Don came across a thriving row of grevilleas (Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'). When the gardener, Brian, planted the grevilleas, he followed two important gardening principles:

1. Plants grow better in raised beds

Raised garden beds provide good drainage, which is essential for most garden plants, and particularly important if you are growing Australian native plants. Many natives don't like having 'wet feet', which makes them susceptible to diseases such as root rot.

2. Most natural soils are suitable for growing a garden

It is usually better to improve your existing soil than to add bought soil to your garden. Even heavy clay can be improved with additives such as well-rotted manures, mulch, compost and gypsum or lime. It is also important to cultivate heavy soils when they are damp and crumbly, not wet and sticky.

Further reading

'Gardening Down-Under - A Guide to Healthier Soils and Plants' by Kevin Handreck (Landlinks Press, $39.95, ISBN 0643066772). Available from major book stores or mail-order from CSIRO Publishing, PO Box 1139, Collingwood, Vic, 3066, on the web at www.publish.csiro.au, via email at sales@publish.csiro.au or phone (03) 9662 7666 in Melbourne, or 1800 645 051 (Freecall within Australia).

Copyright CTC Productions 2001