphylla - ‘box leaf azara’
Eucalyptus crenulata - ‘silver gum’
Acacia floribunda - ‘white sallow wattle’

Q. Toby’s garden surprise
My new garden has many beautiful plants, but I am not sure what some of them are.  Can you recommend a good website that I could use to identify them? 

A.
It can take a year of pleasant surprises to get to know your garden. Samples of plants about which you are unsure can be taken to your local nursery for identification. Staff will have knowledge about the plants, particularly cultural, and growing information relevant to the local area. Once you have a name (common or botanical) more information can be found on the internet. Try the following website: www.igarden.com.au.

Gifting plant cuttings

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Jennie, would like to share the joy of her beautiful garden with friends but wants to know how best to take cuttings to give as gifts?

Q. Jennnie
Christmas is such an expensive time and I would like to save some money by giving my friends cuttings from plants in my established garden.  What plants are best for taking cuttings at this time of year and how can I pot them so they survive until gifted?

A. Provided by Teena Crawford
Soft stem and semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in Spring and Summer. Many plants can be grown including hydrangea, geranium, salvia, lavender, marguerite daisy and penstemon. Take tip or stem cuttings 7-10cm long and remove all but the uppermost leaves. Insert multiple cuttings in a pot of free-draining potting media or coarse sand.

Alternatively, insert cuttings into the garden in a light, protested position. Keep moist but not wet until they strike roots in about 6-8 weeks. When the new plants have grown sufficient roots, pot up into individual containers ready to give as gifts. Ideally for gifts for Christmas 2010, I would start this project in Autumn for next Christmas.

Website gardening

There are many websites around that offer information on different aspects of gardening but which ones are worth bookmarking?

Gardening Australia
The bible for novice gardeners and green thumbs alike, Gardening Australia gives you handy tips and hints to help grow a large variety of flowers, vegetables and fruit!
Gardening Australia

ABC Gardening
The home of the popular ABC Gardening show, there is a large variety of videos, tips and links for you to choose from that will help you choose what flowers to plant at specific times of the year, how to prevent bugs getting to your tomatoes and many other hints!
ABC Gardening

Sustainable Gardening Australia
Filled with information on water conservation, planting sustainable gardens and even events around Australia to do with creating a sustainable future for Australia, Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) provides you with all the information you are looking for!
Sustainable Gardening Australia

Check out our Technology articles for helpful tips.

Handy herbs

Having access to fresh herbs makes the world of difference to home cooked food and can even provide relief from common ailments. But which easy to grow herbs are the most versatile?

Growing herbs not only details how to successfully grown a range of herbs but also outlines how to harvest and store them.  Herbs can be used in more than just cooking, they form the base for many cosmetics, skin care and can be used in household application.  The comprehensive herb directory is illustrated and will aid in identifying herbs which may already be growing wild in your garden or surrounding area.

Brimming with recipes for food, cosmetics and natural remedies, Growing Herbs may help you save a fortune on the popular natural products which can retail at a hefty price. Of course, not all herbs are of the friendly variety and getting identification wrong could lead to some nasty side effects. Familiarise yourself with poisonous herbs that should be avoided and find out what to do should you come in contact with herbs such as foxglove.

A little knowledge and effort can have you reaping the benefits in no time.

Murdoch Books
RRP: $24.95

Gardening questions answered

YOURLifeChoices gardening expert, Teena Crawford, is always on hand to answer your thorny question on how to make the most of your garden.

Q. Bob
The tomatoes I buy these days no longer taste like tomatoes, unless I buy the expensive vine ones.  How can I grow my own tasty tomatoes without spending a fortune?

Tomato varieties sold in the supermarkets are ones that have firm skins and a long shelf life. Tasty tomatoes are easy to grow at home during the warmer weather. Source tomato seed from mail order companies such as The Diggers Club. They have a large range of tasty varieties including heirloom, cherry and roma types. Alternatively a good selection of seedling tomatoes can be found at your local garden centre. Allow the tomatoes to ripen on the bush will enhance the flavour even further.

