Rolling into the New Year like a gardener stepping on a rake? Fear not! SGA is your trusty gardening companion, armed with the knowledge and inspiration to keep your resolutions on track. Whether you’re the January Hurdler stumbling at the start or the Resolution Eco-Champion aiming for the stars, SGA provides the expert guidance to nurture your green ambitions. We’re not just about blooms; we’re about helping your sustainable resolutions take root and thrive. From January Hurdler to Blooming Benefactor, transform your New Year’s resolutions into sustainable triumphs with SGA!   SGA’s Gui ..read more

As the mercury rises, your garden confronts the challenge of heat stress. Understanding how various plants respond to heat and employing appropriate strategies to shield them from excessive temperatures are essential for ensuring their well-being. Heat stress often leads to wilting, particularly in leafy greens like lettuce and spinach. To counter this, provide shade during the hottest parts of the day and ensure consistent watering. For fruits like tomatoes, excessive heat can affect fruit setting, so consider mulching to regulate soil temperature. Embrace heat-tolerant varieties, and prep yo ..read more

As we move through the year and our gardens evolve, there’s something magical about documenting the journey of our gardens. Garden journaling is an art that allows us to cultivate memories as we cultivate plants.  It’s an opportunity to savour the beauty of our outdoor space, connect to it and understand it.  Theres nothing more mesmerising a bee clean pollen from its body and stuff it into its legs. In this article, we explore the joys and benefits of keeping a garden journal and some tips to get you started. Connection – Writing a journal makes you slow down and connect. In th ..read more

Creating a thriving garden that not only sustains itself but also contributes to the broader ecosystem requires more than just sunlight and water. The secret to a successful, biodiverse, and highly productive garden lies beneath the surface – in the health of your soil. In this article, we’ll explore the crucial role of soil health in fostering biodiversity and ensuring the productivity of your garden. Nutrient-rich soil nurtures healthy plants A well-balanced, nutrient-rich soil provides plants with the essential elements they need to grow and produce. Soil serves as the primary source of nut ..read more

As we become increasingly aware of the importance of preserving our natural ecosystems, one simple and powerful way to make a positive impact is by planting native flowers in your garden. Australia, with its unique and diverse range of flora and fauna, offers an ideal setting for wildflower gardening. This article explores the numerous benefits of wildflower gardening and how it can bring in native insects to create a thriving and sustainable local ecosystem. The Case for Wildflower Gardens A hardy, water-wise Australian flower garden Australia’s rich flora and fauna make it an ideal canvas fo ..read more

Traditional lawns, often characterised by their lush, manicured appearance, have long been the norm in Australian landscaping. However, an exciting and eco-conscious alternative is gaining traction across the country – the no mow lawn. These natural, wilder landscapes have numerous benefits that go far beyond aesthetics, making them a compelling choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. In this article, we explore the advantages of embracing a no mow lawn in Australia. Biodiversity Boost One of the most compelling benefits of a no mow lawn is the promotion of biodiversity. Traditional l ..read more

It is quite common that in winter or after big storms we wonder why living trees suddenly fall down. In June 2021 in Victoria, savage storms swept Victoria sending trees crashing down, destroying homes and blocking roads. This article, republished here with permission of the author and The Conversation, explores the reasons behind this phenomenon  Some minor editorial changes have been made. Under climate change, stronger winds and extreme storms will be more frequent. This will cause more trees to fall and, sadly, people may die.  These incidents are sometimes described as an act of ..read more

Several different approaches are needed for weed control since eradication is difficult and can be expensive. Preventing weeds from establishing… This content is for Member, Friends of Sustainable Gardening Australia (FOSGA), and GIFT MEMBERSHIP Members and Friends only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Weed Control first appeared on Sustainable Gardening Australia ..read more

If you can prevent pests in your garden and you will save time, resources and money as well as helping… This content is for Member, Friends of Sustainable Gardening Australia (FOSGA), and GIFT MEMBERSHIP Members and Friends only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Prevent Pests in Your Garden first appeared on Sustainable Gardening Australia ..read more

Pesticide use is one of the factors which may be affecting bee populations worldwide. Since much of our food production depends on pollination by bees, whether bee populations have been declining globally has been the source of concern – and some confusion.  While there have been reports of declining bee numbers it is now thought that these are the result of local population changes and declining species richness  i.e. of particular species of bee.  As well as pesticide use, the cause of such declines could result from the virus carried by the Varroa mite, climate change or habi ..read more