Groundswell – MIFGS 2023 Edition

• Huge range of colours and sizes

• Water wise and easy to grow

• Pollinator favourites

• Ground covers

• Small spaces

• Dark foliage colour all year

• Compact and dense habit

• Feature in gardens or container

• Containers pga.com.au

CONTENTS

6 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

8 BUG & BLOOM GARDEN

10 GROW YOUR FUTURE AND EXPLORE A CAREER IN A VIBRANT, GROWING INDUSTRY

13 VICTORIAN SCHOOLS GARDEN PROGRAM: HOME GROWN PATCH AND THE MANY BENEFITS OF SCHOOL GARDENS

15 ALL GREEN NURSERY & GARDEN

16 PP5 GARDEN WASTE RECYCLING PROGRAM

17 THE HOME OFFICE GARDEN

20 ACHIEVABLE GARDENS: STUDENT GARDEN DESIGN COMPETITION

37 BUG & BLOOM – A GARDEN OF COLOUR AT MIFGS

38 GARDENING FOR WELLBEING

whiteCav iar™

Keep your eyes peeled for this logo around the Show. Exhibitors displaying this logo are offering kid-friendly activities, products, or educational experiences for budding young gardeners at the Show.

Our front cover: The Monstera Thai Constellation – see it at MIFGS 2023. www.diacos.com.au

Volume 34 Number 2 MIFGS 2023 EDITION

PUBLISHER NURSERY & GARDEN INDUSTRY VICTORIA

PRESIDENT Simon Gomme

CEO Craig Taberner

CONTRIBUTORS Simon Gomme, Leigh Siebler, James Nicklen

ADVERTISING NGIV T: (03) 9576 0599

ADDRESS Unit 3, 307 Wattletree Road, Malvern East VIC 3145.

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 2280, Wattletree Road LPO, Malvern East VIC 3145.

TELEPHONE (03) 9576 0599 | FAX (03) 9576 0431

EMAIL ngiv@ngiv.com.au | www.ngiv.com.au

FINISHED ART Vale Graphics

PRINTING Norwood Industries

6 Wedgewood Road, Hallam VIC 3803.

Magnolia White Caviar is a great performer in the sun or in part shade. Covered in spring and summer with stunning perfumed creamy white flowers with a flash of pink in the centre. Can be pruned into a 3m tall hedge, ideal for container gardening or simply as an eye-catching feature plant in the garden.

Founded in 1903, NGIV is the peak industry body for the state’s horticultural sector. Victoria’s horticulture industry, made up of growers, allied businesses and retailers, is thriving and dynamic –it is an industry of people from all walks of life who are passionate about providing Victorians with the finest greenlife and the latest, most advanced and innovative products.

NGIV plays a key part in delivering MIFGS each year, an outstanding event that brings together plant enthusiasts from across the globe. Our growers and allied businesses generously donate plants and gardening materials to make young designers’ visions a reality or bring show gardens to life, while our retailers delight attendees with the latest offerings of plants and products for their gardens. We work together with a range of enthusiastic and committed stakeholders to put on a show that is right up there with the best of the best.

So this year, from 29 March through to 2 April, we invite you to take in all there is on offer at this world-class show at Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of greenlife and the many benefits of gardening. There’s something for everyone at the 2023 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Brought to you by NGIV and our partners, here are just a few of the incredible activities, exhibits and demonstrations you’ll find at this year’s show:

Achievable Gardens

Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria are delighted to support students from four educational institutions across Victoria (Melbourne Polytechnic, Swinburne, Holmesglen and Bendigo Kangan) as they design and create the Show’s 12 Achievable Gardens.

Now its 16th year, the Achievable Gardens design competition offers students and educational institutions the opportunity to showcase their design skills and horticultural knowledge, promote achievable gardening and encourage the use of high-quality plants in the landscape.

It’s a great learning experience for students, allowing them to go through the process from concept design and project coordination to construction of the show garden. There is no public event that gives students a better introduction to working in the horticultural industry.

See the incredible achievements of these students on display in the Avenue of Achievable Gardens.

Bug and Bloom

presented by The Victorian Schools Garden Program

The Victorian Schools Garden Program presents a thriving garden filled with colourful flowers that celebrates the biodiverse world of mini-beasts and pollinating bees. In the Bug and Bloom Garden, school children and families can enjoy a variety of free activities, such as exploring fascinating mini-beasts with Agriculture Victoria and observing the inner workings of the beehive with the Wheen Bee Foundation. Additionally, green thumbs of all ages can participate in planting, learn more about the importance of pollinators, and enjoy a range of other engaging and exciting activities.

The Home Grown Patch

The Home Grown Patch showcases an abundant vegetable patch and celebrates the joys of growing your own food at home. The garden displays a productive and abundant variety of summer vegetable crops, surrounded by fragrant companion plants. It highlights the journey of where food comes from and the satisfaction of growing your own food while encouraging children and parents to grow food gardens in their homes, communities, and schools.

As proud owners of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS), Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) are thrilled to welcome you once again to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest horticultural event, back again and better than ever for 2023.

Simon Gomme President, NGIV

Visitors to the garden will have access to useful information on starting a garden. In addition, the garden will display entries for the Sustainable Scarecrow Competition, a first for MIFGS, where schools will build scarecrows using reused, recycled, and repurposed materials.

Garden advice in the Home Grown Patch will be presented by All Green Nursery.

Grow Your Future

The Grow Your Future space highlights the field of horticulture as a career option and emphasises the diversity of pathways available in the industry. Exhibits are designed to showcase the latest in industry innovation, technology and greenlife, and celebrate the exciting and ever-evolving landscape of horticulture.

Visitors to Grow Your Future will have the opportunity to learn about the many different career paths that exist within the horticulture industry and gain insight into the variety of educational opportunities available, with the aim of inspiring and educating the next generation of horticulture industry professionals. Through interactive and engaging displays, Grow Your Future encourages people to get their hands dirty and explore the many rewarding and fulfilling career opportunities that the world of horticulture has to offer. NGIV would like to extend our thanks to Jac Semmler from Super Bloom for curating our activations at this year’s show. Her expertise, creativity and dedication has been greatly appreciated and is reflected in Bug and Bloom, the Home

Grown Patch and Grow Your Future installations. Her book, Super Bloom: A field guide to flowers for every gardener is simply a must-own for all gardeners and is available in all good bookstores now.