Tomatoes are best grown in a sunny position in the garden or in pots. Dig in some good quality compost or aged animal manure before planting. Plant your tomatoes after the threat of frost has passed. Apply a dressing of tomato food, mulch and water well.

As your plants are growing water regularly as needed. A liquid feed fortnightly will encourage good growth and fruit production. You should be able to start harvesting tomatoes in about seventy days depending on the variety grown. Planting different varieties, and staggering your planting will extend the length of harvesting time.

Any excess production can be shared with friends or frozen for use later on.

Q.Sue
The bugs are already starting to nibble at my roses and the warmer weather has only just started.  I want to enjoy my flowers all through the summer, what can I do to get rid of these pests?

A. The lush, Spring growth on roses attract insect activity. By keeping your plants healthy, growing vigorously, well watered and mulched they will be less prone to succumb to insect attack. If insects such as thrips and aphids do infest your roses spray your roses with an insecticide. Try an organic spray such as pyrethrum, spraying your plants twice, a week apart. From there spray again if needed. Alternatively you can use a stronger spray such as Confidor. Spray twice, two weeks apart.

Perennials rule, OK?

Keeping your garden looking good all year round takes a little planning.  While your annuals are taking a breather from flowering, it’s the less popular perennials which keep the colour in your garden.  Being easy to work with, perennials are a perfect choice for padding out a winter garden, as explained in YOURLifeChoices downloadable PDF, Perennials rule, OK?

Dig in

One of the saddest things about moving from the family home can be giving up your much loved garden. However, if you have green thumbs, moving to a smaller home needn’t mean giving up your passion.

Community gardens are a great way to get out and about, meet new people, tidy up common areas and grow your own produce.  These gardens are popping up all over Australia and the WA Government recently granted $154,000 to assist community gardens to “grow and blossom”.

Whether you want to pop along and help out in an established community garden or start your own, you’ll find plenty of people interested in helping out.

Find a community garden near you, or get some tips on starting your own.

Veggie garden Q&A

Growing your own produce is cost-effective and incredibly satisfying.  YOURLifeChoices subscribers Ellie and Heather want to know how to get the best out of their veggie patches.

Q. Ellie
My garden has really poor soil but I would still like to grow my own herbs and vegetables.  What crops grow best in pots.

A. Provided by Teena Crawford
Most leafy crops such as spinach, lettuce, bok choy and mizuna are good at growing in pots and potatoes can be grown in large containers.  Herbs are well suited to being grown in pots, including annuals such as parsley, basil and chives.  Woody varieties such as bay, rosemary and sage also grow successfully in pots.

When summer comes round, tomatoes, capsicum and eggplant will do well as long as they receive sufficient water and sunshine.

Q. Heather
For years I have been successfully growing my own veg but have stuck to staples like potatoes, beans etc.  I would love to branch out but which crops are good to start with?

A. Provided by Teena Crawford
If you eat more of the traditional vegetables in your house then maybe try more exotic versions of these crops.  The Digger’s Club offers eight potato and 17 bean varieties.

If you wish to enjoy more exotic tastes, try growing vegetables that are more popular in other countries such as Rocket or Asian greens.

Re-potting fruit trees

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Rina, is keen to make the most of her fruit trees but is unsure about repotting them.

Q. Rina
I have 3 dwarf citrus trees bought December 2007. One nectazee nectarine, one valencia orange & one imperial mandarin. I was advised to repot to larger pots in 2009 however, as the nectarine is deciduos & the mandarin/orange evergreen I’m not sure as to when will be the best time to do this. Could you please advise me.

A. Answer kindly provided by our gardening expert, Teena Crawford
Re-pot your fruit trees this year if they have out-grown their existing pots-i.e. the root systems have filled the containers and the plants have put on some substantial growth. Re-pot the nectarine during the winter once the foliage has fallen. Re-pot the mandarin and orange trees in early Spring just prior to spring when the fruit trees will put on a flush of growth.  Before replanting loosen the root ball to encourage the root system to move into the new potting media. For ease this can be done with water pressure from the hose. Incorporate some slow release fertiliser in the potting media when re-potting.

