November News

04-Nov-2009

Do you want to save money on your water bill?

I bet you are paying too much for your water! You are, if you are not using it properly! Some people make the mistake of watering their lawns every day for 5 to 10 minutes. This is the worst thing for their lawns.

A healthy turf grass will have a root system penetrating the soil profile to 200mm depth. As good gardeners we need to water the lawn heavily but infrequently. What happens then is the water penetrates deep into the soil then between "drinks" the top layer (of say 30mm or 1 inch) of soil dries out, hence making it harder for weed seeds to germinate.

Remember the old saying "Treat it mean to keep it green!" By following this simple rule of deep but infrequent watering, we conserve water and also train our turf grass and turf grass root system to search deeper for moisture resulting in a healthier, greener lawn.

If you need help turning your tired old grass into lush green lawn, please:

call us on 0413 762 005 or 132613 or

email to cpseddon@yahoo.com.au

for a FREE quote

Satin Wash uses a combination of surfactants and gentle moisturisers to effectively lift off caked-on dirt and soils, leaving your hands and body thoroughly soft and clean. It is gentle enough to be used as a daily wash, but also powerful enough to be used for hand soap purposes.

A revolutionary, proactive solution for asthma, allergies, hay fever, eczema, sinusitis, emphysema, bronchitis, snoring and other skin and respiratory disorders, that works by removing dust mites and harmful bacteria.

November’s the month to get the garden ready to survive the hot days of summer. Start by making sure hoses and watering systems are in good working order. Check with local water authorities to ensure you’re complying with local water restrictions.

Water-saving products - Protect, penetrate and store moisture. Apply soil wetters to garden beds (VIP Root Boost comes in liquid forms).

Mulching is important Mulch is like a gentle blanket that helps reduce water loss from the soil, and spring’s the best season to renew mulch layers. Mulch also keeps soil cooler and, in tropical areas, prevents soil washing away during heavy wet season rain spells.

Organic mulches, which eventually break down to improve the soil, will do a better job of retaining moisture in the soil if there’s a good proportion of larger particles in the mulch.

Water-saving products - Protect, penetrate and store moisture.

If you need help with this, please:

call us on 0413 762 005 or 132613

or email to cpseddon@yahoo.com.au

October News

01-Oct-2009

The quickest way to a beautiful lawn every year is by fertilising your lawn. By feeding your lawn you create a thick lush turf grass that outperforms weeds. All lawns need to be supplemented with the proper nutrients to enable healthy turf growth and to counter any competition for food by other plant life including weeds and trees.

So, to help the lawn overcome the unnecessary stress it undergoes with mowing, it makes a great deal of sense to bump up the lawn's food intake.

Warm season turf grasses respond nicely to being fertilised in Spring, Summer and Autumn. The fertiliser types generally used by V.I.P. are slow release fertiliser products that last up to 13 weeks. Hence, our applications are timed according to the growing seasons.

Cool season turf grasses will require feeding all year round including winter.

NOTE: You might be thinking that all this fertilising is a bit unnatural, and that it compromises Organic Lawn Care philosophy. Don't forget that the art of lawn mowing is unnatural and stressful, and proper compensations need to be made to have the "perfect lawn".

V.I.P.’s Root Boost exemplifies the quality found in V.I.P.’s product range by providing a solution to garden vitality, even in the face of ongoing water restrictions.

By enhancing the water and nutrient absorbing ability of your lawn and plants, Root Boost can help your garden maximise the moisture available in the soil – helping keep your garden green all year round.

It is not a fertiliser but a natural, organic product that increases the effectiveness of fertiliser, therefore reducing the quantity of fertiliser required.

As Root Boost works underground, there is not an immediate visible impact after application. It is a year round maintenance program, applied a minimum of four times per year, preferably at the start of each season.

If you need help turning your tired old grass into lush green lawn we can apply Root Boost to your lawn to help keep your lawn green all year round. Please call me on 13 26 13 to arrange a suitable time.

Summer is fast approaching and with that time of year we often plan on entertaining guests out doors. When planning these occasions please remember to let us know of the dates of these so we can have your place looking at its best for the occasion and you can take full advantage of our outdoor way of life.