On behalf of NGIV, I hope you enjoy all that 2023 Show has to offer. As always, it promises to be an incredible and inspiring event with something for every gardener – we hope you leave the Show feeling inspired, fulfilled and ready to get out into the garden.

Simon Gomme President, NGIV

Bug and Bloom Garden

Celebrating the biodiverse world of mini-beasts and pollinating bees, Bug and Bloom in the MIFGS kids’ zone is brought to you by the Victorian Schools Garden Program.

Biodiversity has a direct impact on the world of beneficial insects and bees. Bug and Bloom encourages visitors to learn more about this microcosm and the fascinating mini-beasts who inhabit it. Perfect for schools and families, Bug and Bloom aims to get young green thumbs growing and explore the vital role of bees for food through a beautiful and immersive pollinator garden. Get blooming and buzzing with beauty!

Visiting the Bug and Bloom Garden, young gardeners will learn about…

As expert gardeners know, pollinators are some of the most important creatures in our ecosystem. Young gardeners will learn about the significant and important role they play making sure that plants can produce the fruits and vegetables that we rely on for survival.

Pollinators like bees and butterflies, help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another through pollination. Without these amazing pollinators, many of our favourite foods like apples, strawberries, and almonds would become scarce.

Young gardeners will be encouraged to support pollinators by planting a variety of flowers in our gardens. The availability of flowers provides pollinators with various nectar sources. They’ll also be encouraged to create a friendly environment for pollinators by reducing the use of harmful chemicals in their gardens.

By working together, the gardeners of the future can help protect and conserve these important pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystem and food supply.

Have you ever looked closely at the minibeasts and critters in a garden? Young gardeners might be surprised to know that these tiny creatures play an important role in the health and balance of our outdoor spaces.

Some minibeasts are helpful. Bees, for example, are essential pollinators that help flowers and fruits grow. Ladybugs and lacewings feed on garden pests like aphids, which can damage plants. And earthworms help keep the soil healthy by breaking down organic matter and improving its structure.

But other minibeasts are harmful. Slugs and snails can eat your plants, while caterpillars can devour leaves.

Young gardeners will learn that these critters play a vital role in the ecosystem and shouldn't be eradicated. Instead, we can take steps to control their populations and limit their harmful effects. For example, planting plants that attract helpful critters and discourage harmful ones. You can also use natural pest control methods like companion planting or introducing predators.

Minibeasts and critters in the garden can be both helpful and harmful, but it's essential to understand their role in the ecosystem and take a balanced approach to control their populations. Bug and Bloom encourages young people to get outside and start exploring the minibeasts and critters under their noses.

(with Agriculture Victoria)

(with the Wheen Bee Foundation)

Flowers, the most beautiful and colourful parts of plants, are more than just a pretty sight. They are essential for the survival and reproduction of plants and play a unique role in our world. Young gardeners will learn that, for starters, flowers are responsible for plant reproduction. They produce seeds that grow into new plants, allowing the species to thrive. Additionally, flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which help to transfer pollen from one flower to another to produce seeds.

Each flower has unique characteristics, such as shape, size, and colour, that attract specific pollinators. Some flowers have developed intricate shapes and scents to attract particular insects. Moreover, flowers have a special significance in our culture and have been used for centuries to express love, gratitude, and sympathy.

In the Bug and Bloom Garden, children will learn that flowers are much more than just a beautiful sight. Flowers play a vital role in the survival of plants and hold a special place in our culture. So, next time they admire a beautiful flower, they’ll remember its amazing features and unique role in our world.

Keep your eyes peeled for this logo around the Show. Exhibitors displaying this logo are offering kid-friendly activities, products, or educational experiences for budding young gardeners at the Show.

Bug and Bloom is brought to you by the Victorian Schools Garden Program and is proudly supported by NGIV, Haar’s Nursery, Shapescaper, Wheen Bee Foundation, Agriculture Victoria’s Urban Plant Health Network, Australian Growing Solutions and Super Bloom.

To find out more about the Victorian Schools Garden Program, visit the NGIV or VSGP websites.

Grow Your Future and explore a career in a vibrant, growing industry

In partnership with education and training organisations, and leaders in industry technology, Powerplants, the 2023 MIFGS NGIV Grow Your Future space showcases innovation and technology in the industry and highlights the incredible array of opportunities available in the thriving and dynamic world of horticulture.

From plant breeding and landscape design to nursery management and environmental conservation, Grow Your Future demonstrates the diverse range of career options available to those interested in working with plants. Whether you have a green thumb or are simply looking to switch careers, you’ll find that there’s a place in horticulture for everyone.

So, why choose a career in horticulture?

It’s an industry in which you will learn and grow

The education and training offered in the horticulture industry emphasises hands-on experience and practical skills. Every day, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, and as you gain knowledge and expertise, you can continue to expand your qualifications while on the job. Once you’ve become proficient in one area, you can delve deeper and become a specialist in other related fields

Whether you are interested in becoming a grower, researcher, or technician, the horticultural industry offers a wide range of specialisations that allow you to pursue your interests and make a positive impact on the world around you.

You’ll be joining an industry that is growing from strength to strength

Horticulture in Australia is booming. Gardening, sustainability, wellbeing and food production have all captured the public

imagination, leading to unparalleled growth of our industry. And that’s not to mention the unprecedented interest in plants and gardening that COVID restrictions and lockdowns helped to ignite.

In 2023, the Victorian horticulture industry:

> Is worth over $2.5 billion

> Employs over 24,000 people

> Produces nearly 1/3 of all the plants in Australia

As interest in sustainable living and environmental conservation continues to increase, the demand for horticultural products and services is expected to grow. This means that there will be a growing need for skilled workers in the field of horticulture, creating new opportunities for those looking to start a career in this industry.

It’s an industry at the forefront of technology advancement and innovation

There are incredible advancements in technology and innovation in this industry, and they are helping growers to produce highquality crops with ease and efficiency. Innovation is at the heart of this industry, with new technologies and techniques being developed every day to improve yields and enhance the quality of crops. This makes a career in horticulture not only fulfilling, but also dynamic and constantly evolving.

There are two main pathways people take to enter the horticulture industry: applying for a role within a business or gaining a formal qualification from an educational institution.

