Featuring Water Plants In Your Garden

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water features

If you’re interested in having a water feature in your garden, you need to make sure that you plan for it well. It’s not just about its design and layout or the water plants you’re going to use; it’s also about the impact of such an addition to your property. For instance, it’s not advisable at all to have one if you have little children — living with you or visiting often — to worry about.

If you’re pretty much decided, you need to visualise how you’ll go about creating your water feature. An example of a good water feature structure involves an above ground pool created with rolled chequer plate steel, about 90 cm in height and a metre across. The bottom is filled with compacted sand, serving as a base for a solid pond liner. The interior is lined with flexible poly-liner, which works to create a boggy or marshy area connecting the pond itself and the outer frame. The rigid liner goes into the centre of the frame and soil is added to fill the outer area of the bog zone.

water feature

Colocasia Esculenta

Some good choices to plant along the bog are Queensland Arrowroot (Canna edulis) and Green Taro (Colocasia esculenta). Both plants have edible roots. They’re also tall enough to provide shade for the other plants. You could also add a Samphire, the shoots of which you can also eat. Other possibilities include different kinds of mint, such as Chocolate Mint, Vietnamese Mint, and Basil Mint.

Inside the pond, you could place a wide but shallow terracotta bowl set on bricks, low enough so it’s submerged in the water, but almost skimming the surface. This provides the correct depth for Water Chestnuts, the foliage of which will push above the water. Besides having edible corms that can be harvested in the wintertime, it will also provide a frog habitat.

water lebanese crest

Lebanese Cress

You could put in some upside down terracotta pipes which will serve as planting pockets for even more edible water plants. Lebanese Cress, for one, is delicious and thrives well in little soil as it floats cheerfully on the water surface. Other salad greens you should consider adding are some Water Parsley and juicy English Watercress.

watercress

English Watercress

Now, another very valid concern when considering putting in a water feature is the mosquito population, definitely not something you want to encourage. It’s a good idea to add fish like Pygmy Perch to help eliminate mosquito larvae. Frogs and aquatic insects will also help, and pretty soon, you’ll have a thriving (not to mention edible) aquatic habitat to soothe the spirit, delight the eyes, and contribute to your dinner.

A good tip to keep in mind is to use rain water in filling your water feature. This is suitable for supporting fish right away. When you use tap water, you have to wait and let it stand for 24 hours in full sunlight to get rid of the chlorine.

Jim’s Mowing are the garden specialists and are happy to help with any gardening queries that you might have. Just call on 0800 454 654 or book online for your free, no-obligation quote.

Get to Know the Best Flowering Trees in Australia

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50-SEEDS-Chinese-Crape-Myrtle-Lagerstroemia-indica-Tree-Seeds-bonsai-flower-Seeds-Free-shipping

Purple Lagerstroemia Indica

Lagerstroemia-indica-Bergerac-Crepe-Myrtle

Pink Lagerstroemia Indica

Flowering trees offer a different kind of beauty to the exterior space of various properties; what’s even nicer about them is they often change hues over time. In Australia, there’s a diverse mix of flowering trees that homeowners can select from to improve the aesthetic appeal of their outdoor space, and among the best flowering trees in the country (and the rest of the world, actually) are crepe myrtles which reach different heights and spreads, and come in different variants.

Crepe myrtles or Lagerstroemia indica are native to eastern Asia and Australia and they are distinguished by their vase-shape and trusses of white, different depths of pink, and purple flowers that have a crepe-like texture, which typically appear late in the summer. These flowering trees are easily pruned to maintain their beautiful, natural shape, and when summer turns to autumn, the leaves turn into a visual delight of yellow green, yellow, orange (rust) and red before they actually fall. And in addition to their pretty flowers and the changing colours of their leaves, crepe myrtles also look particularly nice because of their coloured, smooth, mottled trunks.

The crepe myrtle is a favourite among gardeners, particularly the native and Indian Summer range, because they grow easily and are resistant to powdery

crepe myrtle

White Lagerstroemia Indica

mildew, a fungal disease that often attacks older crepe varieties. Likewise, they have good cold tolerance — they don’t require special care when warm weather turns cool.

To keep these flowering trees healthy, Jim’s Mowing advises keeping them properly hydrated, especially in the summer. Make sure that you water them long and deeply to encourage roots to go deeper as well and have the ability to “forage” for additional moisture; this is so that even when the top soil is parched, these trees will continue to grow and yield the beauty they are known for.

