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Written and edited by Tammy 7th August 2025 2 weeks out from the official start to spring, but already the days are stretching a little longer, and buds are swollen on the verge of busting into blossom. Our gardens can sense it and so can we! If you’ve driven around the South East (South Australia) recently, chances are you’ve spotted an explosion of golden pompoms lighting up local parklands, paddock edges and roadsides. Meet Acacia Baileyana, affectionately known as the Cootamundra Wattle, and they really are stealing the show right now! Native to New South Wales but now widely loved and planted throughout South Australia, these iconic Aussie tree brings a bold splash of colour just when we need it most. ⸻ A Quick Snapshot -Acacia Baileyana Cootamundra Wattle • Height & Growth Habit: Typically grows between 4–8 metres tall, with a graceful, spreading canopy. • Foliage: Gorgeous soft, feathery blue-grey leaves-also a purple foliage variety available ( Acacia Baileyana Purpurea ) • Flowers: Dense clusters of bright yellow puffballs bloom in late winter to early spring. • Fast-growing: Great for quickly filling out a space or providing wind protection. • Hardy: Thrives in full sun and tolerates dry conditions once established. • Pollinator heaven: An absolute must if catering to birds bees and wildlife is a priority in your garden. • Bird habitat: Offers shelter and food for birds, making it a win for local biodiversity. Just give it a well-drained spot, a bit of room to spread, and it’ll reward you with year after year of golden joy. ⸻ Environmental Considerations Cootamundra Wattles as beautiful as they are, in some regions of Australia can naturalise and spread beyond intended areas. In native bushland, they can sometimes compete with local species (especially in Victoria). Stick to garden-friendly varieties like grafted forms or the purple foliage cultivars ' acacia baileyana ‘Purpurea’ in sensitive areas. (Kind of irrelevant for home gardens but just something to be aware of if you back onto or are beside native parklands or scrubs.) Just goes to show how hardy they are! Maintenance Tip While Cootamundra Wattles are mostly low-fuss, pruning them lightly after flowering will help to maintain a nice shape and keep them happy and thriving. ⸻ Where to Get One You’ll often find them at local nurseries, native plant specialists, or Mitre 10 garden centres. Some growers are even establishing dwarf or grafted forms for smaller gardens or street plantings. ⸻ Whether you’re planting for the bees, adding bold winter colour, or just want something tough as boots but pretty as a picture, the Cootamundra Wattle is a standout performer. Keep an eye out when you're taking the dog for a walk next through native parklands, Sunday driving around our region, they really are a sight to see. Happy Gardening 😘💛

Written and edited by Tammy 18th July 2025 Winter might feel like a perfect time to hang up the gloves and catch up on some Netflix by the fire, and by all means, do that too, but there’s actually plenty going on out in the garden right now. Some of the best prep and pruning happens while everything’s still snoozing. So, if you’re wondering what to tackle, what's a priority right now, here’s your little winter to-do list 🧤🪴 Winter Gardening Tasks Prune Your Fruit Trees Now’s the perfect time to shape your apples, pears, peaches, plums and other deciduous fruit trees while they’re dormant. Pruning them now improves shape, removes dead or diseased wood, and boosts fruiting potential. Aim to: Reduce the height to keep the fruit within reach. Open the canopy (think of a vase shape), remove dead, diseased or inwards facing branches to improve light and air circulation, and keep fruit within reach. 🌟 HINT Take the opportunity now while there's no leaves and you can see clearly, to familiarise yourself with all the new buds and shoots. Take some pictures to refer back to in a couple of months to become confident in distinguishing between fruit or foliage buds. 👉 Check out my easy guide including labelled diagrams here. ⸻ Rose Pruning Time Time to face the thorns! July's for not only pruning your fruit trees, but your roses too. Pruning them now gives them a chance to rest and recover before bursting back to life. Don’t be scared, roses are tougher than they look. Give them a good cut back and they’ll thank you with a stunning show come spring. Aim to: Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of their overall height and size as a guide. Remove anything dead, diseased or cris-crossing into the centre of the plant. Prune on an angle above an outward facing good strong healthy bud. 👉 Not sure where to start? Here’s how I prune my roses, watch the short video. ⸻ Plant Seed Potatoes Spud season is here! If you’ve been waiting to plant your seed potatoes, now’s your moment to shine. Prep yourself with a nice sunny spot in good quality soil or grab some grow bags. There's plenty of varieties to choose from, pick the one that's best for your cooking preferences. 👉Want to learn how to grow potatoes from scratch. It's all here. ⸻ Feed Your soil Winter is the ideal time to enrich your garden beds. Add compost, aged manure, or a layer of mulch to keep those soil microbes happy and warm. Healthy soil = happy plants later on. Trust me, your efforts will be rewarded in spades. 👉This is why it's important to feed your so il 👉And my fav 'go to' company for quality organic soil nutrition products is.... ⸻ Plan and Replant Bare Root Trees If you’ve been 'Umming and Ahhing' about putting in some new fruit trees, ornamental shade trees, or even roses, now’s the time. Bare root season is short but sweet. Stock is usually plentiful and affordable, the ground is cool and damp, and winter rains help to settle plants in. Come Spring, they’ll already be right at home and ready to burst into life. 👉 You'll need to know how to pick the right tree, what to avoid-AND a few planting tips! So there you have it, five simple things to keep you busy and your garden ticking along through winter. Pop your beanie on, grab your secateurs, and enjoy this beautiful slow season. Happy Gardening😘🪴 Here in the lower SE and keen to have me wander around the garden with you for some more advice? I'm only a shout out away😘👉 Other Post You Might be Interested In How Frost Affects Plants & Tips for Preventing Frostburn When our plants are exposed to frost, this is what happens:  1. Plant Tissues Freeze:  The sub-zero temperatures cause the water within the plant cells to freeze.... Composting - the Beginners Guide! Thinking about starting a compost pile but not sure where to begin? Whether you’ve got a sprawling backyard or a tiny balcony, composting is totally doable and surprisingly fun. In this beginner guide I’ll break it all down step-by-step...... Adapting to Drought Tolerant Gardening: Thriving in the Dry. Gardening during dry times isn’t about giving up and accepting defeat, it’s about getting smart and creative. By embracing some simple alternatives, our gardens can become more resilient, sustainable, and beautiful than ever. What is eating my seedlings The biggest question on every gardener's lips right now is “what is eating my seedlings!?" Working out the answer requires a bit of simple detective work, some Sherlock Holmes. It's a case of looking for clues and putting the puzzle pieces together. Bare root season -It's all here!! Bare root season is one of the busiest times of the year for Balhannah Nurseries .  It's when they lift their young trees from the ground while they're dormant, the process doesn't shock, stress or upset them because they're asleep, they're not actively growing.

