Sustainable Gardening - City of Darebin

sustainablegardening IN DAREBIN

This booklet was produced by theCity of Darebin with the support ofVicUrban and EcoRecycle Victoria.www.darebin.vic.gov.auwww.vicurban.comwww.ecorecycle.vic.gov.auwww.SGAonline.org.auText by Sustainable Gardening AustraliaPhotographs by Helen Moss, ScottWatson, Viridans and Flora.cyberiaDesign by Judy Watson, ThumbprintPrinted on Cyclus recycled paperPrinted in 2004Disclaimer: Although precautions havebeen taken to ensure the accuracy of theinformation, the publishers, authors andprinters cannot accept responsibility for anyclaim, loss, damage or liability arising outof the use of the information published.Darebin Council is committedto contributing to theachievement of sustainabilitywithin Darebin and promotingsustainability to others.

3CONTENTIntroduction ................................................................................. 2Garden Design ............................................................................. 3Caring for Your Soil ..................................................................... 5Compost – Easy and Fun.............................................................. 7Water.......................................................................................... 12Plant Selection ........................................................................... 15Darebin Local Plant Guide......................................................... 18Sustainable Plant List................................................................. 24Darebin Garden Escapee Guide ................................................ 25Chemicals.................................................................................... 31SGA Low Environmental Damage Chemicals ........................... 34Produce....................................................................................... 36Products...................................................................................... 38Sustainable Gardening Score Card ........................................... 40

4 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinINTRODUCTIONGardening is all about creating a beautiful environment. Sustainablegardening is about maximising those benefits to our natural environmentand reducing some negative environmental impacts gardening can have.Gardening can have a positive benefit to the health of our environment.If we plant local plants we provide food and shelter for birds andbutterflies. By conserving water in the garden we help maintain waterlevels in our reservoirs. If we reduce the use of chemicals in the gardenwe help to keep our stormwater runoff into creeks and streams chemicalfree. By composting our household and garden organic waste we canreduce the amount of waste going into landfill and therefore reduce theamount of greenhouse gas produced. If we purchase renewableresources for the garden instead of non-renewable resources, we canhelp to protect our old growth forests and river ecosystems.It is easy to create beautiful gardens that suit our local climate and soiland have a low impact on our natural environment. Sustainable gardenscan be introduced gradually e.g. as an exotic plant dies replace it with alocal plant. Sustainable gardens are low maintenance, as they requireless watering, lower application of fertilisers and chemicals, and lessmowing and pruning.Sustainability also relates to social interaction. It is important that wecreate diverse and interesting gardens for family and friends to cometogether to work, play and socialise.This booklet has been designed toenable you to conduct a sustainability audit on your garden. Differentsections are addressed and in eachsection you simply tick a box if it issomething you are doing in yourgarden. Add up each section andget a total score on the SustainableGardening Score Card at the backof this booklet. Make a note ofwhat you have to do to score moreticks in 6 months and 12 monthstime. You can then start workingtowards making your garden moresustainable.

5GARDEN DESIGNMany gardens still have the traditional layout which came from Englishgardens many years ago. A paved sitting area, large open lawn andflowerbeds of exotic plants around the outside. These days people tendto be busier working and so have less time for the garden. Gardens arebecoming smaller and children tend to spend more time inside.Interior design, architecture, cars and fashion change to suit new lifestyles.It’s time gardens did too. To design a good garden you need to take timeto work out how to create a garden you feel comfortable with, that youenjoy and that suits your local soil and climate.Give yourself a tick if you:cHave a plan of sun/shade, slope and soil variation inyour gardenc Have a rough planting plan that groups plants accordingto their water, sun and soil needsc Have designed your garden for low water use (see page 12)ccccHave thought about the amount of garden waste (e.g. lawnclippings and prunings) and ways and space for managingon site (composting or mulching)Have maximised the permeable surface e.g. replaceconcrete with gravelHave designed your garden to have flow and interest tocreate appealHave designed your garden to be a place for people tosocialiseDesign Score /7GARDEN DESIGN TIPS1. List what you need (shed, washing line, kids swings, entertainmentarea) and what you want (vegie garden, shade area, pond,fruit tree/s).