Once repotted, tidy prune the trees to balance the shape and encourage some new growth.

How green is your garden

With summer comes water restrictions and the constant battle to keep your garden green and blooming.  So just how do you make the most of your garden without falling foul of the water police?

Savewater is a handy website full of tips on how to save water around the home, business and most importantly, in your garden.  From choosing the right kind of plants, designing your garden, sustaining your garden in the drier months and using grey water and rainwater to the maximum.

Pottering around the garden in the summer is a great way of getting out of the house and feeling useful, and when your garden is in bloom, you can’t help but smile.

For tips on how to have a water wise garden, visit savewater.

Green Gym

Many local community groups and organisations need volunteers to help them undertake new projects and the health benefits that a little manual labour can deliver are a positive side effect.

The Green Gym Program aims to link volunteers and community groups to benefit the local environment and the health of volunteers.  Currently running in Victoria (Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo) and NSW (Inner West and Western Suburbs and Port Macquarie), Green Gym projects offer a means of exercise to those who may benefit in a controlled environment, cost free.

You can give up as much time as you want and can fit your participation around other commitments, with no previous experience necessary. All projects will take into consideration the fitness of the individuals concerned and will not over-exert those new to exercise. The focus of each day will be health, with warm-up exercises before work commences and healthy food for all participants. Self-monitoring health cards will be provided so participants can monitor the physical benefits, such as weight loss and personal well-being, derived from the program.

For more information on projects in your area, or to suggest a future program, contact Green Gym on 1800 032 501 or visit Conservation Volunteers.

We love roses - and suspect you do too

This week we make things simple by sharing our Gardening Guru, Teena Crawford’s, best tips on choosing and caring for roses in downloadable PDF format. Download and print out for your own easy reference

Budget gardening

For Teena Crawford, keeping your garden flourishing needn’t cost the earth. Follow a few simple tips to ensure a blooming marvellous back yard!

Gardening keeps you fit and active, as well as the end result of being able to enjoy your favourite plants and flowers year in, year out. Use what you already have around the home and garden to give you an outdoor area with style. In the current Winter issue of Your Life, Teena Crawford explains Gardening on a budget.

Peter’s veggie patch

Following on from the excesses of the last couple of decades, many of us now realise that sustainability and self-sufficiency is the way to go. A simple veggie patch can help get you started on the path to the good life.

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens may seem an unlikely spot to grow your own vegetables but it’s home to one of the most famous veggie patches in Australia, Peter Cundall’s veggie patch. Established in 1997 for the ABC TV’s Gardening Australia, the garden flourishes under the organic gardening techniques implemented by Peter, including companion planting, green manuring and crop rotation.

Initially planted on poor, waterlogged, sandy soil, the garden’s base was enriched using organic matter such as mushroom compost, blood and bone and chicken manure, all of which can usually be found locally and cheaply, or you can start your own compost heap with leftover food items. Crop rotation, meaning the same crop is never planted in the same bed two seasons in a row, prevents the build up of pests and diseases. It also helps keep the soil healthy by ensuring it isn’t stripped of all its nutrients by one crop.

If you are planning a trip to Tasmania, you can visit Peter’s veggie patch or get useful tips online to help start your own compost heaven.

Q&A – going away

Gardening guru Teena Crawford gives you tips on how to prepare your garden for going away on a trip and answers questions on mixing natives and exotics, as well as how to move a lemon tree.

Q. I am going away for three months on a grey nomad trip around Australia. Is there anything you could recommend I do to prepare my garden for my absence?

A. There are two aspects that are important when going away for an extended period.  Firstly a well maintained garden, i.e., where the lawn is mown and the edges trimmed, the shrubs and roses are pruned and the pathways swept will give the impression that someone is home – this is good for security.

