Water-wise Gardens

The Plant Cellar — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:24:03 +0000

Water-wise Gardens

Water-wise gardens are becoming more and more popular here in Western Australia. Along with WA’s dry climate and poor soils, people are becoming more concerned about our worlds precious resource – water. Hence, they are opting for water-wise solutions.

Water-wise gardens are low maintenance, and as this beautiful garden designed by Sue from Wild About Gardens demonstrates, they do not have to compromise on beauty.

Image courtesy of Wild About Gardens, wildaboutgardens.com.au

There are a few tips you can follow to ensure the success of a water-wise garden.

Try choosing plants that are native to WA . These plants have been proven to grow well in WA soils and are therefore a no brainer. If not WA natives then Australian natives are the next best thing. Like all plants, drought tolerant plants will still require a watering-in period until established, usually 8-13 weeks.

Image courtesy of Wild About Gardens, wildaboutgardens.com.au

Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and/or soil improver. The importance of soil preparation can never be underestimated for any garden. And although many drought tolerant plants will grow in less than ideal conditions, it is still important to give them the best start to life. Good soil is the foundation of a thriving water-wise garden. The better the soil, the more drought tolerant your plants will be. Preparing the soil will ensure your plants are getting the water and nutrients they need to thrive.

Place plants with the same water requirements close together. This will allow for more efficient water use, ensuring that your plants are neither over or under watered.

Mulch! Mulching retains water and keeps those thirsty water hogging weeds out.

Image courtesy of Wild About Gardens, wildaboutgardens.com.au

Deliver water to the root zone. By using soaker hoses or irrigation drippers this will ensure water is getting right where it needs to be.

So, whether you’re looking to add a few new plants into your existing garden bed or designing a new garden bed from scratch, incorporating water-wise plants is always great choice. Low maintenance and low water – its a win win.

The post Water-wise Gardens appeared first on The Plant Cellar.

Flowers vs Foliage

The Plant Cellar — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 08:37:06 +0000

Flowers vs Foliage

Creating a Garden Bed With Year Round Interest

Flowers, they are truly spectacular. The stunning display of colour, teamed with their delicate structure. Mother Nature is for sure the best artist!

However, if you are about to embark on a new garden bed, then think carefully. If its year round interest you are chasing, then best not to get fixated on the flower.

This is easier said than done considering every time you walk into a garden centre you are greeted by beaming bunches of flowering plants. These plants are looking so hot right now, making them too irresistible to walk past. But, what you’re not seeing is what the plant looks like once the flowering period is over.

Although some flowering plants can have long blooming periods, others can flower for as little as 2 weeks out of the year. Once this period is over, you can be left with some rather unsightly foliage.

Not sure what to plant? Pre-planning is the key to creating that lush long-lasting garden bed. Consider planting small evergreen shrubs and ornamental grasses and foliage plants. And, choose long flowering perennials over annuals so you are not digging up and re-planting year after year.

Pick your plants to suit your space and style. Apart from appearance, take into account the height, width and conditions needed for the plant to thrive. Research the plants you want and then source them.

There are some beautiful ornamental grasses and foliage plants that will provide that year round wow factor.

Such as:

They are compact, contrast beautifully and are extremely low maintenance.

Mix these with some long flowering plant varieties, which also exhibit interesting foliage, for example:

Tulbaghi Dark Star, Silver Lace
Polygala Little Bibi
Daphne Eternal Fragrance
Agapanthus Baby Pete
Dianthus Coconut Sundae, Sugar Plum Coral and Rebekah to name a few

If it is a flowering garden bed you are wanting to achieve, try selecting plants that flower during different seasons. This way your garden bed will still be eye catching all year round.

So in summing up, tips for planting a long lasting garden bed, that is low maintenance and will provide year round interest:

Plan carefully, take into consideration plant height and width
Think foliage first, flower second
Choose foliage and flower in the one perennial – long flowering with nice foliage
Use ornamental foliage and grass plants to fill in the gaps and provide contrast to your garden

Soon, you’ll be on your way to showcasing your year round master piece!

And remember, we are here to help you source the plants you need to make this happen. Any questions, feel free to drop us line.

The post Flowers vs Foliage appeared first on The Plant Cellar.

Garden beds Archives - The Plant Cellar

Water-wise Gardens

Water-wise Gardens

Flowers vs Foliage

Flowers vs Foliage

Creating a Garden Bed With Year Round Interest