Feb2015_OUTSIDE in your garden
Using Mature Shade Trees
Many property owners are lucky to have large shade trees that can provide excellent cover for designing a tropical garden.
Some ideal canopy cover species include Fig, Jacaranda, Poinciana, Pongamia, Crows Ash, Lilly Pilly, and also Mango trees.
Eucalyptus trees are not always a good choice. They can drop a lot of branches and acidic matter.
With a west facing fence line or natural boundary near a mature tree, you may have added shelter and shade all the way to the ground protecting from the hot afternoon sun and the strong westerly winds in winter.
Large mature trees provide an ideal shade place to establish a tropical paradise. The usually large leaved tropical plants are then protected from the harsh, scorching weather conditions we often contend with in sunny Queensland.
Ideal plants to put in your tropical oasis include Ginger varieties, Heliconias, Bromeliads, Rhapis and other palms, Cordylines, tree ferns, Dracaenas and most Australian rainforest species.
When creating this type of garden, instead of digging in the soil and disturbing the root system of the mature tree, it is best to minimise soil disturbance, which also makes for less back-breaking work!
The root system of a mature tree will be using much of the water and nutrients under the tree. It is therefore advisable to spread a good thick layer of mulch to create a second growth layer. Once you’re ready to plant, simply push the mulch aside, put soil in the opening, and place your plant in. This is basically a ‘no dig’ garden. Don’t forget to add some fertiliser!
Once you put your plants in place you need to water them in well. After deep watering them a few times to establish them, it should be possible to leave them to themselves. The mature tree provides shade which slows evaporation of moisture from your garden. The thick mulch layer will also assist in water retention.
Mature trees are an asset to your yard, so now is the time to prepare for a tropical haven that you will be proud of.
OUTSIDE garden design
Sabina Menzi
0417 627 548.
