Gardening Australia 2024 episode 6

Gardening Australia 2024 episode 6 – Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the realms of sustainable gardening, ingenious design, and nature’s enduring wonders. In this season’s sixth episode of Gardening Australia, we unveil a tapestry of inspiring stories that will ignite your passion for nurturing the earth and cultivating beauty amidst the ever-changing landscapes.

Join Hannah as she delves into the enchanting world of permaculture, where harmonious coexistence between humans and nature takes center stage. Witness firsthand how this holistic approach to gardening transforms ordinary spaces into thriving ecosystems, where every element seamlessly integrates to create a sustainable and self-sufficient oasis. Prepare to be captivated by the intricate web of life that unfolds before your eyes, revealing the profound interconnectedness of all living beings.

Meanwhile, Costa embarks on a water-wise adventure, exploring the innovative realm of wicking pots. Discover how these ingenious vessels harness the power of capillary action, ensuring your beloved plants receive the perfect balance of moisture and nourishment. Witness the transformative impact of these eco-friendly solutions, empowering gardeners to cultivate lush, vibrant landscapes even in the face of water scarcity.

Venture into the enchanting subtropics with Jerry, as he celebrates the rich biodiversity and unique climate that nurtures an extraordinary array of flora and fauna. Immerse yourself in a world where exotic blooms burst forth in vibrant hues, where fragrant aromas dance on the gentle breeze, and where nature’s symphony resonates with the melodies of countless species thriving in perfect harmony.

Prepare to be inspired by Josh’s conversation with a visionary gardener, whose passion and creativity have transcended the boundaries of conventional horticulture. Uncover the extraordinary stories behind their botanical masterpieces, where innovative techniques and unconventional approaches have given rise to breathtaking landscapes that challenge our perceptions of what a garden can be.

Finally, meet a collective of beekeepers whose artistry and ingenuity have elevated apiculture to new heights. Witness the intricate dance of these industrious pollinators as they weave their way through a tapestry of blooms, gathering nature’s sweetest nectar. Explore the fascinating world of beekeeping, where creativity and respect for the natural order converge, and where the fruits of their labor are nothing short of the bee’s knees.

Immerse yourself in this captivating exploration of sustainable living, where every story unfolds like a petal unfolding, revealing the boundless potential of nature’s bounty and humanity’s ingenuity. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and forever changed by the enduring power of gardening to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.

Gardening Australia 2024 episode 6

Permi-nent Plan

Featured in the enchanting Garden Section, the remarkable Cygnet, Tasmania-based garden is the pride of designers and owners Nick Ritar and Kirsten Bradley. Established in 2021, this garden thrives in the cool climate of its locale, showcasing a permaculture productive style that is both innovative and sustainable.

Nick Ritar and Kirsten Bradley garnered national attention when they appeared on Gardening Australia in 2020. At the time, they resided on Melliodora, a property renowned for its permaculture design, created by the esteemed David Holmgren, a leading figure in the permaculture movement. Their current garden in Cygnet continues to embody the principles they’ve passionately embraced.

Permaculture, as Nick eloquently describes, is about forging a deep connection with one’s surroundings. It’s understanding the origins of your food and water, the destination of waste, and the intricate web of the local ecosystem. This philosophy is vividly expressed in the design of their garden, where every element is positioned to harness the benefits of natural sunlight and unique microclimates, creating a harmonious environment that supports each component’s growth and productivity.

Kirsten highlights the garden’s seamless integration with nature, from the sunny perennial borders and rockery, gently descending to an area rich with vegetable beds, fruit trees, a tranquil pond, and a cozy chicken house. Despite its organic appearance, the garden’s layout is the result of meticulous planning. Strategic placement of flat terrains across the slope has enabled logical segmentation of the space for diverse uses.

The garden features colossal rocks, locally sourced, that not only form natural steps through the terrain but also serve as homes for various species, contributing to biodiversity and offering thermal mass. The uniform size of the seven vegetable beds simplifies the application of infrastructure like irrigation and shade structures across all areas. The ingenious use of temporary trellising for crops like snow peas or beans enhances productivity and allows for efficient management of light exposure to slower-growing plants. This thoughtful design facilitates easy crop rotation and soil enrichment through green manure.

A delightful array of berries is cultivated on an arbour, surrounded by a lush understorey of herbs and ornamental plants, creating a visually stunning and functional space. Additionally, a small edible forest garden enriches the landscape, with fruit trees, ground covers, and mid-storey plants providing nourishment not only to the household but also to the local wildlife and the soil itself, embodying the essence of permaculture by fostering a sustainable, self-supporting ecosystem.

The garden’s plant palette is as diverse as it is purposeful, featuring a variety of species such as the Carrot (Daucus carota cv.), Snow Pea (Lathyrus oleraceus cv.), Raspberry (Rubus cv.), and Mint (Mentha cv.), each chosen for their adaptability to the climate and contribution to the garden’s productivity and ecological balance. This garden is not just a testament to Nick and Kirsten’s dedication to permaculture principles but also a source of inspiration for anyone interested in sustainable gardening practices.

Quick Wicking

For those of us who enjoy the beauty of potted plants but find ourselves either embarking on a vacation or swamped with obligations, leaving little time to tend to our green friends, the wish for a self-sustaining plant care system is not uncommon. Costa offers a brilliant yet simple solution to this dilemma—a wicking pot—turning the dream of self-watering plants into a delightful DIY project that is both fun and functional.

