2022-03-01 GOOD ORGANIC GARDENING

KALE | TIME TO PLANT

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56

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Good Organic Gardening | 51

PLANT SHOWCASE | TROPICAL FRUIT PART 3

BUT WAIT,
THERE’S MORE

YET ANOTHER EXOTIC ASSORTMENT FOR A TROPICAL FRUIT SALAD

52 | Good Organic Gardening

TROPICAL FRUIT PART 3 | PLANT SHOWCASE

Words Claire Bickle

These exotic fruits are not just for those in tropical and
subtropical locations; with the right microclimate,
you can have a crack at growing some of them even
in warm temperate and cooler zones.
Creating a microclimate for heat-loving plants in a colder
climate will probably be a lot easier than creating a cool
microclimate in a warmer location.

You can replicate the higher temperatures and humidity by
use of a greenhouse. Even the reflected heat from a north-
facing brick wall can help create a warmer spot.

ROLLINIA, ROLLINIA DELICIOSA CACAO, THEOBROMA CACAO
SYN. ANNONA MUCOSA
Also called the cocoa tree, cacao is cultivated for its beans,
Rollinia’s creamy-white, melt-in-the-mouth flesh tastes like which can be made into chocolate, liqueur and cocoa butter.
lemon sherbet or lemon meringue pie. Closely related to It is now grown in many tropical locations including the Ivory
the custard apple, it’s commonly known as Amazon custard Coast, Malaysia, Indonesia and North Queensland. Cocoa trees
apple. In Brazil it’s called biribá and other names include wild can live for up to 100 years!
sweetsop, lemon meringue pie fruit and wild sugar-apple. Origin: Southeast Mexico to the Amazon basin.
Origin: Amazon regions. Height: 4–8m in cultivation and 20m in its natural understorey
Height: Backyard specimens 5–6m. rainforest habitat.
Pollination: Requires high humidity. Pollination: By midges of the genus Forcypomia.
Fruit: Resembles a small custard apple with pale-green bumpy Fruit: Pods can be yellow, orange or red when ripe with up to
skin but soft green spines. There are also purple-skinned varieties. 40 dark brown cocoa beans.
Harvest: Seedling trees will start to bear fruit in as little as Harvest: Will start to fruit at around 3–4 years. From flower
3–4 years. Harvest is from August to October. The fruit can be pollination, cacao pods take 6 months to ripen and turn from
picked as it starts to turn slightly yellow and it will continue to green to yellow, orange or red. Harvesting occurs at various
ripen off the tree. The best to time to eat is when the spines times depending on local climate.
turn black. Rollinia has a short shelf life of just a few days. Climate: Tropical. Other climatic zones require constant heat
Climate: Best in subtropical and tropical climates, it won’t and humidity in the form of a hothouse for successful growing
tolerate cold — temperatures as low as 3°C can kill it. and pod production.
Growing: A fast-growing semi-deciduous ornamental tree with Growing: Occurs naturally in rainforest understoreys from
feathery branches and soft 18–21°C to 30–32°. At lows of 4–8°C, defoliation and dieback
pale-green leaves, rollinia will occur. Cocoa trees need deep, free-draining soil with
prefers a sunny location. consistent moisture and high levels of organic matter plus a
It’s a shallow-rooted tree soil pH of around 6.5 and protection from wind.
so protection from strong Eating: Cacao needs extensive processing to make
winds is critical. Watering is chocolate. The harvested pods are opened and the beans
important during flowering extracted, fermented and dried. After drying via sun or
and fruit set but it must have artificially, the beans are roasted and ground into chocolate
free-draining soil as it can be and other by-products.
susceptible to root rot.
Eating: Fresh or in sorbets,
ice-creams, smoothies,
desserts and fruit salads.

Getty, Bigstock

Good Organic Gardening | 53

PLANT SHOWCASE | TROPICAL FRUIT PART 3 STAR GOOSEBERRY, PHYLLANTHUS ACIDUS

MAMEY SAPOTE, POUTERIA SAPOTA From its South Asian origins, this attractive tree — also called
Malay gooseberry, Tahitian gooseberry and starberry — has
An attractive open-growing evergreen tree with spread throughout the Pacific, the Caribbean and Central and
shiny, dark-green leaves, mamey sapote is grown South America. It also has medicinal properties.
extensively in the Caribbean and, as zapote, is Origin: India and Madagascar.
a popular fruit all over Latin America. It has also Height: 2–5m.
been readily grown in Queensland tropical and Pollination: Self-pollinating.
subtropical locations. Fruit: The lime-yellow ribbed fruits are small and borne in
Origin: Mexico and Central America. clusters on panicles 10–12cm long. They are crisp, waxy, juicy
Height: 10m in garden cultivation and up to 20m and quite tart to the taste. Each fruit has a single seed.
in forest locations. Harvest: Fruiting will start at around 3–4 years. Fruit ripens
Fruit: Oval with a thin rough brown skin. The May–July.
flesh is aromatic and a vibrant orange-pink in Climate: Subtropical and tropical.
colour. The fibre-free flesh contains 1–4 large Growing: This self-pollinating small tree looks good, fruit
brown seeds. or no fruit. The foliage is a lovely blue-green in colour and
Harvest: Fruit ripens usually in summer and the tree in full fruit is an attractive show. The flowers are red
early autumn though it’s hard to tell when it’s and, interestingly, appear separately as female, male and
ready as the brown skin changes very little. hermaphrodite. Tolerates full sun and semi-shade but soil must
You can either wait until fruit start to fall from be free draining. It won’t take frosts and will need a protected
the tree or you could try scratching the skin location in cooler climates, where it may lose some leaves.
to see the flesh underneath. If it’s still green, Eating: Though acidic, fruit can be eaten fresh, stewed with
it’s not yet ripe; it needs to show that orange apple, pickled or made into relishes or jam. The leaves are
colour to be ready. edible cooked as greens.
Climate: This tropical tree dislikes cold
temperatures and is frost tender when young.
Mature trees may shed leaves if exposed to
light frosts or very low temperatures but will
generally recover.
Growing: Grow in a sunny sheltered location. Soil
needs to be free draining and high in organic
matter. Fertilise on a regular basis with an
organic fertiliser during growing season. Seedling
trees can take 5–15 years to fruit; grafted trees
will take 2–3 years.
Eating: Fresh or made into ice-cream, sherbets
and milkshakes or added to fruit salads.

