Future Focus

Sydney Garden Talk Wed 5pm,Sat. 12 noon 2RRR 88.5fm
Feature Interview: Catchments Connections Officer, ryde Council-Kristin Gabriel. Talking about Future Focus program for all residents in the catchment of Lane Cove River. Four creeks lead to this river-Shrimpton Creek,...
To find out if you're in this catchment area and eligible for a home visit from Kristing, go to Ryde council,…www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/futurefocus or ring 9952 8222
Vegetable Hero:Garden Cress-Lepidium sativum.
Cress is a reseeding annual or biennial, which can be grown in shade or semi shade. In grows well in the cooler months. “If you plant cress during the summer, the plants will shoot up flowers without making enough growth to harvest.”
If grown in dry soil and very hot weather, its refreshing nip becomes unpleasant and bitter.
Its seeds are light - germinating, in about 2 to 4 days.
Soil is not that important, and sand, coir peat, and compost are all suitable. Water well; seeds and plants should be kept moist.
Cress prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8. that’s slightly acid.
Desgin Elements:Built Structures-using built features such as Pergolas, walls-either stone, brick or other man made materials to construct division or levels for interest in the garden. Use garden paths-stepping stones, or pavers edged with a low growing perennial to lead the eye to a focal point.
Plant of the Week: Cyclamen-Cyclamen persicum.
Watering and Feeding
Cyclamen don't usually die prematurely through lack of care. Most people who kill their plants do so with kindness and that is, overwatering.
Cyclamen grow from tubers, these are storage organs that keep it alive during periods of dormancy. These tubers will rot when continuously saturated.
Water your cyclamen when the soil has dried, but don’t allow too much time to pass before watering again. Since cyclamen are best suited to cooler temperatures, they appreciate a cool drink rather than a warm one. Saturate the soil well, and allow the excess water to exit through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Proper drainage is necessary in order to keep the tubers healthy.
What's On:World Environment Day-Eden Gardens-Saturday June 5th.