Home grown tomatoes taste best

Everyone appreciates the rich, juicy flavour of a freshly-harvested tomato, which is why so many people are inspired at this time of the year to have a go at growing their own.

And, because they love the warmth, spring and early summer are the ideal times to sow tomatoes from seed. Tomato seeds can be started off in pots of Seed Raising Mix but, in most areas, the soil’s warm enough in October to sow direct into the garden.

Which variety to choose?

Here are some of the favourite tomatoes in my recommended range: Grosse Lisse is Australia’s most popular variety. It produces a heavy yield of large, round fruit. Big Beef is an award-winning variety with good flavour. With its thick, solid, sweet flesh, it’s aptly described as being ‘meaty’. Italian Tomato is a classic Italian variety with Marmande-type, ribbed fruit. Roma is the traditional egg-shaped tomato that’s best for paste and cooking. Small Fry produces trusses of tiny, sweet fruit on a tall, rambling plant. Tiny Tim is a miniature in all ways. It grows cherry-sized fruit on a dwarf plant that’s perfect for pots

Tomato growing tips

Plant basil it grows well with tomato plants. It repels pests and promotes healthy growth.

If you need help with this, please: call me on 13 26 13.

September News

19-Sep-2009

Aeration is one of the most important maintenance practices we can employ to help the lawn remain healthy and help ward off problems. It is estimated that over two-thirds (2/3) of residential lawns are growing on compacted soils. If your lawn shows signs of stress in high temperature, chances are good that your lawn has not been aerated in the last few years, if ever.

Compaction is a physical process that slowly reduces the amount of oxygen contained in the soil and nutrient movement to the roots… the critical part of a healthy grass plant. Roots of the plant need oxygen and as a product of their growth process, give off carbon dioxide. As compaction increases, less and less oxygen can enter the soil and less carbon dioxide can escape. The net result is a gradually thinning lawn until, ultimately, the soil can no longer support any turf growth.

During drought conditions, aeration helps water reach thirsty roots.

Aerification (also known as aeration) will prevent or help a number of problems, including compaction and thatch build-up. It opens passageways in the soil, allowing better air, water, and nutrient movement. When rain is heavy, it allows air to penetrate and help dry up excess moisture.

Autumn and Spring are the best times to aerate... and also for over-seeding and renovating with improved varieties of cool season lawn grasses such as rye grasses and fescues. Mid-spring to early summer is the best for warm season lawn grasses lie couch and buffalo. When the existing lawn is in fairly good condition and over-seeding is being used to thicken the lawn, one or two passes with  a core aerator may be the only soil preparation required. Weak existing grass, with a greater need of seed, may require additional passes with the aerator to open the soil properly.

If you need help with this, call me on:          

13 26 13

Spruce up the garden for the entertaining season

As winter comes to an end, we start thinking about the long, warm summer evenings when we’ll be dining al fresco, entertaining friends on the deck or verandah and taking full advantage of our outdoor way of life.

This makes September the month to smarten up the garden and clear away the debris of winter. Start by tidying up the remaining fallen leaves, and cleaning moss and algae from paths and woodwork. Finish winter pruning and, when the worst of the cold is over, trim frost damage. Make sure all the gutters and drains are free of leaves before the summer storms occur. De-mould and paint outdoor furniture and shout yourself to a new, super-large outdoor shade umbrella.

Then check the pots and containers that decorate decks, courtyards and patios. Begin by removing any dead plants. Trim tatty leaves and prune untidy sections back to healthy growth. Check to see if plants need re-potting. Always use a quality potting mix with added soil wetters and water-storing crystals.

All of your potted plants will appreciate a feed with a long-lasting fertiliser. The way to really cheer up your outdoors is by potting up some brand new containers with attractive plants.

The fastest-growing trend in the garden is producing your own potted edibles. What about a mini orchard filled with potted citrus, olives or dwarf peaches under-planted with strawberries? Or some herbs? Parsley, marjoram, chives and thyme are good choices for pots and, as soon as the night air is warm and you’re sure frosts are over for the year, you can plant basil.

If you need help with this, please call me on 13 26 13

Example Garden

Garden Port Macquarie