GARDENING Supplement to East Gippsland Newspapers, August 27, 2025
Gardening East Gippsland Newspapers 2 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Beautify your space Established in 2015 by Ed Mosley and his family, Hillywood Tree Nursery is a locally owned and operated production nursery based in Briagolong, proudly servicing Gippsland and beyond. Known for supplying high-quality native and exotic plants, the nursery caters primarily to the landscape and construction industry, while also welcoming public sales by appointment. In an exciting development, Hillywood Tree Nursery will introduce a Click and Collect service for the general public, commencing late this month. This new offering will allow customers to order online and collect their plants with ease. If you're looking for shade trees to cool your backyard, flowering shrubs to add colour to your garden, or ornamental plants to create a stunning focal point, they have you covered. Hillywood Tree Nursery remains committed to quality, convenience and cultivating beautiful spaces across the region. Ed Mosley established Hillywood Tree Nursery along with his family in 2015 and is currently based in Briagolong, proudly servicing Gippsland and beyond. Spring into garden mode with Jarvis Sand & Soil The birds are chirping, the sun's shining and your garden is calling. There's no better time than spring to breathe new life into your outdoor spaces and Jarvis Sand & Soil is here to help you do just that. Trevor, Sam and the friendly crew at Jarvis have everything you need to get your garden looking lush, green and gorgeous. Whether you're kickstarting a brand-new lawn, revamping your veggie patch, or giving the backyard a total glow-up, they've got you covered with top-notch landscaping supplies and good-old-fashioned expert advice. From nutrient-rich soil blends to boost your lawn's bounce, to mulches that keep weeds out and your garden beds looking sharp - it's all ready and waiting at Jarvis. Dreaming of a bumper veggie crop this season? Their garden mixes are packed with the goodness your plants crave. Need decorative gravel, chunky rocks or stylish stones to finish the look? It's all there, ready to bring your landscaping vision to life. Jarvis Sand & Soil makes it easy too - choose delivery (with a truck size to suit your space) or swing by and let the team load up your trailer. Local, family-owned and proudly Bairnsdale, they're all about great products and genuine service. So go on, make this spring your garden's best yet — with Jarvis Sand & Soil by your side. Jarvis Sand & Soil have decorative gravel, chunky rocks and stylish stones to bring your landscaping vision to life. The friendly team at Jarvis Sand & Soil is to help you breathe new life into your garden as spring rolls around. • Qualified Arborist • Fully Insured • Confined Space Tree Removal • Advanced Tree Removal • Weight Reductions and Crown Thinning • Stump Grinding • Hedges • Mulch Sales • Block Cleanups • Wood Splitting • 2.7 Ton Excavator With Log Grab • Tipper Truck And 12 Inch Chipper 0415 422 761 | greenwoodtreeclimbing @gmail.com EN32245 Free Quotes GREENWOOD TREE CLIMBING • Rural Property Collection • Co-mingled Recyclables • Cardboard Collection DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WASTE FRONT LIFT BINS 1.5, 3 & 4.5m3 Perfect for farms, builders or bulk rubbish BAIRNSDALE WASTE MOBILE WHEELIE BINS OF ALL SIZES SKIP BINS 3, 4 & 6m3 bins Ideal for your property clean-up PH 5152 1770 E: accounts@bairnsdalewaste.com.au Servicing Bairnsdale & surrounding areas
Gardening East Gippsland Newspapers 3 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 The Metung Community Garden is 25 years old. It was initiated by Michael Harris and Tim Howard from St John's Parish. Michael and Tim organised for part of the church grounds to be set aside for a community garden where residents could grow vegetables or simply take time to relax among fragrant plants on a beautiful garden bench. Today all 10 of the plots are in use by community garden members - one of the plots is shared. Of course, the success of any community enterprise requires someone to keep an eye on it and that special someone is Sarah Connolly. When the Advertiser visited it was late winter, and it's been a tough one - the growing spirit is not yet showing much sign of life. Large swathes of Victoria and wider Australia have been challenged by severe weather events, so it's likely that we are all hoping for a beautiful spring to break from the tough winter. Encouraging communities and kids to take an interest in gardening and particularly in growing vegetables to