Autum foliage of the crepe Myrtle

Autumn Foliage of the Lagerstroemia Indica

And to further reduce the risk of powdery mildew, make sure that there’s good air circulation in the garden. As for weeds that like to grow at the base of the tree, aside from strategic mowing, the introduction of fresh mulch can take care of them. Meanwhile, to encourage fresh growth and maintain the nice vase shape they have, especially during the turnover of seasons, prune wilted leaves and branches — when you do so, you can expect new flowers to sprout soon.

Crepe myrtles can be found in all nurseries in the country; they are very affordable — just about $20 a pot for really young seedlings.

For all of your gardening needs, call Jim’s Mowing on 0800 454 654 or book online for a free, no-obligation quote!

Basic Information On Soil, Mulch and Compost

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soil-photo

You can expect soil, mulch and compost to feature regularly in a gardener’s thoughts and conversations. You can expect to discuss them too if you’ve been fortunate enough to have sufficient lawn or yard space in your property. At the very least, learn the fundamentals so you can actively work toward a thriving garden whether you do the bulk of the gardening work yourself or hire the pros to take care of it for you.

Lots of people don’t mind dealing with soil and mulch; compost, however, is something else. Many tend to be leery about tangling with it. They find it technical and gross, definitely a double whammy. However, it does offer such great benefits that they understand that it’s really worth the bother. Not only does it enrich the soil; it also reduces household waste.

What should you know about soil, mulch and compost? Let’s start with mulching. It is an important aspect of gardening. Mulch helps retain moisture and nutrients in the soil as well as prevent weed infestation. It also helps that it makes the garden look even better. The following are basic instructions.

mulchBefore you add mulch, you should:

  • Get rid of weeds, grass, and dead plants from your garden.
  • Make sure that your new plants are in place.
  • Have your irrigation system

You can apply mulch any time, but it works best to add it before the dry season.

As for the soil, it’s not really as straightforward as it seems. For instance, dried soil isn’t easy to hydrate as it actually repels water, so you just end up wasting any you put on it. You need soil additives to do the work successfully. These are wetting agents, which enable the water to soak in, and water retention products which store water for later release. Water crystals, for instance, absorb water, gradually releasing it over time when the soil around them begins to dry.

On the subject of compost, the following are some of the materials suitable for creating it:Compost-Bin jpg

  • Vegetable and fruit rinds and peelings
  • Grass clippings, plant pruning’s, fallen leaves and flowers
  • Egg shells
  • Used tea bags
  • Coffee grounds
  • Vacuum dust
  • Straw
  • Shredded paper and cardboard

You can purchase a composting bin or build one yourself. There are different ways to compost, but they have to be carried out correctly for them to be effective as well as to prevent foul smells and pests.

There’s obviously more to laying the groundwork for your garden than meets the eye. With the above information, you at least now have a basic understanding of what goes into it.

If you would like any assistance in your garden, Jim’s Mowing will be glad to help. Call us on 0800 454 654 or book online for a free, no-obligation quote.

A Guide to Pruning

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A Guide To Pruning New Zealand Native Plants

Pruned roses

Native New Zealand plants are delightful to have in your garden nevertheless they are not maintenance free. While the majority of New Zealand plants need less care than many exotic plants, they do profit greatly from some fertilizing, pruning and watering. Pruning promotes a healthy growth, extends the life of short lived plants and enhances a grander display of flowers.

In this Jim’s Mowing blog, you’ll learn:

  • The Types of Pruning
  • When to Prune
  • How to Maintain Pruning Tools

Types of Pruning

Tip Pruning

To promote lateral growth and therefore bushier plants, regular tip pruning of the soft new growth is favoured over infrequent hard pruning and should be initiated when plants are very young, desirably at seedling or rooted cutting stage. Tip pruning is best commenced after flowering and during the growing season for faster outcomes. Pruning too late in the season bares the risk of decreasing the next season’s flowers.  Constantly carry secateurs when you’re out and about in the garden as this allows you to effortlessly practice tip pruning.

Universal Pruning

When pruning to regulate unwanted growth, it is better to only make clean cuts that slope away from buds. Cut close and parallel to existing branches and leaf nodes, but not level with them.

With large branches, first cut the bark below, then make the top cut, this prevents tearing of the bark as the branch falls away.

