Spring is well and truly in the air, and to get the best advice, MyCity Logan this week spoke to Dennis Nielsen from Nielsen’s Native Nursery at Loganholme.
Mr Nielsen, formerly a builder, says we are experiencing great gardening weather, so it’s time to consider a few options:
Consumables:
These include fertilisers, pesticides, soil, seeds and mulch.
“Consumables have been extremely popular during the Covid-19 period, and it’s great to see all the family involved and getting their hands dirty,” Dennis says.
“This year, gardening has been so popular that many lines are completely sold out.”
But that shouldn’t stop anyone from taking advantage of the great conditions, he says.
The abundance of bud life are a sure sign that there are plenty of brown honey eaters, fairy wrens and rainbow lorikeets in the area – a wonderful sight in the garden.
What to plant
Australian native plants, grevilleas and callistemons are always popular.
“Nowadays, there are so many of these, even suited to the smaller home gardens or unit courtyards,” Dennis says.
“Little Caroling and Mathew Flinders are two plants (types of Callistemon or bottlebrush) that can easily be kept under 1000mm.
“Grevilleas such as New Blood, Apricot Tingle are in the same category and Grevillea Peaches and Cream are great additions in the 1200mm to 1500mm range.
“If you’re into Banksias, why not try Banksia Birthday Candles or even Banksia Blechnifolia.”
Vegetables
Dennis says it is also a great time of year to grow vegetables, whether it is from seed or young seedlings purchased in punnets.
“Vegetables can be grown either in the ground, in raised vegetable beds or in pots,” he says.
“Always use a quality garden soil or potting mix. Most companies provide a specific herb and vegetable mix.
“Lots of animal manure is beneficial. We like to use Searles 5 in 1 which is a blend of blood and bone, fish nutrients, seaweed, composted animal manures and many more additives.
“A 30mm-40mm of lucerne mulch over the top ensures moisture doesn’t escape and in time breaks down, adding further nutrient to the soil.”
But be wary of traps.
Generally most vegetables prefer a sunny position.
“Always be careful you don’t plant the taller crops such as corn on the northern end of the garden thus shading the other vegetables,” Dennis says.
“Mignonettte lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, dwarf beans, and radish are some easy ones to get you going.”
Running water
“The sound of running water in the garden is always soothing and relaxing,” Dennis says.
“Why not consider a small pond with fish or even a bird bath with a small solar fountain head? Sit back in your garden setting and admire the birds frolicking in your new garden addition.”
