B&B and Gardens
Hosts: Bob & Dot O'Neill
49 Hunter Road, Wandin.3139 Victoria, Australia.

Phone: (03) 5964 4523
Overseas: +61 3 5964 4523

Australian Links
Local Links
Australian Links

Overseas Travel
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5

Xerochrysum


Waratahs

News Releases 2007 Katandra Gardens Happenings March/April 2007. Quite some time but not a lot of water has passed by here since we last wrote. For some years now many parts of Australia have been under the influence from conditions ranging from very dry to persistant drought. We here have been spared these hardships and only in the past months have we been directly affected. It seemed like the taps in the heavens were turned well back in June 2006 and we have experienced quite reduced rainfall ever since. Normally our lake fills from runoff over the winter, but last winter this did not happen and the water level rose to 30% maximum. By early March 2007 only a large puddle remains at the base of the lake. Normally we have black and wood ducks, coots and grebes nest each spring when the lake is full, this year only one pair of black ducks nested. We had sufficient rains over the spring and early summer to maintain the garden in good shape but with the heat and dry ongoing, the plants over the past weeks have started to show marked signs of stress. Normally we bucket water to new plants over the warmer months to a limited degree only, this current season we have had to provide supplementary watering to many more plants and on a much more regular basis. To this point the losses have been minimal and with autumn now here the shortening days and overall cooler weather is now less demanding on the plants. If some rain does not fall in the next 2-3 weeks our position will become much more dificult, however, I feel that some relief is likely to come within that period. Over the past couple of years our removal of some aging plants and redeveloping the garden is some areas has seen the drier areas of the garden being the home to more arid area type species, while the lower, moister areas of the garden are home to the more temperate climate species. The eremophila genus has done extremely well in the drier weather conditions, some species indeed being a picture of health. One low lying section of the garden is normally prone to being waterlogged over winter. The past 9 months being so much drier has created conditions so much more desirable to correas, so that many that may normally struggle in this area are currently some of the most healthy and well developed plants that I have ever seen. There is certainly a message here. Climate change has been very much on the minds of many peple in this country, and I for one believe that indeed we are facing a period of climate change that will here lead to hotter and drier conditions. The first outcome is less water in the town and city dams, which, when coupled with expanding populations, will create problems. Currently there are widespread water restrictions in the cities and towns in Australia, and my conclusion is that given the fair liklihood of the generally reduced rainfall in many parts of Australia to continue, these water restrictions are also likely to continue and possibly be tightened. Where does climate change place Katandra Gardens? Our plantings are generally in line with what will survive in the probable hotter, drier climate as I envisage for the period of time we are entering into. What will not cope in various parts of the garden will be taken care of by the conditions and will be replaced with species that will cope, and they in turn perhaps tried in more temperate parts of the garden.. A suitable species for arid conditions is Eremophila macdonnellii, a Central Australian plant with numerous variations. Our form is a dense, grey leafed, dome shaped, 80cm x 1m. plant with beautiful large purple flowers over the summer. A friend has a form that is similar but much more prostrate, others have much finer foliage. Experimentation would possibly show that some forms or variations would be more easily grown here than others. It seems to me that if we focussed on growing a wide range of these and similar unique plants then a reduced rainfall would not be a problem and we could create a strikingly different and beautiful display. Eremophila muelleriana is another species that is currently able to grow on its own roots here and would fit within the vision just outlined. Eremophilas nivea and bowmani are 2 other grey leafed species that, as with the other 2 species, were first acquired as grafted plants and are somewhat marginal to grow here on their own roots. I feel that a number of other species that are frequently bought as grafted plants may in fact be able to be grown on thir own roots, therefore be able to be cutting grown. To increase the range of possibilities, we created 2 beds by mixing in some 30m3 of a sandy potting mix to enhance drainage and to allow for a deeper penetration of roots. Trials will be carried out here to determine the adaptability of such plants as these eremophilas. The climate change as I understand it affecting here will have a marked impact on gardens in this country. Water will not be available from the tap to sustain gardens as practised in the past, gardens will now have to be very much water wise. Many gardens are likely to experience major losses and will need to be redesigned so as to be able to cope with the evolving climatic conditions. Katandra Gardens is already well along the path to the future and has many attributes to serve as a most valuable resource for the general thoughtful gardening public in regard to a changing climate. Like most gardens, Katandra Gardens was at its lowest ebb of flowering in the hotter months. Notwithstanding this, there was still much to observe at that time of the year, indeed there was a colourful scattering of most interesting flowering across the whole garden. The durable and most adaptable croweas are flowering in both the arid and moister parts of the garden. Numerous eremophilas are in flower, the odd wattle is in bloom as well as a number of correas and banksias. Birdlife is also a vital aspect of the garden life, one has only to quietly wait for the birdlife to become very apparent. Overhead the black or white cockatoos may be heard or seen, at ground level groups of blue wrens hop about in search of food. Within the shrubs the numerous new holland honey eaters are easily observed, less common are the eastern spinebills. Crimson rosellas are frequently observed here, while about the lake the ducks and grebes may be at work feeding. Recently work was carried out to remodel a 6m x 12m shed into a most useful and comfortable reception room for garden groups. It has the facility for seating 35 people at tables for tea and coffee, or 55 in chairs only, while visitors listen to a talk or watch the garden video. The large window area allows a most attractive outlook from within the building. At this point we are aiming to build up a range of plants for sale derived from the garden. In late March I entered hospital where I had a prostrate cancer operation successfully carried out. There is no follow up treatment required. Fortunately at that time we had some very useful rains that have removed the need to water the gardens till next summer. Almost overnight the plants were transformed from sad, sinking limbs and heads to happy plants in a gentle setting. Even the frogs have had their say, scattered across the garden by day and by evening, providing the musical background to the verdant landscape about us. I am now able to savour the peace of our own heaven on earth during my enforced period of rest. The garden is continuing to mature as well as evolve. Many of the larger trees are now approaching or exceeding 15m, helping create a gentle, undulating structure within the garden, one which is very natural and restful in nature. Seating is scattered about the garden to allow relief for those in need of a rest and a place for contemplation for the unhurried. I now find the garden a place of peace, a place that we are willing to share with others. Bob Back

Please Note: Bookings for Katandra Gardens are made directly with us (Phone +61 3 5964 4523 international
or 03 5964 4523 Australian)
Ask any relevant questions and receive instant confirmation.
Or use our Contact form