VOCATIONAL PATHWAYS

Some horticulture businesses prefer to hire apprentices/employees into general roles and upskill them internally. Workers will gain experience across the business before moving into skilled roles in a specific stream of work.

Explore existing NGIV member employment opportunities at: www.ngiv.com.au/employment

EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS

There are a host of hands-on horticultural courses delivered across Victoria, supporting you to learn the theoretical and practical foundations to succeed in the industry.

Search horticulture courses at: www.skills.vic.gov.au/victorianskillsgateway to find the right course for you.

It promotes sustainable living and a connection to nature

Horticulturists can play a critical role in conserving plant diversity and protecting threatened or endangered species by cultivating and preserving rare and unique plants in nurseries and botanical gardens. Not only that, but they can design and maintain urban green spaces, such as parks and community gardens, to enhance biodiversity, reduce urban heat islands to make our cities liveable, and improve air quality. This can also provide a space for people to connect with nature and promote mental and physical wellbeing.

With the growing demand for sustainable food production and urban green spaces, the horticultural industry is thriving and offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals with a passion for plants and the environment.

So, if you are seeking a rewarding and dynamic career path, consider horticulture – where innovation and nature come together in perfect harmony. The possibilities are endless, and there is so much that you can achieve!

We choose to invest in the future leaders of our industry to bring you:

> the best jobs

> industry events

> networking opportunities

> learning experiences

And we’ll never stop advocating for the employees and businesses that make up this wonderful industry.

Visit www.ngiv.com.au for more information on careers in horticulture.

Grow Your Future is proudly supported by NGIV, Powerplants, PB tec, Warners Nurseries

Dummen Orange, Ausflora Pacific, Botanix Plant Supply, Fytogreen, Australian Growing Solutions, Humphris Nursery and Lilydale Instant Lawn.

Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) is the peak industry body for the state’s horticultural sector.

Home Grown Patch and the many benefits of school gardens

Step into a bountiful and thriving garden – the ultimate Home Grown Patch. Explore the journey of food from its origins and witness the joy and fulfillment that gardeners experience as they cultivate vegetable crops and revel in fragrant companion plants. This educational patch is designed to inspire both children and adults to start growing their own food gardens not only at home, but in the community, and importantly, at school.

As an initiative of NGIV, working closely with the Victorian Schools Garden Program (VSGP), the Home Grown Patch champions school gardens and garden programs through an alluring garden of beautiful and productive plants.

So why should schools make space and time for gardens and garden programs?

School gardens and garden programs provide a unique and valuable learning opportunity for students that extends beyond traditional classroom settings. School gardens and garden programs:

» Encourage healthy eating habits: by growing and harvesting their own produce, students have a greater connection to the food they eat and are more likely to develop healthy eating habits. They can also learn about the nutritional value of different fruits and vegetables, and gain an appreciation for fresh, locally grown produce.

» Promote physical activity: school gardens require physical work, such as digging, planting, weeding, and harvesting. This provides an opportunity for students to engage in physical activity, which can improve overall health and wellbeing. Furthermore, outdoor activity can provide a break from sedentary indoor learning environments.

» Enhances environmental awareness: through garden programs, students can learn about environmental issues, such as soil health, water conservation, and composting. They can also gain an understanding of the importance of biodiversity, and the role that plants play in the ecosystem.

» Provides hands-on learning: garden programs provide an opportunity for students to learn through hands-on experiences, which can be particularly valuable for those who learn best through practical applications. Students can apply science, math, and other subjects in a real-world context, while developing skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

» Foster community engagement: school gardens can bring together students, teachers, parents, and other community members to work together towards a common goal. This can help to build stronger community ties and a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.

School gardens and garden programs can help to develop aware and engaged students who are prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.

If you or your school are ready to get into the garden, The Victorian Schools Gardens Program offers support through grants and resources. Visit the NGIV or VSGP websites to find out more.

And if you have questions or need advice, chat with the friendly team at All Green, who are on-site in the Home Grown Patch to answer all your gardening questions.

Keep your eyes peeled for this logo around the Shown. Exhibitors displaying this logo are offering kid-friendly activities, products, or educational experiences for budding young gardeners at the Show.

The Home Grown Patch is brought to you by the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria and is proudly supported by Victorian Schools Garden Program, All Green Nursery and Garden, Oasis Horticulture and Shapescaper.

Recycle your PP5 plastic plant pot and label waste

Largely, in Australia, plant pots and labels are made from PP5 plastic – a plastic that can be recycled over and over again. However, currently only 8 per cent of this plastic found in plant pots gets recycled. This is where we come in. We want to collect and recycle your PP5 plastic plant pots and labels and give them another plant pot life.

All we need from you, is to find your nearest PP5 collection point and bring us your plant pots and labels. PP5 collection points can be found at around 70 locations Australia wide at participating suppliers and retailers.

Once your PP5 plastic waste is collected and recycled, industry leaders Norwood printers and Garden City Plastics (GCP) create new products out of the recycled materials. And just like that, your old plant pot is a new plant pot.

Find out more at pp5.com.au

The home office garden

For many, remote work is here to stay. In any case, more people are setting up home offices and considering what is required to create a healthy and productive working-from-home space. Having plants in your home workspace can provide numerous benefits:

Improved air quality: Plants can help improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. This can help reduce the levels of pollutants in your home workspace, leading to a healthier and more productive environment.

Increased productivity and creativity: Research has shown that plants can help boost productivity and creativity. They can help reduce stress and fatigue, which can lead to better concentration and focus. Plants can also help create a more visually appealing and relaxing atmosphere, which can further enhance productivity.

Improved mood and wellbeing: Plants have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. They

can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and create a more calming environment. This can lead to a more positive and enjoyable experience in your home office, which can help improve your overall quality of life.

Incorporating plants into your home office is an easy and cost-effective way to improve your wellbeing and productivity. From reducing stress levels and boosting creativity, to improving air quality and even potentially reducing noise levels, the benefits of indoor plants are undeniable. Whether you opt for a low-maintenance succulent or a statement fiddle leaf fig, investing in greenery can help to create a happier and healthier workspace at home.