54 | Good Organic Gardening

TROPICAL FRUIT PART 3 | PLANT SHOWCASE

DURIAN, DURIO ZIBETHINUS

Sometimes called the “King of Malaysian Fruits”, durian, with 300 named
varieties in Thailand and 100 in Malaysia, is the star of its own harvest
festival. Its pungent fragrance evokes delight in some and disgust in others.
Origin: Borneo and Sumatra.
Height: Under cultivation, grafted specimens reach around 10–15m. In the
forest they can reach as high as 40m as they stretch for the light.
Pollination: Flowers are hermaphrodites having both stamen and pistil. Self-
pollination rarely occurs, though, as when the flowers are open, the pistil and
the stamen do not appear at the same time. Main pollinators are bats.
Fruit: The fruit has dull olive-green skin covered in sharp short spines. The
creamy-yellow flesh is deliciously rich and custardy in texture. The fruit
shell has a strong odour and each fruit contains several large brown seeds.
Harvest: Most wait until fruit falls but it can be cut from the tree. Needs to
be eaten within 2–4 days or frozen. Grafted varieties will fruit in around 4–6
years; seedlings can take up to 10 years but produce inferior fruit.
Climate: Tropical and subtropical.
Growing: High-rainfall tropical locations are best. Durian has no tolerance
of frost or drought but requires exceptionally good drainage as it is
susceptible to Phytophthora and other fungal issues. Young trees need
protection from the sun until established; then full sun is required. The soil
also needs to be high in organic matter. Water sparingly during winter as
this will induce flowering coming into spring.
Eating: Usually eaten fresh, durian is also used to make a dessert of sticky
rice, coconut cream and sugar or added to cakes and ice-cream. The seeds
can be roasted and have a chestnut flavour. Lesser-quality fruit can be
made into tempoyak by frying the flesh till it turns brown and serving as a
side with main meals. Durian can also be dried and made into conserve.

Getty, Bigstock MANGOSTEEN, GARCINIA MANGOSTANA Climate: Tropical locations close to the Equator are where the
mangosteen naturally thrives. It will tolerate temperatures as
Durian might be king, but purple mangosteen is the “Queen low as 5°C for very short periods but anything colder can kill it.
of Tropical Fruits” because of its divine flavour. It has been Growing: This slow-growing tree has attractive dense foliage
cultivated in Southeast Asia since ancient times. and new growth is a salmon-pink colour. The tree will form a
Origin: Malaysia and Sumatra. symmetrical shape. Mangosteen needs a slightly acidic clay-
Height: 12m-plus. based soil with good water-holding capacity; it will even tolerate
Pollination: Male and female flowers develop on separate trees short periods of flooding and poor drainage. It requires shade
(dioecious). It is apomictic, meaning female trees produce fruit for around 4 years till established before exposure to a full day’s
without pollination. sun. Use a 50 per cent shadecloth until this time then slowly
Fruit: The rounded fruit has a purple-black skin that covers 4–8 introduce to full sun over a 12-month period. Protect from wind.
segments of white flesh. There’s usually a single brown seed Eating: Mainly fresh to best appreciate its flavour. It can also
per segment. The flesh has a sweet, delicate, exquisite flavour. be added to sorbets, ice-creams and drinks. When removing
Harvest: Fruiting periods are usually October–December then white segments, cut outer rind away carefully to avoid
March–May. Fruit are ripe when the skin turns from green to contaminating the flesh with the red juicy latex.
red and finally purple-black. Pick or leave to fall from the tree.

Good Organic Gardening | 55

ORNAMENTALS | SWEET PEA

Social
climbers

THERE IS NO CHEERIER
SIGHT THAN A THRONG OF
MULTICOLOURED SWEET
PEAS HEADING SKYWARD

56 | Good Organic Gardening

SWEET PEA | ORNAMENTAL

Lathyrus odoratus

Words Jennifer Stackhouse Sweet pea label A Spencer hybrid
Photos Dr Keith Hammett CBFAooasmmtpaeminlcyioct:naF&lannsbaoaamimcl:eeeS:a:uSeLnwa(;petmheeytaorpiufsaestmaboiudlyto)ratus
well-drained soil WHILE THE POPULAR
Sweet peas are one of the most Best climate: All CUT-FLOWER SWEET
rewarding flowers to grow Habit: Annual PEAS ARE ANNUALS,
through winter, with masses of Propagation: Seed, seedling THERE ARE ALSO
sweet-smelling blooms that are PERENNIAL SWEET
ideal to pick for a vase. Difficulty: Easy PEAS THAT COME UP
EACH YEAR.
They can also bring colour when other
Bigstock, Getty plants are dormant and a trellis of sweet FLOWER JARGON
peas forms a great living screen. The
flowers come in lots of hues including Each sweet pea flower has five petals.
pink, purples, red, white and bicoloured. One is large and upright and known
as the “standard”. The other petals
Sweet pea seeds are sown in autumn form the base of the flower and hold
and spring for flowers from winter to the male (stamens) and female (pistil)
summer (depending on the variety and parts. These are the two “wings”
climate). They grow best in full sun in and “keel”, which is made up of two
slightly alkaline soil enriched with well- fused petals. In two-toned or bicolour
rotted manure. sweet peas the wings and keel are
usually lighter in colour than the large
Sweet peas climb to 1.8m high and standards. In modern breeding such
need a tall, sturdy trellis or tripod to as varieties produced by Dr Hammett,
support their growth. They use tendrils this pattern is reversed.
to climb.
When the flowers finish they form a brown cylindrical seed pod. Although
The traditional planting time for sweet called sweet peas, this name describes the flower. The seeds are toxic.
pea seeds in Australia is St Patrick’s Day
(March 17) but often conditions are still
too warm for a successful sowing —
perhaps an indication of global warming.

Instead, use the traditional date
as a reminder to buy seeds and start
preparing for planting later in autumn
when air and soil temperatures begin to
cool. In cool zones, sweet peas can also
be sown in late winter or early spring for
summer flowers.