Written and Edited by Tammy Johnson 5th June 2025 For those of you who don't know me personally, I have a regular daytime job like anyone else. But I'm one of the few lucky ones who can proudly say I truly loves my job and what I do. I manage the Green-life Garden Department of our local K&B Mitre 10, and aside of the obvious perk, getting paid to buy and play with plants every day, what I really love is interacting with my customers, and building relationships with fellow gardeners. You can only imagine my excitement bouncing into work yesterday moments after the Balhannah Nurseries truck had just delivered my 2025 Bare Root seasons trees! New Seasons Bare Root Trees (Ok, I'll let you in on a little secret, I barely slept the night before and have probably driven my workmates silly with my excitement in the last week). So let me share some of that excitement with you and explain what bare root season is all about. Balhannah Nurseries has a rich history spanning over 130 years at Charleston in the Adelaide Hills and are one of South Australia's leading wholesale tree growers. The nursery was founded in 1867 by Charles Pitt and later expanded by Henry Wicks, making it one of South Australia's oldest and most respected tree growers. Today, Balhannah Nurseries continues this legacy by producing over 300,000 trees annually, supplying high-quality deciduous fruit and ornamental trees to retail garden centres just like ours, and commercial growers across the region. Bare root season Bare root season is one of the busiest times of the year for Balhannah Nurseries . It's when they lift their young trees from the ground while they're dormant, the process doesn't shock, stress or upset them because they're asleep, they're not actively growing. The trimmed root systems are nestled in damp sawdust, then wrapped securely in plastic, and from there they're distributed to retail nurseries like ours ready for you to buy and plant. The Advantage of Bare Root Trees They're cheaper than potted trees. Can be forward ordered and plentiful in supply. Convenient to transport a large quantity of trees in a small amount of space. Can be settled into their new location whilst the tree is still dormant avoiding transplant shock. If you're super organised and know what you're planting where, you may have already pre-ordered your trees to avoid the disappointment of missing out, or you might prefer to wander through the selection and choose based on what's available and jumps out at you at the time. There are so many varieties to choose from that it can feel a little overwhelming. Pollination 🌸🐝 When it comes to fruit trees, it's worth doing a bit of preliminary research. Be armed with the knowledge of which trees are self-pollinating such as peaches, nectarines and apricots, verses those that need a pollination partner like apples, pears, plums and most cherries (with the exception of Stella, which is self-fertile). **Little Tip** You'll usually find this information on the back of the tree's product tag. It will tell you if the tree is self-pollinating and if not, provide a suggestion for a suitable pollination companion. would be, taking the guess work out of it for you. If you're choosing a variety that does requires a pollinator, you'll need enough space for two compatible trees, or you might consider a multi-grafted tree. A tree with multiple varieties grafted onto one rootstock. Space requirements If you're working with limited space, consider planting dwarf trees. These days there are almost as many dwarf varieties available as there are full sized trees. Dwarf trees take up about half the space, can be grown in large pots or half wine barrels, and still produce full-sized fruit just like their big sisters. Keep in mind though, you won't get quite the volume of fruit from a smaller tree and, the life expectancy of dwarf trees is typically half that of a standard sized one. Espaliering is another space saving option worth considering. This technique involves training a tree to grow flat against a wall, fence, or frame, making it ideal for tight spots or as decorative features. Now that we've established what you're looking for, it's time to choose your trees. What to avoid When selecting your trees, look for ones with multiple strong, healthy laterals (side branches). The wood should appear hydrated and have a healthy colour, with plenty of plump, fuzzy little buds along the stems. Avoid trees with wood that looks dry, shrivelled, discoloured or damage. Signs of disease, open wounds, or very dark coloured wood can indicate dehydration, or in the worst case that the tree is no longer viable. Most bare root trees arrive from the growers with their roots packed in damp wood shavings or sawdust, wrapped in plastic to keep them damp. Sometimes, though, trees arrive at your retailer unpackaged. In that case, they’re often displayed in raised beds or large containers filled with damp compost, then wrapped as you select them. This is perfectly fine, as long as the roots haven’t dried out. Pruning Before planting, the canopy of your new bare root trees will need pruning back by one-third to one-half. (Back to approximately 20 healthy buds). This helps balance the tree reducing the demand on the root system which has been trimmed and is still recovering. If the tree is left top heavy and out of proportion, the workload will be too great and there's a good chance it won't establish successfully. If you're unsure or not confident in doing this yourself, ask the qualified horticulturist when you purchase your trees to do this for you. (This is what I love being able to help you with). If you do feel confident giving it a go, here is what I aim for: Keep three to four strong, healthy laterals (side branches). Prune each back by one-third to one-half, making your cuts just above an outward-facing bud . Remove anything that’s damaged, dead, or oddly shaped. Also remove any branches that cross or grow inward toward the centre of the tree. Planting preparation While you're preparing the planting hole, give your tree a soak in a solution of Seasol in water. Seasol Health Treatment is a seaweed enriched tonic that boosts a plant's immune system, stimulate root growth, and help reduce transplant shock. You'll need to dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball, but