Gardens Give Impressions

Taking much the same route most days gives a detailed impression of how these gardens change with the seasons.

Formally clipped and totally regimented designs contrast against chaotic weed infested mini-forests, each alluding to a human story.

Boundary vegetation in 2007

Boundary vegetation in 2011

The fruit and vegetable garden in 2006

The fruit and vegetable garden in 2011

Rockery in 2006

Rockery in 2011

Vegetation around tanks in 2007

Vegetation around tanks in 2011

The wattles in 2007

The wattles in 2011

General windbreak plantings in 2007

General windbreak plantings in 2011

Gardens Spark Imaginations

Observations during long walks help spark up the imagination, giving ideas about things to try on the farm.

On some occasions I get to chat with owners, getting their impressions and plans-each changing according to personal circumstances and prevailing trends.

Influences On Gardening Style

Gardens run by migrants used to be easy to spot based on fruit and vegetables grown in front yards, but this is now changing as more people are now doing the same. As families age, the emphasis naturally changes, such as an increase in low maintenance parts of the garden.

Decreases in house allotment sizes and more apartments featuring small balconies have also greatly influenced the style of gardening seen in the neighbourhood.

Community Gardening

Prevailing issues such as food miles, chemical and fertilizer use, carbon footprints and packaging have encouraged some local residents to become involved in community gardens.

The space devoted to fruit trees, vegetables and chickens is increasing at the expense of lawns in home gardens while communal gardening groups have helped turn mostly solitary activities into social occasions – pooling skills, resources and muscle power.

The Avid Colletor

There has however been one type of gardener that seems to be immune to garden trends – the avid collector. Going to great lengths to build on a collection, time and effort is spent searching for elusive species and varieties.

Often limited by space, collectors keep their stocks down to a couple of related plant groups such as cacti and succulents while plant societies become a focal point for like minded collectors.

Experiments On My Hobby Farm

Ideas gained when working in a retail plant nursery have also been the inspiration to try a range of experiments on the farm. Some doing well, others at best learning experiences, at worst a waste of time and a little money.

Combining observations and thoughts while walking or driving in both urban and rural settings has helped the farm to evolve in its own unique way.

Changes On My Hobby Farm

Along this journey since purchasing the farm in 2006, a more relaxed attitude towards weeds that seem impossible to eradicate has been necessary. Problems related to pests and diseases have also been tempered. Weeds are now seen as future compost while bugs are future bird food.

Photographs from early times have helped to highlight changes on the farm, recording the natural evolution of young plants growing and maturing – this has been the biggest farm experiment.

Aloes In Commercial Products

Selected from about 450 species mostly originating in southern Africa, their health promoting qualities have helped bring this attractive group of plants into the public’s eye. No doubt there are many other species under investigation with plans for future commercial products.

These drought tolerant succulents range from tiny clumps through to large trees, but most would not exceed two metres in height.

Aloe arborescence foliage damaged by frosts

Close up of Aloe arborescence

Aloe ferox is a rapid growing succulent

Aloe ferox showing messy stems due to dead foliage

This small aloe is spreading from suckers

Aloe succtrina showing blackened leaves

Fleshy Leaves With Toothed Margins

Generally fleshy leaves with toothed margins are arranged in rosettes or spirals giving an unwarranted fierce or sharply spined look.

Most Aloes are frost sensitive, preferring mild winters. My specimens have blackened leaf tips due to cold winter nights, but so far they have survived and manage to put on a little growth each summer. It is very important to keep Aloes dry in winter as they easily when cool and wet.

My Bright Orange-Red Aloes In Winter

Apart from climatic problems pests and diseases are not a big issue. Bitter sap has deterred rabbits and hares while few insect problems have been encountered since planting in 2008.

My Aloes were planted mainly to provide some winter colour as they produce bright orange-red flower spikes at this time. Still small, these plants do however provide enough leaves for application on sunburnt skin, scratches and mosquito bites.

Aloes On My Hobby Farm

Currently my plantings include:

• Aloe arborescence – reaching 2 metres in my location, this will take many years on the farm due to tough growing conditions.
• Aloe ferox – growing from 2 to 3 metres, it needs regular maintenance due to the accumulation of old dead leaves.
• Aloe succtrina – developing into a small dense shrub spreading outwards from compact branches. Its medicinal properties are currently being studied as this species produces a dark sap with reputed antibiotic properties.