6 Sustainable Gardening in Darebin2. Do a site analysis, (sun, shade, slope, privacy – all the problemsthat need solving) which will tell you what your site will let you do.3. Do a scaled plan or mark out in the garden what will go where,practically and where it looks best. For example, placing a newshed in a shady corner, vegetables where they get full sun, apond where it can be seen from inside the house, and a shadetree to the north of the house.4. Find a style you like which suits your garden so all the paving, pots,water features, and plants match, especially in a courtyard garden.5. Make beds bigger and lawns smaller. If you mulch all beds thiswill reduce your maintenance and enable you to createinteresting areas within your garden.6. If you want to reduce your lawn area to make bigger gardenbeds, you need to know what type of lawn you have. If you havea fine lawn grass such as Rye or Fescue you can mow the lawnlow, cover with 8–10 sheets of newspaper (overlapping), add10–15cm of pea straw on top, wait 3–4 months and then plantdirectly into it. This must be done when the soil is moist and allthe grass should have died. If you have ‘running’ grasses such asCouch or Kikuyu they will not be eliminated by newspaper andmulch. They are very tough grasses to remove and you can tryone of three methods:• cover the grass with a sheet of clear plastic for several weeks inhot weather so that the grass effectively ‘cooks’,• mow the lawn area you wish to remove on the lowest mowersetting and then dig out the remaining root system, or• apply chemical herbicide.Further InformationThe Australian Garden – Diana SnapeBeautiful Gardens with Less Water – John PatrickBold Romantic Gardens – Oehme Van SwedeBrowse through the library…

7CARING FOR YOUR SOILHealthy soil = healthy plants. Soil needs organic matter (mulch,compost, manure, grass clippings). Worms break it down to make foodfor plants to use and their burrows allow air into the soil so the plantroots can breath. Organic matter needs to be replaced regularly as theworms eat it all up and plants absorb the nutrients. If organic matter isnot added, the soil becomes like concrete in the summer and a stickymess in the winter. In addition, most people want a low maintenancegarden. This is much easier if you look after your soil.Give yourself a tick if you:ccccccCheck mulch levels and replace every year to bringback to 8–10cm deepRegularly add organic matter to your soilKnow which are the best types of mulch for differenttypes of plantsKnow at least 5 good things mulch does to reducemaintenanceHave at least 3 worms in a spadeful of soil whereveryou dig in the gardenOnly dig your soil when you have toSoil Score /6SOIL IMPROVEMENT TIPS1. The soil needs to be damp before you add mulch so late spring(November) is the best time to put on mulch once the winterrains have soaked in.2. Mulches made from recycled organics are an excellent choice asthey save water, last well and feed the soil when they break down.3. Spreading compost over your soil (under the mulch layer) willencourage worms in your garden.Further Information

8 Sustainable Gardening in Darebin4. Pea straw and Lucerne are the best if you havenot mulched the soil for a long time as theybreak down quickly so it’s easier for the wormsto eat. Bark mulch has very few nutrients so itisn’t very good for improving the soil.5. Soil improvement such as pea straw placed on the soil surface isgenerally only required for exotic plants, vegetables and fruittrees. Most local and native plants like a relatively infertile soil sothey prefer bark mulch on its own without soil improvement.6. When buying new soil for your garden don't just buy topsoil, buya soil that includes recycled organics or compost.7. Don’t cultivate your soil unless it is very compacted after buildingworks. Digging destroys the soil structure, therefore destroying theair holes and drainage spaces.Benefits of mulchWeeds pulled out easilyWeed seedsscreened fromlight = lessgerminationevaporationreducedMulch layer breaksdown to addnutrients to soilFurther InformationThe Natural Gardener – Jeffrey HodgesGardening Down-Under – Kevin HandreckThe Natural Magic of Mulch – Michael J. Roadswww.sgaonline.org.au www.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au

9COMPOST – EASY AND FUNComposting or worm farming your food scraps, grass and gardenclippings (organics) can give you excellent garden food and soil improverthat is free. Composting organics (rather than putting them in therubbish) is one of the best things you can do in your garden – as well ascreating great fertiliser, it reduces greenhouse gases, saves water anddramatically reduces your waste. Composting and getting that ‘perfectmix’ can also be lots of fun. Its not hard and almost half of householdrubbish can be turned into compost that’s useful for your garden.Give yourself a tick if you:ccccccMake your own compostCan list 10 things you can put in compost and 3 things youshouldn’t put in compostEnsure your garbage bin is less than half full every weekPut green waste out for collection less than 4 times per yearUse your compost as a fertiliser under mulch, mix withpotting mix in containers, use on top of seed beds in thevegetable garden or stewed in water to make a liquid feedUse a worm farm if you live in an apartment or havea small gardenCompost Score /6COMPOSTING TIPS1. Your compost bin or heap should be on soil, not concrete, so itdrains well and the worms and bacteria can enter the bin todecompose the waste.2. All compost bins or heaps, need a balance of materials that:• are high in nitrogen, such as blood and bone, Dynamic Lifter orchook manure,• contain carbon, such as dried leaves or shredded newspapers, and

