Resources
Visit regularly for fresh information on Urban Wildlife Gardens.
Weed of the month Golden rain tree
On a recent trip to Kenilworth (mid April) I admired the seeding Golden rain tress. They are planted in the show grounds and along the streets. With the ends of the branches covered what looks like pink flowers, they are beautiful and easy to spot at this time of year.
March 2021 Gardening tip – Pruning
Its March, so in Michelle’s calendar that means pruning time. In this month’s gardening tip Michelle shares an article by the Native Plant Society of Victoria and adds some local knowledge. Click on the Read more link to access the post on our website.
Native Bee Hives at Local Schools
A few years ago, Bruce Hallett, together with other NICA members, Roger Kelly and Bob Carey, installed a native bee hive at the Sunshine Beach Primary School near their permaculture garden. The students were amazed at the hard work the bees had done in just six weeks. If you are interested in getting a hive, NICA may be able to help.
Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens
Members of UWG visited the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens earlier this month and the weather was perfect for walking and photography. The Gardens looked good, and displays and a coffee van added to the attractions. Click on the link to read the update and see more photos on our website.
Cultivars by Robert Price
In this post, Robert Price gives advice on propagation methods with his preferred method being from seed. This produces a seedling with genetic variability and a new generation of the species which is one more step along the evolutionary path.
Garden Visitors
Blue Tongue Lizards are well known around Australia and I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t enjoy a visit from them. This post includes a photo from UWG member Mary from Tewantin who recently had two inspect her garden and links to two articles from About Animals and Backyard Buddies that gives hints to make your garden attractive to blue tongues.
Plant of the Month February 2021
Michelle’s plant of the month for February is Passion fruit. In this post she shares and excellent Land For Wildlife article that compares the nine species found here, three native and six exotic.
The Corky passionfruit is one that impacts the most on our local bushland and will feature in the March newsletter.
New Noosa’s Native Plants Website
Noosa’s Native Plants website has been re-built with the support of a Noosa Council Community Environment grant. The website is an important resource used frequently and freely by members of the public and NRM practitioners throughout South East Qld.
Garden Tip Jan 2021 “Water and Mulch”
Michelle’s garden tip of the month is to move mulch around. In the storm season mulch is useful during the hot days to reduce soil moisture loss but it can also be a barrier in lighter rain reaching the soil. Moving mulch away from plants just before the rains hit will allow water to penetrate the soil. Moving it back when the rain stops reduces evaporation and keeps the moisture where its most useful, in the soil!
Alternatives to Feeding Wildlife
Feeding wildlife is a controversial issue. This article from Land for Wildlife looks at the negative effects of feeding wildlife, other ways to make a garden attractive to fauna and responsible feeding options. Rather than providing food directly, habitat can be created for wildlife by planting food supplies and providing shelters that will encourage wildlife to keep returning.
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