In Gardening Australia episode 40 2018 we meet Invictus Games rider Peter Rudland, who finds therapy in bonsai; Jane Edmanson visits an iris show, Millie Ross has tips on picking the best seedlings and Jerry Coleby-Williams suggests some unusual perfumed plants.
Gardening Australia episode 40 2018:
My Garden Path – Invictus Inspiration
We meet former soldier Peter Rudland, who was seriously injured in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in Afghanistan but has found healing in his love of bonsai and cycling. Horticulture therapy is not a new discovery, therapeutic effects of gardening have long been known. It has helped people of all ages at all times and proved to be pretty effective for people with PTSD, autism kids and also seniors with various dementia-related issues.
For one thing it is a very specific Japanese plant and it is also a work of art. The word means exactly “tray planting”, which is quite eloquent if you have a look at a miniature tree in a tray. In Japanese culture such a tree represented a small model of nature – right here at your bed stand.
Bonsai trees are bended and twisted and they are especially grown in such a way not to exceed the size they are supposed to be. Nurturing and maintaining such a plant is time-consuming, takes effort and patience. It is also one of the simplest ways for many seniors to target their care at something and be able to see the results, feel accomplishment, fulfillment and pleasure at the process.
The Perfect Punnet
Millie shares her tips and insights for choosing the best possible punnet of seedlings to plant out at home
Iris Virus Show Day
Jane follows keen iris growers to the heady atmosphere of the annual flower show, where members compete with their most perfect blooms
Perfumed Plants
Jerry grows a lot of fragrant flowers in his Brisbane garden – he describes some of his more unusual favourites and how to make the most of their perfume
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
Costa is joining thousands of other ‘citizen scientists’ in this year’s Aussie Backyard Bird Count