only as deep as the tree was originally growing. Look for a colour change on the lower part of the trunk, usually somewhere between the graft and the roots. This marks the depth the tree was previously planted at and should guide your planting depth. Important: The graft should always be above the soil, never below it. Mound up a little soil a little at the bottom of the hole and gently spread the roots out over and around the mound. Then begin backfilling the hole, pressing the soil in firmly as you go to prevent any air pockets. Leave a shallow watering well or recess around the base of the tree so the water soaks down into the root zone rather than running off. Use the same seasol solution you soaked the tree in earlier to water it in. Watch for air bubbles rising up through the soil, this is a good sign the roots are thoroughly soaked and no air pockets remain. Finally add some organic fertiliser such as Rapid Raiser as per the application rates on the bag. This will provide essential nutrients to support your tree when it wakes from dormancy in spring. Support If you live in a windy area, it’s a good idea to support your young trees while they’re still establishing. Use a single sturdy hardwood stake, or for extra stability, a trio of stakes arranged around the tree. Water Water your trees regularly and thoroughly throughout the first season, especially if rainfall is light and inconsistent.  Young trees need consistent moisture while they’re putting down roots. By following these measures you'll be giving your trees every opportunity to take and grow successfully. As always if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to message me or get in-touch. Rug up, keep warm and enjoy your gardens.😘🪴 Balhannah Nurseries

Crazy Paving Pathway Crazy Paving Pathway: From Problem Spot to Beautiful Feature What do you do when you’ve got a tricky corner in the yard where grass never grows, or you just know  something’s missing from your garden but can’t quite put your finger on it? Have you ever considered building a garden path ? 😁 Practical Beauty With a Touch of Mystery Creating a garden path  is about more than just getting from A to B. It’s a way to add structure, personality, and even a little magic to your outdoor space. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cosy courtyard, a thoughtfully designed path can completely transform how your garden looks and  feels. Here are five great reasons why a garden path  is more than just a landscaping extra, it’s a total game changer: 1. Practicality: A Clear Route Through Nature The most obvious benefit of a garden path  is its practicality. It offers a clean, dry, and stable surface to walk on, especially handy after rain. It helps keep shoes clean and avoids muddy shortcuts across the lawn. Paths also protect your garden beds by directing foot traffic away from delicate plants and preventing soil compaction. Whether it leads to your greenhouse, compost bin, or veggie patch, it makes every step smoother, all the while keeping your shoes clean! 2. Aesthetic Appeal: Structure Meets Style A well-placed garden path  brings form and flow to your garden. It can: Highlight focal points like a bird bath, water feature, park bench or feature tree. Create contrast between lush greenery and hard landscaping Make even small gardens feel intentional and complete From straight, formal lines to curvy, whimsical trails, there’s a garden path  to suit every style. 3. Solving Garden Problems: Where Nothing Will Grow We all have that one frustrating spot in the garden where nothing will grow, too shady, poor soil or too compacted from heavy foot traffic. Why keep replanting? Instead of waging a losing battle, turn that trouble spot into a stunning garden path . It turns a problem area into a charming feature, problem solved! 4. Add Intrigue: The Magic of a Meandering Path A winding garden path  that disappears behind a shrub or curves out of view brings a powerful element of mystery to the garden. It gently invites visitors (and you!) to explore, discover, and daydream. That sense of what’s around the corner?  adds charm, whimsy, and a dash of romance to your outdoor space. 5. A Sense of Destination A garden path  can lead somewhere purposeful, a cozy bench, veggie patch, fire pit, or even just your washing line. It helps guide the eye and the feet, giving your garden a natural rhythm and flow. By creating a sense of journey and arrival, your space feels more intentional and inviting. Stone and rubble pathway that defines the areas Materials to Build Your Garden Path Materials You Can Use to Make Your Garden Path There are loads of creative, budget friendly materials you can use to build your path and each brings its own vibe and functionality: • Gravel – Affordable, great drainage, and easy to install. Ideal for informal gardens. • Flagstone or Slate – Natural-looking and elegant. Offers a timeless appeal. • Brick – Classic and durable. Adds a warm, traditional charm. • Wood Slices, Stepping Stones, or large boulders – Rustic and playful. Great for cottage gardens or whimsical paths. • Concrete Pavers – Versatile and modern. Available in many shapes and colors. • Mulch – Soft underfoot and easy to refresh. Works well in natural or woodland gardens. A Garden Path Is More Than a Walkway A garden path isn’t just a walkway, it’s a design element, a solution to a problem area, and a way to turn your yard into a journey rather than just a space. Whether you’re dealing with mud, barren patches, or a desire for more beauty and intrigue, a well-placed path can elevate your entire landscape. Ready to transform your yard? Grab a shovel, your materials, and let the adventure begin! Happy Gardening! 😘🪴 Other Posts You May Enjoy Beginners Guide to Creating a landscape design for your new home Creating your own landscape design  can be one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of moving into a new home. It’s your opportunity to shape the outdoor space into something that’s not only beautiful, but functional and your own. Micro-Climate-How to Create a Garden, Within Your Garden. Watch any gardening shows on tv, and you’ll often hear them use the term ‘Microclimate’ but what IS a microclimate?? The term microclimate refers to a small area where the climate conditions differ from the surrounding area.