Propagating Aloes By Cuttings

Cuttings are an easy way to propagate these plants, striking readily in good propagating mix – rewarding you with bright bird attracting flowers within a couple of years. When planting out in the garden, good drainage and a sunny spot are their main needs, combined with frost protection in winter.

Having to contend with winter frosts it will be many years before my Aloes develop into an attractive hedge, but they have already provided some relief for scratches and skin infections – and slowly but surely they are adding a little magic to the farm.

Dogs In Agricultural College

As a student at an agricultural college, working dogs practicing their craft were a common occurrence. Having many cattle and sheep, farm workers and instructors often brought their dogs along when supervising students on farm-work.

Having little experience with farm animals it was enjoyable just watching these dogs go through their skilful routines. Well trained, they knew exactly how to please their masters responding instantly to calls and whistles.

An Unfortunate Dog

A bad day for a working dog will however always remain in my mind. No doubt the bullied and harassed sheep would also have been pleased to witness this event – if only they had stopped running.

This sunny day a cattle dog, pleased that he had completed his tasks, decided it was a good time to mark out some territory. With a quick flick-up of a hind leg he expertly directed a spray at the base of the nearest tree, turned for a quick sniff to check his work then headed for the next marker. Once again he performed with aplomb – life was good.

An Instant Acrobat

Making a bee-line to an odd looking post he failed to look closely, confidently repeating his routine, but things went badly astray. This time a stream of highly conductive dog essence hit a live electric fence.

With many thousands of volts instantly passing through his body via a most sensitive part, this dog became an instant acrobat. What looked like three complete summersaults were perfectly executed. Landing on his feet, ears down and tail between his legs, he ran the fastest hundred metres in dog history, soon disappearing from sight.

Fence Posts Were Never The Same

Electric fences, designed to keep animals out of certain areas give a painful jolt, but physical effects are not serious. Bred from hardy outback stock, our victim would have quickly recovered, now doubt with psychological scars.

One sure thing, fence posts would never be the same for this working dog!

Australian Most Recognised Plant

Featured in work, art, songs and play, gums have a fundamental place in the Australian psyche.
Creating a sense of wonder when bushwalking through a forest of giants, trekking above the snowline, or in an arid location dominated by tough gnarled mallees, the gum looms large.

Every part of these trees – leaves, flowers, roots, bark, sap and timber has been utilized by indigenous people. With over 700 distinct species as well as a large range of varieties and hybrids, eucalypts are the most recognised Australian plant.

Buds and blossoms of eucalypts are often used as cut flowers

Buds of the Curly mallee growing in arid parts of in Australia

Blossoms of the desert flowering Curly mallee eucalypt

Desert gums usually flower in winter or early spring

Grey-blue leaves are common amongst eucalypts

Ironbarks have dark bark and hard timber useful for fence posts

This eucalypt hybrid known as “Moon lagoon” is popular as a cut flower

Leaves of the red flowering gum

Colourful shoot tips of the red flowering gum

One of many ornamental eucalyptus blossoms - Silver Princess

Eucalyptus Distinctive Fragrance

Gums provide food and habitats for countless animal species while modifying the local climate, all the while permeating the forest air with their distinctive aroma. These truly magic plants yield oils used as medicines, industrial chemicals, fragrances, antiseptics, pesticides and repellents.

Crushing a few leaves quickly releases their distinctive fragrance with subtle overtones depending on the species, season and location. Eucalyptus oil is traditionally associated with blue gum extracts, but other aromas include lemon, peppermint, apple and camphor.

Commercial Values Of Eucalyptus

Oil production is however a minor commercial concern when compared to forest products yielding timber and paper. Forests are logged while plantations have sprung up throughout the country.

Grown like any other crop, eucalypts have become victims of their bountiful nature. Fast growing plantation gums now cover places where forests once provided a habitat for resident fauna.

Provider Turning Into Agent Of Destruction

Eucalypts foster life in the Australian landscape, but their benevolent powers can also quickly turn into an agent of destruction. Gums add to the intensity of bushfires as their magic essential oils, being volatile and flammable, cause trees to literally explode when fires approach. Combined with hot windy weather bushfires are unstoppable leading to loss of life and property.

Able to regenerate after fire, eucalypts once again resume their role as peaceful protectors and providers – and a new cycle of life begins.

Plants Seek To Dominate

Within a natural ecosystem, where a large range of organisms are present, then an unimaginably complex battle is at play. Plants use every arsenal at their disposal to dominate or exterminate others in the vicinity.

Chemical attacks via root, stem and foliar secretions, biological and symbiotic or beneficial alliances with microbes, animals and other plants.