Good Organic Gardening | 57

ORNAMENTAL | SWEET PEA 2

1 ‘Blue Wonder’
2 Mixed Spencer hybrids
3 ‘Almost Black’
4 ‘Chocolate Flake’
5 Everlasting sweet pea, L. latifolius
6 ‘High Scent’
7 ‘Harbinger’

1

GROWING SWEET PEAS FOR GOOD GROWTH, ORIENTATE THE CLIMBING
FRAME EAST-WEST SO IT FACES NORTH TO GET
As most sweet peas are tall climbers, MAXIMUM SUNLIGHT ON THE VINES.
preparation includes erecting a
climbing frame — for example, one Expect plants to grow vigorously and plenty of water and fertiliser, they thrive
made from wire mesh and stakes. be flowering within 14 weeks. To keep in all climates and are untroubled by
the plants flowering, constantly pick pests or diseases (although mice may
Also before planting, dig in lots of bunches of flowers and dead-head spent steal seeds).
compost, aged manure and a handful flowers. If the flowers are left to form
of lime. This will get plants off to a seed the vine will stop growing and stop As the weather heats up in warm
good start. producing new buds. climates, sweet peas start to wind
down. They may develop mildew or
Unless growing dwarf sweet peas, set Sweet peas are ideal choices for just stop producing their abundance of
up the climbing frame. For good growth, organic gardeners as they are usually blooms. This is the cue to haul them out
orientate it east-west so it faces north to trouble-free plants. Provided they are to make room for summer flowers such
get maximum sunlight on the vines. in full sun and in free-draining soil with as sunflowers.

A few weeks after preparing the 34
soil, when the soil is moist after rain or
watering, sow seeds, pressing them in a
row along the base of the support. Sow
the seed into a furrow around 2–3cm
deep and space each of the round seeds
about 10cm apart.

As you sow, you may notice that the
seeds are not a uniform colour. The lighter
seeds produce pastel-coloured flowers
while darker seeds usually produce dark
flowers (such as red or purple). Cover
with soil or seed-raising mix.

To avoid the seed rotting at this
stage, don’t water until the small shoots
emerge from the soil, which should be in
around 10–14 days.

As the plants start to grow, they’ll need
help to reach their climbing support.
Insert small twigs next to the young
plants so their tendrils can grasp the twig
and start to grow upwards.

As the plants grow, keep them well
watered. Encourage strong growth with
regular liquid feeding and use an organic
tomato food every 10–14 days.

58 | Good Organic Gardening

SWEET PEA | ORNAMENTAL

5

Bigstock, Getty, Bruce Hutchinson 67 VARIETIES

CORDONS As sweet peas have been popular since
the 17th century and particularly in the
A traditional method of growing early 20th century before WW1, there
sweet peas is as cordons in an igloo. are many named varieties. Popular,
This system encourages masses of especially in cool zones, are Spencer
long-stemmed flowers for picking Hybrids, which are frilly pastel flowers
but does involve regular work and a with a strong scent.
lot of patience.
For a good mixed colour selection,
Cordon sweet peas are planted to look for varieties such as ‘Colourcade’
grow upwards on 3m canes. Space or ‘Original’. Many older varieties are
plants about 20cm apart into very labelled heritage and may be available
well-manured soil. as individual colours — such as ‘Busbee’,
which has purple and pink-veined
To get strong vertical growth and fragrant flowers — or as a mix.
long flower stems, the small plant is
cut back to encourage multiple shoots There are also modern sweet pea
at ground level. The strongest shoot hybrids bred in New Zealand by Dr Keith
is selected to grow up the cordon and Hammett. They have unusual colour
the others are removed. combinations between the petals and
keel (the lower petals).
As the shoot grows, all side shoots
(laterals) and tendrils are carefully removed to encourage a single thick strong Working with a colleague at the
stem. The sweet pea is held to the cane with rings or ties. University of Auckland, Dr Hammett
hybridised the garden sweet pea
When the stem reaches the top of the cane and its flowers are picked, it is laid (Lathyrus odoratus) with the recently
along the ground and encouraged to grow vertically again up a new cane about discovered L. belinensis from Turkey.
1m further along the row. This means each plant continues to grow and produce The hybrids are named in his honour
an abundance of blooms. as Lathyrus × hammettii (“×” indicates
a hybrid between two species). Dr
Hammett is also working to breed a
yellow sweet pea.

Hammett varieties include ‘Erewhon’,
‘Harbinger’, ‘High Scent’ (a highly
fragrant variety) and ‘Blue Wonder’. All
are available as packet seed.

As well as the tall vines grown for
picking, there are dwarf sweet peas to
grow as a border plant or in a container
such as a trough, pot or hanging basket.
‘Bijou’ is a compact scented sweet pea in
traditional colours that grows to around
60cm high so doesn’t need support. Its
flower stems are long enough to pick.
‘Knee High’ is a little shorter in stature
but filled with colourful flowers.

While the popular cut-flower sweet
peas are annuals, there are also perennial
sweet peas that come up each year.
L. latifolius is known as the perennial or
everlasting sweet pea. It has purple pink
flowers and grows to around 3m high on
a trellis or fence.

Good Organic Gardening | 59

GO NATIVE | BOTTLEBRUSH

A brush
with flame

NATIVE CALLISTEMONS ARE NOTED FOR
THEIR DISTINCTIVE RED FLOWERS BUT THE
HARDY PLANT COMES IN MANY COLOURS

60 | Good Organic Gardening

BOTTLEBRUSH | GO NATIVE

‘Great Balls of Fire’ ‘All Aglow’