Beautiful, visually relaxing native landscaped garden Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Landscape Design for Your New Home Creating your own landscape design can be one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of moving into a new home. It’s your opportunity to shape the outdoor space into something that’s not only beautiful, but functional and your own. Whether you envision a lush garden, a modern patio, or a family-friendly backyard, it all starts with a solid plan. But is this something you have to employ a landscape designer to come in and do or is it something you can realistically have a go at doing yourself? The good news, and answer to that is, no you don’t have to get professionals in, there’s no good reason why (providing you take the time and do your research) you can’t have a go at doing it yourself. I’ve put together a simple guide to help you get started, including some essential tips about soil quality and the influence of cardinal references (north, south, east, and west). Example of a home garden design Step 1: Assess the Space Before you start sketching ideas or planting flowers, take time to study your yard. Walk around and observe: The size and shape of your yard. Natural features like slopes, trees, or existing hardscapes. Drainage patterns, where does water collect or flow? Sun and shade exposure at different times of day. Make a rough map or diagram of your space. This will be the foundation of your design. Step 2: Understand Your Soil Soil quality can make or break your landscape. Healthy soil supports strong roots, good drainage, and vibrant plant life. What to check: Texture: Is it sandy, loamy, or clay-heavy? Drainage: Does water sit on top or soak in quickly? pH level: Is your soil more acidic or alkaline? You can buy a simple soil test kit from a garden centre or have it professionally tested. Based on the results, you may need to improve your soil with compost, gypsum, sulphur, lime or other amendments before planting. ( Soil pH 🤷‍♀️👉 ) Step 3: Consider the Cardinal Directions Cardinal orientation plays a crucial role in landscape design, it determines sunlight, wind patterns, and even the microclimates in your yard. Here’s what to keep in mind: North-facing areas tend to get the most sunlight, ideal for veggie gardens or anything you’d like to plant that prefers full sun. It’s also the side of your home you would have your solar panels for a solar water feature. South-facing areas receive the least sunlight, they tend to be the best side of your home to plant shade loving plants. East-facing spots get cool morning sun, perfect for breakfast patios or delicate plants that can’t handle intense heat. West-facing areas get hot afternoon sun, choose heat-tolerant plants and consider shade structures like pergolas or large shade trees. Use this information to place plants and features in the best spots for their needs and comfort. Step 4: Define Your Needs and Style Think about how you’ll use the space. Ask yourself: Do you want an outdoor entertaining area? Need a safe play zone for kids or pets? Dreaming of a vegetable garden, flower beds, or a water feature? Also, consider your personal style. Are you drawn to a minimalist, modern look or a more natural, cottage-style garden? Let this guide your plant choices and materials. Step 5: Choose Plants and Materials Wisely Once you understand your site, soil, and goals, you can choose plants and materials that fit. Aim for a mix of: Trees and shrubs for structure, height and shelter. Perennials and annuals for colour and texture. Hardscapes like pavers, gravel, or decking for walkways and patios. Be sure to select native or climate-appropriate plants, they’ll thrive with less maintenance and water. Step 6: Sketch Your Design Now comes the fun part, putting it all together. Use your base map to draw in features, planting zones, and pathways. Keep proportions in mind, and don’t overcrowd. White space is just as important in a garden as in interior design. Pro tip: Plan for year-round interest by including evergreen plants, varying bloom times, and the likes of ornamental grasses. Step 7: Build in Phases You don’t have to do it all at once. Landscaping can be an ongoing project. Prioritise the essentials (like pathways, lawn areas, or soil prep), and add details (like flower beds, seating areas, or lighting) over time. Creating your own landscape design is nothing to be afraid of, it should be exciting and fun, a blend of art, science, and a little bit of trial and error. By understanding your land, considering sunlight and soil, and planning for your personal needs, you can build a yard that grows with you and your family. The best part? Every step you take makes your house feel more like home, from the first flower to the last paving stone. Happy Gardening 😘🪴 Need some help designing a landscape layout or plant list for your home? I can help with that too. Get in touch with me now, I'll look forward to hearing from you! I've included a downloadable checklist for you print off.