Use the plant’s natural habit as a guide. If it is slow-growing, compact and well-shaped, then only light pruning is required to tidy it

up. If it is fast growing, then further pinching-out or pruning should be carried out. Prune the whole shrub all at once, that way even growth will ensue all over the plant.

It is best not to prune in winter as the resulting new growth can easily be damaged by cold temperatures. When cutting into plants that flower on old wood such as many Leptospermums, Melaleucas and Hakeas, be conscious that you may lose next year’s flowers.

Pruning Screen and Hedge Plants

pruning

Successful screen and hedge plants need to be given consistent but relatively delicate pruning all over to encourage and preserve dense growth. If you are using this type of pruning for Lilly pillies such as:  Syzygium smithii and various forms, it will keep them bushy to the ground.

Pruning to Mend Damage

When branches are broken or attacked by insects and/or borers, the branch should be pruned back to clean unspoiled wood and close to a limb or leaf node. If left in a damaged state, branches are prone to infection and dying back.

Pruning to Improve Blossoming

Elimination of old flowers should be commenced after the flower is finished. This way the plant does not put its vitality into producing seed. It also has the same effect as tip pruning as it enhances new lateral growth and hence more flowers next season. Callistemons, and fine-leaved Melaleucas definitely benefit from having the top two thirds of their flowers detached and is an essential pruning action.

Pruning to Decrease New Growth

Pruning flush with the trunk should result in no new leaf growth.  This is ideal if you are pruning lower branches off a shrub to make it more tree like.

Pruning When Direr Outcomes Are Needed

Trying to keep bulky plants to a convenient size by pruning is hard work and is best done frequently through-out the year. Be aware that hard pruning into old wood may possibly kill some plants. If you have any old woody shrubs that are more of a monstrosity than an asset in the garden, arm yourself with secateurs and a pruning saw and practice on it.

The simplest way to invigorate Callistemons, fine leaved Melaleucas and Leptospermums is to lop them off at ground level. If carried out in spring they will rapidly put out new shoots and grow into bushy shrubs with striking healthy foliage. Water well to maximise new growth. Radical pruning of older more senile Grevillea

s is not always successful. If the plant has gotten to the point where you have nothing to lose, prune hard and see what happens.

When pruning large weighty branches, make the initial cut about 150 mm further out than where you need to make the final cut. When the heavy branch has been removed, make an additional cut to clean up, this minimises tearing of the bark. Note that untidy cuts or torn bark can create entry points of fungal diseases and other such hazardous elements.

Maintaining Your Pruning Tools

Be sure to use sharp tools and disinfect them by scrubbing with methylated spirits. Blunted tools leave ragged edges on the branch and are an invitation for disease to attack your plants.

Don’t have the required tools or enough time? You can always take the hassle out of pruning and give Jim’s Mowing a call on 0800 454 654 or book online for a free, no obligation quote!

Cleaning Your Gutters

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Cleaning Your Gutters – A Guide

Severe weather events—from flash flooding and large hail to heavy rainfall—are becoming increasingly common across New Zealand and Australia. The damage from these storms can be widespread and costly. One of the simplest and most vital steps you can take to prevent expensive water damage is ensuring your gutters are cleaned regularly. A blocked gutter system simply cannot handle the extreme water load delivered by a major storm.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

  • Why consistent maintenance is the key to preventing major damage.
  • The most common reasons why gutters overflow.
  • How to safely and effectively clear clogs by hand or with a power washer.
  • Valuable long-term investments like gutter guards.

Part 1: Why Clean Gutters are Critical

clogged-gutters

Prevention and maintenance can abolish most common causes of clogged and overflowing gutters. Consistent cleaning, as well as regular trimming of trees that overhang your roof, are critical steps in protecting your home’s structure.

The Dangers of Neglect

Gutter cleaning is an imperative part of home maintenance. If you don’t keep your gutters clean, they will soon pile up with leaves and other debris that prevent water from appropriately draining from your roof. This leads to a chain reaction of problems:

  • Rotted Wood and Fascia:

Overflowing water constantly drenches the wooden eaves and fascia boards, leading to rot and structural failure.

  • Foundation Damage

Water pooling near the foundation can cause settlement issues and even basement flooding.

  • Pest Infestations

Gutters filled with damp organic debris are an ideal home for nesting rodents, mosquitoes, and insects.

  • Sagging Gutters

The sheer weight of debris, standing water, and mud can cause the gutters to bend, pull away from the roofline, and eventually collapse.

