Hola

My dad & I have been chatting about what to do for mum's birthday this year, and we thought we could overhaul the garden area for her so it actually looks good for a change. Currently we have a few areas that could be used as some sort of flower bed but they are completely overrun with weeds. I know in the past when dad has attempted this, sometimes the things he has chosen hasn't always worked due to the soil, climate, amount of sun, water restrictions, etc. So, in order to get it right I was hoping there might be someone on here (or someone who knows someone) who could perhaps come around and take a look at it for us. I'd need someone who actually has a bit of knowledge in this sort of thing in order to get the best advice. I don't need you to do any of the gardening itself as we are prepared to do all that - just need to pick your brain.

Carton of beer in it for you. PM me if you can help.

how does your mum feel about concrete as far as the eye can see?

just put salt on every weed you dont want - ive been doing this in a patch on our lawn to get rid of bindies. other than that though i'd find some gardening forum and start posting there with pictures of your 'garden'



lol concrete

It's not a bad idea, but I think it's something a person would need to see IRL so they could get a feel for what we're working with, ie soil quality, available light, general aesthetic, etc.

how does your mum feel about concrete as far as the eye can see?

Is Zak's mum Italian?

get rid of weeds
get rid of dead plants
plant natives that are good for bris and 0 maintenance
lay down some kind of mulch around em
mow the grass, do the whippersnipping
finish off with some nice edging
done.
any more than that is being a dick or an old lady.

we needs pics so we can give you some ideas ok go.

hawkins nursery 3390 1633, talk to them, they should get someone out for you... But I would reccomend walking in on the weekend with a few photos of your yard, walk up to someone watering plants/in uniform and plainly say "what can i do with this?", they'll hook you up from there. Also tip the trolley boy (if he's blonde and handesome) ;)

Othwise just call and ask for Gaye, she's pretty nice and has heaps of experience.

If you're too lazy what I'd do would be check for any electrical/shallow/shoddy plumbing lines underneath your garden area, dig 30cm-1m down, buy a few litres of mulch or potting mix, put down some plants and feed+water it right, you'd be set.

Water crystals and algae/chemicals work, but aren't necessary. At hawkins pretty much every plant has water saving & special mixes etc.

Roses are in season, could look into them if your mums into that stuff.

Also you could look into some of those free plants from the council. I think it's 2 natives per household? You might need to check up on it.

Doubly also, salt for weeds is a BAD IDEA. Only time you could use salt was if it was to kill some deep perennial weeds in between cracks of concrete, and even then some boiling water and vinegar would be 10x better.. If you're looking to kill the weeds AND the soil quality, go ahead, otherwise you should just get in there and rip them out.

last edited by Phooks at 22:01:05 24/Aug/09