DFB's Greenthumb Project

[Tonz]

why at 2 different levels, and had never thought of hessian, brilliant thinking outside the square (for us anyway)

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Tonz

why at 2 different levels, and had never thought of hessian, brilliant thinking outside the square (for us anyway)

Two different levels so that it provides more support and encourages the trunk to strengthen rather than become reliant on the being supported at one level. I'm not sure if I have explained that properly, it's generally done like this in the industry, like wise the use of hessian.

[DFB FGXR6]

The back garden project continues, slowly as time permits.

Earlier this week I converted the existing irrigation system from micro sprays to drippers on each plant. This method of irrigation is more efficient, delivering water directly to the plant rather than spreading it around the garden where it is not needed.

More plants were added today including Magnolia 'White Caviar', Magnolia 'Cleopatra', Rhaphiolepis 'Snow Maiden' and a couple of Camellia's. The Camellia's are both Japonica varieties that I'm taken a chance on as they might get just a bit too much sun, I just couldn't resist them when I was collecting plants together in the nursery.

So with the plants in the ground and the irrigation sorted, it was time for weed mat and mulch. I wasn't going to add weed mat but changed my mind at the last moment. The product I (we) use for weed mat is not the usual woven plastic type commonly found in the large green stores, rather a non-woven spun bonded material. Unlike the woven type, this allows water to penetrate better and keeps the soil 'breathing'.

Example of the stuff I'm talking about -
https://www.railways.net.au/mulch-ma...roll-1-8m-wide

I roll this out over the top of it all, then slots are cut to accommodate the plants. This method is easier than trying to dig and plant into and around already installed weed mat/mulch.

Weed mat rolled out and plant located -



Slot cut -


Plant pulled through -







Progress -







I still need another load of mulch to finish off the whole garden but things are starting to look a bit better now. Mulch really lifts the appearance of a garden while the plants grow and fill out.