It is generally a good idea to clean out your gutters a minimum of twice a year, typically once in late autumn after leaf fall and again in late spring to prepare for summer downpours.

Common Causes of Overflowing Gutters

There could be any number of reasons why your gutters are overflowing, even after a recent storm.

Physical Blockages

The most obvious cause is the accumulation of leaves, nuts, and sticks.

Incorrect Slope

The angle of your gutters to the downpipes may not be steep enough to allow the water to move freely. If water pools rather than drains, you will need to reposition the gutters slightly higher at the end furthest away from the downpipe.

Clogged Downpipes

Debris can often bypass the gutter and cause a clog lower down in the downpipe itself.

  • Inadequate System – In the case of older or recently-renovated properties, the roof drainage system may simply not have enough downpipes to handle the roof size and the high volume of water typical in modern severe storms.

Addressing Existing Water Damagewater_damage

The water may have already caused some damage by the time you notice you have a problem, especially if it has flooded under the roof. The first thing to do when you notice a congested gutter is to check the roof and ceilings nearby for any signs of water damage. This can be costly and difficult to repair if it travels too far. If the water has not entered the roof, you can often fix your overflowing gutters quickly and easily.

Under-engineered Drainage

An overworked roof drainage system, commonly caused by an inadequate number of downpipes for the roof size, can be amended by adding more downpipes. You might want to consult a professional if you go down this road, as they will assist you in calculating important factors such as slope, load, and positioning.

Part 2: How to Clean and Protect Your System

Cleaning Your Gutters Safelyblocked downpipe

Since working at height is inherently dangerous, proper safety precautions must be taken. Never work on a ladder alone.

  1. Pull out Debris by Hand

If power washing is not an option or you have too much clutter, you will need to pull out the debris by hand. It is sensible to wear thick work gloves or rubber gloves to protect yourself from sharp objects, mould, and harmful insects. Put all the debris you pull out into a green waste bin so you do not have to clean it up from the ground later.

  1. Rinse the Gutters with a Hose

Once the bulk of the debris is out, you should be able to wash the remaining residue out with a hose.

  • Check Flow

Watch how the water flows once you start rinsing. It should come out of the downpipe freely. If not, you may have to use a small brush on a wire or a plumbing snake to push out any remaining debris clogging the system.

  • Check Pooling

Rinsing your gutters will also let you see if there are any areas where the water may pool up rather than drain. If you see persistent pooling, you may need to replace or re-slope that section of your guttering, as pooling will cause premature wear and corrosion.

  1. Power Wash If Appropriate

If your gutters are still in good shape structurally, you may be able to power wash them for cleaning. This involves using a high-pressure washer, also known as a gurney. Power washing saves you from having to pull out debris by hand, but it is not wise to try on older gutters that are weak or bent. The pressure from the water may cause the gutters to fall if they are not securely fastened.

  • Avoid Clogging

If you choose to power wash, circumvent forcing all the debris down the downpipe. Instead, try to push it over the edge of the gutters and onto the ground for you to rake up later. A cluttered downpipe can be a giant headache to mess with.

Long-Term Protection: Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are essential caps that go over your gutters to minimise debris clogging. They are a valuable investment, particularly in heavily treed areas.

  • Function

These guards feature slight slits, meshes, or holes that let water pass through while stopping leaves, nuts, branches, and other nuisances from piling up in your guttering.

  • Recommendation

If you have a relatively new guttering system or plan on installing new gutters in the future, go the extra mile and invest in a quality gutter guard system for your home. This will minimise the work you have to do later on.

Professional Gutter Cleaning Services

Gutter cleaning is a dirty, dangerous job that involves heights and heavy lifting. We all know someone who has taken a nasty fall off a ladder with severe consequences. Do not risk your safety.

If you want the job done properly, safely, and efficiently, the Jim’s Mowing team is here to help. Our professionals have the right equipment and experience to clear your gutters without risk to you or your home.

Conclusion

Regular gutter maintenance is one of the cheapest and most effective forms of home insurance you can invest in. By ensuring your system is clean, properly sloped, and free of blockages, you protect your roof, fascia, and foundation from costly storm damage. Remember the key steps: clean twice a year, check the flow, and install protection where needed.

Don’t hesitate to call Jim’s Mowing on 0800 454 654 or book online and we’ll happily clean the gutters for you!