10 Sustainable Gardening in Darebin• contain both carbon and nitrogen, such as kitchen scraps, peastraw and green garden prunings.3. In addition, the compost heap or bin needs:• water, but only enough so that the contents are moist butnot wet,• oxygen, from air, added by regularly turning over the contentsof the heap,• warmth, by putting it in a sunny place, and• easy access4. Hot (fast) compost takes 3–6 months – you need a recipe and toturn the compost every day. Cold (slow) compost takes 6–12months – just keep adding waste, especially kitchen scraps.Add to your compost– Fruit and vegetable scraps– Coffee grounds– Tea bags– Egg shells– Onions– Citrus fruit (cut up)– Sour milk and yogurt– Pizza and egg cartons– Vacuum cleaner dust– Animal fur– Pure wool jumpers (thatare not good enough forthe op shop) and socks(cut up)– Pure cotton articles (cut up)– Grass clippings(thin layers 3–4cm)– Cut up prunings– Weeds without seed heads– Blood and Bone– Shredded newpaper– Small amounts of wood ashKeep out of your compost– Fish– Meat– Cat and dog droppings(consider a Pet Pooworm farm)– Big woody prunings– Bulbous weeds(e.g. oxalis spp.)– Weeds with runners(e.g. couch grass)– Bleached or glossy officepaper

12 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinSOLVING COMMON COMPOST PROBLEMSWhy is my compost:left with half decomposed big lumps?Adding smaller pieces to the bin/heap should ensure that it all decomposesevenly. Avoid avocado seeds, pineapple tops, twigs and otherwoody items unless they can be crushed or chopped before adding.Always crush eggshells.smelly?Either: Too much nitrogen containing matter and not enough carbon. i.e.add more dry materials such as dried chopped up leaves and newspaper.Or: Make sure you aid decomposition by using a garden fork andturning over the bin/heap occasionally (maybe once a week) to introducemore air. This prevents anaerobic bacteria from taking over andproducing the smells. In a compost bin you can add lengths of slottedagipipe to increase aeration.crawling with ants and slaters?The heap is too dry. Add a sprinklingof water or less dry matter.Ants and slaters are not harmfulat all but they do indicate thatyour compost will not decomposerapidly enough.attracting flies?If you see tiny flies (drosophila)every time you open the lid, restassured that they are therebecause they enjoy the contentsof your bin/heap, especially ifyou have been adding fruit peelings.Add a blanket cover to thecontents of your bin/heap, suchas hessian sacking or carpet feltunderlay.Increase aeration in acompost bin by addingslotted agipipes.

Compost – Easy and Fun13visited by rats, mice, blowflies or maggots?Meat scraps or fish bones can be added to compost but only if it isworking efficiently and quickly. They are best avoided since they doencourage vermin, especially over summer. Rats and mice enter the binby digging underneath, so fasten a piece of fine mesh wire under the binbefore commencing.taking so long to do anything?!!!The carbon/nitrogen ratio needs to be altered. Remember: too wet, adddry matter, such as newspaper; too dry, add water along with somethinghigh in nitrogen such as blood and bone, Dynamic Lifter pellets,or chicken manure. And don’t forget to regularly turn the heap over!Further InformationMake Your Own Compost – Yvonne CaveGardening Down-Under – Kevin Handreckwww.ecorecycle.vic.gov.auwww.sgaonline.org.auCall Darebin Council on 9230 4444

14 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinWATERAustralia is the driest habitable continent in theworld and yet we are also the highest consumers ofwater per capita. We have been in droughtconditions for several years. Even though rain falls inwinter it is not enough. We are using more waterthan gets replaced, and each year the reservoirshave less and less water. Up to 30% of domesticwater gets wasted in the garden through things likewater not being able to penetrate the soil deeply,not using mulch to stop water evaporating,inefficient irrigation and bad garden design.Give yourself a tick if you:ccccccccccHave 30% or more of your garden planted with plants inthe Darebin Local Plant Guide (pp 18–23)Have less than 50% of your garden area taken up by lawnHave mulched all your garden beds and potsDon’t have a lawn, of if you do, cut your lawn long(8–10cm) over summerWater in the cool of the dayWater around the plant root zone with long, infrequentwateringUse a soaker hose or dripper system instead of spraysHave either a timer on your taps or shut off valves on yourhosesHave a water tankRecycle greywater from the laundry and bathroom to thegarden using EPA approved techniques or systemsWater Score /10

