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77 Fernvale Rd
Brassall QLD 4305
(07) 3201 8630
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Garden Talk
Not all potting mixes are created equal—and the potting mix you choose can make or break your plant’s success. After seeing the latest potting mix experiment gaining attention online, I wanted to share what most people aren’t told: age, storage, and the quality of ingredients all play a huge role.
Read MoreMany gardeners struggle with plant health issues that appear insect-related, like mealybugs or wilting foliage, but the real culprit is often hidden beneath the surface—hydrophobic soil. When soil becomes water-repellent, it prevents moisture and fertiliser from reaching plant roots, leaving them vulnerable to stress and pest infestations. Even the most diligent watering routine may not be enough. Soil wetters and re-wetting agents are essential tools to restore soil hydration, improve plant health, and prevent nutrient loss. In this guide, we explore how hydrophobic soil forms, the surprising role of ants in this problem, and the best solutions to keep your garden thriving.
Read MoreNext time you pick up a plant, consider it more than just greenery—it's an investment in expertise, research, and the right conditions for success. Trial and error can be part of the fun, and sometimes bending the rules leads to incredible discoveries.
However, for the best results, expert guidance makes all the difference. With the right advice, gardening doesn’t have to be hard—it can be simple, effective, and deeply rewarding. Seek knowledge, value experience, and watch your plants truly thrive.
Read MoreAt Trevallan Lifestyle Centre, we source our cut flowers from local flower farms and our potted roses from local growers—supporting small businesses, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring fresh, high-quality blooms.
Read MoreValentine's Day is a great day to remind ourselves how awesome and special our loved ones are. Sure many of us think it's a little over commercialized but honestly who wouldn't get a little tingle up their spine when their loved one arrived home with a flowering plant and champagne!
Read MoreConifers are everyone’s first choice when it comes Christmas trees but if you want a different type of Christmas tree here’s a few hints.
Read MoreRain and humidity can create havoc in the garden—think weeds, pests, yellowing plants, and fungus. This guide shares practical strategies to adapt to wet weather, from liquid fertilising weekly with adjusted ratios to managing pests with neem oil and controlling weeds organically. Embrace the unpredictability of gardening by evolving your plant choices, trimming, mulching, and learning to work with Mother Nature.
Read MoreHosting Christmas at your place this year? Get your garden party-ready with this quick and practical guide. Start by decluttering and tidying your lawn for a neat appearance. Trim plants lightly, remove dead flowers, and mulch for a polished look. Add instant festive colour with ready-made flower pots or hanging baskets. With these simple steps, your garden will be ready to impress your guests!
Read MoreAs National Tree Planting Day approaches, I grapple with a deep sense of frustration. While well-intentioned, planting trees feels hollow against the backdrop of ongoing destruction of cherished landscapes like Scott’s Farm in Ripley Valley. Despite the proven mental and physical health benefits of nature, urban sprawl continues to encroach on every green space. National Tree Day, established by Planet Ark in 1996, aims to foster environmental stewardship by encouraging Australians to plant and care for native trees. However, without concrete plans and sustained actions, these efforts risk becoming mere PR gestures. Proper tree management, selecting the right species, and ensuring aftercare are crucial. We need to shift the conversation to comprehensive green growth planning, creating urban jungles rather than concrete deserts, and fostering a genuine culture of environmental responsibility. Only then can we make a meaningful difference.
Read MoreAmid discussions about exotic species becoming problematic in Australia, it’s crucial to re-examine native plants' role in our gardens. While I cherish native plants, I also appreciate many exotic species and believe they can coexist harmoniously.
Recognise that native plants can become weeds, like the Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana), which can invade higher rainfall areas. Native gardens require effort, including soil cultivation, fertilising, and regular maintenance.
Genetic modification to meet consumer demands for constant flowering plants risks diluting native species' genetic integrity, weakening resilience and harming ecosystems.
By prioritising robust genetic traits and educating consumers, we can create sustainable gardens that celebrate both native and exotic species.
Read MoreWe need trees. We need green urban jungles not concrete ones.
Let’s change the conversation
Read MoreGardening after deluges of rain can be hard but worth it for our mental health. Recent weather events have lead to our home gardens being inundated with large amounts of water. Unfortunately our productive gardens may not be exactly ready for plantings and other established plants are rotting in the ground. Here are some quick tips for gardening after the rain.
Read MoreCreating a water-wise garden involves choosing the right plants, caring for the soil, and watering effectively. Healthy soil is essential for proper hydration, and deep watering promotes robust plant roots.
Read MoreFungus gnats, those pesky flying insects hovering around indoor plants, pose a threat to plant health in humid Australian climates. A blend of prevention and management keeps these pests at bay, preserving a healthy indoor garden.
Read MoreDiscover the unparalleled satisfaction of tending to your lawn. Dive into the myriad of positive attributes lawns bring to your garden landscape, from recreational spaces to mental well-being. Explore sustainable practices to enhance these benefits while minimizing environmental impacts.
Read MoreI find garden design concepts like ‘Mediterranean Garden’ hard to give actual plants for as it’s a concept, a feeling especially in Ipswich’s ever changing climate and soils. No matter what your garden design is it should be a complete sensory experience and practical for YOU. Here are my tips for creating a ‘Mediterranean Garden’ in Ipswich
Read MoreBuying open pollinated, no chemical treatment, bio dynamic seeds is ‘the best option’ for starting your thriving vegetable garden. We have chosen Eden Seeds as they are a great Australian company with an ethos we align with. They stock both Organic and no chemical treatment, Bio dynamic seeds and we try to stock a good range of both.
Read MoreSharing my vegetable gardening experiences with you so hopefully you don't make the same mistakes as me.
Read MoreMoon Planting Calendars can help unlock the secrets of the lunar cycles with easy-to-follow directions on the right time to plant, when to fertilise, when to cultivate, when to harvest and when is best to time preserve fruit.
Read MoreBest Practices for having a Potted Garden
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