Tag Archives: Gardening

Native Propagation Workshop

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Last Saturday Tony Scalzo from Kings Park guided us through the process of growing natives from seeds and cuttings. He demonstrated with a variety of plants, so that we now have a myriad of containers that we are eagerly tending in the hope of developing healthy offspring.

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He explained the differing requirements of various seeds; some require smoking, others hot water and abrasive techniques. Cuttings  seemed a little more demanding with a choice of hormone treatments. He also demonstrated the process of division.

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Much discussion took place over a cuppa followed by a walk around the garden to take a variety of cuttings which we then prepared ourselves. We now await the results of our labours!

If you would like to be involved in our verge gardening group, contact Pam on pamela.riordan@gmail.com

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Preparing the Verge for Autumn Planting….

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On Sunday a small team of vergers gathered in Bassendean early to tackle a narrow weedy verge and avoid the great heat of the day. In just over an hour the weeds were dug out,  wet newspaper was spread and the mulch was heaped on top covering the area. The Bassendean  Council were very helpful and assisted by placing part of the mulch on the footpath for easy access on the Friday and placing signage along the footpath for pedestrians. It was a breeze and the visual impact is amazing.

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Now the area is ready to be “bombed” with the everlasting bombs we made at our last workshop. As soon as May arrives…

Our verge gardening group  meets about every 3 weeks to tackle someone’s verge. If you would like to be part of it, contact Pam on pamela.riordan@gmail.com

Everlasting Bomb Making Workshop

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Yesterday we amused ourselves making everlasting “bombs”. Our recipe was 3 parts bentonite clay, 1 part sifted compost, a handful of organic fertiliser, a couple of handfuls of everlasting seeds (not just the seeds, these were spent flowerheads) and then water to taste! Just enough to make the mixture stick so that you could fashion balls out of the mixture. We made then about the size you would make rum balls! They are now left to dry  and come May we will throw them into the mulch in our garden and wait for them to sprout. Here’s hoping!

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Our verge group meets about every 3 weeks on the weekend and usually takes the form of some work on someone’s verge. The next session is on Sunday March 13th from 8-10am. We will be mulching a small verge in Bassendean. If you would like to attend please contact Pam  on pamela.riordan@gmail.com.