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DOWN IN THE GARDEN: THE PERFECT POTS
CHERALYN DARCEY
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No matter how or where you garden, or if you barely garden at all, I’m pretty sure that nearly all of us have a plant living in a pot somewhere in our homes.
Maybe it’s thriving but more often than not, it could be struggling and one of the major reasons is that it is living in a pot that just isn’t suitable for it.
This week let’s explore the types of pots you might consider for your plant friends. Size Matters
While it is very tempting and seemingly cost saving to put your baby plant into a big pot for it to ‘grow into’, don’t.
For many plants the more soil you have around them in a container, the more opportunities for diseases and arising problems with drainage.
Ensure that your pot fits the dimensions and scale of your plant and that once potted up it will be stable and not prone to falling over easily.
There are actually some plants that love being root-bound like the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) and Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), so check with your species and what they prefer to ensure you give them a happy, perfectly fitted home. Materials Matter Too
What your pots are made of will have a huge influence on your plants.
Plastic: The bad thing about them is that they are, well, plastic but they are cheap, reusable, light and retain water perfectly. Holes can easily be drilled or punched into bases, and they can be hung, mounted on walls and are available these days in a huge range of textures as well as colours. Recycling by making plastic containers your new plant pots is also an exercise in sustainability that helps us all.
Fiberglass: These are usually textured to look like stone or terracotta and are a cheaper and much lighter alternative when looking for over-sized pots for small trees and the like. You will need to ensure they have adequate drainage holes and will find they work better if placed upon drainage material like a thick layer of gravel.
Terracotta, Ceramic and Cement: Unless this popular trio is lined or has been sealed inside, they will quickly drink up the moisture from your potting soil. In saying that, they work well for Mediterranean plants and others that like to stay on the drier side.
Timber: Wine barrels have been popular in the past and any timber container you decide to use will last longer naturally if it is created in hardwood but will need to be lined. Stay well clear of treated timbers and any that may have been painted with lead or toxic paints.
Metal: They may get very hot so use in shady spots and don’t upcycle metals which may be toxic if growing potted edibles. Many upcycled items made of metal can make really quirky and interesting containers and most can be drilled easily to provide drainage holes.
Recycling: Of course, you can reuse old plant pots and you may find containers previously used for other purposes to suit your plant but don’t reuse the problems that might be hiding in them. Scrub recycled containers and pots in hot soapy water and then soak for in a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water for 15 minutes. Rinse very well and leave to air dry in the sun. Self-Watering Pots and Pots Without Holes
These can be good for those who are away a lot, very busy or forgetful.
They work by holding a water in their base so that the soil draws it up.
Usually made of plastic, often a bit expensive, they are light, great for beginner gardeners and for those who find watering difficult to manage.
In my opinion all pot plants should have holes because all plants and soils don’t live naturally in pots.
Holes help the soil breath as well as releasing water that is not taken up and they keep your home, office desk and patio drier and cleaner.
If you do have a gorgeous pot without holes that you just must use, then put a layer of pebbles in the base and place a pot with a hole into it. Getting it All Together
The best way to grow potted plants of any type, it’s to group them together in relation to their needs.
This creates a microclimate which enables the plants to thrive.
You are also cutting down on work and guesswork if all the plants that need almost daily watering are together and the ones that prefer dry feet live in another area together.
For an aesthetically pleasing arrangement, use odd numbers of pots and vary the textures while sticking to colours and tones that reflect your style and surrounds.
Perhaps you want a Mexican fiesta on your balcony or a white-washed beachy look in a corner of your garden.
Stick with one look and your potted plants will become a beautiful mobile garden that will take you anywhere. TIME TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY
May is moving month and right now you can plant and transplant your gardenias, azaleas and other small shrubs.
Reduce watering of indoor plants and move them into warmer positions.
