Chemical use is a controversial topic. The method used to apply chemicals can greatly reduce the risks to humans and the environment. A safer way to apply chemicals is with a herbicide dabber rather than a spray bottle. A dabber is used to cut and paint shrubs and trees or scrap and paint vines. In this post Michelle explains how it is done and where it can be purchased.
As we adapt local native plants to our small urban gardens, we sometimes have to get out the secateurs. Stephanie shows the difference between a native Frangipanni that has been pruned compared to one in her garden that sneaked up between the palms to get to the light (never to be seen again unless you stand on the roof). This beauty was spotted in Boreen Point where it has been pruned as a hedge.
Have you noticed all the stamens dropping from the eucalypts? In nature, dead leaves, animal droppings, twigs, fallen flowers, fruit, branches etc all provide mulch naturally, but in our gardens, and particularly new ones, we need to help things along. Stephanie provides a couple of links to websites with good information about mulching.
Michelle’s gardening tip of the month is inspired by a property visit at Lake Cooroibah where the owner keeps track of the plants in her garden by drawing a mud map and adding the names of plants in the position they were planted. This allows her to keep track of what worked and what didn’t, while adding the month and year to the records helps to gauge growth and see which species are doing well. Happy gardening!
Along with diligent watering, a way to increase the success of planting is to use water crystals. Water crystals are polymers that hold water for plants to absorb. They are biodegradable and nontoxic. Michelle gives some tips on how to use them in your garden.