Written and edited by Tammy 29th June 2025 I had the pleasure of meeting the inspiring Paul Dipuglia this week, Business Development Manager for Neutrog. Paul delivered an info packed presentation to a large crowd of local garden lovers and loyal customers at the Garden Centre I manage at our local K&B Mitre 10 in Naracoorte SA. He shared the story behind Neutrog and what makes their products so truly unique and special. Neutrog has recently added an exciting new product to their range, and our customers where eager to stock up and start enjoying its benefits that Paul passionately spoke about. Now If you’ve ever got talking to me in the Garden Centre or read some of my blogs, you’ll know I’m a bit of a soil tragic… and proud of it! I’m a firm believer that a great garden always begins from the ground up, and when it comes to feeding the soil (and the plants that grow in it), there’s one company I keep reaching for again and again: you guessed it, Neutrog. What’s So Special About Neutrog? Neutrog is proudly a South Australian company, and they’ve absolutely nailed the art and science of making high-quality, organic-based fertilisers that actually do what they say they do. Their products aren’t just good for your plants, they’re brilliant for the long-term health of your soil too. In fact, Neutrog’s products are trusted by some pretty impressive green thumbs, including the team at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Adelaide. One standout example is Sudden Impact for Roses, used to keep the International Rose Garden blooming at its best. It’s a proud local connection, that really says a lot about the care and quality behind their range. Whether you’re growing roses, veggies, natives, or even just a bit of lawn that needs a pick-me-up, Neutrog has something in their range for every situation. And the best part? It’s all backed by years of biological science and trial work. The picture here below says it all 🌹 Stunning red roses at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Adelaide SA. ✨Tams Favs Who Flung Dung To this very day, I’ll never forget the first few times I sold it to dear little old ladies. I had to fight so hard to keep the smirk (and giggle) off my face. I remember thinking to myself “ Tammy stop it. Grow up. ” but it was funny!🤭 The fun, and playful names they've given their products always gets a giggle, but don’t let that fool you, this particular one is a seriously good mulch! Packed with goodness and teeming with beneficial microbes, Who Flung Dung helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and slowly release nutrients into the soil. I've been using it for years now, especially around my fruit trees and roses. The results speak for themselves: happy worms, thriving plants, and fewer weeds. It's a no brainer! (Check out how much my little Mulberry tree loves her Who Flung Dung!) Rapid Raiser If you're after a reliable, all-purpose, organic-based fertiliser that gives plants the kind of boost that makes you feel like a proud plant parent, Rapid Raiser is the stand-out choice. It contains a balanced NPK ratio of 4:3:2, and a host of secondary and micronutrients too. Rapid raiser is completely safe and suitable to use on everything in your garden from vegetables and flowers to fruit trees and lawns. I love using it at the change of each season, and it never ceases to amaze me watching just how well everything responds. Chockablok full of goodness! The latest addition to the Neutrog family, and one I’m genuinely excited to try, is their new organic super compost called CHOCKABLOK . Packed with organic matter and humates, it’s a biologically activated compost, free of green waste, so you’re getting consistent, nutrient-rich goodness every time. Its ability to boost microbial activity which in turn helps break down organic matter to improve nutrient availability for plants is super cool. It's not a quick fix feed; it actually helps provide nutrition for your plants over the long haul. Whether you’re planting veggies, roses, natives or just want to pep up a patch of lawn, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s one of those products that just makes good gardening sense. Why I Trust Neutrog (and You Can Too) Aside from being great products, I genuinely love that Neutrog is based right here in South Australia. They’re community-focused, science-led, and passionate about healthy soils and sustainable gardening. That’s something I can wholeheartedly get behind. If you’re looking for a way to give your garden a bit of extra love, while also building long-term soil health, Neutrog’s range is a fantastic place to start. Pop into your local garden centre or check out their range online . Happy gardening😘🪴

Written and edited by Tammy 18th February 2023 If you haven't already spotted them, head down along Stewart Tce past the Shell Roadhouse in Naracoorte when you're out and about next and see for yourself just how stunning these little Crepe Myrtles are looking! I remember our local council planting them only 5 years ago so it's amazing to see how they've matured in such a short time. If you've ever been curious about planting one, this should give you a bit better idea. Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei Crepe Myrtle 'Tuscarora' are just one of large selection of assorted colours, shapes and sizes of these trees. A deciduous, multi-stemmed large shrub/small tree Tuscarora can potentially reach around 8 meters tall by 4 meters wide making them an ideal size as a 'feature tree' in a garden or defining an entrance or driveway. They show off mass displays of flowers on the new growth late in Summer. Relatively drought tolerant and hardy once established, they do best in a full sun position in most free draining soils. Like anything Crepe Myrtles will benefit from a sparing feed of good balanced slow-release fertiliser in Spring as they come out of dormancy. Be mindful not to go overboard though as you'll end up with excessive lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Evidently, they grow well here in our area, so if you're starting to plan what you'd like to put in this bare root season, give some consideration to a Crepe Myrtle. You won't be disappointed. Looking like it's going to be another perfect weekend for gardening. Enjoy!