‘All Aglow’ foliage

Words & photos Angus Stewart IN THE WILD, CALLISTEMONS ARE GENERALLY
FOUND IN DAMP, SWAMPY AREAS OR ALONG
One of the most recognisable WATERCOURSES, SO THEY CAN BE GROWN IN
of Australian flowers, the WETTER AREAS OF THE GARDEN.
many species in the genus
Callistemon are commonly FIERY HUES much as necessary and can also be used
known as bottlebrushes for their bright, to make topiaries.
fluffy flower spikes. Callistemon flowers range in colour from
They are also very adaptable plants the well-known bright red of the crimson Callistemons make excellent
that will tolerate all sorts of environmental bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) to the additions to wildlife gardens, as the
punishment from frosts and poorly cream and pale-yellow shades of the showy flowers attract nectar-feeding
drained soils, making them a very useful lemon bottlebrush (C. pallidus) as well birds and insects. Many species
addition to any Australian garden. as various cultivars in white, pink, orange also have a dense growth habit that
Bottlebrushes belong to the gumtree and purple. provides shelter and habitat for small
family Myrtaceae and are closely related birds such as wrens and finches.
to melaleucas, with which they share the Another great ornamental aspect
distinctive flower shape. of bottlebrushes is that some varieties In terms of growing conditions, in
While some botanical authorities now have colourful new growth in soft red the wild, callistemons are generally
consider all callistemons to be part of the and orange. There are a few cultivars found in damp, swampy areas or along
genus Melaleuca, based on recent genetic that display these tones and are grown watercourses, so they can be grown in
analyses the general consensus seems to mainly for their vibrant young foliage, wetter areas of the garden.
be that Callistemon is still valid. such as ‘Great Balls of Fire’, ‘All Aglow’,
Unfortunately, this confusion means and ‘Baby Glow’. They are also quite drought tolerant
plants may be labelled differently in some but will flower better given consistent
botanic gardens or online. Visually, the Plants can be pruned to encourage water and fertiliser, so planting them in
two groups can be identified by the fact flushes of new growth and to shape as moist a spot as possible will help them
the colourful fluffy parts of the flowers, the plant. Many bottlebrush species thrive. Being generally quite impervious
the stamens, are grouped together in little make excellent hedges, either formal or to frost, they can be grown in cold
bundles in Melaleuca but attached singly informal, because they can be pruned as climates such as Canberra.
in Callistemon.

Good Organic Gardening | 61

GO NATIVE | BOTTLEBRUSH 2

1

VARIETIES 3

Most callistemons grow as dense, small or
medium to large shrubs, though there are
a few exceptions. The willow bottlebrush
(C. salignus) grows into a tree 5–12m in
height and has a vigorous root system, so
it should be planted away from drains and
other structures.

At the other end of the spectrum, there
is a semi-groundcover cultivar called
‘Rocky Rambler’ that grows to around
half a metre high. It flowers abundantly
and the low and dense form creates
habitat for wildlife such as lizards.

When it comes to small shrubby
bottlebrushes it’s hard to go past ‘White
Anzac’ with its bright, snow-white flower
heads and relatively compact habit.
‘Little John’ is another very compact
variety with attractive bluish-green
foliage and dark-red flowers that adorn
the plant in spring.

If you’re looking for a medium-
sized shrub, the unusual colour (for a
bottlebrush) of ‘Purple Splendour’ will
bring a dramatic note to your garden.
Another bottlebrush that will contrast
nicely with this variety is ‘Tangerine
Dream’ with bright-orange flowers set
against light-green foliage.

For situations where you need a bit
more height but don’t want to go as far as
a tree, ‘Kings Park Special’, which arose
as a seedling in Perth’s famous botanic
gardens, is a very strong performer, with
masses of bright-red flowers in spring and
a relatively bushy habit.

Also selected in Western Australia
is the delicately coloured ‘Perth Pink’,
which makes a wonderful feature plant
or can be used to create a hedge. It will
provide habitat for wildlife that may visit
your garden or, if you’re lucky, make it
their home.

62 | Good Organic Gardening

BOTTLEBRUSH | GO NATIVE

45

6 1 ‘Tangerine Dream’
2 ‘Perth Pink’

3 ‘Little John’

4 ‘White Anzac’

5 ‘Purple Splendour’

6 ‘Kings Park Special’

7 ‘Endeavour’

Bigstock CARE AND FEEDING

A bit of tender loving care will be richly
rewarded when it comes to maintaining
your bottlebrushes. If you have a leggy old
specimen, spring is the time for a good
hard cutback to rejuvenate the plant.

If your plant is in good shape,
however, give it a light cutback behind
the spent flowerheads after flowering in
springtime and take out any dead wood
at the same time.

While there are a few pests associated
with bottlebrushes, such as scale and
the black sooty mould that grows on

7 its exudates, these can be controlled by

attracting natural predators like birds into
the garden.

Caterpillars such as spitfire grubs or
webbing caterpillars can be managed
by snipping off affected shoots and
disposing of them in a bucket of boiling
water or similar.

Feed your bottlebrushes with a
fertiliser designed for native plants
such as Bush Tucker and water in well if
conditions are on the dry side. The new
growth that results can sometimes give
you a repeat flowering display in autumn.

The adaptability of bottlebrushes is the
X-factor that makes them such a great
option for Australian gardens over much
of the continent. Plant some and watch
the birdlife that follows.

Good Organic Gardening | 63

BACKYARD PERMACULTURE | OBSERVATION

LOOK AND No other information-gathering
LEARN approach involves us in the world as
much as observation does. This process
WHEN WE OBSERVE THE NATURAL doesn’t just happen, though; it needs to
WORLD AND ITS PROCESSES, WE GAIN be practised and developed so we can
KNOWLEDGE THAT CAN BE USED TO direct it effectively, with intention.
WORK MORE CLOSELY WITH NATURE
In the ecological design system of
Words & photos Angelo Eliades inconsequential. Nature’s valuable permaculture, observation is used
teachings are there for anyone who’s to gain first-hand knowledge of the
The primary purpose of a willing to take the time to observe, natural world. This can provide unique
productive garden may be to understand and learn. insights that can be used to devise
grow food but it can also serve innovative strategies for working more
as a place where we can relax, OBSERVATION IN PERMACULTURE closely with nature.
unwind and reconnect with nature.
Observation is one of the primary and What do we need to practise
When we disengage from our hectic most basic tools of science. It can be observation? Other than a good
daily routines and spend some time in defined as the process of obtaining memory, simple tools, such as a
stillness, observing the natural world, we information using the physical notebook and camera or smartphone,
quickly realise just how much escapes senses in an objective way: seeing are great aids to observation that permit
our attention due to our busyness. what is, without any assumptions, us to revisit notes, photos or video
interpretations, bias, opinions or information at a later date.
There’s endless natural activity conclusions from the observer
going on in our gardens and it The process of observation is far
would be a great mistake to think it’s more productive when it’s directed and
intentional, rather than random, and we use
four different approaches for that purpose:
• A thematic approach, whereby we

try to observe a particular theme or
phenomenon, such as the activity of
beneficial insects, water flow across
a landscape or the regeneration of
native forest species.