ACHIEVABLE GARDENS: DESIGNING FOR A GREENER FUTURE

Now in its 16th year, the Achievable Gardens Design Competition offers students and educational institutions the opportunity to showcase their design skills and horticultural knowledge, promote achievable gardening and encourage the use of diverse, high-quality plants in the landscape.

The 14 students involved have created 12 gardens and are all competing for the prestigious ‘Excellence Award’. It’s a great learning experience for students, allowing them to go through the process from concept design and project coordination to construction of a show garden.

Each small garden represents the average balcony garden or small courtyard garden of five metres in width by four metres depth. The brief is to design a garden that is ‘achievable’, meaning that an average home gardener would be capable of replicating the design, materials and planting within a virtual budget of $8,000. At least 50 per cent of the garden must be soft landscaping (plants).

Every student comes away with invaluable practical experience for their future careers. Previous submissions have consistently wowed visitors with their fresh design concepts and this year promises to do the same. The Achievable Gardens is always a drawcard with attendees, and we are very excited to share with you the following student designs for this year.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

ABOVE:Winner of the 2022 ‘Award of Excellence’, ‘re-frame’ created by Emma Powell.

CARRIE CHEN & REECE DELLORA RESTORATIVE GARDEN

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

THIS DESIGN IS A PRIVATE RETREAT, AN ESCAPE FROM OUR BUSY LIVES. IT COULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN A MELBOURNE INNER CITY SUBURB COURTYARD, OR ADAPTED FOR A LARGER DESIGN.

As we all try to find our feet again with a renewed sense of balance, we can look to nature as a place to recenter ourselves and to heal.

This garden was designed as a restorative haven, a space to take refuge and restore your sense of calm and hope. A place to slow down, to breathe, to immerse yourself amongst the delicate sway of the flowers, to reflect by the water and to be completely enveloped by the lush surroundings.

The split level encircles you to create a feeling of security and intimacy. The minimal use of hardscaping elevates the importance of the luscious green plant palette, which evokes stillness and calm.

Through these natural elements, we have created a retreat where you can feel a sense of hope and rejuvenation.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

Aoto Athyrium otophorum Eared Lady Fern

Avis Ammi visnaga Green Mist Ammi

Ahyb Anemone x hybrida Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ ‘Honorine Jobert’

Acir Arthropodium cirratum New Zealand Rock Lily ‘Matapouri Bay’

Bgib Blechnum gibbum Silver Lady

Bpen Betula pendula ‘Moss White’Moss White Silver Birch

Drev Dianella revoluta ‘Little Rev’Dianella ‘Little Rev’

Drep Dichondra repens Kidney Weed

Fjap Fatsia japonica Aralia

Glil Gaura ‘Lillipop Soda Pop’Gaura

Herc Helleborus x ercsmithii Hellebore ‘Ice Breaker Max’

Lmus Liriope muscari ‘Monroe White’Lily Turf

Lren Ligularia reniformis Tractor Seat Plant

Mmut Marsilea mutica Nardoo

SPONSORS Swinburne University of Technology

• Warners Nurseries

Nursery

• True Blue Nursery

• Tall Trees Nursery

• Urban Tree Growers

• Boomaroo Nurseries

• Milkcan Outdoor Products

• Dulux

• Faceys

Phil Philodendron japonica Xanadu ‘Xanadu’

Pped Pratia pedunculata White Star Creeper

Vhed Viola hederacea Native Violet

URBAN WILD

JOSIE WILSON & SUZANNAH KENNETT LISTER

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

DESIGNED WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND, OUR DESIGN RECOGNISES THAT THE CHOICES WE MAKE IN OUR PRIVATE SPACES HAVE A PART TO PLAY IN MITIGATING THE IMPACT OF INCREASING URBANISATION AND CLIMATE BREAKDOWN.

We live in an altered and constantly altering landscape. Blocks grow smaller, hard surfaces spread. The heat rises and blisters. The rain turns to waves and comes again, and again. The space for reprieve, for relief, for life, is shrinking.

So how do we foster more, with less? Less space, less waste, less ego.

We keep it simple and we use what we have.

We celebrate the resilient and the robust, the weird and the wonderful. We acknowledge what has changed in our climate and in our landscape and we plant for the future to come.

Plant what is native, what is naturalised, and those that will weather the storm.

We kill the monoculture. We garden for all; people, plants, insects and birds, reptiles and fungi. We garden to coexist and cohabit. We cultivate wilder spaces in urban places. Life erupting from the bitumen. We create gardens that connect our lives to others.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

MC Muehlenbeckia complexa Maidenhair Vine

TJ Trachelospermum jasminoides Star Jasmine

ET Elegia tectorum Small Cape Rush

PPK Poa poiformis ‘Kingsdale’Coastal Tussock Grass

DTCR Liriope muscari Turf Lily

‘Evergreen Giant’

DR Dichondra repens Kidney Weed

ROPRosemarinus officinalis Creeping Rosemary ‘Prostrate’

BY Beschorneria yuccoides Mexican Lily

GM Gunnera manicata Giant Rhubarb

PTAG Phormium tenax ‘Apple Green’New Zealand Flax

GLB Brachyscome multifida Native Daisy

‘Break O Day’

EW Euphorbia wulfenii Mediterranean Spurge

BDBV Buddleja davidii ‘Buzz’ Butterfly-bush

AP Aloe plicatilis Fan Aloe

WFWG Westringia fruticosa Coastal Rosemary

‘Wynyabbie Gem’

CP Cussonia paniculata Mountain Cabbage Tree

CA Correa alba White Correa

CCG Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’Smoke Bush ‘Grace’

UP Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Or Lacebark Elm

BI Banksia integrifolia Coastal Banksia

PAULINE LANE IT’S NOT NOTHING

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

Plab Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass var. labillardierei

Rit Rytidosperma spp.Wallaby Grass

Asc Austrostipa scabra Rough Speargrass ssp. falcata

Apla Alisma plantagoaquatica Water Plantain

Brub Baumea rubiginosa Soft Twig Sedge

Clac Calocephalus lacteus Milky Beauty Heads

Lbro Leucophyta brownii Cushion Bush

xvis Xerochrysum viscosum Sticky Everlasting

Amil Arthropodium millieflorum Vanilla Lily

Aver Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak

Alitt Allocasuarina littoralis Black Sheoak

A BACKYARD INSPIRED BY NATIVE GRASSLANDS AND CHILDHOOD MEMORIES, BUT BASED ON FUNCTION AND FORM.