Written and edited by Tammy 10th February 2023 Healthy green vegetables If you were a 'newbie' to gardening, you'd probably be asking "what is till?" Is it important and do I have to do it?" Tilling is just a fancy word for digging, turning your soil over, and it sounds like a lot of hard work to me, so I'm not really into tilling. Let me share a few more good reasons why. Firstly, why would you break your back if you don't need to, gardening is supposed to be enjoyable right? It was once thought (and some might still think) that you needed to turn your soil over in preparation for a new garden bed, to chop up the weeds, to aerate it, incorporate your compost and fertilisers and "fluff" it up. The trouble with this is, the moment you start turning shovels full of soil over bringing what's beneath up to the top, you disrupt and alter the structure of your soil. Not only does it increase the surface area from which water runs off, and lead to erosion, but all those glorious little critters earthworms, beetles and microbials that live within your soil, have their homes torn apart and in some instances are left on the surface to die. How sad is that!!🥺 It's not the way Mother Nature does it or intends it to be, think of it that way. It's far more beneficial to build up good, thick, generous layers of organic matter regularly and let these little fellas do their thing and work their way through it incorporating it for you. They'll be happy healthy and well fed, our soil structure is sound, our backs are good, and our plants will be happy and thrive, win win I'd say. And the weeds? Often that's just what the weed seed bank needs to kick it back into gear. Weeds love growing in freshly disturbed soil. Smothering weeds is often enough to supress them. As for the tired, finished summer vegetables that you would otherwise spend half the day pulling out? You don't really need to. You can still chop back the bulk of it and throw it into your compost, but as for the roots, they're not doing any harm by staying there. In actual fact They help hold the soil intact. Are broken down by your soil critters. Create little channels for the water to follow down through to infiltrate your soil. They 'll create shelter and protection for your new seasons little seedlings to come up in amongst, so they're not standing out there all alone exposed to the wind and extreme elements and waiting for the snails to come along. Each to their own, but I personally feel it's in your best interests not to till your soil if you can avoid it. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your gardens. Stay off the shovel😜😘🪴

Written and edited by Tammy 5th November 2023 Did you ever stop and wonder what the world would be like without bees? Well it's actually a pretty grim picture, infact safe to say, there'd be very little food on our kitchen tables, least of all honey! The humble little honey bee plays a very important role. He's not only responsible for us having honey for our toast , but more importantly, without him, pollination of most of our fruits and vegetables would never occur, plants that are reliant on bees for pollination to guarantee their continuation would cease to exist, and then further up the food chain, our fattened spring lambs for the barbie and prime beef ribs would also disappear as there'd be nothing for them to eat out in the paddock. So you see, the world as we know it would almost certainly no longer be. Now that's sad...infact that's scary! What can you and I as individuals do about it? If you've got a spare bit of dirt or a pot that could do with a splash of colour, fill it with some lovely natives, lavender or marigolds. Do this to provide them with a food source, shade and shelter. In the hot weather leave a few extra dishes or birdbaths of water out (quite literally) for the birds and bees. Most importantly, be very mindful and conscious of what chemicals and pesticides you use out in your garden. Make chemical intervention your last resort, and if you do need to use them, read the label carefully. Use a product that states it's non-harmful to bees. Go ahead and spread the word! Nothing spreads better than good gossip. Help teach and educate our young ones about the importance of the preservation of our little friends. As one you might think you can't do much, but like anything if we all pull together, we can make a difference. Here's hoping you've enjoyed a lovely sunny Sunday! Happy gardening😘🌸🐝

Bearded Iris at sunset Written and edited by Tammy 26th December 2023 With 2023 quickly drawing to a close, I find myself reflecting back over the massive year it has been! My first grand-child, little Ivy Eloise, was born! the absolute apple of my eye🩷🩷 (she even has a plant name 😁🌿) I landed myself the dream job as Manager of the Garden Centre at our new Mitre 10 store here in Naracoorte SA, and I established my own website and gardening blog, 'TJs Gardening Works'. I shared my first very first post 'Soil from the ground up' on the 9th of December 2022. I touched on the topics soil health, the relevance of soil pH, plant nutrition, identifying plants and treating disease. https://www.tjsgardeningworks.space/post/soil-ph-the-nitty-gritty-of-it-all https://www.tjsgardeningworks.space/post/6-tips-for-identifying-plants I visited some amazing local gardens to continue broadening my knowledge of what grows best here in our region, in particular in our sandy soils. From there I talked about the best suited plants to grow, improving moisture retention, and tips for saving water. Saving water I showcased some beautiful trees growing right here in our own backyard, the largest living River Red Gum in the South East of South Australia, Golden Elms, Crepe Myrtles, Chinese Pistachios and red flowering gums. Over the winter months I come up with a list of the pros and cons for bare root trees versus potted, and a 'how to' go about planting your new trees. When Spring Sprung I listed some hints and tips for growing healthy seedlings, the benefits of using Seasol , and how to treat powdery mildew. And more recently, I come up with a list of gardening inspired Christmas gift ideas , and shared my own live Christmas tree with you, offering advice on how you too can grow your own. Coming up with ideas for something to share with you is never hard as most of my inspiration comes from the conversations I have with my customers on a daily basis at work, or my findings at home in my own garden. I've barely scratched the surface! Stay tuned, I've got so many new ideas I'm excited to share with you in the new year! Thankyou for subscribing and following along and getting my first year off to a bumper start. If you've got any ideas for future posts for me, topics you'd like me to cover or even something you'd like to see me add to my website, I would love to hear from you. There's nothing more exciting and encouraging than receiving feedback and interaction. I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by family, friends and loved ones, and I wish you all the very best for 2024! Tammy😘🍒❤️ TJs Gardening Works

