Late last month, qualified horticulturist and Whittlesea local Kathleen Tants presented her Small produce for small gardens information session at the Kilmore Community Centre (KCC).
The KCC is also known as the heart of the community, and throughout the calendar year, facilitator Rose Colombo organises community driven events of interest, and recently, gardening has been on trend.
Gardening in small spaces is fun, and it’s beneficial for wellbeing. Saving money is possible from the outset when you assess what type of garden you like, how much time you’ll dedicate, and what the most suitable plants are.
Nurseries have developed dwarf varieties of fruit, citrus trees for potting containers, and along with apples and pears, there is even a banana tree for cool climates—the Cool Banana.
Tasty and nutritious edibles including blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and the bush cucumber will grow happily on a windowsill, and home hardware retailers are selling a range of practical products for indoor and outdoor urban gardens that can be assembled DIY or with the help from a handy man or woman.
There are lightweight and wall mountable potting containers, fertilised water reticulation systems, and even a large toolbox for miscellaneous gardening tools. While it won’t store a lawn mower, it does come with a lock and can also be used as a seat or potting bench.
When it comes to garden paths, a fine layer of gravel or bark mulch is more preferable to concrete or pavers. The temperature around your home and plants will be considerably cooler, and you’ll save money on watering.
Stepping stones are fun and even better when there are herbs and dwarf native grasses growing in between. Landscape suppliers have a variety of UV resistant stepping stones available in all shapes and sizes, and once you have them exactly where you want them, snake some LED lights throughout the garden and add a statue for character.
Ms Tants also suggests adding a bird bath to invite birds and beneficial insects to visit, and one or two structural features such as a gate or door to create the illusion of another area to explore.
The group of gardeners with big green thumbs and small gardens enjoyed beverages and a light pastry made with produce from the KCC garden.
The KCC is closed during the school holidays with programs resuming on Tuesday, October, 8.
On Saturday, November 16, Ms Tants will present Movable gardens for renters at the KCC, 38 Victoria Parade, Kilmore, from 11am–1pm. The cost is $10 and bookings are essential.
For more information, call Rose on 5782 2319.