64 | Good Organic Gardening

OBSERVATION | BACKYARD PERMACULTURE

Opposite Agapanthus forms large clumps which make effective fire-retardant borders
Left Smartphones are handy for recording activity and growth
Below Observing a small beneficial parasitic wasp drawn to the nectar in the shallow
flowers of sweet alyssum
Bottom Weather vane for an instrumental approach

“THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND PERMACULTURE IS • An instrumental approach, which
ONE OF WORKING WITH, RATHER THAN AGAINST, focuses on measurement, possibly
NATURE; OF THOUGHTFUL OBSERVATION RATHER using equipment, to gauge factors
THAN THOUGHTLESS ACTION.” such as temperature changes, wind
directions or the survival rate of a
Bigstock, Kerry Boyne particular plant species.

• A child-like non-selective approach,
where we explore and observe nature
with an insatiable curiosity, openness
and sense of awe and wonder,
prefacing our observations with the
question, “I wonder why ...” and seeing
where it leads us.

• An experiential approach, where we
consciously try engaging all our senses
to observe both the minute, specific
details and the holistic “big picture”
attributes of a natural site in order to
achieve a more complete understanding
of what we’re experiencing.
Why would we go to so much trouble?

To quote Bill Mollison, permaculture
co-founder, “The philosophy behind
permaculture is one of working with,
rather than against, nature; of protracted
and thoughtful observation rather than
protracted and thoughtless action; of
looking at systems in all their functions,
rather than asking only one yield of
them; and of allowing systems to
demonstrate their own evolutions.”

Good Organic Gardening | 65

BACKYARD PERMACULTURE | OBSERVATION

SMALL OBSERVATIONS, 1 1 Hoverfly feeding on nectar from an
BIG OUTCOMES 2 Osteospermum (African daisy) flower
3 2 Skipper butterflies are great pollinators
To claim that a simple observation can 3 Calendulas are popular companion
lead to a revolutionary outcome may plants from the daisy family, which attract
sound like an exaggeration, but it’s pest-eating beneficial insects
definitely not. 4 Snails can’t outrun bushfires, but they
know where to hide!
Masanobu Fukuoka, founder of 5 The unusual flower of the St John’s
the system of Natural Farming and wort herb is a nectar source for this tiny
renowned author of the book The beneficial wasp, the size of a small ant
One-Straw Revolution, noticed healthy, 6 Queen Anne’s Lace is an attractive
productive rice plants growing naturally wildflower herb from the Apiaceae family,
in uncultivated road verges. This led him which also attract beneficial insects
to ask, “Why do we labour to cultivate 7 Unexpected nectar sources, the flowers
the soil?” of lawn alternative ornamental Coccineus
thyme (Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’)
He then developed a system that attract lot of bees
allowed him to achieve high-yield rice
production on his farm — without the
usual cultivation, fertilisers, pesticides
or machinery.

A SNAIL’S TALE

When I studied permaculture with Bill
Mollison, he often told many interesting
stories. He relayed his experiences as a
volunteer firefighter during some of the
nation’s worst bushfires and described
in gruesome detail the total devastation
they left behind.

In one instance, in the aftermath of
a major bushfire, he noticed a humble
snail slowly making its way across a
path. How did it survive the bushfire?
Obviously, it didn’t outrun it!

Bill decided to follow the snail to see
where it was going. Its objective was a
clump of agapanthus, which appeared
unscathed after the fires. He tried
setting a leaf alight, but it didn’t burn.
He cut the leaf and noticed a thick sap
oozing out, which would extinguish a
spark or ember.

Thanks to Bill translating observation
into innovative strategy, agapanthus
species are now very popular for
constructing fire-retardant borders in
permaculture designs.

They’re used as a low firebreak near
houses to catch wind-blown embers
and are typically grown in a 3m-wide
strip for this purpose.

FOLLOW THE HOVERFLIES

We can observe and learn from nature
in the most unlikely places. Working in a
garden nursery, the most exciting time
is spring, when colourful flowers abound
and all the bees come to feast on the
abundant nectar.

Hoverflies also come out seeking
nectar-rich flowers. These beneficial
insects which, along with ladybirds,

66 | Good Organic Gardening

OBSERVATION | BACKYARD PERMACULTURE

45

6 7 In a garden nursery display, I noticed

bees going crazy around autumn-
flowering sedum plants, which are
succulents. I observed hoverflies and
ladybirds actively feeding there, too.
All colours — reds, whites and pinks —
appeared equally attractive to them.

At home, planting pieces of the
sedums that were broken by severe
wind conditions revealed that they grow
easily from cuttings. I’ve managed to
create a long hedge of Sedum ‘Autumn
Joy’, which produces large heads of
long-flowering bright-pink flowers that
change to a rosy red in autumn when
they attract lots of bees.

lacewings and parasitic wasps, control they’ll lead us to the flowers they prefer. OBSERVE, INNOVATE, EMULATE
pests, can feed only from shallow Some may be ornamental, some may be
flowers, as they have short mouthparts. productive plants, but the only way to Each of the examples discussed
find out is to let nature show us. illustrates the three-step process
Plants from the Asteraceae (daisy) whereby we develop natural solutions
and Apiaceae (celery, carrot, parsley) YEAR-ROUND NECTARY PLANTS from our observations.
families attract them but when
flowers are cultivated to emphasise Similarly, we can visit gardens or garden In summary, first, we begin by
certain traits, such as colour, their nurseries throughout the year and practising intentional observation to
nectar-producing capacity may be observe around which native and exotic learn from nature. Next, we take those
significantly reduced. flowers the bees are most active. We insights we gain from our observations
can then determine the best bee-forage and, using our creativity and imagination,
How do we find out which plants plants available in our location and devise innovative solutions that emulate
are nectar-rich and accessible to the when they are in flower. nature’s processes. Finally, we implement
good bugs? Follow the hoverflies and those solutions that copy nature to
benefit us and other living things.

Working with nature is a co-operative
endeavour, one that asks us to watch and
learn with humility, allowing nature to
reveal to us what truly works.

Good Organic Gardening | 67

HOW TO | ECO-FRIENDLY LAWN

GREENING
YOUR GRASS

LET’S DUMP THE TRADITIONAL LAWN IN FAVOUR OF A
“WAVY”, WATERWISE, ECOLOGICALLY DESIGNED ONE

68 | Good Organic Gardening

ECO-FRIENDLY LAWN | HOW TO

Opposite The finished lawn waves in my garden
Above right Lawn 1 is flat and featureless
Below right Lawn 2 is both beautiful and eco-
friendly with its wavy undulations

Words & photos Steve McGrane

To many eyes, Lawn 1 in these
pictures is a beautiful sight. It’s a
flat, verdant, perfectly manicured
lawn, but there are hidden issues.
Lawn 2 is also beautiful, but it has a more
ecologically sound character. Can you
spot the difference?

