One of the most common complaints we hear at the nursery is, “I have terrible clay soil.” While clay soils have a bad reputation, it’s not necessarily bad soil. It can be rich in nutrients and excellent at holding moisture. It’s also a relatively easy problem to tackle in the garden. The trick is to stop…
September is when spring really gains momentum. The garden is abuzz with new growth and activity, and the list of jobs seems to grow before your eyes. Can you hear the grass growing? With all the sunny days we’ve been having, it hasn’t had much chance to slow down. And amongst the grass, the usual…
As we head into spring, armies of tiny insects are moving into the garden. Contrary to popular belief, their arrival isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can actually be a sign of a healthy, functioning ecosystem. Here’s why. Although they can be annoying, all insects (even aphids) have a role to play in the garden….
Few trees hold magic quite like an ornamental cherry. For a few glorious weeks in early spring, bare branches disappear beneath wispy clouds of pink or white blossoms, signalling change, inspiring hope, and reminding us that time is fleeting. Ornamental Cherries Scientific name: Prunus spp.Common name: Ornamental CherryFamily: Rosaceae Ornamental cherries are particularly magnetic. When they burst into bloom,…
August sits at the turning point between winter and spring — a time to clear the last weeds, prepare the garden beds and make the most of the quiet moments before the growing season begins. August is the month where winter begins to loosen its grip and the garden starts stirring back to life. Along…
Soil preparation prior to planting can make all the difference when it comes to fruiting, helping your trees establish strong roots, healthy growth and generous crops for years to come. Homegrown fruit are memory makers. Imagine biting into freshly picked apricots, juices running down your forearm and into your sleeve, or finding cherries on Christmas…
Discover the perfect fruit tree for your garden, with helpful information on pollination, harvest times and the best ways to enjoy your homegrown harvest. Winter is the best time to plant bare-root fruit trees. While right now they may look like little more than sticks, beneath the soil they’re quietly establishing intricate root systems that…
Your curious questions answered One of the questions we’re asked most often at the nursery each winter is how to prune summer- and autumn-fruiting raspberries. Fortunately, it’s a simple task once you know which type you’re growing. Get that part right, and the rest is little more than a few well-placed cuts. Summer-fruiting raspberries produce…
Building the perfect bouquet of roses is not just about fragrance and colours. Hybrid tea roses have been regarded as the gold standard for cut flowers since forever. Their large, high-centred blooms and long, straight stems make them ideal for formal bouquets, which is why they remain a favourite among florists. Varieties such as Mr. Lincoln, Peace and Pope…
Whether you have a sunny or shady position in the garden, there’s a camellia for every situation. The camellia has long been a stalwart feature of Tasmanian gardens. Their handsome, glossy leaves provide a lush green presence throughout the year, while their intricate blooms are especially welcome when much of the garden is shrouded in…