Grasslands are an intrinsic part of the Victorian landscape and a vital habitat. At first glance the flat, empty space looks like prime real estate ... but if we look closer it’s already a sustainable ancient metropolis far more beautiful and full of purpose than we could create. All we need to do is to understand, protect and quietly enjoy.

Shhh ... quietly enjoy and listen with all your senses. Can you hear the memories

of the ancient grasslands rustling through the dry grasses? Eerily sighing through the she-oaks? Can you feel it in the mud squishing between your toes? Can you see it in the tiny creatures purposefully bobbing and weaving through the grasslands? Whilst designing this garden, I delved into my memories of yabbying in Central Victoria, and realised how strongly the soothing sounds, textures and smell of the Grasslands

have been imbued in me. They are a calming source to tap into in times of turmoil; a source of beauty and purpose.

A backyard inspired by our native grasslands, brimming with sensory stimulation, in which we can learn about the delicate intricacies of nature and create memories intrinsic to personal growth and wellbeing is definitely ‘Not Nothing’.

SPONSOR EcoDynamics

JD Propagation invite you to see “A Kaleidoscope of Colour” at our Week 15 2023 Trials

Join us on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 April, as we will have the experts from Schoneveld breeding direct from Europe here to answer all your Cyclamen, Primula and Gerbera questions.

2023

Matt Curtis from Dümmen Orange will also be here to chat with you from Tuesday 11 April to Friday 15 April.

TRACIE DYSON OLD TREES NEVER DIE

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

“UGH, JUST GET RID OF IT” … OR ARE WE THROWING OUT SOMETHING MORE PRECIOUS?

An old, dead tree leads us to wonder why it has not been removed. After years of critically important service to the health of our Earth, are we grateful?

Can it still offer something unique and valuable?

> Representing our shared human story, old trees … and people, provide solid foundations for the establishment of resilient new generations. New life springing from ancient wisdom with a sense of balanced growth. An openness to learning cooperative new ways together leads to the development of wiser new ideas that will preserve ecologies and sustain resources for future generations

> Promise (water nest sculpture) – the egg embryo, sheltered and nurtured by the elders, and absorbing all knowledge of the past, will one day carry history's lessons forward with strength, resilience and a more compassionate vision.

> Climate-hardy trees, shrubs and grasses, matched to local conditions, evoke a sense of generational permanence and belonging together in this place. Soft metallic tones, natural forms and contrasting foliage textures demonstrate the harmonies between diverse peoples and the rich and precious earth we all stand on.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

LeMo Leptospermum morrisonii Burgundy Tea Tree ‘Burgundy‘

PoLa Poa labillardieri ‘Eskdale’Eskdale Tussock Grass

AuDu Austromyrtus dulchis Midyim Berry ‘Copper Tops’

HeRJ Helichrysum ‘Red Jewel’Red Jewel Everlasting

DiTa Dianella tasmanica ‘Blaze’Purple Flax Lily

GrBR Grevillea ‘Bronze Racer’Bronze Racer Grevillea

DiCa Dianella caerulea Blue Flax Lily ‘Cassa Blue’

EuPo Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box

CaQu Calothamnus quadrifidis One-sided Bottlebrush (Grey Form)

CoBa Cordyline banksii Forest Cabbage Tree ‘Electric Flash’

ErGl Eremophila glabra Beryl’s Blue Emu Bush ‘Beryl’s Blue’

TrLa Tristaniopsis laurina Dwarf Water Gum ‘Burgundy Blush’

Native tubestock decorating the tree includes:

Viola hederaceae Native Violet

Dichondra repens Kidney Plant

Scaevola aemula Fan Flower

Bachyscombe multifida Cut-Leaf Daisy

Pandorea pandoreana Wonga Vine

Mosses & lichens

TEA IN THE WOODS

OLIVER ASHWORTH-MARTIN

MELBOURNE POLYTECHNIC

‘TEA IN THE WOODS’ CELEBRATES THE SENSORY EXPERIENCE OUR GARDENS CAN PROVIDE. THE SIMPLE ACT OF CRUSHING A LEMON MYRTLE LEAF BETWEEN THE FINGERS AWAKENS OUR MIND AND DRAWS US DEEPLY INTO NATURE.

The simple act of sitting down and brewing a cup of restorative tea using the surrounding Lemon Myrtle leaves reminds us to stop, connect with nature and awaken our senses.

Modern architectural features are softened by naturalistic and woodland style planting, gifting us a small piece of calm within an ever growing and densifying urban environment. Earthy tones are mirrored throughout the design, while simple window boxes connect inside with outside.

Three ‘Luscious’ water gum trees set the scene for an intimate space, while waxy gum vines climb up weathered posts, creating verticality and movement with lustrous forms.

These also provide attractive native alternatives to the commonly used Magnolia tree and Star Jasmines.

An old salvaged metal tank celebrates rural ‘Australiana’, providing water to the plants during prolonged dry periods, while also feeding a small sculptural water feature that echoes the movement and form of the garden space.

Simple planting with striking flowering tones and a warm pallet creates an enticing green oasis to sooth the senses. In this small space we allow ourselves time to enjoy the humble pleasures of nature; the simple act of brewing a fresh cup of lemon myrtle tea.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

AC Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’Dwarf River Wattle

AF Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’ Burgundy Willow Myrtle

ARE Aphanopetalum resinosum Gum Vine

AR Ajuga reptans ‘Catlins Giant’ Bugleweed

BC Backhousia citriodora Lemon Scented Myrtle

CA Correa alba White Correa

CB Correa baeuerlenii Chefs Hats Correa

DT Dianella tasmanica ‘Tasred’ Tasman Flax Lily

EA Eryngium alpinum Alpine Sea Holly

EG Eremophila glabra Emu Bush ‘Roseworthy ’

FV Fragaria vesca Woodland Strawberry

HM Heuchera micrantha Coral Bells ‘Palace Purple’

IB Ipomoea batatas ‘’Black Sweet Potato Vine

KP Kniphofia pauciflora ‘Limelight’ Red Hot Poker

LL Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’Basket Grass

LP Leptospermum petersonii Lemon Scented Tea Tree

MT Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Evergreen Miscanthus

PA Plectranthus argentatus Silver Spurflower

PT Phormium tenax New Zealand Flax ‘Border Black’

SPONSORS Room to Move

Native Nursery

• Ben Storch

• Inspirational Gardening

• Botanix Plant Supply

• Yarra Edge Nursery

• Kuranga

TL Tristaniopsis laurina ‘Luscious’Water Gum

DANIEL ALTHAUS THE CIRCLES OF LIFE

You hear the garden before you see it. Soft, trickling water gently caresses the raw Castlemaine rocks and cascades down a 3-tiered water feature. In amongst native grasses and ground covers, a bird bath is nestled and rotates gently in the wind. It attracts native animals and insects who are enticed by its familiarity to the natural habitat that once was. This will become a haven for hydration, reproduction, and bathing.