Lily bulbs can go in now and you can also plant: artichokes, broad beans, broccoli, cress, cabbage, carrot, English spinach, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mid and late season onion`s, parsnip, peas, radish, snow peas, spring onion, turnip, forget-me-nots, lobelia, gypsophila, honesty, lupin, nemesia, nigella, pansy, poppy, snapdragon, statice, stock, sweet pea, viola, wallflower. PLANT HAPPENINGS AROUND THE COAST THIS WEEK
Planting for Wildlife Workshop:
10am - 12pm, Saturday 29th May. Plant it and they will come! Join CEN (Community Environment Network) to learn how to start creating habitat gardens that will be beautiful spaces to enjoy. Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, 149 Donnison Street, Gosford. To Book: cen.org.au/events
Woy Woy Produce Swap 10am - 11am Sunday 30th May, Woy Woy Peninsula Community Garden. 85 -87 Moana Street Woy Woy. A produce swap works by having a set time and place for backyard growers to bring their excess food to share with other growers. facebook.com/ WoyWoyPeninsulaCommunityGarden
SWAMP (Sustainable Wetlands Agricultural Makers Project)
Community Garden Open Day - 9.30 to 11.30, Sunday 30th May, Central Coast Wetlands, South Tacoma Road, Tuggerah. Morning tea is provided!! Come help us round the garden and enjoy this stunning space, on this day you have the opportunity to join as a member or pop in and say hi and see what is happening in the garden. More details: swampcentralcoast.com.au
The 2021 Central Coast Harvest
Festival Program See what’s on, plan your weekend (12th - 13th June). The program is now available online at: info.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ harvestfestival
Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am every Saturday on Coast FM 96.3. Contact Cheralyn gardeningcentralcoast@ gmail.com with your questions, events, news or if would like to be a part of ‘DOWN IN YOUR GARDEN’.
DOWN IN YOUR GARDEN
Each week, I chat with Central Coast Gardeners about their plants, passions and get a bit of local advice from them for the rest of us!
This week, I visited a Liesl Tesch, MP, Member for Gosford, proud Australian representative at seven Paralympic Games and proud Central Coast gardener.
Liesl has been interested in nature and gardening since she was a child inspired by her Mum’s clever gardening trick of planting peas and beans so she and her sister could ‘find’ them.
Flowers run through our conversation as vibrantly as the blossoms I find in every nook and cranny of her flowing, soft organic garden.
“Fresh flowers are a part of my every day, she told me.
“I’ve always found them super-important and bought them into work always.
“I used to bring them into my classrooms when I was a teacher and I continue bringing them into my office and NSW Parliament – I have to have flowers.
Her garden was a barren urban plot when she made it home in 2012.
“I’m not a plant-buyer, I collect cuttings from friends and family.
“I have the beautiful old lavender from my mother’s garden and many of her plants as well as interesting cuttings that friends share with me.”
The garden is soft, fragrant with not only flowers but herbs and interesting foliage which Liesl’s chickens happily free-range through in the Woy Woy sunshine.
She also keeps bees and currently has two hives which prompts her to include lots of bee-friendly flowers as well.
Q: One Plant You Can’t Live Without:
A Fragrant plants. Anything you can brush past and release fragrance.
Q: A Piece of Advice:
A Improve the soil, but don’t get a truckload of compost on the day you move in!
Q: What Do you Think Your Garden Is Missing:
A More vegetables! The chickens find a way to get into everything.
Page 25 2 June 2021 OUT & ABOUT Annual volunteering awards ceremony held
Volunteering Central Coast held their annual awards ceremony on May 26, recognising individuals on the Coast who devote their time, energy and enthusiasm as volunteers in the community.
The event, which was held at the Erina Centre, recognised some of the achievements of volunteers across the Coast such as Roma Dowling, who received the Living Legend, Volunteer of the Year 2021, that recognised her 25 years of volunteer work at the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre.
Dowling has been volunteering with the Neighbourhood Centre’s Community Visitors Scheme, where she visits nursing homes to spend time with residents to enrich their lives.
Despite her own health concerns and the pandemic, Dowling has adapted to changes and challenges, such as learning how to use Zoom to virtually visit her aged care friends.
Sam Remo resident, Jourdan Mitchell, received the Young Volunteer of the Year award for
Roma Dowling accepting the Living Legend Award from Dr Jacqui Larkin his work with Y NSW, where he leads and assists in the running of the organisation’s StreetGym program and coordinating the recreation centre for the recent Youth Career Expo.
He is also a youth advocate addressing local youth issues from youth disengagement, unemployment and school bullying, as well as being a positive role model. The 17-year-old said he helps mentor the younger kids and assisted in setting up the recreation centre for the Employment Expo. “It’s wonderful to be recognised, you never really think about the difference you make until someone points it out.
