Written and edited by Tammy 29th January 2023
I had the privilege of spending some time over the weekend with some wonderful clients in two very different but unique and beautiful gardens.
Both these gardens happen to be at the Southern end of our town up on a massive sand hill, and although there were distinct differences in the owners' tastes and styling, there were some similarities that become apparent.
The owners shared with me that they began with nothing more than a bare sandy paddock with an odd stringybark tree and some bracken fern. The sand is fine white grey non wetting sand, that lacks structure and nutrition. I was blown away and in awe with the vibrance and health of both gardens, but then not so surprised once I learned they actually have very good quality water (a glass of water from the garden tap tasted almost as good as that from my rainwater tank at home). I also learned that there's natural spring water flowing directly beneath that area of town. Very lucky indeed!!
Regardless of their luck with good quality water, the most important relevant thing I think I need to mention is the theme of plant selection.
Both gardens were dominated by plants such as Banksias, Leucadendron, Proteas', Grevilleas, Myrtles, New Zealand Flaxes and Salvias'. Salvias seem to grow like weeds in the sand!
These varieties of plants are happy in a free draining sandy environment, with lower water requirements once established.
Mulching is also extremely important. Both clients spend a lot of time and money maintaining generous amounts of
mulch throughout their gardens which not only acts as insulation to help hold the moisture in but, also in time breaks down adding nutrients to the soil benefitting the microbials.
Out of curiosity, we dug down approximately 30cm to the root zone in an area in one of the gardens and found it to still be nice and damp with a neutral pH of 7.5
The owner said they don't water every day; they only give a couple of good deep soaks per week to their less mature plants whilst they are establishing.
In conclusion, I think it's about working with what we have.
If you have the type of soil and environment, we've just looked at here, you're perhaps best to go with natives, grasses, succulents and drought hardy plants.
On the other hand, if you have a cooler shady garden with richer heavier soils, these types of plants would more than likely have a battle so you would be better to go with clivias, hellebores, hydrangeas and other lush leafier green foliage types of plants.
Choose smarter, not harder.
And a massive thankyou to the lovely, generous people who welcomed me into their homes and gardens this weekend... you know who you are ❤️🌳❤️🌳❤️
Happy gardening!
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