Earthly Delights

Sun Herald

Sunday February 10, 2008

Cyndi Tebbel

Dig around for some practical and stylish garden solutions to ensure everything comes up roses.

Recent ABS figures show that 83 per cent of Australian households have a garden of some sort. That's a fairly healthy representation but it's also a 4 per cent drop on the previous decade, a result of the trend for high-density living, reducing gardens to a window box or potted balcony, and the spread of the McMansion, which sacrifices exterior living space to make room for even more rooms inside.

Still, there's no imminent threat to one of our most beloved national pastimes. And however cramped your domicile, there's usually space to grow your own, whether that's a rainforest of palms in the sunroom or a few kitchen herbs. Community gardens are also springing up everywhere and are a good place to meet new friends. To find one near you, see www.communityfoods.org.au.

Sow your own

The fundamental style of garden tools has changed little over the centuries but lighter materials and ergonomic updates mean they're now much easier to use. Kitchen utensils are also handy ad hoc garden tools. Serving spoons, for instance, make great shovels, and sharp knives or scissors can handle rudimentary digging and pruning.

But there's something appealing about a garden tool set tailored to suit your horticultural and physical needs. The basic kit should comprise a hand trowel and fork, a spade and shears. Then, depending on the size and scope of your garden, you might add a hoe, shovel, pitchfork and secateurs.

Gloves are a great idea for avoiding dirty fingernails and blisters, and water restrictions have made the watering can de rigeur. There are also loads of other garden accessories, from kneeling pads and soil-aerating sandals to rose de-thorners, bulb planters, potting benches and more.

Good tools can be expensive, so always handle tools before you buy so you'll get the right fit. And, to ensure they'll last, keep them well maintained. Give them a good wash and wipe down after use, then store them away from weather and damp. A tool box is a perfect spot but they can also be hung with other outdoor equipment on the wall of a shed or garage.

Did you know?

? Nebuchadnezzar II built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as a gift to his wife, Amytis of Media.

? Australia's Open Garden Scheme is a non-profit organisation that promotes gardens and gardening by opening private gardens to the public. For information on tours, see www.opengarden.org.au.

? The garden at Elizabeth Farm in Sydney's Rosehill has the first olive tree planted in Australia.

? The earliest surviving dry weather garden in Australia is thought to be at the Historic Houses Trust property, Rouse Hill, Sydney.

? It's not too late to enter the 2008 City of Sydney Garden Competition. To be eligible, your garden must be in the City of Sydney Local Government Area and visible from the street. See www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Community/GrantsAndAwards/GardenCompetition.asp.

Where to buy

BARROW BUDDY (03) 9794 0777 or www.barrowbuddy.com.au FLOWER POWER (02) 9601 4188 or www.flowerpower.com.au FORESTRY TOOLS (02) 9958 2304 or www.forestrytools.com.au GARDEN EXPRESS 1800 677 437 or www.gardenexpress.com.au HEAVEN IN EARTH (02) 4423 2041 or www.heaveninearth.com.au THE SAVVY GARDEN (02) 4659 7776 or www.thesavvygarden.com.au

© 2008 Sun Herald

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