Water15WATER TIPS1. After you have watered dig down to see how far it haspenetrated, it should be at least 10cm.2. Have as large a tank as possible. (3000 litres of water ina tank for summer watering is ideal.)3. Check and clean your irrigation system every spring.4. Mulch all your garden beds and pots. Mulch made from recycledorganics is a great water saving product.5. Micro-sprays waste up to 70% water through drift andevaporation and if the soil is mulched, water will not penetrate tothe soil.6. Water pots and plants with a low pressure on the hose. Thewater should be running slowly, not on a spray, as this does notpenetrate very deeply.7. Go for a tough drought tolerant grass like ‘Sir Walter Buffalo’;a native grass such as Microlaena stipoides (won’t take footballgames, but is fine for walking on); or a native groundcover likeMyoporum parvifolium for the front garden.8. To avoid potential health risks greywater from the bathroom andlaundry must be collected and used according to EPA and councilregulations.9. Check the weather forecast to avoid watering before rain.Watering: Deep watering delivers water slowly tothe roots and encourages deep roots.Agipipesfilled withgravelPlastic bottlewith baseremoved

16 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinMulch protects rootsfrom high temperaturesmulchno mulchRoots can bekilled at hightemperatures3cm deep32ºC 42ºC12cm deep26ºC 38ºCFurther InformationWaterwise Gardening – Kevin WalshWaterwise House and Garden – Allan WindustWater Efficient Garden – Wendy van Dokwww.sgaonline.org.auwww.savewater.com.auwww.yvw.com.auwww.epa.vic.gov.au

17PLANT SELECTIONLocal (indigenous) plants are suited to the local soil and climate. They donot require large amounts of nutrients and once established, little water.There are many beautiful plants local to the Darebin area. Many of theseplants offer shelter and are important food sources for local birds, insects,reptiles and animals. (Refer to the Darebin Local Plant Guide pp 18–23.)Two thirds of Victoria’s environmental weeds are garden escapees.Their seeds are spread from our gardens by birds and animals or bypeople dumping garden cuttingsinto our bush and waterways.Weeds compete with our localplants for light, nutrients andwater. Before too long they havereplaced our local plants, leavingnative animals without food orhomes. As gardeners we need toknow which plants can escapeand destroy our unique naturalenvironments. (Refer to theDarebin Garden Escapee Guidepp 25–30.) Please considerremoving and replacing gardenescapees as there are so manybeautiful plants that arealternatives.Plants need to be groupedtogether according to theirsun/shade, water and fertiliserneeds. If you mix your plants youcan be forever replacing deadplants. You need to go to aGarden Centre to find a plant tosuit the position you have inmind, not the other way round.

18 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinGive yourself a tick if youccccccccKnow the difference between native, indigenous andexotic plantsHave more than 30% of your garden planted with plantslisted in the Darebin Local Plant Guide (pp 18–23)Have more than 30% of your garden planted withSustainable Plants listed on page 24Do not have any of the plants listed in the Darebin GardenEscapees Guide (pp 25–30)Have at least one shade tree of suitable size for yourgardenHave reduced your lawn area to less than 50% of totalgarden areaHave grouped your plants according to their water, sun andnutrient needsRegularly observe native birds, reptiles, insects and animalsin your gardenPlant Score /8PLANT TIPS1. The ideal time to plant is autumn. Never plant in summer.2. Fast growing plants (e.g. Jasmine, Variegated Pittosporum) aregreat at first as screening plants because they very quickly fill aspace. However, they keep growing and growing and growing!They then become high maintenance plants and produce largeamounts of green waste from regular pruning. It’s better to waitfor slower growing plants to reach the height you want.3. There is a tree to fit every size garden. They provide shade, canprovide fruit, leaves for mulch, habitat for wildlife, produceoxygen and use up carbon dioxide. If possible plant a native orindigenous tree.