eat is a great life skill that can be carried through a lifetime. At Sarah's house they have a beautiful pizza oven and her son Finn has learnt how to make focaccia. Even better he has been inspired to do this as an endpoint for the herbs that he has taken a special interest in growing. The results are delicious. The gardens are not just a meeting point. Working in the gardens gives families and kids a shared activity with lots to learn about growing things as well as heaps of joy and excitement - from soil preparation in spring to tending the small plants as they grow into a harvest that is frequently shared among friends and other gardeners. From time to time in summer growing "swaps" are held where people swap what they've got in abundance with vegetables that others have more than they can use. In this way the richness is shared. For those with a love of gardening or lucky enough to have a patch of dirt large enough, sinking their hands into gardening could be the beginning of a satisfying journey. If that's the case, then you might also be in for a great sense of pride as you add fresh home-grown produce to your meals between now and Christmas and beyond. Establishing a shared or community garden spreads the workload and of course adds to the pool of gardening know-how. It can also encourage social interaction. Spring is generally expected to start on September 1 each year. Because it seems to be late this year, we have a few more weeks to prepare our gardens for spring planting. Community garden brings a swath of benefits Last year’s harvest from the Metung Community Garden, which has been operating for 25 years. The scarecrow patiently waiting to do his duty while bees work industriously in the background. The fallow garden beds waiting for their owners to visit with spring and summer plans. | 0418 516 307 We Do.. • Soils & Manured Top Soils • Packing Sand • Brick Sand • Mulches • Trucks For Hire • Pebbles • Rocks • Washed Sand • Crushed Rock & Screening • Gravel • Screened Sands 14 McMillan Street Bairnsdale DIRTY this spring Don’t lift a thing - just call & we’ll deliver! Let’s Get For all your GARDENING & LANDSCAPING needs Call Matthew on 0413 916 304
Gardening East Gippsland Newspapers 4 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 “Pride of workmanship: Do it once, do it right.” It’s more than just a tagline at Southon and Sons Earthmoving—it’s the core philosophy. Southon and Sons Earthmoving believes in creating spaces and structures that are built to last, combining quality materials, outstanding earthmoving with expert craftsmanship. From renovations and extensions to the perfect alfresco area, Southon and Sons Earthmoving handles every project with the same commitment to excellence. Proudly serving residential, commercial and rural clients. Bull Botanics taking the plant game to a new level Since opening just 18 months ago, Bull Botanics has more than doubled its range and now offers the largest selection of plants in town. For local gardeners, it's become a true destination — a place to explore new arrivals, discover rare plants and find inspiration every week. Inside, you'll find a constantly evolving selection of indoor and outdoor plants: natives and exotics, seasonal highlights and rare finds. Most are grown right here in Victoria, but many lines are sourced from as far as North Queensland and South Australia where specialist growers produce particular lines to the highest standard. Behind the scenes, Bull Botanics has forged strong relationships with premium growers, many supplying Bairnsdale exclusively through this nursery, and earned a reputation for rejecting anything that doesn't meet strict quality standards. The result is unique stock that thrives — at accessible, everyday prices. Looking ahead, the nursery has first–time releases on the way, alongside rare lines being grown in–house for the first time this spring. With new stock arriving weekly and the range expanding every season, there is always something new to discover. Bull Botanics is open seven days at 53 Princes Highway, Lucknow, with ample parking. This spring, make it your first stop for inspiration and discovery. Bull Botanics’ Nikki and Lachlan are two knowledgeable and friendly faces happy to help customers with any plant queries. B U L L B O T A N I C S B U L L B O T A N I C S Discover the biggest, most inspiring plant range in town. Bull Botanics 53 Princes Hwy, Lucknow| 5152 7506 Orders@bullbotanics.com
