|
|
Ideas for your Queensland garden
Some current trends
Autumn, 2008:
Tropical: Colourful tropical gardens, particularly the "Balinese" or "resort-style" gardens have become very popular over the last few years. Interest in glamorous tropical gardens may continue as people are forced to spend more time entertaining and holidaying at home to save money. Lack of water will be a problem here too, although many tropical-look plants are drought tolerant once established.
Edibles: Growing your own vegetables and fruit has been on the rise overseas and is now hitting Australia. Interest in fruit and vegetables seems set to continue, from a desire to try to save money on food combined with ecological and health concerns. Unfortunately, water is a major limitation where crops are concerned.
Austere: Drought tolerant/minimalist/contemporary. Water restrictions have forced many to turn to less demanding plants, and the market has been well supplied with tough but striking "architectural" plants that work well (often in containers) with the highly paved outdoor spaces of modern homes.
Somewhat out of fashion is the cottage garden. With a renewed interest in edibles and a nostalgia for happier times, perhaps there will be a renewal of interest, with an emphasis on shrubs (including roses) and water-efficient perennials (including natives) for the decorative components.
Water and money, or rather the lack of water and money, may be key influences looking forward. Water restrictions won't be going away any time soon (at least in SE Qld) so the need for suitable plants will continue. Spiky succulents may lose their novely value, however. Will the nursery trade will be able to supply a more interesting selection of softer, greener and more flowery plants that don't require too much water? Australian natives selected for good garden performance may help to fill this need.
Want something different?
Of course, there are many other ways you might develop your garden. If you have a house with a history, you may want to renovate the garden to match the historical period of the building. or, you might want to develop another regional style (Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Mediterranean, Moroccan, etc), single colour or fantasy theme. More ideas here: Garden Styles.
Can't plant because of the drought? That makes now an ideal time for researching new ideas and thinking about how you might develop your garden over the coming years (with future watering restrictions in mind, of course!)
Saving Money
Most people want to save money, and its becoming more important than ever. It is possible to garden with very little money, but it is also possible to spend a lot, too! Most people will immediately thinking cheap plants and supplies, but there are a few other ways of looking at using the garden to improve your "bottom line"
However, consider your spending in the light of:
- improvement to your property and potential efect on price and/or speed at which a property sells.
- savings on fruit, herbs, vegetables, cut flowers
- staying away from shopping malls and other expensive recreational pursuits
- physical activity (versus eating in front of the TV)
- a family activity that's educational too
- chance to show off to friends and neighbours!
Learning about gardening
For total beginners or those who have moved to Qld from other climates
Many people would like to get more involved in gardening but don't know where to start. It can be overwhelming, especially if they have no previous experience (not even the benefit of seeing a parent or grandparent garden).
1. Start small and simple, but start.
The longest journey begins with a single step. Don't let fear of killing it stop you from planting anything at all. Just don't start with an expensive, large specimen or something very specialised like a venus fly trap. Lots of popular garden plants can be obtained quite cheaply in small pot sizes. You can afford to loose a few. The ones that survive will look great and everyone will think you're a super gardener!
Some people may have been discouraged by a bad experience with a plant they were given as a gift. However, some plants may have been intended as a table decoration and aren't intended for planting out. Some, like flowering cyclamen or daffoldils aren't suited to warm climates. African violets or orchids look good straight from the florist but require some skill for successful growing on.
Some common potted plants, that might be given as gifts may be a little TOO successful in the garden. Norfolk Island Pines (used as Christmas trees) or ornamental figs, for example, are unsuitable for planting out in regular suburban gardens due to large size or agressive roots. In general, be careful about underground and overhead pipes/wires, or planting large-growing species too close to the house or in other unsuitable locations. Naturally, take care of your personal health and safety, too.
There are plenty of easy to grow annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees suitable for growing outdoors in your nearest garden centre. No garden centre? Your local chain store or hardware probably has some seeds and basic garden supplies to get you started.
2. Ask friends, ask the staff at your local garden centre, join a local garden club.
Again, start simple. What types of plants to they find easy to grow? What tips do they have to share?
3. See what's already growing in your neighbourhood
Go for some walks and see what's doing well in your area. If you can't identify a plant, ask the owner or take a photo (including flowers and/or fruit if possible) and show your local garden centre. Even if you have experience from another climate, this is a good way to familiarise yourself with the type of plants that perform well locally.
Botanic gardens and open gardens might also be a source of ideas, but some of the species you see in such gardens might be hard for the beginner to obtain.
4. Books, magazines, websites, TV programs etc
These are a great way to learn basic techniques, or get inspiration, but when it comes to plants, take into the account the source of the imformation. What might be appropriate to other regions might not be appropriate for yours. Look out for publications (or authors) from your area for more locally-relevant information.
Try a container
If you're unsure, try a potted plant, or perhaps make a mini-garden in a large container. Container gardening is sometimes easier than growing in the ground, especially if you have poor soil. Of course, it's also a way for unit owners and renters to enjoy gardening and for those saving for a house, to get some experience while they're waiting. Naturally, take some care with regard to weight, staining and water runoff if using pots on patios and balconies.
Need More Help?
A range of subjects are covered throughout the main site at www.calyx.com.au. Begin at the Getting Started page, or try Search. If you feel you need further assistance, click here.
If you're looking for a professional garden designer in Qld (or if you're one), click here: Garden designers.
Sorry, but advice on personal gardening problems cannot be provided to individuals via this website at this time.
|
|
|
|