Plant selection194. Native, indigenous and exotics can be used together to createsuccessful gardens, but care is needed at planning stage.5. Compost weed prunings or put them in the green waste bin. Cutoff the seed heads of any garden escapees and put them in the bin.Refer to the list of Nurseries Stocking Indigenous Plants Suitablefor the City of Darebin on the inside back cover of this bookletFurther InformationGuide to the Indigenous Plants of the City of DarebinFlora of Melbourne – Society for Growing Australian Plants(Maroondah)Environmental Weeds – Kate BloodGrow What Where – Australian Plant Study GroupHabitat Garden – Peter Grant (ABC shops)The Australian Garden – Diana SnapeAustralian Plants for MediterraneanClimate Gardens – Rodger Elliotwww.sgaonline.org.auwww.weeds.org.auFor queries on indigenous Darebin plants callDarebin Bushland Management on 9230 4762Lightwood, (Acacia implexa) refer to Local Plant Guide

20 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinDAREBIN LOCAL PLANTSThese plants are great plants for Darebin gardens as they grow herenaturally and are good for native wildlife.CLIMBERSPurple Coral Pea(Hardenbergia violacea)Requirements: Full/semi sun;well-drained soilsFeatures: Useful for providing alight screen. Grows well in pots.GROUNDCOVERS and WILDFLOWERSBlack Anther Flax-lily(Dianella revoluta)Requirements: Full/semi sun;well-drained soil.Features: Hardy, easily maintainedplant. Ideal for growing close totrees. Butterfly attracting.Clustered Everlasting(Chrysocephalum semipapposum)Requirements:Full/semi sun. Dry soil.Features: Very hardy. Prune in winter torejuvenate. Great in rock gardens, in pots,under trees or in an open position inthe garden. Butterfly attracting.Creeping Bossiaea (Bossiaea prostrata)Requirements:Easy to grow in well-drained soils.Features: Grows well under other plants.

Darebin local plants21Cut-leaf Daisy(Brachyscome multifida)Requirements: Full/semi sun;prefers moist soil and will toleratedryness once established.Features: Grows well in pots.Fast growing. Light pruning afterflowering. Butterfly attracting.Kidney Plant(Dichondra repens)Requirements: Semi sun/fullshade; well-drained soils.Features: An excellent lawnsubstitute in moist shady areaswhere traffic is light.Native Flax(Linum marginale)Requirements: Full/semi sun.Dry soil and poor drainage.Features: Grows mostly in thecooler months and dies back afterflowering. Remove old stems inautumn. Can grow in pots, rockgardens and around ponds.Running Postman(Kennedia prostrata)Requirements: Full/semi sun.Accepts most soils but avoidpoor drainage.Features: Attractive as agroundcover, in tubs, hangingbaskets, cascading over rocks,walls and under trees. Insectand bird attracting.

22 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinTufted Bluebell(Wahlenbergia communis)Requirements: Full/semi sun;moist well-drained soilFeatures: Looks great in containersor when planted amongst grasses.Butterfly attracting.GRASSESKangaroo Grass(Themeda triandra)Requirements:Full/semi sun; adaptableto most soils.Features: Habitat forinsects, lizards and birds.Butterfly attracting.Silky Blue-grass(Dichanthium sericeum)Requirements:Full sun; well-drainedheavy clay soils.Features: Blue-greyappearance providesgreat contrast.Wallaby Grasses(Danthonia spp.)Requirements: Full/semisun; well-drained soil.Features: Excellent contrastplant in landscaping. Canmake an excellent lawn ifinfrequently mown.

Darebin local plants23SHRUBS (up to 4m)Austral Indigo(Indigofera australis)Requirements:Any position;well-drained soil.Features: Responds wellto regular pruning.Butterfly attracting.Drooping Cassinia(Cassinia arcuata)Requirements: Full/semisun; well-drained soil.Features: This gracefulplant is easy to grow.Gold Dust Wattle(Acacia acinacea)Requirements:Full/semi sun;adaptable to most soilsFeatures: A goodlow screening plant.Suitable for largepots/tubs. Annualpruning is beneficial.Bird attracting.Hop Goodenia(Goodenia ovata)Requirements:Any position;prefers damp soilFeatures: Fastgrowing. It respondswell to pruning.

24 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinLarge-leaf Bush-pea(Pultenaea daphnoides)Requirements:Any position; it toleratesdryness once establishedFeatures: Attractivetall shrub.River Bottlebrush(Callistemon sieberi)Requirements:Full/semi sun; adaptableto many soils.Features: Excellentscreening shrub.Pruning encouragesflowering. Butterflyand bird attracting.Rock Correa(Correa glabra)Requirements:Any position; it iseasily grown inwell-drained soils.Features: Ideal as a lowscreen. Bird attracting.Rosemary Grevillea(Grevillea rosemarinifolia)Requirements: Full/semisun; well-drained soilFeatures: Pruning willencourage more compactgrowth. Grows well inlarge pots/tubs.