Many Australian natives will shade out undergrowth

Attractive plants are grown and nurtured by humans

Carpet weed attempting to climb up a gum tree

Brightly coloured flowers attract birds and mammals helping to pollinate flowers

These Gazanias have been brought from South Africa and are now common in Australia

Gazania being drought tolerant have become a common weed

This gum has been assisted by spraying competing weeds

Legumes such as Vetch form a dense canopy smothering competing plants

Pines once established have little undergrowth as toxic chemicals in pine needles kill seedlings

She-oaks drop produce toxic needle leaves killing seedlings on the ground

Stunting The Competitors

Taller species shade the competition; climbers strangle the life out of their host. Succulents greedily suck moisture from their surroundings, stunting the growth of competitors.

Some create a poisonous layer of dead leaves and bark under their canopy, killing or retarding seedlings that are attempting to germinate.

Responding To Climate Conditions

When climatic conditions are favourable, forests will fight back grasslands. After droughts or fires grassland species return.

Over thousands of years and in response to climatic changes, as well as the activities of animals, boundaries ebb and flow between forests, woodlands and grasslands.

Winners And Losers

Plants evolve in response to their competitors and the natural environment. Some become more toxic or unpalatable, others sweet and bright attracting pollinators and seed distributors.

Winners continue to evolve and grow in line with their habitat. Losers desperately hang onto life, waiting for improved conditions, or become extinct.

Changed By Modern Agriculture

Modern agriculture has now changed the order between plants. Many with something to offer man have become spectacular winners. Others such as valuable forest timber species have a dismal future.

Across a field of wheat, plants bask in luxury. Competing plants are ruthlessly eliminated, nutrition is provided while diseases and pests are suppressed. Even the process of evolution is given a push via breeding and genetic manipulation.

Winners Continue To Evolve

Successful species, hybrids and varieties now dominate the farming landscape. Fields of sugarcane, endless tracts of soy beans, cereals and potatoes.

Winners continue to evolve in new ways – inherent disease resistance, growing in hotter or cooler places, flourishing in formerly inhospitable places – all the while gaining new territory.

Are We In Control

Long before humans arrived, plants had established symbiotic relationships with other living things. We are merely the latest in a long string of alliances.

But, who is the greatest beneficiary from these newly created relationships? Have plants got our measure, allowing us to believe we are in control?

Could we be nothing more than the latest pawns in their timeless war?
　

Native To Australia

Reacting to a series of dry years in southern Australia, plant nurseries are now growing emu bushes ranging from prostrate spreading creepers to large shrubs.

Native to Australia, over 200 species are scattered throughout the country, the majority found in drier locations and often growing in poor soil, hence they are also known as Poverty bushes.

Eremophila alternifolia ‘Pink form’ in Spring

Flowers of Eremophila alternifolia

Eremophila lachnocalyx this grey leafed emu bush does not like humid conditions resulting in leaf and stem rot

The ornamental Eremophila nivea is doing well on the farm

Eremophila oppositifolia foliage

Eremophila youngii sub species lepidota

Eremophila longifolia - common green form

Emu-Bushes-Grey-Eremophila-Longifolia.jpg

Stem rot caused the death of this Eremophila alternifolia

Health Promoting Properties

Producing tubular shaped flowers, many showing distinctive spotted markings, these bushes come in a wide range of colours. Nectar eating birds are an added bonus when flowering, adding life to the garden.

Held in great esteem by Aboriginals, there is growing number of scientific investigations into their effectiveness as antibiotics as well as other health promoting properties. Future medical applications appear likely, benefiting the broad community.

Emu Bushes On My Hobby Farm

Emu bushes have unfortunately had a poor start on the farm – starting with 20 species three years ago in 2008, only half a dozen are making progress. Ground cover species were quickly overrun by resident carpet-weed, while those from very dry areas succumbed during wet humid weather.

Well drained soil – critical for success – has been the biggest issue on the farm, and the cause of slow growth among the surviving species. Having shallow topsoil with clay subsoil layers, most of my plantings were unable to secure a strong hold in the soil.

Slow Starting Eremophila Longifolia

Many appeared healthy, but were blown over in strong winds, the result of having weakened stems due to rotting at ground level.

Eremophila longifolia, known to suppress fungal and bacterial infections has been used by natives for many ailments including skin problems. This large shrub made a slow start, but is now becoming established.

