In Australia, we tend to take many lifestyle benefits for granted. We expect that we have abundant resources available for us to use, and we work and play surrounded by natural beauty. However, environmental issues such as climate change, depleting water resources, and habitat loss will all impact on this in the future. Change is […]
So what sort of garden is best for attracting birds? Birds are very territorial and occupy various niches. Some birds occupy the upper canopies of trees, some the middle canopy, some the understorey and some the ground stratum. Our gardens should ideally have a range of habitats, which then provide a home for a broad […]
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, […]
(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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
For over thirty years I have been passionate and enthusiastic when creating native landscapes and preserving the beauty and abundance of our natural environment. Most newcomers to the Southern Highlands (long term locals traditionally calling them “blow-ins”) embark upon a quest to establish exotic landscapes, the most common being the English or Tuscan garden. These […]
