Hello garden lovers. One of the more pleasurable aspects of my role as president of the Garden Clubs of Australia (GCA) is travelling around to visit clubs and meet with other gardeners.
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I recently attended the biennial South Australian State Rally, where representatives from about a dozen clubs enjoyed a weekend of activities, hosted by the Whyalla Garden Club.
The program included some entertaining guest speakers, garden visits and lots of yummy food. I gave a talk on the GCA, a photo presentation and filled in at the last minute as ‘entertainment’ over dinner with a garden quiz and a few songs!
It’s always an eye opener to visit different regions and see firsthand the impact different climates have on gardening methods. Whyalla gardeners have it tough!
To give a little background, Whyalla is located on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula, SA and was founded by BHP in 1901 for iron ore production, hence its knick name the “Steel City”.
Whyalla has no natural water reserves and the city is supplied by two pipelines, 379 km’s in length, from the Murray River.
Restricted water use is a way of life for many cities and towns such as Whyalla and this naturally impacts on gardening practices.
Lawns are a luxury and many gardeners opt for gravel or mulched areas, occasionally with a small token patch of green out the back.
Australian native and indigenous plants are frequently used to stunning effect.
Many streets are lined with flowering gums in an array of colours and local parks are awash with natives at their blooming best.
Although natives predominate, water wise plants such as succulents & cacti, salvias, geraniums & pelargoniums, lavenders, etc. are mixed in to give a very pleasing effect.
The roses look healthy and vigorous and although not yet in flower, obviously love this climate and unsurprisingly the National Rose Trial Garden is located at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
I was surprised to discover that orchids grow very well in this climate and many of the club members I spoke to over the weekend are keen orchid growers.
An interesting garden visit was to the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden at the Sunrise Christian School. The vision of these gardens is to teach kids from an early age the benefits of growing and eating healthy foods and taking this experience into adulthood. We were treated a delicious lunch at the school, with the children assisting in the preparation and serving of the food.
Happy gardening, George
Mad Hatter’s High Tea Garden Pary
Join me for a Mad Hatter’s High Tea Garden Party on Sunday 16th October at my own garden – Winchelsea Gardens in Killabakh from 11am – 4pm.
Everyone is invited! Spring is a great time to enjoy the garden as well as delicious food, entertainment, a few stalls and more. Proceeds from the day will be supporting Anglican Care Auxiliary, Manning.
Bookings are essential - phone 6550 5890 or email ghoad@internode.on.net Tickets are $25 per person and children under 12 $10.
Tickets available from Dan's Ladies' Wear, 36 Manning St Taree and Dress Up, 6/56 Isabella St Wingham.