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HEALTHIER SOIL , HEALTHIER PLANTS ... IT IS THAT SIMPLE!

Garden Mate to the rescue after fl ooding and waterlogging

The 2021-2022 summer has been exceptionally wet along Australia’s east coast. Ongoing heavy rain resulted in widespread and devastating fl oods for many, and severe waterlogging for almost everyone. Some plants have loved the wet weather and grown exponentially. Others have struggled in the wet, wilting and dying. According to Brisbane gardening expert, Kate Wall, these sad plants have literally drowned. Kate explained that plant roots need air to breathe. Waterlogging occurs when all of the air spaces in the soil are fi lled with water. Plants that are dropping leaves and wilting excessively are doing so because they have had root damage and can no longer take up water from the soil. These plants need to be nurtured now if they are to survive. Many people ask if using a garden fork to poke holes into the ground will help get air back into the soil. It can help but by walking over the waterlogged soil you are just adding to the problem of compaction of the soil. I fi nd that by spreading Garden Mate over the soil, I can achieve much more. The high levels of silica in Garden Mate are extremely effective at opening all types of compacted soils, and can do so without the risk of causing any harm if you use too much. Kate recommends that gardeners turn to Garden Mate during times of garden stress, as there is no such thing as too much, unlike with many other products which will burn if applied too strongly.

The other great benefi t of Garden Mate is that it is enriched with soil microbes. It is not just plant roots that have drowned in the waterlogged soils, much of the soil biota has also drowned. This includes worms and all sorts of critical microorganisms that bring life to soil and health to plants. Replenishing these microbes is easy with Garden Mate, and can bring life back to the soil very quickly.

Realising just how valuable their product is in combating the effects of fl ooding in the garden, the makers of Garden Mate, Earthlife, have very generously donated 10 tonnes of Garden Mate to fl ood impacted regions. This will go a long way to helping gardeners get back to enjoying their gardens after such a diffi cult summer.

Head to www.earthlife.com.au to see the full range of products and fi nd your nearest stockist.

FREE CALL 1800 819 003

Earthlife provide a stand-alone range of easy-to-use cost-effective products for strong healthy gardens and lawns.

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E d  or’s Note

Spring has sprung and what a fantastic time to get out into the garden — for both work and play. To help get you motivated, our Maintenance feature this issue details how you can get your outdoor space in top shape for the warmer months.

Do you need to hit refresh on your outdoor space? In Snapshot, we showcase this season’s hottest furniture looks. Later in Exper t Advice, Justine Wilson from Vault Interiors gives her top tips on how to style your outdoors for spring. Plus, Selling Houses Aus tralia alumni, Charlie Albone, shares his spring gardening tips.

It’s the per fect weather to get back into the pool and to celebrate, we take a look at our favourite pool designs in Best Of.

Have you ever thought about incorporating ar t or sculpture into your back yard but not really sure where to star t? Well this is the issue for you. In Outdoor Living, we visit a garden in Sydney ’s Vaucluse featuring a 16m, three- dimensional, sculptural ribbon — it’s transformed an underused side of the garden into an ar tistic mar vel. Don’t take my word for it, have a look for yourself. Later in our outdoor ar t feature, we show you how to turn your yard into an alfresco galler y with creative pieces that refl ect your personal style. FO L L OW U S

A p r i l O s s i n g t o n

@back yardoutdoorliving

Editor April Ossington Writer Linda Baraciolli Contributors Angie Thomas, Kylie Baracz, Karen Booth, Carrol Baker Sub-Editor Michelle Segal Designer Malinda Hadiwidjojo Publisher Martin White

Cover Design by Space Landscape Designs

National Partnerships Manager NSW, Vic, ACT, Qld & WA Kelly McCann

Ph: 02 9887 0635 Mobile: 0414 363 314 Email: kmccann@umco.com.au

Advertising Production Shanya Peiris Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz

Chairman/CEO Prema Perera Publisher Janice Williams Chief Financial Of fi cer Vick y Mahadeva Associate Publisher Emma Perera Circulation Business Development Manager Mark McTaggart Creative Director Kate Podger

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