Feb 272020
Feb 262020
Is autumn the new spring?
With the changes in climate leading to hotter summers here in Melbourne, it is increasingly tempting to plant in autumn, and allow plants a longer time to establish before the onslaught of summer heat. The combination of warm soil, expected rainfall and lowering seasonal temperatures allows for good root development. This increases the time the plants have to establish before the dry summer heat hits.
Harvest time continues in your vegie garden, but now is also the time to think about what you want to plant in winter. For those who have been asking, our autumn bulb range is starting to arrive, and garlic, traditionally planted around the autumn equinox (roughly March 21), is due early March.
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Feb 182020
Queensland fruit fly is a significant pest that has been found in areas of Victoria for a few years now. Recently there is evidence the fly is establishing itself in Melbourne and surrounds. It feeds on a wide range of fruits and vegetables, and is understandably causing a great deal of anxiety for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Queensland fruit fly from the start of spring and through summer and autumn. They are able to survive mild winters as well.
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Jan 292020
As I write this in mid January, thunderstorms have hit Melbourne, lightning has started a fire in the Otways and floods and downed trees will be creating yet more work for the indefatigable SES volunteers. The firefighters in the CFA and MFB have been extraordinary in their bravery, dedication and skill, now aided by the military. The bush fires started in NSW in September, QLD followed shortly after and fires hit eastern Victoria, SA and WA in late December. It has been a hellish summer. We are only half way through. If you want to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, 100% will go directly to the affected communities.
Jan 202020
As the temperature begins to rise and water conservation continues to impact on gardeners, people are watering less and are looking to find alternatives for vegetation. But by using some simple planting techniques you can help to decrease the heat around your home and in turn reduce energy consumption.
In response to global warming and water restrictions across the country, politicians are suggesting quick fix strategies to combat climate change. The latest suggestion to come out of Western Australia is that we need to get rid of lawns because they are impractical. But as members of the gardening and landscape industry what we really need is long-term solutions.
Jan 102020
Sick of plants dying or being lost between the weeds? Mulching is something that we often don’t consider until the sun is beating down and all the moisture has been stripped from the soil or the weeds have taken over. Don’t wait until the height of summer to get started!
Dec 012019
Long summer evenings, friends over for dinner, weekends reading outside in the shade, gardening with the radio on…..finally summer is here.
I love Christmas because I don’t stress over it. I can always grab a plant from work for a last minute gift, and the current preoccupation with indoor plants and decorator pots has made it soooo easy. You can tailor the choice to the person’s personality: sleek modern, folksy rustic, quirky handmade, its all available. Just slip a plant into the appropriate pot – job done.
Nov 282019
28th November to 26th January.
We have filled the Bolin Bolin Gallery (and the Garden Gallery and shop) with loads of new work from some of our favourite artists along with a few new artists.
More pictures and info at http://gallery.baag.com.au/?p=4300
Nov 132019
BAAG will be participating in this year’s Malahang Festival, celebrating the local community and all of its colour and vibrancy. Come and find us, we will be celebrating the local lizards and all that they do for us and we will be sharing some tips on how you can live in harmony with lizards in your garden. Come and visit our stall and pot up a lizard friendly plant that you can take home with you. For more info on the festival head to banyule.vic.gov.au/malahang. This is a free event.
Sunday 17 November, 11am-4pm
Malahang Reserve, Corner Southern and Oriel Roads, Heidelberg West
Oct 312019
This is probably the busiest month of the year for gardeners. Warmer temperatures and the recent rains make for perfect planting conditions. As you can see from the pic above, it is also Tomato Time! Cup Weekend is traditionally the ideal time in Melbourne to get your tomatoes into the ground. In the rest of your garden, plants are either busily flowering or pushing out new growth. Birds, spiders, lizards and ladybirds are feasting on aphids, whiteflies and other sap sucking insects that love to feed on new spring growth. Allow predators to thrive in your garden by reducing or eliminating spraying, planting lots of flowers and creating a diverse and nature friendly garden.
Oct 302019
25th October to 25th November 2019
An exhibition of textile art by Cary Leech, baskets by Jeanette Carter and glass by Jenie Yolland.
These 3 friends met at the Box Hill Community Arts Centre and have decided to pool their talents for this exhibition.
More pictures and info at http://gallery.baag.com.au/?p=4231
Oct 012019
When selecting the right cucumber for you there are a few things to consider. Regular or burpless, small or large, long or round. The regular cucumbers generally have a bitter skin that requires peeling, whereas you can eat the skin of a burpless and remain indigestion-free (probably best in front of the Queen). The skin is very good for you!
Oct 012019
Basil is one of the best known herbs in the world, and with good reason. It’s tasty, attractive and very easy to grow. With over 100 different species to choose from, Basil is never faulty!
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Sep 302019
The soil is warming, and plants are loving it. Enjoy spring with its blossoms and fresh new leaves, and go out and get your hands dirty. The nursery is now fully stocked with plants for every situation, and as far as months go, they don’t come much more ideal than October for getting into the garden.
Sep 242019
Who doesn’t love a tomato? Delicious home grown tomatoes are easy to grow, taste great, and you control what gets sprayed on them, if anything at all. Many different varieties are available including heritage varieties, from which you can collect your own seed to sow next season, and dwarf varieties suitable for growing in pots. Tomatoes are great for kids to grow, as they grow fast and produce lots of delicious fruit, especially cherry tomatoes. So even if you only have a balcony for a garden, you can grow delicious fresh tomatoes. You can raise tomatoes from seed or as seedlings, however to grow from seed you will need to have planted them by mid-September.
Please be aware that we stock tomatoes from late September due to customer demand for them, however late October to early November is the perfect time to plant your tomato seedlings. Tomato seedlings planted before this will need to be protected from cold temperatures and frosts.