A wicking pot operates on the ingenious principle of capillary action, similar to wicking beds used in larger gardening projects. These beds are crafted with a water reservoir at the base, enabling moisture to ascend through the soil directly to the plant’s roots. The wicking pot miniaturizes this concept, effectively becoming a self-watering container that ensures your plants receive the hydration they need without constant supervision. This system is highly adaptable, allowing for adjustments in size to accommodate the specific dimensions of your pot or available materials.

To embark on this eco-friendly project, you will require the following materials:

• A large pot, ideally without drainage holes to retain water.
• An empty milk container, repurposed to seal any holes in the pot.
• Silicone sealant for waterproofing adjustments.
• A drill equipped with a large bit for the overflow pipe and a smaller bit for creating 2-3mm holes.
• An elbow joint from an irrigation pipe, chosen to fit the drill hole precisely.
• A length of irrigation pipe, about 1 meter by 2 centimeters in diameter, ensuring it spans at least the combined height and width of your pot.
• A second elbow joint to match the diameter of your irrigation pipe.
• Gravel or scoria, finely crushed to 10mm or smaller, sufficient to fill the pot’s base.
• A piece of geotextile, hessian, or similar fabric, sized to line the inside of your pot.
• Potting mix, enhanced with compost or worm castings if available.
• A selection of plants suited to your preference and the pot’s environment.

The construction process is as follows:

Step 1: Begin by sealing any drainage holes in your pot with plastic patches cut from an empty milk container, fixed in place with silicone to ensure water retention.

Step 2: Carefully drill an overflow hole approximately a quarter of the way up from the bottom of the pot. This strategic placement allows for the drainage of excess water, preventing the risk of overwatering.

Step 3: Secure the irrigation elbow within the drilled hole. This component can be adjusted downwards to facilitate drainage or upwards to maintain a higher water level.

Step 4: Prepare the irrigation pipe by cutting a segment to rest at the base of the pot and drilling it with 2-3mm holes along its length. This will serve as the water inlet.

Step 5: Cut another piece of pipe that extends from the pot’s base to just above its rim, attaching it to the first segment using the second elbow joint. This L-shaped configuration is crucial for the system’s functionality.

Step 6: Install the assembled L-shaped pipe into the pot, ensuring the perforated section lies at the bottom with the longer segment extending upwards.

Step 7: Fill the pot’s base with the prepared gravel or scoria to the level of the overflow hole, creating a foundational layer for water distribution.

Step 8: Overlay this base with a layer of wicking fabric to prevent the potting mix from seeping into the gravel layer, thereby ensuring unobstructed water flow.

Step 9: Add potting mix atop this fabric layer, incorporating worm castings and compost for nutrient enrichment.

Step 10: Finally, plant your selection of greenery into the prepared mix, ready to thrive in their new self-watering home.

Costa specifically recommends plants that benefit from consistent moisture, such as Vietnamese mint, Wasabi, and common mint. Given mint’s vigorous growth, it may dominate if not regularly harvested; thus, consider your culinary use before including it in your selection.

For the initial phase, water the plants from the top until they are established. Thereafter, simply fill the water reservoir through the inlet pipe until the overflow indicates it is full, ensuring your plants are efficiently self-watered.

This project not only caters to the practical needs of plant care but also serves as an educational and environmentally conscious endeavor, offering a sustainable solution to the challenge of maintaining healthy, hydrated plants amidst our busy lives.

Plant Profile | Native Daisies

Clarence delves into the enchanting world of native daisies, shedding light on why these vibrant plants are the perfect choice for adding life and color to your garden. Known commonly as native daisies and scientifically as Brachyscome cv., these delightful blooms originate from Australia. Characterized by their small, mounding habit, these herbaceous plants make a significant impact in any garden space.

Native daisies are celebrated for their prolonged flowering season, showcasing a kaleidoscope of colors including pristine whites, deep blues, radiant purples, and sunny yellows. This makes them an ideal choice for a variety of uses in the garden: from creating a lush groundcover to serving as charming edging plants, filling in bare spots with their dense foliage, embellishing rockeries, and adorning hanging pots and planters. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, native daisies play a crucial role in the garden ecosystem, attracting butterflies and a host of other pollinators, thus fostering biodiversity.

Thriving in a wide range of climates across the continent, native daisies are not overly demanding about their location but do prefer spots that offer good drainage. They are remarkably tolerant of different soil types, though they benefit from additional watering, which can prolong their already impressive blooming period.

Propagation of these plants can be easily achieved through cuttings or seeds, allowing gardeners to spread their beauty throughout the garden. However, it’s worth noting that native daisies may encounter a few challenges; they can appear somewhat straggly in prolonged dry conditions. To counter this, a post-flowering prune is recommended to maintain their compact and bushy appearance. Moreover, gardeners should be vigilant against common pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids, which can be deterred with appropriate protective measures.

In summary, Clarence’s exploration into the world of native daisies highlights their versatility, resilience, and the vibrant beauty they bring to gardens. With relatively simple care requirements and the ability to thrive in various conditions, native daisies are indeed exemplary garden fillers and edging plants that can transform any garden into a pollinator’s paradise.

F.A.Q. – Gardening Australia 2024 Episode 6

Through its captivating storytelling and educational content, Gardening Australia 2024 Episode 6 encourages viewers to engage with gardening in thoughtful and innovative ways, highlighting the importance of sustainability, creativity, and ecological stewardship in gardening practices.