▲Graham’s
top tips
n Soil improvement
is the key to success
in the garden. Start
by adding plenty
of cow manure and
compost so plants
enjoy a flying start.
n When renovating
an old garden,
rescue the best and
discard the rest.
But don’t be in a
hurry – allow time
to identify hidden
garden treasures.
n Take your time
in designing
the garden and
selecting the right
plants. Start with
small sections at a
time to create your
magic, then work
up to an overall
long-term plan.
n Shade trees
are essential in
Australian gardens.
Choose carefully
and position them
to create cooler
spots in summer.
n Include a garden
seat or bench
so you’ve got
somewhere to
relax and enjoy
your gardening
endeavours.About the garden
Graham and his wife Sandra established
their garden over 30 years ago, and
the main shrubs, trees and hedges all
date from that time. In recent years, an
extensive renovation of the house – which
destroyed a lot of their existing garden- meant a major overhaul was required.
As a result, the backyard was reborn as a
tropical landscape with palms, clumping
bamboos, gingers and bromeliads. The
front garden was re-created in romantic
cottage style, with roses on arbours,
fragrant sweet peas, masses of perennials
and, in autumn 2015, 200 daffodils! The
secret to success lies in the soil: gentle fork
cultivation, liquid gypsum and sugar cane
mulch worked miracles over 12 months,
bringing worms back in abundance.
Purple cordyline
... AND DOWN THE BACK
- How lovely are
these (rescued)
Chinese fan palms,
underplanted with
gingers, ferns and
other foliage plants!
Ajuga looks so sweet
between the steps!37