Less Common Grey-Leaved Species

A chance encounter in South Australia has also resulted in the purchase of the less common grey-leaved form. One very useful aspect of this species is its ability to sucker once established. Suckers can form several metres away from the main trunk, enabling an easy method of propagating well developed plants.

My initial group of four Eremophila alternifolia plantings has now been reduced to one lone survivor. This species has been reported as being so valued by indigenous people that it is harvested, dried and stored for later use.

Bringing Magic To The Farm

Used to treat many ailments including colds, headaches and sleep problems – promoting a sense of well being – this plant is likely to be grown as a crop in the future.

Getting the soil right seems the most important key for success with these beautiful, bountiful shrubs – rewarding efforts by bringing some magic to the farm.
　

Medicinal Plants Are Adapting To My Hobby Farm

Native to dry regions these plants are able to tolerate extended drought conditions – making them likely to be successful on the farm. Winter frosts have caused some damage to young plantings giving an unsightly look, but they should improve with age.

Currently these small plants are slowly adapting to heavy soils, pests and diseases. Having ornamental appeal they also add colour, mostly flowering in winter and spring.

Acacia species have a variety of uses by indigenous Australians

Australian gums species yield the versatile eucalyptus oil

Eremophila longifolia develops into drought tolerant medium shrub

Olive leaf extract is has been promoted as a health promoting tonic

She-oak needles have been used in insecticide preparations

Learning Herbal Applications

A quick search on the net uncovers a wide range of Australian native and exotic plants with some medicinal use. Most would require careful preparation and caution should be taken before use.

Herbal applications can occupy a lifetime of study requiring an understanding of a wide range of plant materials. In my case a few generally well known and widely used species are enough to satisfy my interest in medicinal plants.

My Interest In Medicinal Plants

Medicinal plants would appear to be a growing industry as new species and applications are regularly announced. Scientific research is gaining a better understanding of active constituents, leading to a bigger range of modern drugs or synthetic versions for use in human health and agriculture.

I am however keen to trial plants that can be used as natural insecticides and insect repellents. A cheap alternative to commercial products needed to fight off mosquitoes in warm weather would be worthwhile.

Satisfaction in Producing Specimens

An opportunity to develop skills in the care and propagation of selected medicinal plants is now available. Trial and error should eventually yield some useful and attractive specimens.

A few failures is a small price to pay for the satisfaction of producing some healthy and handsome specimens – always a good talking point for visitors.

Rabbits On My Hobby Farm

Utilized as a source of food, skins and felt, rabbits have helped people survive tough economic times. But, due to population explosions in suitable seasons, rabbits are now classified as one of the most serious pest species in Australia.

Thankfully rabbits are a small problem on my farm where numbers seem to increase in spring, but tend to decrease by late summer.

Hare showing the black tipped ears

The neighbour’s cat will hunt native as well as introduced animals

Rabbits will crouch to avoid detection

Hare droppings indicate their presence

A form is a depression amongst vegetation where hares rest

Hares will stand observing their surroundings

A rabbits burrow on the farm

Tree guards help deter rabbits and hares when plantings are young

Predators And Biological Controls

Predators such as foxes regularly visit the farm helping to control numbers. Unfortunately for foxes, they also like attacking chickens, young sheep as well as native animals – so most farmers kill foxes.

Biological controls such as Myxomatosis and Calicivirus tend to reduce rabbit numbers during summer and autumn – when mosquito carriers of these diseases are prevalent – but rabbits are developing resistance. Hares are immune to these viruses.

Attacks On Young Plants

Around the farm there is enough vegetation and moisture to support rabbits and hares without them having to go to extremes – ringbarking trees and shrubs as a source of food and water.

They do however appear to take delight in nipping the foliage from young plants. Plastic guards are able to deter most attacks long enough to allow young vegetation to survive the first critical years.

Protecting Plants Against Rabbits And Hares

When rabbits and hares have a strong attraction for a particular plant, a smelly animal based fertilizer such as blood and bone or fresh chicken manure helps as a deterrent – encouraging them to move on.

Valuable plantings such as date palms are surrounded with wire netting when young.

Filling Rabbit Holes

Rabbits seek shelter in burrows, protecting social groups from predators as well as providing relief from climatic extremes. A breeding pair of rabbits can produce 30 young or kittens within a year, allowing them to quickly repopulate areas that have been cleared, bringing back the same problems.

Stepping into rabbit holes is an easy way to injure an ankle or damage machinery – when noticed these are promptly filled with soil. One hard-working rabbit didn’t take kindly to having its future home regularly filled, by digging it out the next evening. A few rocks placed in the hole helped this determined individual come to realise it was fighting a losing battle.