The meandering gravel path takes the eye on a journey, emulating the Australian bushland and the animal trails that weave through it. Each turn of a corner opens new potential and allows the mind to wander deeper into the landscape.

The path is smothered by striking shrubs, forming a gentle companionship where one does

not exist without the other. The structured clipping and sculpting of these plants signals intent and prepares them for their otherwise foreign surrounds of a domestic garden.

Above the layered shrubs, stands a timeworn Angophera costata. It is the life source of the garden, offering shade from the harsh Australian sun whilst also nurturing and feeding the microclimate beneath it. It lures you in to absorb the colours and textures, unique to Australia and its ecosystem. The intricate and organic relationship each living fragment has with one another in this environment is what this garden is all about. Welcome to The Circle of Life.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

AC2 Angophora costata

Sydney Red Gum

AS2 Adenanthos sericeus Coastal Woollybush

CA Correa alba White Correa

CS Correa Reflexa Native Fuchsia

LB Leucophyta brownii Cushion Bush

WJ Westringia fruticosa Coast Rosemary ‘Jervis Gem’

AF Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’ Willow Myrtle

AS Austrostipa stipoides/ Prickly Spear Grass

Prickly Spear Grass

AO Anigzanthos ‘Orange Cross’ Kangaroo Paw

PP Poa poiformis ‘PP500’™Kingsdale Tussock Grass

AW Adenanthos cuneatus Coral Carpet Flamebush ‘Coral Carpet’

CG Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’ Cousin It Swamp Oak

XS Xerochrysum ‘Sundaze Flame’ Everlasting Daisy

HH Hardenbergia violacea Happy Wanderer Lilac Vine ‘Happy Wanderer’

BJ Baumea juncea Tussock Swamp Twigrush

MC Myriophyllum crispatum Upright Water Milfoil

NC Nymphoides crenata Wavy Marshwort

MD Marsilea drummondii Nardoo

COMPLETELY IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE TEXTURES, SOUNDS AND SMELLS AMONGST LEAF-LITTERED PATHS THROUGHOUT THE VICTORIAN BUSHLAND.

CARLA PERRY ORBIS

MELBOURNE POLYTECHNIC

Firstly, you are invited to embrace the cyclic seasonal variation in gardens and the different forms a plant can take throughout the year. This is seen in the meadow which includes local native grasses, which have yellowed and dried and herbs that have been left to go to seed. My second aim is for people to think about the life cycle of their hardscaping materials. The Mediterranean inspired courtyard features a recycled office chair come recliner and vine covered trellis made from salvaged metal. This is surrounded by a retaining wall of broken cement pavers.

SPONSORS Antique Perenials

• Ferny Acres

I find the weathered look of recycled materials soft and inviting.

Finally, the grove of Allocasarina verticulata with an underplanting of Indigenous and native groundcovers was created to provide habitat for wildlife with the inclusion of mounds of small rocks, sourced from an excavation job and three microbat boxes hung on the fence. With the addition of a fountain to provide clean drinking water for the native wildlife that will hopefully make this garden their home.

• Specialty Trees

• Old Queenstown Metal

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

Ar Aphanopetalum resinosum Gum Vine

Av Allocasurina verticulata Drooping Sheoak

Ca Correa alba prostrate Native Fuschia

Cc Carex commans ‘Frosted Curls’Carpet Sedge

Cs Coriandrum sativum Coriander

Da Doodia australis Raspberry Fern

Dr Dichondra repens Kidney Weed

El Echeveria ‘Lime Green’Mexican Rosettes

Fn Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club Rush

Hm Xerochrysum monstrosum Scarlet Everlasting ‘Scarlet’ Strawflower

Pc Petroselinum crispum Italian Parsley var. neapolitanum

PgPunica granatum Pomegranate

Pl Poa labillardierei ‘Eskdale'Blue Tussock Grass

Pp Pratia pedunculata Trailing Pratia

Rf Rytidosperma fulvum Copper-awned Wallaby Grass

Rs Raphanus sativus ssp. sativa Radish

Sb Scleranthus biflorus Cushion Bush

Sr Salvia rosmarinus Creeping Rosemary

Tt Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass

Tv Thymus vulgaris Common Thyme

ORBIS MEANS ‘TO CIRCLE’. MY DESIGN ASKS YOU TO LOOK AT THE MEANING OF THIS NAME IN A FEW DIFFERENT WAYS.

BRINGING THE MEDITERRANEAN

ANNABEL JANE JOHNSTON TO MELBOURNE HOLMESGLEN

A SPACE INSPIRED BY THE SIMPLICITY AND BEAUTY OF TRADITIONAL MEDITERRANEAN GARDENING PRACTICES TO CREATE AN ACHIEVABLE YET INVITING SPACE FOR THE MODERN MELBOURNIAN TO RECONNECT WITH THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE.

The garden design intertwines life and nature just as the Mediterranean style mingles with the Aussie vernacular. Nonnas shelling peas with an espresso along with the neighbours sipping wine.

A transculture garden where plants and materials encapsulate old world lifestyles, while making use of existing resources and adapting modern plants to familiar uses. The aim of this garden is for those who visit it to feel enchanted by the sophisticated design whilst embracing the beauty of the mixed plant life.

This garden embraces the increasingly important focus on sustainability, re-purposing relics

SPONSORS

of the past and using them in the landscape. The old grape drying racks converted into wall features and 1800’s water tanks combined with a copper water feature to become key elements of the design.

