Home & Garden Magazine September 6

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Home & Garden FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

SUNNY DAYS AHEAD WHAT TO PLANT NOW! SEE PAGE 5

SURVIVING DRY CONDITIONS

DIY DANGERS STILL LURKING

HANDY LOCAL BUSINESS GUIDE

SEE PAGE 3

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 8

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Home & Garden Magazine

Friday, September 6, 2019

NEWS FEATURE

GET CREATIVE THIS SPRING DROUGHT DOESN’T HAVE TO SPELL DISASTER Drought conditions and water restrictions should be viewed as a green opportunity rather than a garden disaster, Blue Mountains master landscaper Shannon Decker has said.

“Don’t be afraid of developing and spending on landscaping. In fact, now is the time to do it,” he said.

With Level 1 water restrictions in place since June 1, the Now & Zen Landscapes owner encouraged green thumbs to reimagine their gardens incorporating modern, more environmentally - friendly practices and products.

“IT CAN BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO REASSESS THINGS”

“While it’s unfortunate when plants die during drought, especially large trees and those that have historic or sentimental significance, it can be a great opportunity to reassess things and consider how you can make better use of the space, how you can work with the land rather than against it, how you can harvest rainwater and what colour and texture palette you want for the future,” he said.

Now & Zen, which has operated in the Blue Mountains for 20 years, supported the xeriscaping garden method that encouraged sustainability and resourcefulness and drastically reduced or completely eliminated the need for supplemental irrigation.

It emphasised the use of pervasive plants such as Dietes Tiny Dancer (wild iris), Erigeron Friday, September 6, 2019

(seaside daisy) and Dymondia (silver carpet); managing water loss; and reducing fertiliser use and pest control.

The xeriscaping method, which supported permaculture principals, began with planning and design of a garden to conserve water by steering water through the natural terrain towards irrigation areas and harvest points such as dams, ponds and underground tanks.

Plants were then introduced in areas with the most appropriate irrigation levels, followed by landscape features such as stone walls, decking, limited lawn areas and seating.

“Drought is also a good time to give your soil attention, making sure it is ‘living’, well aerated and rich with lots of critters like worms and beetles and healthy bacteria by loading it with compost,’’ Mr Decker said.

Mr Decker encouraged people to use drought tolerant plants such as Australian natives and those from similar climes such as parts of the US, South Africa and the Mediterranean.

As well as mulch, Mr Decker recommended gardeners experiment with new products such as coco and peat logs, water crystals, mulches and certain soil fungi to help retain water and prevent evaporation.

Home & Garden Magazine

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Home & Garden Magazine

Friday, September 6, 2019

IN THE GARDEN

SUNNY DAYS!

SUNFLOWERS ARE A FAVOURITE

MIRVA CRINNION MRFOTHERGILLS.COM.AU

With their large blooms and bright, happy colour, nothing screams summer like Sunflowers!

Some of these fascinating flowers can grow up to five metres tall, though there are plenty of dwarf varieties to suit small gardens and container growing.

Sunflowers just love soaking up those rays – so much so that they track the sun through the sky as they’re maturing!

Sunflowers also attract bees and butterflies to your garden – and to top it all off, they’re exceptionally easy to grow, making them ideal for kids too.

Sunflowers grow best in direct sunlight in a spot that is sheltered from strong winds – along a fence or near a building is ideal.

The tall varieties have long tap roots that need to stretch out, so plant them in well- dug, welldraining soil. Dwarf varieties grow happily in pots too.

Sunflowers are heavy feeders, so the soil needs to be nutrient- rich with organic matter or composted manure.

It’s best to sow Sunflower seeds directly into the soil now that

danger of frost has passed. Give plants plenty of room, especially for low-growing varieties that will branch out. Stagger plantings over five to six weeks to keep enjoying continuous blooms – or pick varieties that grow multiple heads.

While the plant is small, water regularly around the roots. Once it’s established, water more deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root development.

Tall species will require support, so tie the plant to a stake as it grows.

Most popular varieties include: Giant Russian (1.8–3m), Royal Velvet (1.5m), Golden Prominence (1.5m), Double Delight (50cm), Teddy Bear (50cm), Dwarf Sunsation (50cm) and Eos (25cm).

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Home & Garden Magazine

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Home & Garden Magazine

Friday, September 6, 2019

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Friday, September 6, 2019