THE PROBLEMS WITH THE WAY YOU MANAGE YOUR LAWN HAS A
TRADITIONAL LAWNS DIRECT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

Pollution
Lawns can impact on the environment,
either positively or negatively.
Statistically, 60 per cent of toxic nutrient
runoff is from domestic gardens,
golf courses and playing fields, not
agricultural activities as is often thought.
Hence, the way you manage your lawn
has a direct impact on the environment.

The runoff from gardens and
recreational areas toxifies the landscape,
causing excessive levels of toxic
nitrogen in waterways that extinguish
the native species and promote toxic
biology such as blue green algae,
starving the system of oxygen. What’s
more, some lawns consume large
volumes of high-quality water, another
large burden on the environment.

Water wastage
Traditional flat or sloping lawns allow
water to quickly drain away while
later increasing the need for irrigation.
High-velocity runoff causes erosion and
allows less time for valuable water to
soak into the landscape.

Bigstock WHAT DOES AN ECO-FRIENDLY
LAWN LOOK LIKE?

An environmentally friendly lawn is
not flat but instead has undulations or
waves and may include meadows of wild
flowers that attract beneficial insects.
The extent and size of undulations
you create in your own lawn can be
varied according to the space available.
Proportionally smaller hills are still
effective, as seen in my own garden
shown opposite (with my dog, Bling).

Good Organic Gardening | 69

HOW TO | ECO-FRIENDLY LAWN

1 My lawn and the beginnings of the first wave 1
2 Shaping the mounds
3 All facing the same way
4 The newly established waves on my lawn
5 The lawn waves and flower beds, 3 months later
6 Native borders in my garden
7 My lawn waves after 4 months and some rain

I want to challenge the conventional 2 3
concept of a lawn. Normally, we assume a
lawn is a continuous length of turf — but Steps 4 & 5 Turf or seed your waves,
it doesn’t need to be. If you want your as shown, then use a pair of scissors
lawn to be more environmentally friendly, to cut holes in the turf for raised
consider creating mounds or waves in flower beds as seen here and create
an existing lawn and embedding raised raised garden beds on the face of
flower beds on the face of the waves, as the waves.
seen in my garden.
Flexible plastic or metal garden
Undulations and mounds slow down borders can be used to define the raised
the movement of water and trap nutrients flower beds. Face your raised flower beds
and toxic runoff from a lawn. Similarly, if towards the morning sun.
like me you have found that runoff was
causing issues on your property, lawn
waves are a simple ecological approach to
slowing the movement of valuable water,
so it has time to enter the soil rather than
cause damage.

Raised flower beds in a lawn enable
you to establish an aesthetically
pleasing appearance that can be
seasonally changed with plantings
of perennial flowers or grasses. They
also provide corridors for insects and
predators like birds.
Tip: Native plants attract approximately
70 per cent more beneficial insects than
introduced plant species, according to
CSIRO studies.

RETROFITTING YOUR LAWN Step 2 Shape your soil into a swale
or wave, which will capture and
I’m going to show you how to retrofit redirect water and trap nutrients. The
your own lawn with waves and raised inside curve is a half-moon, which
flower beds, step by step. is positioned at approximately 90
Step 1 Look at your own lawn and degrees to the water travelling down
determine where runoff occurs. your landscape.
Consider where you wish to position
swales (as termed in permaculture) Step 3 Position the rest of the soil
or waves, aka mounds, to slow water mounds and shape them.
travelling through your landscape.

Typically, you’d position your waves
across a slope or at the base of a slope.

First, work out the number of waves
you’d like and where you will place them.
Position your first mound of soil and
shape as shown. Make your mounds
different sizes, starting with a larger one
at the head of the mounds.

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ECO-FRIENDLY LAWN | HOW TO

45

67

PLANTS FOR WAVES The turf or grass seed may take several
AND BORDERS months to provide a complete cover.
Water it well in the early stages and use
I prefer a mix of small native shrubs (up a seaweed-based nutrient to encourage
to 50cm in height) in the raised flower root growth and limit pollutant run-off.
beds and borders. Native varieties Tip: Although buffalo or couch are
encourage more beneficial insects than common choices, consider Zoysia grass.
introduced species. I also have a desire It has a “no-mow” reputation as it has
to balance the flowering times, using very naturally fine blades of grass and
spring and winter flowering varieties grows well in shady spots. There are
such as eremophila, kangaroo paw and varieties suited to all climates.
small species of grevillea in borders
and flannel flower, paper daisy or Creating mounds in your lawn and
pigface in raised flower beds. populating them with native flowers and
herbs increases the ecological value of
the project and is pleasing to look at.

Good Organic Gardening | 71

BACK TO BASICS | MULCH

Much ado
about mulch

INDISPENSABLE TO HEALTHY PLANTS, MULCH
IS AN ONGOING COST FOR GARDENERS —
SO WHY NOT MAKE YOUR OWN FOR FREE?

72 | Good Organic Gardening

Opposite Soft pine needle mulch for garden path MULCH | BACK TO BASICS
between beds (collected from below conifers)
Right Pathing mulch of coloured leaves for fruit Good Organic Gardening | 73
tree and bulb area
Bottom right Path mulch using coloured leaves
collected from the street

Words & photos Linda Moon

In forests, mulch doesn’t come in bags.
Plants shed leaves, limbs, bark and
petals, while low-growing flora blankets
the soil. So why not borrow ideas as
well as materials from nature for your
own garden?
Technically speaking, anything
covering the soil’s surface, including
dung and stones, can act as a mulch.
However, not all mulches are created
equal. The best kinds are natural and
coarse, allowing for good airflow and
water penetration.

ORGANIC MULCHES

Organic mulches originate from anything
once living and decomposable, including
the following.

Leaves
Leaf litter is easily found in your own
yard or neighbourhood and from
prunings. For a finer product for the veg
patch, run your lawn mower over the pile
or use the hedge trimmers.

Leaf mulch adds to soil nutrition,
breaks down well, is light, generally
free of seeds and suitable for self-
seeding beds. On the downside, it’s
prone to blowing away. When collected
from damp ground, it may harbour
slugs and snails.

