Gardening Australia 2024 episode 4

Gardening Australia 2024 episode 4 – In this riveting episode of Gardening Australia 2024, we embark on an enriching journey through the heart of nature and creativity. Our adventure begins with Sophie, who takes us through her enlightening visit to a philanthropic nursery dedicated to spreading the joy of gardening far and wide. Here, plants are not just grown, but nurtured with a purpose, teaching us the importance of giving back to our community through the power of greenery.

Next, we dive into the world of cold frames with Hannah, exploring these marvels of garden engineering that allow plants to thrive even in the chilliest of climates. Hannah’s in-depth investigation sheds light on the meticulous care and innovative techniques required to extend the growing season, ensuring that even the frostiest days can be a boon to gardeners everywhere.

Ascending to new heights, Jerry shares his journey towards creating a more sustainable future through urban gardening. Witness how Jerry transforms the concrete jungle into a lush oasis, demonstrating that even the smallest spaces can contribute to greener, healthier cities. His passion and perseverance remind us that every effort counts in the battle against climate change.

Behind the lens, Jane gives us a rare peek into the world of botanical photography, capturing the ephemeral beauty of flora in stunning detail. Her artistic eye and dedication to her craft offer a unique perspective on the natural world, celebrating the unsung heroes of the garden in every shot.

Tammy, on the other hand, takes artistry to a whole new level, crafting exquisite pieces of art from the leaves and branches that grace our gardens. Her creations are a testament to the beauty that surrounds us, inviting viewers to see the ordinary in extraordinary ways.

Finally, we are introduced to a remarkable family who has woven gardening into the very fabric of their lives. Together, they cultivate not just plants, but strong bonds and a deep-rooted connection to the earth. Their story is a heartwarming reminder of the power of gardening to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Join us on Gardening Australia 2024, episode 4, as we explore these inspiring stories and more, celebrating the diverse ways in which gardening touches our lives. From the philanthropic to the artistic, the practical to the sustainable, this episode is a tribute to the gardeners who enrich our world, one plant at a time.

Gardening Australia 2024 episode 4

Plant Philanthropy

Sophie finds herself in the enchanting seaside town of Port Elliot, nestled along the shores of South Australia’s Horseshoe Bay. This visit isn’t just a leisurely escape; she’s here on a special mission. Her destination is the home of Paul Sabel, a man who has turned the simple hobby of nurturing a few plant cuttings in his backyard into an extraordinary horticultural venture. What appears to be an ordinary suburban residence from the front unveils a spectacular back garden nursery upon closer inspection, one that competes with the outputs of some professional growers in its scale and diversity.

Paul, having retired from his career as a school principal, now dedicates his time entirely to gardening. Together with his late wife Annette, he embarked on a journey to transform their 1.5-acre property into a verdant paradise. They meticulously added numerous beds, winding paths, graceful arches, a home for chickens, and expansive shadehouses designed for the propagation of various plants. Among these green wonders is a tunnel bursting with pots of vibrant pelargoniums, which Paul cultivates as rootstock for new cuttings. His garden also boasts an impressive collection of cacti and succulents, alongside an array of bromeliads and roses, each adding to the nursery’s rich tapestry of flora.

Paul’s passion for gardening yields thousands of plants each year, which he sells at local weekly markets. Assisting him in this labor of love are his dear friends, Rex (91) and Claire (84) Zacher, both retired farmers. Every Friday, they gather plants to sell at the weekend markets and return on Tuesdays to assist with watering. Claire is motivated by the knowledge that Paul’s efforts are not for personal gain; instead, all profits are generously donated to the Australian Lutheran World Service, supporting causes far beyond the garden’s boundaries.

For Paul, the nursery is more than just a project; it’s a means of helping others while also providing him with a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose. His dedication has culminated in raising “well over half a million” dollars for charity. However, this level of commitment means that taking a break is not an option, as Paul himself notes: “You can’t just run off and have a holiday.” His story is a testament to the power of turning a simple hobby into a life-changing mission, one that benefits not only the gardener but the world at large.