“I’ve been volunteering with them for about 18 months, I love volunteering for them, it couldn’t be better.” Mitchell said.
The theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week was Recognise, Reconnect, Reimagine focusing on organisations adapting to the changes and challenges from COVID-19, and celebrating a resurgence in people wanting to volunteer after a long hiatus, as well as reconnecting with loyal volunteers.
Executive Officer of Volunteering Central Coast (VCC) Fiona Morrison, said the judges were looking for how volunteers personified Volunteer Central Coast’s message about volunteering- Helping people, changing lives…
“We feel that the real winners are the organisations and communities in which all our nominees volunteer.
“This year, at the 2021 National Volunteer Week Award face-to-face presentations , we were very happy to have the finalists from our 2020 NVW Awards also join us to be able to present their certificates in person,” Morrison said.
Presenting the awards on the evening were: Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch; Member for Wyong, David Harris; Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart; Emma Gilbert from the Department of Communities and Justice, and, VCC Board members, Randal Tame, Dr Jacqui Larkin and Andrew Cordwell.
Jourdan Mitchell accepting the Young Volunteer of the Year award from Emma Gilbert
Harry Mulholland
It may not be a show stopper, but if you are looking for a compact SUV that has it all, without too much ‘flash’, the 2021 Hyundai Venue Active is the car for you.
Before you read on though, a confession has to be made.
The car this reviewer drove before climbing into this Hyundai was the newest Range Rover Evoque. So it’s safe to say expectations were high, and that we realise the transition of jumping from a $100,000 car to a $20,000 vehicle can be difficult.
That’s why a conscious effort was made to come back to reality before being seated in the Hyundai Venue Active for the first time.
And it is pleasing to say that after five minutes of driving the Venue, there was a part that preferred it over the Range Rover.
Sure, they are aimed at entirely different target markets.
But the no-fuss, simple set up of this car does the job.
Boxy, convenient and unassuming, the Hyundai Venue Active is good for your everyday road car.
The automatic transmission and 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine which delivers 90kW of power and 151Nm of torque mean its not fast, but all you would need for the everyday.
It’s practical and travels smoothly on the road.
There’s even the option of a manual gearbox.
Even though it’s front-wheel drive, it does come with driving modes, including Eco, Normal and Sport, giving you control over your steering style.
As usual, you get more oomph in Sport (which is completely artificial).
That said, we preferred to stay there for most of our driving.
Eco and normal are good but don’t expect to be going anywhere in a hurry.
There are three traction modes as well (snow, mud and sand), to give more control over engine braking on loose terrain.
This feature didn’t see much action during our test, but it seemed to do okay on a dirt road. Its 46-litre tank will give you rough fuel economy of around 7.2-litres/100km. Its exterior design is well, unique.
Hyundai says that’s the “result of being open to exploring boundaries, going beyond conventional thinking, and having the desire to create something fresh and memorable.”
They definitely weren’t lying when they said it’s memorable.
Hyundai’s signature cascading front grille seems overly large on the Venue, and its boxy shape makes it look a little different to your average SUV.
But is that really a bad thing?
Outside features include roof racks, a rear spoiler, cubeshaped headlights with daytime running LEDs, and throwing star style 17-inch alloy wheels.
We found the Venue easy to get in and out of, and not too high for children.
That’s thanks to it having a minimum ground clearance height of 170mm.
The boxy design comes in handy when turning and parking too.
Due to its snub nose bonnet, the Hyundai Venue has an excellent turning circle.
It takes corners easily and does not create too much roll.
Inside, the first thing you notice is the fact it’s compact yet comfortable.
Manual adjustments are easy, which can make you feel quite snug in the seat.
It comes in cloth black trim. That’s it. No choices.
It feels like it could handle anything though.
There’s an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen display in the middle of the dashboard, which comes with DAB+, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic updates.
It has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In addition, the Venue Active comes with six speakers, a front centre console armrest, rear parking sensors and rearview camera display, powerfolding side mirrors with LED side repeaters, and a leatherappointed steering wheel and gear knob.
The dashboard display offers the usual information such as driving data, cruise control, fuel efficiency and the like.
There is enough room in the back seats to fit three small children comfortably, with the 60:40 splitting seats making it suitable for storage.