A treat for the senses, culinary and colourful, evoking thoughts of warm days in far flung lands. The gabion wall and factory plates provide interesting rustic industrial features which are softened by the lush Bay tree hedging and native underplanting and earthy colors of the honey granite stone.

It’s time to step into the Mediterranean in Melbourne.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

PG Punica granatum Pomegranate

L Citrus limon ‘Eureka’ Lemon Tree

HSeasonal herbs A mix: Thyme, Sage, Mint, Oregano, Chilli

H Salvia rosmarinus prostratus Creeping Rosemary

H Thymus serpyllum Creeping Thyme

S Crassula arborescens Jade Plant

W Westringia fruticosa Westringea

‘Jervis Gem’

G Pelargonium Zonal hybrida Zonal Geraniums

IS Arbutus unedo Irish Strawberry Tree

PP Cupressus sempervirens Italian Pencil Pine

‘Glauca’

B Laurus nobilis Bay Tree

C Correa alba White Correa

BX Buxus sempervirens Buxus ball

D Argyanthemum hybrida Daisy

E Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush

R Calamagrostis x acutiflora Reedgrass

E Euphorbia rigida Spurge

A Agastache ‘Sweet Lili’Giant Hyssop

OUTBACK SHINRIN-ROKU (JAPANESE TRANSLATION, “FOREST THERAPY”)

LAURA VAN WENSVEEN HOLMESGLEN

Japanese culture holds nature with high respect, and gardens are often designed to capture the essence of the natural world we live in. Japanese design principles demonstrate a restrained approach, using contrasts of form, colour and texture to create a soothing and reflective space.

‘Outback Shinrin-yoku’ uses these design principles with an achievable and sustainable approach, implementing native plants, natural pathways, recycled timber, and a repurposed wagon wheel as a water feature. This design is simple and practical, using local materials and low maintenance plants that thrive in our temperate climate.

I was inspired by the Japanese garden my parents designed and made when I was young. It was intimate and calming, and I fondly remember the sensations of moss under my fingertips, pebbles under my feet and the sounds of flowing water and knocking frogs in my ears.

The advanced trees in this design were sourced from Speciality Trees and Mt Williams Advanced Trees, and the plant stock from Yarra View Bushland Flora and Mt Pleasant Nursery. Bayside Timber and Truss supplied the timber, and Stone Slate Discounts provided the stepping stones. I want to thank these sponsors for helping this design come to life.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

AC Acacia cognata ‘Mini Cog’River Wattle

AS Adenanthos sericeus Woolly Bush

CG Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’Cousin It

CA Correa alba ‘Compacta’White correa

DR Dianella revoluta ‘Blue Stream’Blue flax-lily

ER Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry aAsh

FN Ficinia nodosa Nobby Club-rush

HL Hakea laurina ‘Starry Night’Pin-cushion Hakea

LO Leptospermum obovatum Tea Tree ‘Starry Night’

SB Scleranthus biflorus Canberra Grass

WR Westringia fruiticosa Native Rosemary

‘Jervis Gem’

‘OUTBACK SHINRIN-ROKU’ COMBINES JAPANESE AND AUSTRALIAN GARDEN DESIGN ELEMENTS, OFFERING A THERAPEUTIC SPACE OF REFLECTION.

CRAIG WILCOX RIRAKKUSU

BENDIGO TAFE/KANGAN INSITUTE

A SEMI-SHADE LOVING GARDEN WITH A DISPLAY OF DANCING FOLIAGE FLICKERING IN THE BREEZE PROVIDES A QUIET AREA FOR DEEP THOUGHT, REFLECTION AND TRANQUILITY.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

Ap Acer palmatum dissectum Japanese Maple

Lm Liriope muscari Turf Lily

Ld Ligularia reniformis Tractor Seat

Ah Anemone hybrida Japanese Windflower

Ac Acacia cognata nana Dwarf River Wattle

Am Alocasia macrorrhizos Elephant Ear

My garden is called ‘Rirakkusu’ in Japanese meaning relaxed, which I embody with this design. Designing a landscape where the end user can escape the hustle and bustle of life and unwind and relax in their garden. Using elements of Japanese landscaping without the maintenance of a traditional Japanese design. Using little to no hard lines and incorporating curves and flowing eye

lines. The plants I have incorporated into the garden are a mix of deciduous and evergreen species, with colourful and interesting foliage. As the garden transforms over the year it develops and takes on various looks and you can always see something new and different in this garden, with the new leaves on the maples or the striking new flowers coming through in autumn.

SPONSORS Humphris Nursery • All Green Nursery and Garden

FLEUR CLAUSEN 2050 READY

BENDIGO TAFE/KANGAN INSITUTE

SMALL ACTS HAVE A BIG IMPACT.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

Gb Ginkgo biloba Maidenhair Tree

Ac Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’River Wattle

Tj Trachelospermum jasminoides Star Jasmine

Tu Tillandsia Usneoides Spanish Moss

Tt Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass

Pc Phormium cookianum New Zealand Flax Purple Haze

Af Anigozanthos flavidus Kangaroo Paw

Lm Lirope muscari Turf Lily

Pc Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass

S Salvia hybrida Mystic Spires Blue

R Rudbeckia ‘Goldstrum’Black Eyed Susan

Vh Viola hederacea Native Violet

Tp Tradescantia pallida Spiderwort ‘Purple Heart’

Tz Tradescantia zebrina Spiderwort ‘Zebra Plant’

H Heuchera hybrid Coral Bells

‘Forever Purple’

L Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’Mat Rush

Our planet is experiencing unprecedented climatic change.

The 2050 Ready Garden attempts to future proof a private urban space, with a series of design ideas, to produce a garden of tranquil diversity to thrive and survive in extreme conditions.

Plants choices suit a range of climate zones, and are hardy enough to cope with hotter, colder, wetter, drier, windier conditions. Green grass promotes cooling while exotics and natives allow for year-round interest to enhance liveability and biodiversity. Colourful flowers and watering stations attract pollinators.

Storm water storage can be strategically released into the rain garden, prior to refill by the next rain event, ensuring every drop of precious water is fully utilised. Large trees and permeable surfaces also aid water absorption.

The design is inspired by a stylised water droplet. Lines, shapes and paths are fluid, inviting you in. Plants have been chosen for variation in texture and foliage. Long tapered structural grasses appear against soft perennials. Hues of deep blue and gold fill the palette, while tall forms sway and catch the eye as you sit in a quiet corner.