Liquid Feeds

Incorporating organic materials, such as compost, into your garden beds is an excellent strategy for enhancing the quality of your soil over time. These natural additions play a crucial role in the ecosystem of your garden by fostering a rich environment where soil organisms, including bacteria and fungi, thrive. These microorganisms meticulously break down the organic matter, releasing essential nutrients that plant roots eagerly absorb, promoting healthier and more vigorous plant growth.

However, for those cultivating heavy-feeding crops that demand a substantial nutrient intake, like leafy greens, the introduction of a liquid fertiliser becomes indispensable. This method ensures the immediate availability of nutrients, allowing plants to absorb them directly and efficiently. Josh has found great success in using a synergistic blend of fish emulsion and liquid kelp as his go-to fertiliser. This potent combination supplies an abundant range of both macro and micro nutrients essential for plant development. It’s important to note that the concentration of these fertilisers can vary significantly between different brands, so adhering to the manufacturer’s dilution instructions is crucial to avoid over-concentration.

The perils of over-fertilising cannot be overstated. Not only is it economically inefficient, as the excess nutrients cannot always be utilised by the plants, but it also poses a risk of causing harm to the plants themselves. Furthermore, there’s the environmental concern that surplus fertiliser may leach into the groundwater or nearby waterways, contributing to pollution.

Liquid fertilisers offer a viable solution for plants situated under trees or in competition with larger plants for nutrients, providing a much-needed boost. They are also remarkably effective in swiftly rectifying nutrient deficiencies. Applying a liquid feed directly to the leaves can expedite the absorption process, offering quicker relief than root absorption. This technique is something Josh has found especially beneficial for treating citrus trees struggling in alkaline soils, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients without delay.

Additionally, the bacteria responsible for the composting process also require a steady supply of nutrients. By applying an organic, high-nitrogen liquid fertiliser to your compost pile, you can invigorate the composting process, particularly if the pile has become overly dry. This proactive approach not only enhances the efficiency of your composting efforts but also contributes to a more nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden.

Framed All Seasons – Cold Frames

In regions like Hobart, characterized by brief summers and fluctuating weather conditions, the implementation of a cold frame becomes an invaluable asset for gardeners aiming to prolong the vegetable cultivation period. These structures range widely in complexity—from basic, makeshift box frames topped with a sheet of glass to elaborate constructions equipped with numerous enhancements.

Hannah takes us through a detailed exploration of her new preferred cold frame, situated in her sister’s garden in Hobart. This cold frame stands out due to its robust hardwood timber base and a durable cover made from twin-walled polycarbonate sheeting, securely mounted on a straightforward timber structure. Its height approaches nearly 2 meters, offering ample vertical space for the growth of plants such as tomatoes. What’s more, its design includes a detachable roof, which not only facilitates summer growth by allowing plants to extend above the frame but also enhances air circulation. The inclusion of two front doors, which can be fully opened to optimize access and further improve ventilation and are supported by gas struts, underscores the thoughtful engineering behind this cold frame.

Positioned in a locale that basks in sunlight throughout the year, the cold frame is strategically placed to capitalize on the consistent light exposure crucial in a cool, temperate climate. The generous dimensions of the frame consolidate all vegetable growing activities into one efficient, space-saving area. During the warmer months, it hosts a vibrant assortment of tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers, herbs, and leafy greens. For species requiring extended, warm growth phases—such as eggplants and capsicums—Hobart’s brief summers may prove inadequate. Here, the cold frame plays a critical role by ensuring a steady supply of warmth, enabling an earlier start for crops and prolonging the ripening period into the autumn season.

Notably, the frame at Hannah’s sister’s place is somewhat overcrowded, a condition that could potentially foster fungal diseases. To mitigate this, regular thinning and pruning are undertaken to enhance airflow and create space for the introduction of autumn crops.

Hannah also showcases how the cold frame facilitates the cultivation of spring onions. By trimming them at the base for kitchen use while leaving the root intact, the plant is encouraged to regenerate its green top. Furthermore, she leverages the warm, sheltered environment of the cold frame to initiate seedlings in punnets. She plants seeds of leek, mizuna, and sprouting broccoli during summer to ensure they are robust enough to withstand the colder weather come autumn, demonstrating the cold frame’s versatility and utility in extending the growing season and maximizing yield in a challenging climate.

F.A.Q. on Gardening Australia 2024 Episode 4