Darebin local plants25Tree Violet(Hymenanthera dentata)Requirements: Full/semi sun;well-drained soilsFeatures: It has violet colouredberries and provides excellenthabitat for birds and possums.Twiggy Daisy-bush(Olearia ramulosa)Requirements: Full/semi sun;well-drained soilsFeatures: Pruning as the flowersbegin to fade usually encouragesa further flush of flowers.TREES (over 4m)Black Sheoke(Allocasuarina littoralis)Requirements: Full/semisun; well-drained soilFeatures:Excellent screenplant and windbreak.Food source for birds.Lightwood(Acacia implexa)Requirements:Full/semi sun;most soilsFeatures:Small screen or shadetree. Bird attracting.

27DAREBIN GARDEN ESCAPEESAll the plants in this section are serious garden escapees in Darebin.Please do not plant these species, and if you have them in your garden,please remove them and replace them with one of the suggested similarnon-invasive indigenous plants.CLIMBERS and CREEPERSBlue Periwinkle (Vinca major)Forms thick carpets.Leaves broad and glossyReplace with: Purple Coral-pea(Hardenbergia violacea)Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides)A scrambling climber. Leaves shiny,broadly oval to round.Replace with: Purple Coral-pea(Hardenbergia violacea)English Ivy (Hedera helix)Fast climber can grow to 30mup trees or creeping along theground and forming carpets.Shiny, triangular, dark greenleaves with pale veins.Poisonous if eaten and cancause skin and eye irritation.Replace with:Small-leafed Clematis(Clematis microphylla)Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia)A fast climber that can cover trees up to30m tall. Fleshy, egg-shaped leaves witha heart-shaped base to 12cm long.Replace with: Small-leafed Clematis(Clematis microphylla)

28 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinMorning Glory(Ipomoea indica)Fast growing climber.Leaves spear shaped,bright green.Replace with:Large bindweed(Calystegia sepium)Moth Plant(Araujia sericifera)A climber that can grow to 10mtall. Triangular leaves to 11cmlong. Fruit looks like a choko.Poisonous to poultry and dogs.Sap can cause skin irritation.Replace with: CommonAppleberry (Billardiera scandens)Wandering Tradescantia(Tradescantia fluminensis)Forms thick carpets. Glossygreen leaves, oval to 4cm. Cancause allergic reaction to dogswith skin irritation particularlyon the stomach.Replace with: Kidney Plant(Dichondra repens)GRASSES and HERBSAgapanthus (Agapanthus spp.)Leaves poisonous.Sticky sap can ulcer mouth.Replace with: Pale Flax-Lily(Dianella longifolia)

Darebin garden escapees29Arum Lily(Zantedeschia aethiopica)Highly poisonous.Replace with:Pale Flax-Lily(Dianella longifolia)Fountain Grass(Pennisetum setaceum)Replace with:Wallaby Grass(Danthonia spp.)Pampas Grass(Cortaderia spp.)Leaves easily cutthe skin and causeirritation whenhandled.Replace with:Thatch Saw-sedge(Gahnia radula)SHRUBSCastor Oil Plant(Ricinus communis)Highly poisonousseedsReplace with:Prickly Currant-bush(Coprosmaquadrifida)

30 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinCootamundra Wattle(Acacia baileyana)Replace with:Black Wattle(Acacia mearnsii)Cotoneaster(Cotoneaster spp.)Berries contain toxins that canbe harmful to infants if eaten.Replace with:Prickly Currant-bush(Coprosma quadrifida)English Broom(Cytisus scoparius)Seeds poisonous ifeaten in quantityReplace with:Slender Bitter-pea(Daviesia leptophylla)and Golden Spray(Viminaria junceae)Flax leaf Broom(Genista linifolia)Seeds highly poisonousReplace with: SlenderBitter-pea (Daviesialeptophylla) and GoldenSpray (Viminaria junceae)

Darebin garden escapees31Hawthorn(Crataegus monogyma)Replace with:Tree Violet(Hymenanthera dentata)Mirror Bush(Coprosma repens)Replace with:Prickly Currant-bush(Coprosma quadrifida)and Boobialla(Myoporum insulare)Montpellier Broom(Genista monspessulana)Seeds highly poisonousReplace with:Gold-dust Wattle(Acacia acinacea)Prickly Pears(Optunia spp.)Replace with:Kangaroo Apple(Solanum laciniatum)

