DECEMBER & JANUARY
Gardening at this time of year can be a challenge, but if you make it as drought tolerant as possible, it can still look great. Mulch must be kept topped up, soil saturators used & deep watering rather than constant light watering, are all necessary. There are watering aids these days, with deep root irrigators (sunk down near the plants roots) and water wells (to circle your plants).
Have a thought also for the birds and animals and provide water in some decorative bird baths or hang some bird feeders from the trees – they enhance your garden as well.

FLOWER GARDEN
Poinsettias – the plant of the moment! With care they can last till next Christmas! Do not water from above – keep leaves & bracts dry - & do not overwater. A light soluble feed every couple of weeks will keep them looking nice & keep in a warm position with plenty of light.

VEGETABLE GARDEN
Salad time! Why not try something different & add some colour & interest to your salads with some edible flowers? Some examples are Borage, Chives & Chicory from the herb family & Calendulas, Marigolds, Nasturtium, Roses, Sage, Society garlic, Violets & even Zucchini.

EVERLASTING GERBERA
The flowers are smaller on these gerbera but their hardiness & disease resistance make it a very easy plant to grow. They like full sun & flower all year in milder areas, looking great in mixed plants or as a border. When used in floral arrangements, the flowers have a long shelf life.

Sustainable Gardening Australia - certified garden centre

Our Malvern store has recently become an accredited Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) garden centre. SGA is an organisation that promotes gardening in a more enviromentally sustainable way.

SGA has been developing programs for gardeners since 2002. Their main objective is to help Australians garden in a way that has a positive environmental impact.

Find out more about SGA on their website