Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has many erect stems that grow to about 1.5 metres tall from a rhizome with numerous buds. Commercially grown ginger never flowers but wild ginger occasionally produces insignificant flowers. Ginger requires a well-drained, slightly alkaline soil that is rich in rotted organic matter. It needs to be well fed, watered and mulched […]
Not only is garlic (Allium sativum) valuable in the kitchen but also as a companion plant it’s indispensable. Grown randomly around the garden it helps to deter aphids, red spider mite and caterpillars and also helps prevent black spot. In fact, the sulphur that is secreted from garlic is also supposed to improve the scent […]
Collecting chillies has become a growing trend in WA, especially amongst male gardeners. It seems that the new measure of a man is the heat of the chilli that he grows and eats. The hotter the chilli, the hotter the man! Fortunately for our men, they can develop a tolerance to the heat level of […]
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) has a pungent, citrus flavour to the leaves that some people adore and others detest. In fact, its name is actually derived from the Greek word for bug as they thought that is smelt like one that had been squashed! Coriander grows best where the climate is hot and humid. In most parts of […]
Living mulches are those low growing plants that cover the ground like a carpet. These provide the garden with the same benefits as a mulch of pine bark or wood chips by reducing the room for weeds to grow, retaining the moisture in the soil and creating the perfect environment for microbial and worm activity to […]
· Plant chives, garlic chives and garlic around the base of roses, citrus and fruit trees to discourage climbing insects. Under roses, chives will improve the intensity of their perfume. · Plant a few clumps of feverfew near roses, as they will attract aphids away from the bushes. · Grow garlic randomly throughout the rose garden. The cloves […]
Many plants, when grown next to other plants, improve the quality of those plants. They may make the nearby plants grow bigger and stronger, help improve their flavour or repel insects. Some plants provide shade for the others or help break up heavy soils with their root systems. Companion planting means that, in some way, […]
There are numerous styles of herb gardens to choose from. Formal and circular herb gardens have been features throughout Europe but herbs are also stunning additions to patios and entertainment areas when planted in tubs and planter boxes. Perennial borders filled with perfumed herbs are wonderful when their fragrance is released as they are brushed […]