34 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinReducing chemical usageDon’t spray / sprinklechemicals on a windyday or before rainIdentify theproblemDon’toverfertiliseyour plantsTarget spraypest onlySpace plants toencourage aircirculationLeave grassclippings onlawnLAWN(reduce)Use lownitrogenfertiliser

Chemicals352. Use natural alternatives such as pyrethrum and garlic spray tocontrol pests.3. Too much fertiliser makes plants produce a lot of leafy growththat often becomes a target for pests.4. Organic fertilisers such as compost, manures, seaweed and fishemulsion break down more slowly than synthetic (chemical)fertilisers and generally match the rate at which plants need thenutrients. Synthetic fertilisers break down quickly and can ‘burn’plant roots.5. Organic fertilisers improve the soil structure meaning the soil isbetter able to hold water and make it available to plants.Synthetic fertilisers add nothing to the soil structure and tend tomove easily from the soil after heavy rain or watering.6. When a plant looks sick the worst thing you can do is feed it!Further Information:Natural Gardening in Australia – Jeffrey HodgesNatural Control of Garden Pests – Jackie FrenchPlant Protection – Ruth M KerruishWhat Garden Pest or Disease is That? – Judy McMaughwww.sgaonline.org.auNative Flax, (Linum marginale) refer to Local Plant Guide

36 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinSGA LOW ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGECHEMICALSSustainable Gardening Australia in conjunction with the University ofMelbourne (Burnley) has rated all horticultural chemicals into threecategories: low, medium and high environmental damage. SGA advocatesnon-chemical prevention such as monitoring for early outbreaks, good aircirculation between plants and alternative home remedies, such as garlicsprays. If you must use a chemical please consider the products listedbelow that have minimum environmental impact.INSECTICIDESBeat-A-Bug Happy Roses SprayBeat-A-Bug Insect SprayConfidor Hose On Lawn Grub KillerConfidor Insecticide AerosolConfidor Insecticide RTU sprayGarden King White Oil AerosolHortico Derris Vegetable DustManutec Dusting SulphurMulticrop Pyrethrum + EucalyptusMulticrop Pyrethrum Plus GarlicNG Wasp and Nest KillerNurseryman's All Season Pest OilPest Oil RTUPyrethrum Time Release SpraySharpshooter Pyrethrin RTUSuccess Naturalyte InsecticideTacGel Formula3 Insect TrapTropico Organic Bug Gun sprayYates Dipel Bio-insecticideYates Green Earth Insect SprayYates Pest OilYates Rose Blackspot and Insect KillerYates Scale GunYates Slay-Afe InsecticideYates Surrender RTUYates White Oil AerosolYates White Oil concentrate

SGA low environmental damage chemicals37HERBICIDESBrunnings Lawn Food Plus Moss KillFUNGICIDESBaycor Garden FungicideChemspray Copper OxychlorideSharpShooter Lime SulphurSharpshooter Rid a Rot FungicideYates Anti RotYates Fungus FighterYates Leaf Curl Copper FungicideYates Lime Sulphur FungicideREPELLENTSBeat-A-Bug Goodbye SnailBeat-A-Bug Poss-Off SprayD-TerMulticrop Keep Off SprayMulticrop Keep-Off GranulesMulticrop Scat Animal RepellentMulticrop Skedaddle GranulesPossom Shot GelQuassia ChipsSkunk Shot Gel Animal RepellentSlug ItStay Off Animal RepellentALGICIDESOase Crystal ClearStephen Bros Barley algae controlMOLLUSCICIDES(SNAIL KILLERS)Amgrow Enviroguard Snail BaitMulticrop Snail Killer Pellets

38 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinPRODUCECommercially growing fruit and vegetables uses a lot of energy andchemicals in heating, cooling, spraying weeds and pest killers andtransporting produce. Fruit and vegetables begin to lose their vitamins assoon as they’re picked. After 5 days some have lost 40–50% of vitamins.Growing your own vegetables is so easy, and even easier if you’veimproved your soil. They’re healthier, convenient and children love towatch them grow. Even if you only grow tomatoes, herbs and lettuce ina pot, it’s a start!Give yourself a tick if you:ccGrow any herbs, fruit or vegetablesGrow lots of produce!Produce Score /2ORGANIC PRODUCE TIPS1. Fruit and vegetables generally like to grow in the full sun withplenty of water, organic fertliser and compost. On the otherhand, local plants and native plants do not need a lot of waterand fertliser. It is therefore best to grow them in separate parts ofthe garden.2. You can grow vegetables in no-dig beds on concrete and inbig pots.3. Use recycled plastic sleepers to make raised beds. These will notrot after 10 years.4. Rotate the position of vegetablesevery year to stop diseasesspreading.5. Use natural alternatives such aspyrethrum and garlic sprays tocontrol pests.