I guess from the timing you will be back in early Spring so I would do all of your Winter jobs before you leave. Prune any deciduous plants such as hydrangea and fruit trees. Tidy prune hedges and other evergreen shrubs where needed. Rake up the autumn leaves and spread them on your garden beds or put them in the compost bin. Put away hoses and other garden tools. Apply snail bait around soft, fleshy plants such as bergenia and arthropodium. Your garden will manage in your absence, and on your return, it will be bursting into Spring.

Q. Can you successfully mix natives with other plants in a garden? Do you have any tips for how this is best done?

A. Native and exotic plants look fantastic when integrated together in a garden; really, it is just like having a multicultural garden. My best advice is to combine plants that like similar conditions. Consider their water, soil and light requirements when combining plants. The other most important aspect is that the plants complement each other!

Natives, ferns and caterpillars

YOURLifeChoices’ Gardening Guru, Teena Crawford, shares her incredible gardening knowledge, saving you time and hassle.

Q. I am moving into a new house at the beginning of June and want to know if I can plant natives then or if it is best to wait until early spring?

A. Moving to a new house (and new garden) is exciting. I would suggest moving in and waiting until spring to plant some natives. Over the winter, take some time to plan your garden considering things such as:

· if there is existing garden, do any plants need to be removed, re-located, etc?
· which way your home is orientated in relation to the sun, prevailing winds, etc.
· do you need shade from trees where the summer sun is too hot?
· creating areas to relax in the garden and a place to have your outdoor table and chairs.

Q. I know ferns require shade but do they need a lot of watering?

A. Generally, ferns require constant moisture. Their natural habitat is in the shaded gullies where the air is moist and cool. Although ferns need moisture, there would be some ferns that are ‘more’ tolerant of drier conditions. Try undertaking some research on the internet, in books or contacting a specialist fern nursery that will be able to suggest some hardy ferns for your specific region.

Q. My potted gardenia is being eaten away by something. Could it just be snails or something more?

A. If your potted gardenias have cut out holes in their leaves it may be snails or earwigs.  Baysol or other snail bait will control both. Alternatively, if the gardenia leaves have large sections of leaves eaten it probably is a caterpillar or grub eating them. To control this you can spray the gardenias with Dipel, which is not a chemical as such, but a ‘biological control type substance’ which the caterpillars will ingest as they eat the leaves. Over two or three days the caterpillars die because the Dipel eats away their insides!

Teena’s Q&A

This issue YOURLifeChoices Gardening Guru, Teena Crawford, answers your questions about the trials and tribulations of growing potted plants, gardenias and rose gardens.

Q. Joan
I have slaughtered most of the plants in my terracotta pots this summer. I have tried to keep the water up to them, but am wondering if the potting mix, which claims to hold water, is really the right way to go?
A. Terracotta pots are very porous and therefore dry out very quickly. Try painting the inside of the pot with waterproofing paint or line the inside with a plastic bag with holes cut in the bottom. This prevents water being lost through the side of the pot. In addition, you could experiment with mixing your potting media 50:50 with a good quality, bagged compost such as ‘Black Gold’. This is particularly good when growing fast growing plants such as herbs, annuals and vegetables.

Q. Kevin
My gardenias keep getting yellow leaves, and don’t really flower very much. My mother’s are much more successful – and she always fed hers with Epsom Salts – is this an old wives’ tale or is it really a useful way to get more blooms?
A. Many people have success with applying Epsom Salts to gardenias. For me, gardenias like moisture and food throughout the warm months of the year when they are actively growing. I feed my gardenias regularly with complete fertiliser from mid-September to end of April and keep them watered well. I live in Melbourne.

Q. Theresa
I don’t have a huge budget for gardening, but love old-fashioned roses. I would like to try using cuttings to grow some of these beauties but don’t know how to find people who might share their cuttings with me. I also don’t know the best part of the plant to take them from, and how to get the best results. Any information you can share would be much appreciated.
A. I would suggest joining the local garden club where they take a caring and encouraging approach to their members. From my experience, they are frequently swapping and sharing plant material. Also, your local library would have a selection of gardening books, plus internet access, to learn more about growing roses.

