Never has there been a better time to be outside and nurturing green spaces. After watching David Attenborough's latest documentary on Netflix, we felt more compelled than usual to think more about what we can contribute to the healing of our planet. A simple step forward is through loving some plants.
Elke is our in-house animator and gardening expert. Like in her creative work, the natural world and the environment are inspirations and are central elements of her lifestyle, aspirations and decisions. Hearing her speak about transforming her entire backyard into a functioning vegetable patch and her indoor spaces into a jungle sanctuary we wanted to share her recommendations on how we can grow plants to the benefit of our health, happiness and that of the planet.
Read on for Elke’s tips accompanied by some seriously cute illustrations (also made by Elke)!
What does the local wildlife like to eat?
When choosing what to plant in your garden it’s always best to research the natives to your area. While you may be purchasing an ‘Australian native’ it’s important to be sure they are in fact native to your area, as some natives might be considered weeds in other parts of Australia. Your best bet is to chat to a local nursery or plant supplier – they’ll know what’s right for your garden. By planting a native garden you will help ensure our beloved Australian animal species thrive and have a place to call home, while maintaining our precious biodiversity.
Use this list of 9 Australian native plants and trees to attract wildlife and bees to your apartment balcony or garden. Grow these native plants indoors!
No place is too small for a tropical oasis, a dreamy native landscape or an edible cottage garden.
Be innovative with space. Tiny, urban gardens are all the rage right now. There’s no reason why we can’t all have a garden that provides, with only a small amount of space. Go vertical. Build raised and tiered garden beds. Hang from above. Use caged wire and hook potted plants to it.
If you really are choked for space living in an apartment or townhouse you can always adopt a tree over at WWF or lobby for a community garden.
Do you really need your lawn?
Unless you frequently roll down a picnic blanket and bask on your lawn, grass is actually quite unproductive. It does nothing for your soil, it provides no food and you have to mow it.
While it may seem crazy to dig up your lawn and replace it with some fresh soil and mushroom compost, it’ll be well worth it. I recently spent a couple weekends digging up my front lawn. My neighbours probably thought I was crazy, but now every time they walk past they complement me on all the beautiful fruit and veggies popping up. Instead of a patch of grass, I now have a garden packed with everything I need: zucchinis, eggplant, corn, strawberries, blueberries, snow peas, basil, sage, parsley, carrots, beetroot, tomatoes, beans, lettuce, kale, spinach, camomile plus an array of beautiful cottage style and edible flowers popping up.
Make your indoor plants feel at home.
Research which part of the world your plants come from and try to recreate those conditions in your own home. There are ways you can create humidity for plants who are from the tropics, and ways you can ensure your succulents and cacti are dry and happy. Check out these tips by Jorja who’s growing over 1000 indoor plants in her home.
Get your snails drunk.
During the warmer months, it’s common in Australia to encounter a lot of issues in a flourishing veggie garden. It seems the snails think it looks pretty good too. So, I put a small container of beer next to my veggies and woke up to a snail hanging out in there.
If you don’t want to drown your snails, try crushing up egg shells and surrounding your plants with them, or consider getting a pet chicken, duck or blue tongue lizard. They’ll eat up all the snails.
Plant edible flowers so you can make pretty cocktails or garnish your food.
Not only are there several varieties of edible flowers, you can pick some of the flowers from your herbs, veggies and fruits. These make your at-home cocktails feel fancy and provide food for bees and other insects. Some I have in my garden: Camomile, viola, wild rocket flowers, marigold, kale flowers, pea flowers, strawberry flowers.
Not only will these flowers look beautiful, they’ll attract bees and butterflies to your garden, in turn helping to pollinate your fruit and veggies.
Create a watering routine
Just like you, plants enjoy a routine. Set a time every few days (when you know you’ll be home) to water your plants. I water my veggie garden in the evenings so the water doesn’t evaporate.
Spend time in nature; head to your nearest national park, a beach or a park for some time amongst green things and sunshine. It’s a boost for your mental health, your creativity, your endorphins and will clear your mind.