Contrary to popular belief, native plants can be used to create spectacular results in formal gardens. Formal gardens are gardens with well-defined lines and strong structure. Plants are often used in geometric layout with the use of clipped and stylized plant forms such as hedges and topiary to define and link elements within the garden. Sculptures, [...]
Bringing Home our Flowers
(Gardening Australia Fact Sheet – Australian Cut Flower). Australia has a diverse and unique native flora that has evolved on our island continent in a wide range of environments from tropical rainforest, inland deserts, temperate forests, sandy heaths and alpine meadows. It has been estimated that there are up to 25,000 different plant species in [...]
Restoring the Gib
Every week for nearly two decades a small group of volunteers has been systematically weeding and assisting natural regeneration on Mt. Gibralter. Their goal is to rid the reserve of environmental weeds working from the top down. They are methodically removing all unwanted vegetation, freeing the forest from dominance by weeds such as English Ivy, [...]
Bringing in the Birds
In the Southern Highlands we have an amazing range of birds that occur naturally. Surrounding our urban areas a bounty of biological diversity is provided within national parks, water catchment areas, nature reserves and state forests. Bringing in the birds to our urban areas makes sense as they provide many benefits such as pollination, seed [...]
Science Vs Myth, Ignorance & Prejudice.
When Science is Considered the Facts Remain. Last month I explained some of the science behind creating an effective windbreak and why one of the most popular species planted for windbreaks/hedges in the southern highlands is not a good choice when the science is considered. This article prompted community interest with the result being a [...]
Stopping that Wind
Recent gale force winds caused havoc to our lifestyles. They inflicted damage to infrastructure and many gardens. Effective windbreaks can greatly reduce the impact of gale force winds. Having been a resident of the Southern Highlands for over thirty years I have become accustomed to the ferocity of winds experienced in our region. Traditionally they [...]
Colour in the Winter Garden
Winter can be a rather sad time in traditional highland gardens. Adding colour and the sounds of nature to gardens over winter can brighten our lives. By incorporating colour into the garden during winter we reduce some of the negative impacts winter has on our souls. Traditional highland gardens are geared to provide maximum colour [...]
Selecting Hedges
Selecting the right hedge improves your lifestyle, enhances our environment and does not require excessive maintenance. Hedges provide many benefits such as privacy, wind protection, ornamental statements and flowers. Well-designed hedges and shelterbelts also provide valuable habitat and vegetation corridors for birds and native mammals. New homeowners eagerly seek plants for hedges and screens. Most [...]
Why Plant Weeds?
If we truly wish to preserve the natural beauty of our surrounds for future generations, the planting of environmental weeds in gardens should cease. Viable and beautiful alternatives are available. The Southern Highlands is blessed with natural beauty. Surrounding our urban areas a bounty of biological diversity is provided within national parks, water catchment areas, [...]
Explaining Ecological Communities
Many different types of ecological communities exist within the Southern Highlands. It is important that people understand what an ecological community is as many of Wingecarribee Shire’s ecological communities are classified as endangered by either the State or Federal Government and are protected by law. An ecological community is defined as a group of actually [...]