Gardening East Gippsland Newspapers 5 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Bairnsdale Waste has been a trusted name for more than 25 years, with the business continuing to expand under the leadership of Steven and Lisa Hammond, who have been running Bairnsdale Waste for the past eight years. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, many of us dream of harvesting crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes and sweet carrots straight from our own backyards. But before you even think about planting a single seed, the secret to a thriving and productive vegetable garden lies beneath your feet. Proper soil preparation is the single most important step you can take to ensure a successful harvest, setting the stage for healthy roots and strong, vibrant plants. Whether you're starting from scratch, planting in pots, or tending to a raised bed, here is your guide to creating the perfect foundation for your garden. BUILDING A BRAND-NEW GARDEN BED If you are carving out a new patch in your backyard, a little upfront effort will pay off all season long. Start by clearing the area of any rocks, large roots and persistent weeds that could compete with your vegetables for nutrients and water. Once cleared, the goal is to create a soil base that is loose, healthy and well-draining. A popular and highly effective recipe for a new garden plot is the "rule of thirds": combine one-third topsoil, one-third organic compost, and one-third peat moss. This blend provides structure, a rich source of nutrients and excellent moisture retention. To give your new garden an extra boost, consider adding soil improvers. Evenly spread amendments like gypsum (to break up heavy clay), charcoal (to improve drainage and soil structure), blood and bone (for a slow-release feed), and worm castings (a powerhouse of microbial activity and nutrients) across the plot. Gently fork all these ingredients over to mix them well. Finally, give the entire bed a thorough watering. If possible, allow your new plot to sit for a few weeks before planting. This rest period allows the soil's ecosystem to activate and settle, creating the perfect home for your new veggies. TIPS FOR POTS AND RAISED BEDS Gardening in containers or raised beds requires a slightly different approach, but the principles remain the same. For those growing in pots or containers, simplicity is key. Use a high-quality potting mix, which is specifically formulated with the right balance of drainage and nutrients for contained environments. A good rule of thumb is to fill your container with at least two-thirds of a premium soil mix to give your plants the best possible start. If you are working with an established raised bed, your main goal is to replenish the nutrients used up last season. Start by adding a generous layer of fresh compost to the soil. If your soil has become compacted or lacks vitality, add improvers like gypsum and blood and bone. To finish, spread a layer of nutrient-rich worm castings over the top of the soil to provide a slow-release feed as you water. COMPOST: YOUR GARDEN'S BEST FRIEND Regardless of your garden type, adding compost is a non-negotiable step for success. Aim to dig generous amounts of organic compost through your soil at least one to two weeks before planting any vegetables. Often called "black gold" by gardeners, compost is the ultimate soil conditioner. It acts like a sponge, absorbing an enormous amount of water, yet it also drains quickly, preventing waterlogged roots. Most importantly, it adds a treasure trove of essential nutrients to your garden, feeding your vegetables throughout their growing cycle. Better yet, making your own compost solves the problem of organic kitchen waste. With a simple compost bin, you can turn fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells into free, high-quality fertiliser. You'll never have to feel guilty about sending food waste to landfill again — and your worms and vegetables will thank you for it The groundwork for a bountiful veggie harvest It’s time to start preparing your vegetable gardens for the spring harvest. Get a free quote today! 1300 228 276 kyle@battbrothers.com www.battbrothers.com Certied for quality, safety and environment It’s time to get summer ready. Let us help you prepare! ❱ Tree Pruning & Removals ❱ Slashing ❱ Weed Management ❱ Forestry Mulching EN32342