Nature Of Hares

Hares, up to two times larger than rabbits, and easily distinguished by their black tipped ears, do not dig burrows but rest in small depressions within vegetation called “forms”. Living mostly solitary lives, except when mating, they are less of a problem compared to rabbits, but if populations are large they can also cause significant damage.

Adapted to outrun predators, hares have powerful hind legs and relatively large hearts giving them staying power in a race. A couple of hares when disturbed make an entertaining distraction as they speed into the distance.

Serious Pest Species In Australia

No doubt, at some stage in the future, scientific research will come up with more effective ways to stabilize their populations below that of a serious pest. Until this happens hares and rabbits, following their innate nature will always be a rural concern.

When this happens, rabbits and hares need not be hunted, trapped or poisoned, becoming once again, welcome guests in our country.

Making Out Invaders

Believing their territory is being invaded, they appear from nowhere, usually swooping from behind – creating an instant sense of dread.

Wings flapping, claws extended, they have caused injury on occasion, but generally create a sense of unease when passing through their range.

A simple magpie helmet--an ice cream container with large eyes drawn. A good activity for kids

A typical magpie nesting site is high up among gum tree canopies

Magpies are usually seen foraging in open areas. This is a male having white markings on its back. Females have a grey patch on their back

An offering of fresh minced meat and bread for my magpies

Magpies are quick to remember places where food is located. They respond well to feeding and will hang around if encouraged using food

This magpie is checking me closely using its right eye. The information is processed in its left brain

Magpie On My Hobby Farm

My farm surrounds are a perfect habitat for extended magpie families. Open spaces are good for foraging, while large trees nearby make ideal nesting sites. These sociable birds have been studied widely and it seems they are much more intelligent than previously thought.

It has been suggested that they are capable of recognising human faces and can recall past events involving particular people.

My Pro-Active Respond

They are able to remember good and bad deeds and act accordingly. They also appear to have an aggressive response to people riding bikes during the breeding season.

Having been regularly swooped in the past, I have decided to be more pro-active this spring. A white hat with large eyes drawn on the back should make swooping magpies think twice before attacking.

My Peace Offering

An ice cream container has also been suggested as a lightweight helmet. If these simple measures fail, I will attempt to be nice to the local magpie clans – once their aggressive behaviour subsides at the end of spring.

A peace offering of minced meat and bread should put them into a more friendly mood and hopefully they will remember me next spring.

Watching With Right Eye

When cultivating soil on the farm, magpies will soon appear for a quick feed of exposed grubs, worms and insects. They usually keep their distance and are quick to make calls letting the rest of their extended family know if danger is present.

If they are using their right eye to observe you, it is likely that they are making observations in fine detail, as like humans, magpies have a left and right brain with many similar functions.

Unique Carols On My Hobby Farm

The farm would never be the same without the sight of these large black and white birds, their unique carols and their presence in most Australian landscapes.

Adding to the rich mix of animal and plant life in both rural and urban locations, their innate tendency to be nasty and unsociable in spring is small burden to bear.

Fairy Wrens On My Hobby Farm

Family groups cooperate to raise their young within a single nest located within dense thickets. Fairy-wrens are common throughout southern Victoria and it was only a matter of time before a family group decided to set up their home within my lazy-compost enclosure – replicating a safe haven for breeding within dense vegetation.

A view of the lazy-compost enclosures

The Fairy wren nest is located deep within this ‘artificial’ thicket

Female Superb Fairy wren

The female wren puffs her feathers when defending her nest site against other intruding bird species

View of healthy and productive fig hedge in sum

Male Superb Fairy wren

These fig plantings will receive nutrients from the decaying vegetation

My Composting Enclosures

A set of composting enclosures were built using recycled fencing posts and old metal sheets. The aim being to place garden waste, weeds, dead plants and pruned branches into each bay and let them slowly decompose, releasing nutrients.

Once started the pile is compressed by the weight of later additions, eventually the vegetation at the base of each compost heap will be sufficiently broken down to act as a nutrient source for a row of figs. No mixing, moving or digging-only plenty of time and some water is needed.

A Happy Family On My Hobby Farm

Having noticed the Fairy-wrens at work I won’t be watering the compost and will allow the birds the opportunity to rear their young within something akin to a natural thicket. No doubt a successful season will see the birds return.

Something to look forward to in the future – a happy family – foraging, co-operating and diligently guarding their territory.