Green Thumb Gardening Tips

Growing Australian Natives is easy! Top tips to create a beautiful garden:

* Make sure the planting site is clean, free from any weeds and is well drained - most importantly, has low levels of phosphorous * Aussie natives doesn't like to be over-watered - install an irrigation system that trickles water on allocated watering days * Choose the right plant for your garden - talk to your local nursery (some thrive in sunlight, where others prefer a bit of shade) * Plant from Autumn to early Spring - this is specifically important for areas that receive winter rain * Fertilise lightly with a slow release fertiliser - look for one that's suitable for Australian Natives. Remember, less is more! * Mulch up to 50mm deep to assist with moisture retention, erosion control and weed suppression. Stay away from raw mulches & unprocessed green waste * Keep your garden free of weeds - weeds take up valuable growing space and nutrients * Prune young plants regularly to maintain it's shape * Prune established plants after flowering - this will ensure dense growth, with lots of flowers in the following season * When you see that some of your plants are in decline (not flowering), replace them with new plants

Better Homes & Gardens - build a Succulent Christmas Tree!

What a wonderful Christmas project for the kids! Look at this wonderful step-by-step guide on how to build a Christmas Tree with Succulents! https://www.bhg.com.au/how-to-make-succulent-christmas-tree

Compost aint compost..

Compost isn't necessarily composted humus. Fully composted soil conditioner is mature, has an earthy smellt and has multiple benefits to your plants. From slow release nutrients, to changing the soil profile - it will help your plants thrive! Below is a list of characteristics of a good quality compost: * High levels of organic matter and slow release nutrients * Fully composted - therefore free from disease & weeds * Composting process complies with the Australian Standard The AORA website has interesting information regarding compost & the benefits of using it in your garden (copy & paste the link below in your internet browser): https://www.aora.org.au/compost-overview

Water wise gardening in Western Australia

Our planet is getting drier every year... we can all do our bit to save water, and still have beautiful gardens. The Water Corporation website has lots of tips on garden design, chosing the most suitable plants and how to care for your garden. The link below is to their "Popular Garden Designs for Perth" file on their website. Visit their website for more tips on choosing the correct plants for your garden. https://www.watercorporation.com.au/-/media/files/residential/save%20water/saving%20water%20in%20the%20garden/popular-garden-designs-for-perth-and-the-south-west.pdf

How to grow indoor plants!

This link below is to a fantastic article regarding indoor plants, how to grow & care for your house plants (copy & paste in your internet browser) https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/indoor-gardening/5079.html

Growing Australian Natives - it's easy!

Austrlian Native plants have adjusted to thrive in our sandy soils. They do not like to be over-fed and requires a free draining soil for the best growing conditions. When you plant an Australian Native - like Kangaroo Paws, any of the Waxes, Grevilia, please be mindful to not use too much compost in the planting hole. Someone once told us that you literally take a hand full of compost (in a closed hand) and add this to each planting hole. This will be enough nutrients for them to grow really well. Attract birds to your garden with Australian Natives! Birds in Backyards website has tips for growing a native garden - see the link below: http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/General-Tips-Growing-Native-Garden

Repotting orchids

Succulents - tips for beginners

In our dry, hot environment - succulents are a fantastic option to add some interest to your garden - without the cost of watering them on a continious basis! Look at the video clip below for tips on how to grow these little succulents!