The 355-litre boot space you get with the seats down is enough to hold a bicycle or pram, or a tent and fold up mattress – all dependent on what you are using it for.
It’s a skinny spot with the seats up, but deep enough to hold a decent amount of shopping.
Front, side and curtain airbags are fitted, as is electronic stability control, ABS, hill start assist, EBD and vehicle stability control.
Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite adds driver attention warning, forward collision-avoidance assist and high beam assist.
It also includes lane-keeping assist.
The latter feature was a little annoying as it could be quite direct and demanding, so it was turned off for most journeys.
The 2021 Hyundai Venue Active starts at $26,268 drive away.
Our test vehicle came in Fiery Red, which we loved. Other colours include Intense Blue, Typhoon Silver, Phantom Black, Polar White, The Demin, and Cosmic Grey.
Our test vehicle was provided by Hyundai Australia.
To find out more about the 2021 Hyundai Venue Active, contact your local Hyundai dealer. Article is partnership with
Exhaust Notes Australia. For more reviews, head to the Exhaust Notes Australia www.exhaustnotes.com.au
Boxy, convenient and unassuming
Business & Property
Subdivision approval sought to create major commercial industrial development
Planning is underway for a commercial industrial development in Bryant Dr, Tuggerah, with the first step being a five-lot Torrens title subdivision application to Central Coast Council.
Fiducia Group’s subdivision plan sets the framework for bigger plans for the land owned by Wyong Coal Pty Ltd at 25-27 Bryant Dr.
This development application (DA), 1005/2020, is for subdivision only and separate DAs for buildings would be lodged over the individual lots by future owners.
It is envisaged that the subdivision would lead to a mixed use industrial precinct potentially with warehouse/ industrial uses, high technology industries, food and beverage businesses.
At present there are two lots – Lot 1 of 12ha with an existing large industrial building and parking which has been used for mining-related purposes, and Lot 2 of 4ha which is currently vacant.
The site is within an IN1 General Industry Zone, E3 Environmental Management Zone and E2 Environmental Conservation Zone.
Plans are to locate the industrial lots and roads in the IN1 zone (which is all of Lot 1 and half Lot 2) and the remaining E3 and E2 zoned land will contain a stormwater basin which will capture and treat the runoff from the roads and building pads.
It will be a staged development, starting with new roads, footpaths, shared pathway along Bushland Dr, underground water, gas, communications, sewer and electrical, and landscaping.
The Statement of Environmental Effects says the development represents the catalyst for significant employment generation, through construction as well as future business uses.
Fiducia commissioned Macroplan to assess the economic benefits, with an Employment Benefits Statement concluding that it would be a superior outcome, with 690 to 820 additional direct jobs and an Industry Value Add of close to between $95M to $115M per annum.
“There is potential for even more employment indirectly through complementary services and supporting local businesses,” the report said.
“The subdivision, comprising site works, construction, road upgrade and site remediation over the two years, would generate 110 to 120 full-time equivalent jobs per annum directly in the construction industry and a further 170 to 190 full-time equivalent jobs per annum indirectly (for example jobs in transport, manufacturing, fabrication, design).”
An Urban Design Report and Place Making Report accompanied the DA to provide some insight into potential future development.
Key features for potential uses include 70,000sqm of commercial floor space including industrial uses, hightechnology industries and food and drink premises; 15,630sqm of open space; 3,620m of water/cycling connections; 24hour operation accommodation area activation at all times; the inclusion of a community plaza, incorporation of local natural qualities into the design through the lake (proposed flood basin), future pocket park and linkages to offsite wetlands and Pioneer Dairy.
Sue Murray
Serious breaches of Covid compliance found
The hospitality industry is being put on notice following two serious breaches of Covid compliance during a recent blitz on the Central Coast.
The breaches were detected earlier in May by Liquor and Gaming NSW Inspectors.
One of the venues, Munchas Café at Shelly Beach, was found to be not enforcing patron sign-in using the Service NSW QR code.
The BFF Café in Woy Woy was also found to be in breach of Covid compliance.
Liquor and Gaming Director of Compliance, Dimitri Argeres, said the developing situation in Victoria was a timely reminder for businesses to remain vigilant as inspectors are still checking Covid compliance.
“There are no excuses for not requiring patrons to sign-in with the Service NSW QR code,” he said.