Gardening East Gippsland Newspapers 6 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Bernie 1. Trimming hedges 2. Flowers 3. BuyWeed n’Feed Erin 1. Clearing all the weeds and shaping my hedges 2. My roses coming out 3. Poison Danielle 1. Pruning fruit trees 2. My Broccoli and Broccolini 3. I keep on to the weeds, pull them out when I see them. I don’t use poisons just manual labor. I do my edges with a shovel. Don Bairnsdale Garden Club Member 1. I will be pruning my roses, also, very importantly, I will continue spraying my peach and nectarine trees for leaf curl. 2. I am looking forward to seeing my roses in full bloom. It’s a joyous time of the year and I will be planting and growing tomatoes. There is nothing quite as flavoursome as home grown tomatoes and of course the fruit on my trees. 3. Late frosts are always a problem, so I will keep an eye on the weather and be ready to cover any frost-sensitive plants. I tackle weeds in their early stage before they become a major problem. Joan 1. Pulling out plants then soon I’ll start pruning. 2. Flowers, none in particular, just something colourful 3. Battling a sore back, making sure to rest when I need to. Gerard 1. Trimming trees and plants and getting the compost heaps ready to use. 2. Roses in bloom. 3. Mulching to protect plants. Leah 1. Reviving garden beds, soil and feeding plants. 2. Cabbages, cauliflower and veggies. 3. Anal about weeds pulling them out so keeping a close eye on them. Ellie 1. Pruning roses in July, start planting bulbs after that. 2. Flowers, Dahlia’s, Petunia’s and Roses. I love all the Spring flowers like the Daffodil’s and Jonquil’s. 3. Poison the weeds, or pull them out by hand. Felix 1. I have wintered the garden with manure and mulch. I have planted Kale, Silver beet, Sage and a few flowers. Lots of leafy greens for salads. 2. We have two three-year-old chilli plants. Every year we make pickled Chilli’s and Chilli Jam, we like to give a jar to all our neighbours. 3. We don’t really have weeds, stay on top of them, if you see one pick it out straight away before its seeds. Ricky 1. Trim plants and removing any that are sick and replacing them eg. Roses 2. Seeing the fruit trees in blossom and harvesting home grown veggies. 3. Replacing mulch to keep moisture in the ground. Geoff 1. We are upgrading our watering system and mulching after planting. 2. All the veggies 3. You need to constantly monito weeds to stay on top of them. Keep an eye on the weather, there’s no need to water your garden in the rain.
Gardening East Gippsland Newspapers 7 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Now that spring is approaching, what’s the first job you’re tackling in your garden after a long winter? Whether it’s a flower, a vegetable, or a fruit, what are you most looking forward to seeing grow or harvesting from your garden this season? What’s your number one tip for dealing with a classic spring challenge, like battling weeds or the unpredictable weather? 3. Shelly 1. Mass planting, lots of colours and perennials 2. I’m attempting to grow tomatoes for the first time 3. Persistence. Mulch around your plants or put them under cover and stay on top of the weeds. Joy Bairnsdale Garden Club Member 1. Pruning and replanting. 2. Flowers for colour and perfume. Vegetables for food—especially tomatoes. Fruit to share with my kind friends. 3. We need to be constant with the weeds and “mulching up”for the dry times ahead. Sandy Bairnsdale Garden Club Member !.Weeding. 2. Veggies. 2. Take gardening in your stride. Life is too short to get stressed about weather, but climate change is challenging. Anne 1. Putting in some climbing beans 2. Picking my beans 3. Have a sheltered garden with no weeds, we have artificial grass here so the weeds don’t grow. Michelle 1. Re-potting 2.A flower on my Camellia 3. Gotta keep up with the weeds so they don’t get too out of hand. Ros 1. Cutting back all the dead heads and letting the new growth come up. 2. I only grow flowers here because I don’t have a need for anything else, I used to sell the vegetables from my garden to the shops. 3. Just keep doing it. Mary 1. Weeding and probably some fertilising and selecting new plants. 2. Fruit and vegetables 3. Keep at it. Barbra 1. Weeding 2. I like flowers, Porchulaca and Daisies are my favourites 3. Just get it ready, tidy it up and put things in. MIKE 1. Turning the soil and boosting it with compost and fertilizer. Getting seeds started so they become seedlings and plant after the last frost. 2. We have lots. Salad ingredients, garlic, onions, veggies, herbs and strawberries. Plenty of fruit trees. 3. Surround seedlings and plants with sugar cane mulch to keep the weeds down. Place your plants in appropriate areas, sunny and shady positions for best results. 0409 547 960|Hillywoodtreenursery.com.au 1675 Maffra-Briagolong Road, Briagolong GROWING QUALITY PLANTS FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE CLICK & COLLECT Now available to the public