Sb Scleranthus biflorus Cushion Bush

Dr Dichondra repens Kidney Weed ‘Emerald Falls’

SPONSORS Kangan Institute Bendigo • Merrywood Plants

• All Green Nursery & Garden • FormBoss Metal Garden

Edging

TEVA NOOK

CLAIR DERWORT

BENDIGO TAFE/KANGAN INSITUTE

A SPACE TO ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY AND PROMOTE REST FOR THOSE WHO OFTEN LIVE IN AN OVERWHELMING AND BUSY LIFESTYLE.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

Ro Rosa hybrida ‘Dame Judy Dench’ Rose ‘Dame Judy Dench’

Ne Nepeta x faassenii Catmint ‘Walker’s Blue’

De Delphinium grandiflorum Delphinium

Or Atriplex hortensis Red Orach

P Petroselinum crispum Flat Leaf Parsley

Ch Allium schoenoprasum Chives

We Westringia fruticosa ‘Grey Box’Coastal Rosemary

Ca Carex buchananii Leatherleaf Sedge

Da Dahlia hybrida ‘Little Bobby’Little Bobby Dahlia

Cl Clematis x jackmanii Clematis General Sikorski ‘General Sikorski’

Ep Echinacea pallida Pale Coneflower

Ec Echinacea purpurea Coneflower

Sa Salvia farinacea ‘Candlesticks’Candlestick Salvia

La Lavendula stoechas French Lavender

A turning point in our history; the garden celebrates cottage style plantings with European and National influence and recognises Melbourne’s rich and diverse history. The mixed plantings of natives and exotics in the garden acknowledge the collaborative efforts of horticultural influences and Australia’s history and Australia’s future.

With companion planting for a seasonal, sustainable and multi-use garden, it identifies the impacts of our climate and the need to be considerate of how we chose to utilise

our outdoor spaces to serve more than just one purpose.

Indulge the senses, as fragrance, colour palette, texture, and edible plants, all contribute to the emotional and considered design that contributes to health and wellbeing.

From one season to the next, this romantic cottage garden is a place to rest, restore, and reconnect with those past and those in our future.

SPONSOR Behira Gardens • Inspirations

Paint Bendigo • Springhill Nursery

• Macdonalds Nursery Bendigo • Rich Gro

Garden Products • Van Diemens Bulbs

• Alameda Nursery • Valley Seeds • Oasis

Horticulture • The Complete Garden

Is your life ‘plantiful’ and full of plants?

Research shows clearly that plants improve health and wellbeing. It doesn’t matter whether you have a large or small garden, an apartment garden or just a window box. There are plants for every place and every occasion. Your Local Garden Centre will be sure to help with the best plant selections. You will get helpful, up-to-date advice and much more from local garden centres and nurseries. While there is also a wealth of information online, nothing beats talking with a real expert face-to-face. You may just want to decorate your home, apartment or unit with relatively care-free plants. Garden centres can help you there, too.

Colour for Health

Colour has long played a role in influencing our health and wellbeing. We love colour in our gardens, in our homes, in our lives. Like fragrance and texture, colour is an element of

sensory language, often popping out and impacting us immediately. What better place is there to get immersed in colour than in our gardens?

Give colour as a gift and be sure to dress your home with colour this autumn with help from your local garden centre.

And if your local garden centre is a Garden Centres of Australia member, they support good causes both local and national as part of their commitment to community. Currently they are supporting the Mitochondrial Foundation. Mitochondria disease is not well understood but the facts of this disease are frightening.

1 in 5000 children will be born with a severe or life-threatening form of mitochondrial disease. Garden centres of Australia and Garden Releaf are giving these children a helping hand.

colour and health with Cyclamen

Gardening for Wellbeing

Gardening is not just a hobby or a way to beautify your home. As many gardeners know, it is also a valuable contributor to positive mental health and wellbeing – this has been reinforced by recent studies. It has been shown, once again, that horticultural activities, such as gardening and plant cultivation, can improve brain activation and help to foster positive emotions.

Recently, researchers in Taiwan have used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity in healthy volunteers who were asked to engage in horticultural activities. The participants were divided into two groups: one group engaged in indoor plant cultivation, and the other group engaged in outdoor gardening.

The researchers found that both indoor and outdoor horticultural activities led to increased connectivity in the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which is associated with selfreferential thinking, introspection, and autobiographical memory. The DMN is also active during states of rest and relaxation, suggesting that horticultural activities can induce a state of mental relaxation.

In addition, the study found that outdoor gardening led to greater positive emotions, as measured by self-reported questionnaires. The researchers attributed this effect to the greater exposure to nature and the physical exertion required in outdoor gardening.

The study’s findings are consistent with previous research that has shown the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and to improve cognitive function and overall wellbeing.

But what is it about horticultural activities specifically that makes them so good for the brain? The researchers suggest that the combination of physical activity, being outside more often, and the focus and attention required for plant cultivation all contribute to the positive effects.

Gardening, for example, involves a range of physical activities, such as digging, planting, weeding, and pruning, that can provide a low-impact workout. In addition, being in nature and exposed to natural light can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, which are essential for healthy sleep and mood.

Plant cultivation also requires focus and attention to detail, which can help improve cognitive function and mental agility. It can also be a form of mindfulness, allowing people to focus on the present moment and let go of stress and negativity. These benefits have important implications for public health, as horticultural activities continue to offer possible low-cost and effective intervention measures for supporting good mental health. Horticultural therapy has been used for decades to supplement mental health treatment, particularly for people with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders; with mental health becoming an increasingly pressing issue around the world, horticultural activities continue to be a valuable tool for supporting and improving people’s mental health.

Additionally, these horticultural activities can and have been integrated into community programs and public spaces to improve mental health outcomes. Community gardens, for example, are being established in some urban areas to provide access to nature and horticultural activities for people who do not have access to a garden or natural space.

So, whether it’s tending to a small indoor garden or tending to a backyard or community garden, there are many ways to incorporate horticultural activities into your life and reap the benefits for your mental health. The studies continue to confirm what many of us already know: gardening is good for you.

Photo: J Garget, Pixabay

Photos by L to R: Couleur from Pixabay; GPointstudio, Drazen Zigic, Pexels