“This data will be vital in contact tracing if NSW experiences an outbreak like Victoria.
“The majority of clusters in NSW have centred on hospitality venues because of the ease with which the Covid virus can spread in enclosed indoor areas, so it is vital that restaurants continue to stay Covid safe.
“Our inspectors will continue to undertake both uniformed and plain clothes inspections, so if you’re breaking the rules you run a high risk of receiving a hefty fine or a closure in the event of repeat offending,” Argeres said.
The courts fined three Sydney hospitality businesses a total of $5,400 this month for breaches, including not social distancing, no Covid Safety Plan in place and no patron records.
Sue Murray
FREECALL - 1800 891 691 4324 7699
FREE SEMINAR
Challenging Wills Seminar
Experienced down-to-earth help and advice throughout the Central Coast
This free public seminar is being given by Brazel Moore Lawyers to help people understand what to expect, so they know where they stand in:
• Challenging a Will; or • Defending a Will from Challenge
The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them if they have been left out of a Will - or if you want to leave someone out of your Will - alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Challenging Wills and how you should best deal with challenges. Mr Geoff Brazel, Solicitor will present the seminar on Challenging Wills to help you through the maze of legal regulation The seminar will be presenting in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of time for your questions. You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what steps you need to take to properly consider challenges to Wills.
Page 27 2 June 2021 BUSINESS & PROPERTY $1.75M funding to go to female sports facilities
Half of new funding available through Round 4 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund will be dedicated to female sports facilities and programs.
Parliamentary Secretary for Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said $3,537,518 in new funding had been allocated to the Central Coast region.
He said funding applications were being accepted from community organisations, Central Coast Council and Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council.
“Fifty percent of this $3.5M funding will go to female sports to encourage greater participation and to level the playing field for women and girls across all levels and codes of sport,” Crouch said.
Minister for Women, Bronnie Taylor, said providing facilities, particularly women’s changerooms, ensured that all female athletes were supported from grassroots to elite level.
“Purpose built facilities should be standard and not an exception, and better amenities will help address this barrier and encourage girls and women to participate in the sports and activities they enjoy and want to play,” she said.
Crouch said applications were also being accepted for a range of projects that improved local amenities, boosted community morale and improved health and wellbeing.
“We’ve already seen $9.9M from the Stronger Country Communities Fund delivered to the Central Coast for 22 projects over the past three years.”
These projects included shared pathways at Tuggerawong and Norah Head, clubhouse upgrade at Adelaide St Oval at Tumbi Umbi, new playing surface at Central Coast Hockey based in Wyong, creation of Step Forward Learning Centre at Ourimbah Community College, replacement of toilets and changerooms at The North Entrance Beach and a new clubhouse at Don Small Oval at Tacoma.
Source: Media release, May 26 Parliamentary Secretary Central Coast, Adam Crouch
The new clubhouse at Don Small Oval at Tacoma
Funding assistance provided to improve ePlanning
The NSW Government is providing $50,000 to Central Coast Council to transition to the new digital ePlanning system.
Parliamentary Secretary for Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said ePlanning allowed residents and property owners to lodge and track development applications (DAs) online.
“Gone are the days of having to fill in piles of paperwork and travel to a Council building to lodge a DA,” Crouch said.
“ePlanning puts people at the centre of the DA process by eliminating paperwork, allowing applications to be submitted anywhere in real time, avoiding delays and boosting transparency.
“Transitioning from a paper based system to a digital platform is a significant change for Central Coast Council, which is why the NSW Government has provided $50,000.
“With 95,250 extra people calling the Central Coast home by 2041, it’s important that all levels of government help to make the planning process as quick, hassle free and transparent as possible.”
Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, said the grant would help Council improve its level of service.
“Whether upgrading or replacing IT systems and software, learning how to use the platform, or providing support to their residents, this grant will help Council get what they need to get online,” she said.
Administrator, Rik Hart, welcomed the $50,000 boost towards Council’s continuous improvement program in online customer services.
“Our customers want change that makes doing business with us easier and simpler,” he said.
“Continuing to transition development assessment and planning functions to a better web based service is a step in the right direction,” he said.
Central Coast Council began using ePlanning on 1 July 2020.
Source: Media release, May 31 Parliamentary Secretary for Central Coast, Adam Crouch
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