Gardening East Gippsland Newspapers 8 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Become a weeding warrior Greenwood Tree Climbing, owned and operated by qualified arborist John Greenwood, offers expert tree care services throughout East Gippsland. Fully insured and offering free quotes, the business specialises in advanced tree felling and confined space removals. With the skills and equipment to manage trees of any size, Greenwood Tree Climbing handles pruning, crown thinning, weight reduction and full tree removals with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. The team also provides professional stump grinding and hedge trimming services, ensuring properties are left neat and well-maintained. Whether dealing with large trees in tight spaces or shaping overgrown hedges, Greenwood Tree Climbing approaches every job with precision and care. John Greenwood is recognised for his hands-on approach and ability to take on complex and challenging tree work. His qualifications and experience ensure that each project is completed to a high standard with attention to both safety and the long-term health of the trees. With a strong local reputation and a focus on professional service, Greenwood Tree Climbing remains a trusted name for tree care across the region. THE BEST DEFENCE IS A GOOD OFFENCE While removal is necessary, the most effective long-term strategy for weed control is prevention. By making your garden beds less hospitable to weeds, you can drastically reduce the amount of time you spend pulling them. The best method of weed prevention is to apply a thick layer of mulch. A 5-10cm layer of organic mulch like bark chips, pea straw, or lucerne will block sunlight from reaching the soil surface, preventing weed seeds from germinating. Nature abhors a vacuum, and bare soil is an open invitation for weeds. Make the most of ground covers and small shrubs to fill in the gaps. The closer these desirable plants are planted together, the less space and light there is for weeds to sprout and compete. By combining diligent removal with smart prevention, you can tip the scales in your favour. Just when your garden is hitting its stride, with flowers blooming and vegetables flourishing, the unwelcome guests arrive. They creep into lawns, sprout between pavers and muscle their way into your prize garden beds. Weeds can be the bane of any gardener’s existence, but the good news is that managing them doesn’t have to mean reaching for harsh chemicals. With a few handy tips and a little strategic thinking, you can keep these garden invaders at bay and maintain a healthy, thriving outdoor space. WHY WEEDS ARE A PROBLEM Before you can effectively combat weeds, it helps to understand why they are so troublesome. Weeds are opportunistic plants that are experts at survival. They readily adapt to poor soils and grow with astonishing speed, allowing them to soak up vital nutrients and water before your desired plants get a chance. By competing for sunlight, space, and resources, they can quickly weaken or even choke out your flowers and vegetables. TIMING AND TECHNIQUE When it comes to removal, timing is everything. The golden rule is to remove weeds when they are young. At this stage, their root systems are shallow and weak, making them much easier to pull out. This task is made even simpler when the soil is moist and soft, typically after a good rain or watering session. The most critical part of removal is ensuring you get the entire plant, roots and all. Many tenacious weeds can regenerate from even a small piece of root left behind in the soil. YOUR CHEMICAL-FREE TOOLKIT For the ultimate in organic removal, nothing beats good old-fashioned elbow grease. Hand-weeding is incredibly effective, giving you precise control. However, if you need to look after your back and knees, there are plenty of excellent tools designed to make the job easier. Long-handled hoes, claw cultivators, and stand-up weed pullers can help you tackle weeds without bending or kneeling. Look for tools with ergonomic handles to make the job even more comfortable. The experts in tree care Owned and operated by qualified arborist John Greenwood, Greenwood Tree Climbing offers expert tree services across East Gippsland. (PS) GARDENING 2025 Photo Competition SEND IN YOUR AMAZING GARDENING PHOTOS TO WIN GREAT PRIZES. To enter: Send photos to competitions@jamesyeates.com.au or drop into Macleod St Bairnsdale Competition entry ends: Wednesday 12 September 2025 Entries will be published in the Bairnsdale Advertiser, Lakes Post and Snowy River Mail on the Wednesday 17th September 2025 Winners will be notied by phone or email
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