Q1 Jason our lawn has turned to mud so we have decided to fix it up. Is it better to seed it or get instant grass and what is the best grass to put down?
A1 Jason says: This is a common question at the moment because of water restrictions lawns are generally suffering.
Lack of water and competition for water from trees and shrubs also causes the soil to compact. Winter is not the best time to lay turf as most of the grasses we use go dormant in the colder months. You will have a greater chance of success using rolls of turf over spreading seed, my favourite turf is Sir Walter Buffalo.
If I were you, I would wait until mid spring then dig up what is left of your grass and cultivate the soil to aerate it. You can add a wetting agent like wetter soil and some turf starter fertilizer, then level out the area where the turf will be laid and WATER it in thoroughly.
Q2 We have just moved in to a newly built house which is lower than the house behind us, so they look straight into our back yard. What is a good hedge plant for screening out my neighbours?
A2 Jason says: There are a lot of hedging plants that you could use, you just need to consider a couple of things. How high you want it to grow and are you going to want to maintain your hedge regularly? or do you just want an informal look that doesn't need as much maintenance? Once you have decided on the hedge plant you want you should remember to prepare the soil you are going to plant into by cultivating it and adding organic matter. Make sure the garden bed is evenly prepared so all plants start with the same conditions.
My favourite hedge plants are:
Syzigium australe
'Aussie Southern' common name Lilly Pilly it is also a native
Cupressus Lleylandii
'Leighton green' common name Leighton Green this is a very fast growing hedge plant that must be maintained or will get to big
Viburnum oderatisimum
this is a large leaved hedging plant with lime green leaves good for informal hedges as well as formally trimmed hedges
These are a few of my favourites but for more examples get down to your local nursery for a look.
TOPQ3 Hi Jason, I planted a Leighton Green hedge along my back fence to give us some more privacy. It has been 18 months since they were planted and they have hardly grown. I thought they were fast growing what am I doing wrong?
A3 Jason says: Leighton Greens are probably the fastest growing hedge plant as they give a very dense screen. When planting a hedge or any plant for that matter, you need to consider the environmental requirements of that plant.
The best conditions for Leighton Greens would be in a sunny position with a moist well drained soil. Check your hedge is getting enough sunlight, preferably the morning sun, they won't become as thick in a shaded spot.
The other thing is the soil you have planted them in, for a hedge you should cultivate the entire planting area evenly so that all the plants have the same conditions, you might have larger trees competing for water and nutrients.
You should also consider the drainage requirements for the area; as you want your hedge to grow evenly. You can improve the soil around your hedge by digging in organic matter like compost or composted manure. If it is a clay based soil try using a clay breaker that you can water in, make sure they are well watered this should help them along.
Good luck – main thing is to water them.
Q4 Jason, we want to put a pond in our backyard, however, we have two small children and we are worried about them falling in. Have you got any ideas to help us?
A4 Jason says: It depends how large or deep you want to make the pond.
A common way to keep your pond safe is to put a steel mesh across the top of the pond with water plants to hide the steel. You can get a water reservoir that is concealed underground and cover it with pebbles to create a flowing creek.
Another idea is to raise the pond out of the ground to keep little kids from falling in.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you check your local council requirements before you start digging!
Q5 Jason, I just bought a new apartment with a nice little balcony and I want to have a garden with some herbs, similar to what you did on Better Homes & Gardens a few months ago. Can I grow some herbs in a pot or have you got any great ideas for balconies?
A5 Jason says: Sure you can grow herbs in a pot, they do need a nice sunny position and a protected position though. You could also grow a lemon or lime tree to use with your G&T’s. You just need a medium size pot and remember to water and feed them regularly.
There are stacks of herbs you can grow in pots and planters, just get down to your local nursery or your friendly Bunnings and check them out.
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