Buffalo Lawn

Q. Betty: I have a buffalo lawn, which is watered with washing machine water (low phosphorus powder). Now it is brown and yukky. I have watered it well and given it a dose of Seasol but not used a fertiliser. Would a dose of Aquasol help? Anything you can suggest to rejuvenate it would be appreciated.

A. The first thing to do is to put the spade into the soil to see if the soil under the buffalo lawn is wet or dry. Even after watering you may find it is still dry where the root system is. Fertiliser like Aquasol will not help. If a buffalo lawn is in need of a feed in summer it tends to be ‘yellow’ not ‘brown’.

Not being sure in what part of Australia your inquiry is coming from makes it a little hard to advise you. Applying Seasol is good because it acts like a ‘tonic’ to plants. The other thing I would recommend is applying a wetting agent such as ‘Saturaid’. This will ensure the water applied to the buffalo lawn soaks into the root zone area.

Tree Plantin’

Q. Antinino: How can I make it easier to establish trees?

A. When planting, insert a length of black, agricultural pipe vertically into the planting hole. This facilitates getting the water down to the root zone of the tree as it establishes. Add some slow release fertiliser or tree pellets in the hole at planting. Keep lawn away from the trunk for the first five years of the tree’s life; this reduces competition for nutrients and water.

Good Looking Pot Plants

Q. Olivia How can I keep my plants in pots looking better throughout summer?

A. To help plants in pots survive in dry weather:

• apply mulch to the soil surface as you would the garden
• apply a water sealant paint to the inside of pots made with porous material such as concrete or terracott
• incorporate water-storing granules into the potting medium. These act as water reservoirs which the plant can utilise when the potting medium dries out.

North Facing Herbs

Q. Brad: What herbs can I grow in pots on a north-facing balcony?

A. Mediterranean herbs such as lavender, rosemary, sage, rue and thyme originate from a hot, dry climate. This means they will tolerate heat from the north-facing position and the drier soil conditions.

Basil

Q. Birgette: Why do I not have much success growing basil?

A.Basil is a summer-growing annual which is easy to grow with the right conditions. Plant basil seedlings in a sunny position after the cold weather has passed. Water and liquid feed regularly to ensure the plants grow quickly therefore producing the sweetest, young leaves. Pick the young tips when harvesting to prevent the plants from flowering.

Low Maintenance Pot Plants

Q. Dylan: What can I grow in pots by the sea? I also travel frequently.

A. Low maintenance pot plants that tolerate extended periods of dryness include:
Agave attenuata (century plant)
Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’
Aloe arborescens (aloe)
Cotyledon orbiculata (pig’s ear)
Draceana draco (dragon’s tree)
Echeveria imbricata (hen and chickens)
Phormium species (flax)
Yucca filamentosa (yucca)

Camellias by the sea

Q. Daniel: Living by the sea, can I still grow camellias in the garden?

A.Camellias need regular watering and protection from sea spray. Position your camellias on the sheltered side of your house, away from prevailing winds. Other sentimental favourites such as daphne, azaleas and gardenias can be grouped here with your camellias. To counteract the sandy soils that are common in coastal areas, nurture this area of your garden by watering and fertilising regularly and mulching well.

Seaside Garden

Q. Kelly: I would like to plant a tree for shade in my seaside garden. What do you suggest?

A. First consider whether you would like an evergreen or deciduous tree. Deciduous trees allow the winter sun to penetrate the garden and are no messier than evergreen trees (contrary to popular belief!). The other point to consider is whether you are looking for a large single specimen tree or a copse (a group) of smaller trees that would achieve the same result?
Some suggestions are:

Specimen trees:
Ceratonia siliqua (carob tree)
Eucalyptus ficifolia (flowering gum)
Lagunaria patersonii (pyramid tree)
Melia azederach (white cedar)
Vitex lucens (puriri)

Specimen or copse trees:
Acacia podalyriifolia (Mount Morgan wattle)
Banksia integrifolia (coastal banksia)
Lagerstroemia indica (crepe myrtle)
Olea europaea (olive)
Quercus ilex (holm oak)