The end of the year is upon us so here’s a recap of what’s been happening since our Spring newsletter.

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(Featured photo – Melaleuca linariifolia ‘Seafoam’)

October Meeting – Soils ain’t Soils

Our very own Charles Hrubos was our guest speaker for our October 21st meeting at Benton’s Square Community Centre. He spoke about soils. Doesn’t sound that interesting does it? Well at first we thought we were out of our depth with all these scientific terms Charles commenced talking about. However to our relief he did a wonderful job of explaining things to a large group of members present. Charles also included some ideas that he has put into practice in his own garden. Here they are-

Interesting ideas worthy of consideration

• Try planting legumes and brassicas amongst our fruit trees and native plants
• When revegetating empty paddocks (e.g. national tree day), plant a variety of species in clusters very closely together so that microbiomes will intermingle
• For orchard areas and vege gardens, try planting a permanent cover crop (e.g. dichondra, native violet, thyme etc)
• If drought tolerant species are planted within close proximity of less tolerant species, will the drought resistance of the second species be improved? Same question for pest resistance.
• Can a “very healthy soil” be a negative factor for some Australian native plants that have been used to growing in poor soils?
• Consider new practices used by regenerative farmers, such as seed inoculation, foliar sprays, compost teas and Vermicompost
• Following intense bushfires, what becomes of the mycorrhizal networks in bushland?
• Interested APS members to form an informal network for the purposes of collaboration and citizen science, or even to start a study group

Now we know lots more about how to get the most out of our soil to get the most out of our gardens.

Thanks to Charles for also leaving us with the following tips for achieving a healthy soil in our own gardens.

Gardening principles for achieving a healthy soil

1. Take care not to compact soils

2. Keep the soil covered. (i.e. no bare earth). Consider a cover crop

3. Plant a green manure crop

4. Minimise soil disturbance (i.e. don’t dig). Maximise aggregates

5. Aim for diversity in plants. Never have a monoculture

6. Make sure you have living plants all year round

7. Leave old plant roots in the ground

8. Apply compost annually. Consider the use of Vermicast

9. Use synthetic fertilizer sparingly

10. Rotate crops

11. Water thoughtfully. Don’t allow beds to get really dry

12. Encourage earthworms

13. Maximise the number of green plants (photosynthesis)

14. Maximise the microbial population of your soil

15. Try to maintain soil pH at around 6.5-7

October Plant Table

Here are a few photos from our fantastic October Plant Table.

October Plant of the Month

Following on from his presentation Charles sent me this photo of his Aphanopetalum resinosum (gum vine). It has been growing on his side fence for approximately 5 years. It is bigger each year and was extremely full of flower in October.

Remember, if you have something in your garden you would like to share with everyone just send the photo to our email- morningtonpeninsula@apsvic.org.au and mark it Attention:Newsletter Editor

November Workshop

Ruth Marriot kindly opened her garden to our group on November 2nd. Furthermore she conducted a workshop to give the assembled members the opportunity to divide clumps of Dendrobium Orchids to be propagated. Samples then being able to be taken home. Thanks Ruth.

Seaford Banksia Arboretum

Ross Shepherd was very happy to send me this snap of a beautiful Banksia caleyi cone in all its’ glory. Ross brought one for the November plant table so keep looking. He also reported that the Department of Justice is considering using the arboretum grounds as a place for Community Service orders to be carried out in. That would be a great help he thinks.

November meeting – Tanami Track part 2.

November Plant Table

Lots to see at our November meeting. Here’s a sample.

Thanks

This year our raffle has been well supported by members bringing along items as prizes but our major contributor has been Bunnings in Frankston. Here’s Treasurer Rob Powell presenting team member Lyn with a certificate of appreciation.

November 30th Excursion

Our Secretary Jacqui Oldham opened up her garden in Pt Leo for our end of November excursion. This was an ideal follow up to her presentation back in August after our AGM. From bare flat land of just over 2 acres to this amazing garden, what a beautiful place to wander around and hear Jacqui detail how it has been achieved by her family over many years. A large group of members enjoyed the afternoon wander as well as a lovely afternoon tea provided by the members who came. Thanks for hosting Jacqui.

November Plant of the Month

Another stunning floral display from Charles Hrubos’ garden is our November Plant of the Month. His Leptospermum “Merinda” (from Bywong nursery) has been in the ground for about 2 years. It had amazing flower coverage in November as you can see.

End of Year Lunch

Thanks again to Verena Reich for opening up her garden for our end of year lunch. About 24 members were in attendance to enjoy a convivial time eating, drinking, chatting and looking around Verena’s garden.

A couple of beauties for those unable to make it at this busy time of year.

December Plant of the Month

Our Banksia ashbyi has been in the ground for about eight years. It is quite stunted but each year manages to give us one or two brilliant orange cones in time for Christmas.

That’s all for this last newsletter. May you have a wonderful time with family and friends over the Festive Season. Happy Christmas.

See you at our first meeting on Tuesday 17th February at 7:15 at Benton’s Square Community Centre when our speaker will be David Lightfoot presenting about Phoenix (Palms). See you then.