Growing Gardens

with Julia Hancock

Experience is the best teacher

It doesn't matter how many books one reads on gardening there is always something new to learn. Often what happens in our own back yards directly contradicts what is advocated in the accepted texts and underscores the fact that one rule does not apply to all.

Every single garden on the planet is different because of the individual elements that go to make up the whole - soil, microclimate, fertilisers used, methods of cultivation, moisture available, aspect, topography, proximity to mountains or sea, pollution levels, plants grown, pests, diseases and of course the gardeners themselves who put their own unique fingerprint on their patch.

More is learnt from mistakes than successes, and sadly errors are sometimes costly in terms of money, time and labour. Most of us have made impulse purchases and brought home plants that we've had to cosset for months before they finally die. Moving to a new garden always means a period of trial and error, but talking to the neighbours and local nursery staff will save some heartache.

I'm not fond of gardening fashions because unless one is a millionaire it's impossible to keep up with the latest horticultural trends. But I have noticed that as I get older and more experienced my ideas and tastes have changed. I now tend to favour plants that look good even when not in flower, rather than those that have a spectacular but brief burst. Fortunately I've found a few favourites that thrive.

Making notes, keeping one's eyes open, talking to other gardeners, experimenting on a small scale, investing in good tools, minimising the use of poisons and asking heaps of questions are all useful strategies for building up knowledge. With time you'll come to realise that you are the best expert on your own back yard.

Lismore Garden Club News

Whoops! I gave you incorrect advice regarding the club's November meeting. There is in fact no meeting. Instead, the club's annual Christmas luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 10, at the Lismore Workers Club from 12pm. The Garden Club will then be in recess until the first Thursday in February, 2005.

Every now and again there is a big panic about potting mix and Legionnaire's disease. Most of the outbreaks are caused by badly maintained commercial air conditioners in public places. However, there are occasional reports of gardeners contracting Legionnaire's disease after handling potting mix. The bacterium responsible is Legionella Longbeachae, and the spores occur naturally in soil and are always around us. Young, healthy people are very rarely affected by Legionella, however, elderly people, smokers, people with immune deficiency diseases, lung diseases, tendency to bronchitis or chronic illness can be susceptible.

Garden tip: Avoiding Legionella - If you fall into one of the above categories it is most important to handle potting mixes carefully. Wear a mask and gardening gloves. Open the bag gently. This prevents dry particles from being airborne and being inhaled. Don't smoke while handling potting mix. Don't work with potting mix while on antibiotics. Wash hands thoroughly after gardening and before eating or drinking. From Over the Fence by Shirley Stackhouse.

Happy gardening
Ron Burns