Produce396. You do need to water most days and check for bugs, especiallysnails on new seedlings. Go out at night and drown snails in abucket of salt water.7. Try heritage seeds. You can plant early, mid and late seasontomatoes.Further InformationBackyard Self-Sufficiency – Jackie FrenchThe Australian Vegetable Book – Clive BlazeyNatural Gardening in Australia – Jeffrey Hodgeswww.sgaonline.org.au

40 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinPRODUCTSWhen we buy products for the garden we often don’t think about wherethey have come from. Red Gum trees come from woodlands and arepart of a system which supports thousands of creatures. When the treesare chopped down all the creatures have nowhere else to go and dieout. Many are in serious danger of extinction. We use Red Gum wood tomake things like bark chips, tomato stakes and railway sleepers. Hugeamounts of shiny river pebbles are dug out of active rivers in Asia. Wholeriver systems have been destroyed so we can create a garden feature ofriver stones.Give yourself a tick if youccccAsk where a product comes from and avoid buyingunsustainable productsUse recycled products, like bricks, timbers, plastic sleepersTake your own plastic bag or canvas bag to a Garden Centreto carry home products and plantsReuse your plastic plant pots or put them in a GardenCenter pot recycling binProduct Score /4ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT TIPS1. There are usually alternatives available. Pebbles that are quarriedin Victoria from inactive streambeds are acceptable because atleast they are not destroying living habitats.2. Look up www.timbershop.org to find out which timbers areacceptable. While many outdoor furniture companies claim thatteak is plantation harvested in Asia, this magnificent tree is arainforest plant that cannot be grown under plantation.3. Plants such as Grass Trees, Tree Ferns and Native Orchids mayhave been sourced illegally from the forest. Plants should be soldwith a government tag stating that they have been legallycollected.

Products414. Use renewable mulches such asmulches made from recycledorganics, pea straw or plantationsourced mulch. Recycledorganic mulches are good tobuy, as not only are they greatproducts, but you are ensuringthat garden waste is recycledrather than going to landfill.Further informationForest Friendly Building Timbers – The Wilderness Societywww.sgaonline.org.auwww.timbershop.orgwww.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au

42 Sustainable Gardening in DarebinSustainable Gardening Score CardSECTION Now 6 mths 12 mthsDesign (7)Soil (6)Compost (6)Water (10)Plants (8)Chemicals (7)Produce (2)Products (4)TOTAL (50)Conduct a sustainability audit on your garden by counting up thenumber of ticks you have achieved for each section and your total.Make a note of what you have to do to score more ticks in 6 monthsand 12 months time. You can then start working towards making yourgarden more sustainable.Think Global Act Local•••••••What I need to do to make my garden more sustainable:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONFor advice on indigenousplants and environmentalweedsCity of Darebin,Bushland ManagementPhone 9230 4762www.darebin.vic.gov.auMerri Creek ManagementCommitteePhone 9380 8199www.mcmc.org.auDarebin CreekManagement CommitteePhone 9499 4454www.dcmc.org.auFor free Sustainable Gardeninginformation and advice go towww.SGAonline.org.auOr visit the following SGAenvironmentally accreditednurseries in the Darebin areafor advice on sustainablegardening:Keelbundora IndigenousNurseryNorthcote NurseryCERES Bushfood &Permaculture NurseryVictorian IndigenousNursery Cooperative (VINC)Nurseries stocking indigenousplants suitable for the City ofDarebinKeelbundora IndigenousNurseryRing Road, LaTrobe UniversityWildlife Reserve, Bundoora.Phone 9479 2871Victorian Indigenous NurseriesCo-op (VINC)Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield.Phone 9482 1710CERES Bushfood andPermaculture Nursery8 Lee St, East Brunswick.Phone 9387 4403Western Plains Flora628 Wildwood Rd, Wildwood.Phone 9740 3178Further readingPlants of the Merri Merri:A Home Gardener’s Guide toUsing Indigenous Plants inthe Northern Suburbs ofMelbourne. R.Wigney ed, (1994).Merri Creek ManagementCommittee.Flora of Melbourne: A Guide tothe Indigenous Plants of theGreater Melbourne Area.Society for Growing AustralianPlants, Maroondah (rev ed 1993).Hyland House.