Dried plant stalks and other materials
The dried, dead stems and foliage
of herbaceous plants make excellent
chunky yet gentle mulch for veggie
beds. Build a collection over time. Dry
any green prunings and add to the
mix. Shred with a whipper snipper or
the trimmers.

Excellent materials can be got from
corn, lemongrass, tiger grass, garlic
chive stalks, fennel, spent mints, lemon
balm and Jerusalem artichoke. Avoid
using prickly or diseased plants and
anything that self-seeds rapidly.

BACK TO BASICS | MULCH

1

Grass
Trimmed, dried then shredded, lawn
grass makes soft hay suitable for veg,
herb or annual flower beds. Other
sources include the wild as well as
footpath verges and other parts of the
neighbourhood — but avoid anything
sprayed with pesticide.

If your homemade hay compacts
or mats, redry it, thin it or mix it with
something coarser such as leaves.
Avoid grass that’s gone to seed
or has weeds, which may produce
unwelcome offspring.

Compost 2
Compost used as mulch is best well
aged. Apply a layer 6–12cm thick. While
compost enriches the soil, unfortunately
it’s also a seed bank for weeds and
other unwanted invaders. Use it to
mulch food beds and plants that need
some TLC.

Green manures
Green manures are specific plants that
draw goodness out of the soil. Usually,
they are turned into the earth before
flowering or left as cover (chop-and-
drop style) to improve soil fertility.
Use them as a nutritive part of the
mulch layer.

Common green manure plants include
clover, lupin, alfalfa, legumes, phacelia,
mustards, cowpea, buckwheat, borage
and comfrey.

The disadvantage of green manures
is the time, garden space and potential
inputs (like water) it takes to grow them.

Pine needles THE BENEFITS OF MIGHTY MULCH
Freely abundant beneath pine trees, these
make a stunning mulch for paths but they • Organic mulches add valuable nutrients to the soil as they break
can also be applied to garden beds. down over time.

While the commonly belief is that pine • Mulch reduces water evaporation from soil.
needles acidify soil, there is no research • It insulates soil, protecting plants against heat stress and cold
to back this up. Though fresh pine
needles do have an acidic pH, once dead, injury and protecting soil microbiota.
this is no longer so. • It reduces soil pathogens and diseases by increasing beneficial

They don’t need processing and soil micro-organisms.
conjure the scent of the forest. Their • It inhibits seed germination and weeds.
ability to form a dense but permeable • It reduces wind and water soil erosion.
blanket that doesn’t blow or wash • It improves soil drainage.
away makes them useful for reducing • It reduces future soil compaction (but note that it cannot
soil erosion.
reverse it).

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MULCH | BACK TO BASICS

1 Garlic plants with handmade mulch from tiger 4
grass, dead grass and dead garlic chive stems
2 Pine needle mulch gives a forest look through the Living mulches are also great for paths
rosemary hedge and slopes and help reduce soil erosion,
3 Eggshell mulch in vegie bed, useful for plants though it’s best to create a barrier
vulnerable to snails and slugs between any paths and beds. Those
4 Golden mulch from box hedge clippings (used in suited to paths include clover and other
onion bed) groundcovers resistant to trampling.
5 Pathing mulch using bark collected from the street

3

Eggshells
Collect your eggshells, crush and use as
a mulch to deter snails and slugs.

Composed almost entirely of calcium
carbonate (a mineral key to plant growth
and development), eggshells are useful
around vulnerable seedlings, unhealthy
plants and high calcium feeders, which

5 include radish, eggplant, peppers,

tomatoes, leafy greens, the cabbage
family, legumes, potatoes, celery, citrus
and many other fruits.

Aquatic plants
Those with a pond or dam may also
capitalise on aquatic plants. Rushes,
sedges, cattails and other water species
can be trimmed for mulch. Or harvest
your excess duckweed.

A key advantage is the seeds of
aquatics can’t proliferate among your
land-based plants.

Bark Living mulches INORGANIC MULCHES
Best reserved for paths or beneath trees At Hill Top Farm in Cooktown in Far North
and hardy shrubs, bark decomposes Queensland, annual mulch consumption Rocks and stones
slowly and its toughness can damage has been cut from 80 to 120 round bales Durable, aesthetic and low-maintenance,
stems. Layer it at least 4cm deep to a year to one or two using living mulches. stones of all shapes and sizes are
prevent weed growth; the coarse texture great weed suppressants. These tough
permits air and water to penetrate easily. Planting advanced pumpkin seedlings buggers also don’t get pushed around
into cowpea has improved soil, reduced by wind or water. However, the elements
Studies have found mulches of certain weeding and fertiliser costs and yielded will usually move soil between them,
trees, including pine, eucalyptus and plenty of healthy pumpkins. promoting weeds.
wattles, contain natural chemicals that
suppress weed germination. Bark can also Avoid invasive living mulches like Stone mulches are great around
absorb and release heat and moisture. grass that compete too much for water, ponds, in rock gardens and (in cold
nutrients and space. And, ideally, use climates) beneath cold-sensitive plants
Pulverise it into smaller chunks with a them beneath trees and large shrubs — they can raise surrounding soil and
sledgehammer, bat, your hands, feet or a where their roots occupy different levels air temperature.
wood chipper. from those of landscaping plants.
In shady spots, large rocks promote
cooler soil and conserve moisture.
Unfortunately, stones don’t break down
to build nutrition in the soil.

Pebbles
Small pebbles make attractive path
mulches — but when harvesting from
protected areas including beaches,
creeks, bushland and forest, be aware of
any local laws that apply.

Good Organic Gardening | 75

FEATHERED FRIENDS | ADOPT A HEN

New home,
new life

REHOMING EX-COMMERCIAL
LAYERS CAN BE REWARDING
BUT THE OLD BIRDS NEED TO
LEARN SOME NEW TRICKS

76 | Good Organic Gardening

ADOPT A HEN | FEATHERED FRIENDS

From this ...

Words Megg Miller ... to this

Is rehoming former commercial hens
high on your priority list? A surprising
number of people seek spent layers, as
they’re often called, and derive great
satisfaction from seeing them enjoying
natural freedoms that may not have
been possible in their previous lives.
Despite this, Aussies in general
are lukewarm about rehoming spent
commercial hens. In the UK, the British
Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT), a charity,
saves over 50,000 hens annually from
slaughter by acquiring them at the end
of lay and rehoming them as family pets.
The BHWT uses pop-up centres
around the country to distribute the
hens and is very proactive in chasing up
new owners and educating them about
their new pets’ needs.
Without a similar system in Australia,
rehoming can be challenging. Hens that
have laid consistently for months on
end will have some nutritional issues
plus, with lots of new learning to cope
with, it will be stressful for them.
To make the transition easier for
owner and birds, we’ve picked out
the key concerns and we offer tips for
managing them.

