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Meandering time in the Autumn garden

2023-04-20

Autumn is a favourite time of year for many people. It’s a great time to get out and about with Nature - the sunny but cooler days and nights bringing lots of little birds and insects into the garden and bush.

Meandering time in the Autumn garden image

There are now findings of the benefits for humans to connect with nature. It is part of our humanity, as nature heals, it can reduce depression, improve well-being, build family and community bonds and also bring our senses alive.

For gardeners it can be a more peaceful time of pottering - and a bit of raking, tidying, pruning and some planning.

As we contemplate the future with a changing climate we might be inspired to plant more areas to native plants - especially as many really come into their own at this time, looking good after the heat of summer.

Now is the time to get your winter/spring plantings in the ground and get some more organic compost or manures into your garden beds to help them through the next year of growth. Dig in some well-rotted manures or cover beds with compost and water in well and leave for few days to settle before planting and then, hopefully the rains will come and get them off to a great start.

It is also a great time to plant new trees and shrubs - especially those natives - giving them a bit of warmth to settle in before winter and maximise the benefits of winter rains to establish robust plants to take off in spring.

Just remember to add some organic compost into their planting spot, mulch and water in well with a liquid seaweed solution to reduce transplant shock; they shouldn’t look back.

According to Josh (of Gardening Australia fame) if you’re planting local species, indigenous to your area, typically they need minimal soil improvement. But non-local native plants, especially some of the hybrid varieties, will need some care. When planting these, you might need to incorporate some low phosphorous with the compost into the planting hole and then mulch after planting. Place the plant and lightly firm it into the hole. Don’t cover the soil further up the stem than it has been in the tube or pot, and water your plant well.

If planning to extend your indigenous plantings, the Goulburn Valley Tree group native plant nursery in Tatura is an excellent place to get you started with tubestock. Species include local eucalypts and wattles as well as other native species that thrive in this area.

All work at the nursery is undertaken by voluntary labour from members as well as assistance from other local community organisations.

When the nursery has trees available for sale (generally autumn to mid winter) it is open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 9 am to 11.30 am.