Plants weathering torrential downpour. Written and edited by Tammy 16th January 2024 If there's ever been a Summer for breaking weather records this would have to be the one. Not too many parts of Australia have been spared the brunt and devastation of storms and floods. My home country town of Naracoorte in SA recently broke records and made the news receiving more than 5 inches of rain in less than an hour. The consequences and negative impact it's had on our homes and gardens, for some, has been heartbreaking. The obvious damage in our gardens after storms is always snapped branches and broken limbs, but in the wake of what we've recently seen, comes a host of other issues we're less familiar with. Storm damage issues Nutrient Leaching Drowning Physical damage Pests and disease Nutrient Leaching Nutrient leaching occurs when excessive volumes of water flush all the nutrients from the soil leaving it infertile, often eroding away any mulch and top layers of soil in the process. Within a couple of weeks, the first obvious signs might be interveinal chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves between the veins) then progressing on to foliage drop. Pictured right is my little Trixzee ™️ minature peach that started the season looking lush and green then progressed to this state quickly after the 5 inches of rain we had. After some evaluations I concluded that it was a nutrient deficiency, most likely as a result of all the rain. Evidence of lack of nutrients What to do When any plant is stressed and unhappy always start out with Seasol Complete Garden Health Treatment. Being a soluble health tonic, it's taken in and utilised by the plant almost immediately to boost its immune system, overcome stress and stimulate the roots to encourage nutrient uptake. My tree was treated with both Seasol health treatment AND Seasol liquid PowerFeed fertiliser together at the same time (it is completely safe to do) and I'm continuing to do so at fortnightly intervals monitoring the change. The two products have very different purposes. The health treatment (in the white bottle) is a plant derivative made from kelps, lower in nutrients and ideal as a health treatment, while PowerFeed (in the green bottle) derived of fish, contains Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) so it's a complete fertiliser. Both products have a low percentage of Phosphorus, so they are completely safe for natives as well. NOTE* Seven days after commencing treatment, you can see the yellowing is less severe and the newly emerging foliage is beginning to green up. Drowning Drowning is another issue that can arise. Plants need oxygen just like us, heavy clay soils don't drain easily, and when they become water-logged, there's little to no oxygen available essentially leading to plants drowning. Potted plants can also become victims of drowning if they're not up off the ground to be able to drain freely, or if the drainage holes become blocked with matted roots. You'll need to Drain away as much water as possible and allow the pot to dry out. Consider repotting into fresh potting soil if necessary, and make sure your pot sits up on pot feet or something to elevate it off the ground to aid drainage. Plants in the ground can be a little trickier. Try the following. Lift and transplant less mature plants if practical to do so. Aerate the soil once it has dried enough. Add and turn through compost and organic matter to improve the soil structure and nutrient availability. Apply and Incorporate gypsum. Gypsum aids drainage in heavy soils. Mound up extra soil to create raised beds up above the original ground level. Plants that can't be transplanted or moved should be given Seasol heath treatment and pruned back to lessen their workload and help them recover. Physical damage The added weight of heavy rain combined with gale force winds can cause large tree limbs to fall and bushy overgrown shrubs to snap and break. In some instances, a combination of sodden wet soil and strong winds can be enough to partially dislodge and loosen roots from the soil, or even uproot them entirely. How to repair and prevent Prune back and dead head regularly to eliminate excess weight on the plant. Not only will it lower the risk of further damage in future storms, but it will allow for air circulation in the canopy of the plant which helps prevent disease. Pruning back also benefits the plant by encouraging a flush of fresh new growth. Pests and diseases Continued heavy rainfall events in the warm weather bring with it humidity, making conditions ideal for fungal diseases and insects to breed and thrive. If not caught in time, it can only take a matter of days for things to become critical. How to treat and eliminate Routinely check for evidence of insect infestations, Rust, Powdery Mildew and Black Spot. Treat with fungicides and insecticides. Earthcare Rose Black Spot & insect spray or/ Sharp Shooter Rose Black Spot & insect have the advantage of being dual action, helping to kill and control fungal diseases and pests. Follow up with Seasol Health treatment as a complimentary to help the plant overcome its challenges. Powdery Mildew ☘️ Powdery Mildew on Zucchini foliage Rust spores on rose foliage Tip* Don't forget to turn off automatic irrigation systems, it won't be necessary for a while until things dry out a little. There'd be nothing worse than unknowingly contributing to the issues. With the unpredictably of our weather and the extremes of each event becoming more frequent, I think we need to be as pro-active and as well educated as we can with how to prevent and treat the challenges as they arise. As always, happy gardening. 😘🌸

