Planting under Eucalypts
Many gardens have established Eucalypts, and as designers, landscapers and horticulturists, we have to be aware of the requirements of these existing trees if we want to have a successful planting under and around them. I will take three Eucalyptus species as an example of their varied requirements. Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowood) is naturally fond in...
The right plant in the right soil
In a school near where I live, 25 trees had to be removed as they were found unstable. The reason was that the species chosen was not suited to the soil type and their root system could not develop adequately. Not long ago I was given a plan to quote from. Of the plant specification...
Healthy Soils
In Landscaping and horticulture in general we are involved primarily with growing media. The quality of soil we work with is important; this is recognised by the Australian Standards we must adhere to. What is less known and too often overlooked is the health of our soils. What constitutes a healthy soil? A soil is healthy...
Self Learning
Horticulture is a profession that requires constant learning. Our profession deals with the natural word which works in a complex web of interaction between organisms and their environment. Because of its multi-disciplinary aspect, our profession needs to stay abreast of the constant discovery in biology and plant re-classification. For those of us specifying and recommending...
Design Concepts / Landscape / Landscape Design / Landscape Supplies / Landscaping - Soft / Nurseries
Fruit trees for small gardens
Backyard vegetable gardening has been taken on by many residential customers in the last few years. As the people realize the benefits and joy that comes with growing their own food, it has now gone from a fad to a more perennial way of gardening. What is often over-looked by the profession, be it retail...
Horticulture Scholarship opportunity
There is a scholarship opportunity from the BBM Sir John Pagan Horticulture Award. It is open to horticulturists younger than 24 years of age at the date of the closing of applications, who are currently undertaking or who have completed an acknowledged course in Horticulture with any University, TAFE or Training Organisation. The winner will...
Pondering about a pond?
Water features and ponds in particular have greatly improved in the last 10 years. Improvement in UV stable pond liners, pumping and filtering systems, waterproofing membranes and composite materials have all helped ameliorate and increase the design possibilities. Ponds have an aesthetic value, a cooling effect and the sound of water helps reduce background noise....
Being a member of a professional association has many benefits
At this time of year I renew my membership to my professional association. Professional associations serve their members well and in many ways. Good associations will run professional development workshops. These give the members the opportunity to update their knowledge or acquire new job skills through luncheons, workshops, conferences, publications or web seminars. They also...
Design Concepts / Garden and Public Art / Landscape / Landscape Design / Landscaping - Hard / Landscaping - Soft / Playground Equipment
Child’s Play
Most adults understand the very important educational role that playing has in the physical and mental development of our children. Schools, public playgrounds and private gardens are an integral part of the play setting in the maturing processes of children. The ability to explore, discover and imagine in a natural, or at least outdoor, setting...
Retaining walls from structural to decorative
In my hilly area, retaining walls are a necessity. They are used for both structural and decorative reasons. They serve the structural need of a garden to support paths, maintain slopes, create levels and for drainage purposes. When the structural retaining wall material is carefully chosen to suit the overall theme of the garden and...
Designing accessible paths for all
When designing or constructing a path in a garden, be it private or public, we should always try our best to make it so that it provides a continuous accessible path of travel for the less able – people in wheel chairs and the visually impaired. The Australian Human Rights Commission defines a continuous accessible...
Bringing Art In The Garden
When we think of art, we imagine galleries, museums, grand houses, and paintings on walls. Rarely do we think of art as having its place in the garden. I am not talking of the bronze statues we see in public parks, nor am I talking of garden ornaments, I am thinking of the place of...
