Aussie icons: Eucalypts are woody wonders in almost any climate
The Quintessential Australian Tree Many of us regard eucalypts as the quintessential Australian tree. They are adaptable, resilient and…
An Update on the Value of Urban Trees
It is almost 10 years since I last wrote on the economic value of urban trees for Sustainable Gardening Australia, and much has changed. As climate…
Soil as a Carbon Store
Rather than regarding soil as just a medium for growing plants, we should also be viewing soil as a carbon store. This means that it is an important…
The Time is Now for Street Gardening
As our cities are densified, street gardening on nature strips and verges can make important contributions to biodiversity, beauty, increasing carbon…
Greening Cities
Greening Our Cities While we mourn the loss of beautiful older gardens as large houses, dual occupancies, and apartment blocks with minimal green…
Carbon Emissions from Gardening
In a previous article we explored ways that gardeners can lock up carbon in the soil. Although increasing soil carbon is important, it doesn’t…
Living Mulch: Waterwise, Firewise & Seriously Good Looking
Mulching the garden to cut-back on water-use is enshrined in garden lore. Protecting the soil from direct sunlight prevents it from getting hot and…
Economic Value of Trees
Many people would take it as a given that parks, gardens and trees have their own aesthetic and intrinsic values. However, so often in capitalist…
Green Roofs
Green roofs are rooftops equipped to grow gardens. This innovative infrastructure offers an excellent prospect for inner city gardening. Like any…
Locking up Carbon in Soil
Messages about addressing climate change mostly focus on decreasing carbon dioxide emissions by reducing use of electricity and gas and increasing…
The value of trees in urban areas
It is a great pity that so many of our citizens think of our parks, gardens, streetscapes and urban landscapes only in terms of their aesthetics.…