Gardening tools Written and edited by Tammy 7th May 2024 Pruning is one of those jobs that all gardeners need to do at some point whether you have a conservative little courtyard or a sprawling landscaped masterpiece. It's one of those routine jobs like washing, dishes and making the beds...you've got to do it. Customers often approach me saying "I need to prune my tree, but where do I start? which tool is for what??" It can be a bit overwhelming, so, let's go through a few and see if I can help solve some of the confusion. Pruning tools Floral snips Secateurs Shears Loppers Hand saw Anvil versus bypass Floral snips Fiskars Micro snips Snips are similar to a pair of scissors, you have two cutting edges coming together, bypassing each other. Generally, they'll have fine, pointed blades for getting into tight spots. They're designed for making precise cuts on softer foliage. Use them for removing spent blooms on annual colour. Pinch pruning petunias with fingertips Secateurs Secateurs Secateurs, or pruners as some folk call them, are for pruning smaller hardwood up to approximately 20mm in diameter. They're the most suitable choice for pruning back your roses, fruit trees, vines and deciduous ornamentals. Here are a few considerations to take when choosing a pair of secateurs. Price. A pair of entry level secateurs will start around $10. From there you can expect to pay up to $150 and beyond for a quality pair with all the 'bells and whistles'. Consider how much work you will be doing with them, if you intend to be using them all day every day, spend a little more and go with a better-quality pair. Weight. Pick up a few different pairs and compare the weight of them. Are you going to fatigue holding them for a whole day in the garden? Would you be better off with the lighter weight pair. Blade size. Think about what you will be pruning. Lavenders and Daisies will be fine with small, shorter blades, but for your fruit trees and roses you might be better off with larger heavier weight blades. Comfort. Comfort is also important. Take the time to find a pair that feel comfortable in your hand. Look for features such as soft grip handles, and a contour that works for the size of your hand. Some secateurs feature a rotating handle and are available to suit either left-handed or right-handed users. This concept embraces the idea that as your fingers curl, creating a fist, or rather, closing the pruner, the lower handle rotates with your curling fingers. Particularly helpful for older arthritic hands. Bahco Secateur- My fav! Like finding your favourite brand of coffee beans, every gardener will find their favourite pair of pruners they love to work with. (Clearly, I'm a coffee drinker!) I recall my old boss giving me a pair of Bahco secateurs and telling me to look after them and not lose them. I still have them, and to this day they remain my favourite ones to work with! They're slim, compact and non-bulky for small hands. They disassemble easily for sharpening and hold their edge well with the daily workout I give them. Shears Utilising hedge shears for hedging. Shears are designed for shaping and maintaining larger bushes and hedges. They have two sharp edges, that bypass one another the same as the floral snips. Obviously they're larger than snips though, they have long, flat blades designed for removing large amounts of foliage in one cut. The other thing you'll notice is the slight angle between the handles and the blade, which is designed to aid comfort while using the tool in awkward positions. Things to consider when choosing a pair of shears. Price.  Once again, the price will be comparative to the quality of the product. Depending on the features you need, you'll find a pair of shears as low as $20 a pair, up to $120 plus. Blade length. For clipping small hedges or shaping standard topiaries, shorter length blades will be easier to manage. A large Buxus or Pittosporum hedge will call for longer, heavier duty blades. Handle length. Handles vary greatly in design and size too. Consider the size of the plant you will be pruning. Shorter handles will be fine if you don't need to reach far, but for taller hedges where you need to reach beyond the extent of your arms-length, telescopic handles extend to double and more of the original handle length. Powered 18v or petrol. If you have a lot of large formal hedges to maintain on a regular basis, (consider hiring a gardener!!🤪) OR, a powered line trimmer might just be for you. Visit your local small engines and power tool specialists and ask loads of questions. Ask them to show you a comparison of the brands, and features of each. A petrol line trimmer will require fuel, oil, and regular servicing, the 18 vollt battery trimmer will come with the expense of buying and charging multiple batteries. It will come down to what works for you. Petrol line trimmer Loppers Loppers for pruning larger branches These are the tool we call on for the big stuff. They’re designed for removing larger previous seasons wood up to and in excess of 20mm in diameter on roses, fruit trees, vines or ornamentals. Some loppers have a ratchet mechanism. It's designed to increase the force applied to the blades in a series of ratchet steps. Helpful for a smaller person, the physical force required to complete the cut is greatly minimised. Telescopic extendable handles are also often an option for loppers which should be considered if what you need to cut is higher up. Hand Saw Small pruning hand saw A must have for every gardener's tool kit! A pruning handsaw is handy for small limbs that are awkward to get at with the loppers. Unlike loppers, the blade of the handsaw can cut right up against the trunk of the tree or the larger limb it's being removed from, so you're not left with a small stump protruding. Being small, they're light weight and super easy to use. The teeth are normally angled back towards the handle meaning they bite in and cut on the back stroke, the pull action, not the push. They work equally as well on dead wood as green wood. Do be mindful to get one that has a decent quality blade, too cheap and thin and it will always jar on the forward push, bending it, rendering it buggered! As with the other tools, you will find a selection of sizes and styles available. If the branches you’re needing to prune or get at are a long way up, well above your head height, rather than climbing a ladder, look for a pole saw pruner which has an extendable handle, often it will have a lopper on it as well. *Anvil versus bypass Another thing you might come across that's relevant for pruners and loppers is the terminology anvil and bypass. What's the difference between anvil and bypass? Anvil tools provide a more powerful cut as they have a double-edged sharp blade (like a kitchen knife). The blade cuts down through the wood essentially crushing it against a flat surface, the anvil bed. For hard old dead wood, that’s absolutely fine, and chances are you won't get through that with a bypass pruner anyway. Bypass tools on the other hand have a single sharp cutting edge that cuts cleanly past the lower fixed edge of the tool. It’s a cleaner neater cut for living wood, less damaging and stressful for the plant. Example of anvil compared to bypass. Whether you're tiding up a hanging basket of pansies, or cutting back the most untamed, rambunctious woody vine, there is a specific tool for each job. It's just a matter of finding which one is the most suitable for your task, and the most comfortable for you to use. You'll be an expert armed with all knowledge now next time you go shopping for gardening tools! Hope you week is going along smoothly. Don't forget this weekend is Mothers Day! Happy gardening 😘🌸🍂