BECOMING A FLOCK ladder perch is a sensible solution but continue with perching training.
be prepared to go in nightly for a few Avoid rough handling and do not let
The new brigade won’t necessarily be weeks to place them on the perch.
familiar with each other and so a pecking kids chase and catch the hens. You can
order will need to be established. This You may find also that the hens are anticipate that bone strength will be
could involve lots of squabbling. shy about venturing outside their house. poor after the months of egg lay and
Give them time; they have a lot to learn there is a risk of a fracture occurring.
Once a dominant bird emerges, and to process. Allow them to progress
peace will reign — but such a social at their own pace. Rest and recovery on a good diet
order will be new as hierarchy doesn’t and access to a container of medium-
function where large hen numbers run However, sleeping in nest boxes grade shell grit help bone strength.
together, as in barns or free range. shouldn’t be permitted: eggs will Gentle exercise and regular jumping
become contaminated with faeces. from level to level on a ladder perch
If you’re planning to run the rehomers Block off nests if necessary and also aid bone recovery.
with your established flock, keep them
separate for the first few weeks. This will
minimise stress while they adjust to the
new regime and allow any necessary
feather regrowth to occur.

SAFETY AND COMFORT

Everything in the henhouse and
surrounds will be unfamiliar including
feeder and waterer, so ensure these
necessities are being accessed.

Commercial hens often have poor
spatial estimation skills and so won’t fly
up to perching or high nest boxes. A

Good Organic Gardening | 77

FEATHERED FRIENDS | ADOPT A HEN

A balanced ration
is essential

DIET MATTERS Add a little apple
cider vinegar to
Chooks love treats and it’s easy to fall their water
into the trap of offering little extras.
Treats should never include human Chopped greens, a hanging bunch may fill their crop with grass if hungry, Bigstock
food with high levels of salt or sugar of silverbeet or outdoor foraging will causing impaction. They ignore satiety
or containing nitrates, as in deli and increase the carotenoids and antioxidants signals due to outdoor inexperience.
processed meats. Grapes, sliced banana ingested, improving bird health.
or melon are healthy. Water to which a little apple cider
A word of caution. Do not let the vinegar has been added helps the
What about household scraps? new girls out to range on grass without cellulose break down but impaction
First priority for rehomers should be ensuring they have had breakfast. They often results in death.
a balanced proprietary ration — it
contains everything needed in the
correct ratio.

If you fill them up with household
scraps this will sabotage the balanced
nutrition required to recover after their
commercial life.

Hens are known to eat more to
make up nutritional shortfalls and over
time this can lead to excess weight.
Tubby hens have a greater chance of
prolapsing, especially in their second
year when eggs become larger. This
means euthanasia.

Tubby hens also stop laying. The
commercial strains are sensitive to
weight excess and cessation of lay is
a consequence.

Of course, give greens to the birds,
even if they don’t know what they are.

78 | Good Organic Gardening

ADOPT A HEN | FEATHERED FRIENDS

They need to be
kept separate
for a while

INTEGRATING NEW AND OLD

Both ISAs and Hy-Lines have a
reputation for bullying other types of
fowls. It’s rare to hear of successful
integration between hybrids and
purebreds or home crosses.

If you want your newcomers to
become part of a mixed fowl flock, be
watchful for signs of bullying and feather
pecking by them. You will soon be able
to identify low-ranking incumbents
— they will be easy targets for the
newcomers and spend lots of time on
the perch as well as showing signs of
broken and missing feathers.

My rule is keep the red rehomers
together in one house and the
purebreds in another but allow
communal interaction during outdoor
time. There may still be occasional
bullying but victims can flee and seek
shelter behind bushes and buildings.

IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO RUN THE REHOMERS WITH AVOID OBSESSIVE OUTCOMES
YOUR ESTABLISHED FLOCK, KEEP THEM SEPARATE
FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS TO MINIMISE STRESS The ISA in particular seems prone to
WHILE THEY ADJUST. repetitious behaviour. The quirky peck-
pecking on the glass French door starts
A safe home as fun but becomes unstoppable, as
does the peck on the toe of the toddler’s
gumboots. Many pairs of gumboots have
been destroyed by pecking ISAs!

The red hybrids are really smart
and know how to get what they want.
They are persistent, so careful thought
needs to go into their management,
into where they are to be allowed and
when, to avoid behaviour patterns that
become troublesome.

Equally, your kids may have the time
and inclination to teach the hens tricks.
They will be fast learners, using their
repetitious tendency in a positive way.

TENURE

How long will your rescued birds live?
With good predator protection and
dietary management, another year or
two if you’re lucky, maybe a little longer.
Many red hybrids succumb to early
death. Prolapse and ovary irregularities
are common causes.

If you know what to expect with your
rescued hens, you can support them
through their fast learning curve and
enjoy the rewards of keeping happy
hens that absolutely love their new life.
How good is that?

Good Organic Gardening | 79

GARDEN CALENDAR | EARLY AUTUMN 1

THINGS TO DO IN

MARCH

EARLY AUTUMN IS THE TIME TO PLANT FOR WINTER AS
WELL AS HARVEST THE LAST OF SUMMER’S BOUNTY

COOL & TEMPERATE

VEGIES FRUIT COMPOST & SOIL Bigstock, Kerry Boyne

∙ As we get into autumn, you will see ∙ Keep pesky birds out of your grapes ∙ If soils become very wet and cold over
summer crops start to die back. and figs with bird-safe netting. With winter where you live, now’s the time
Tomatoes may go down to russet some fruits and larger trees it may be to build raised beds if you haven’t
mite while zucchini could show signs easier just to bag individual fruit or already to make vegie growing easier.
of powdery mildew. Time to clear clusters of fruit. Fill with organic garden mix and
those beds for new crops — perhaps compost and top with a good-quality
some rejuvenating green manure in ∙ Some apple varieties are ripening now. mulch to a depth of around 7cm after
the form of oats, wheat and legumes. If you have the space in the orchard, watering. Keep mulch clear of plant
you might consider extending the stems, especially seedlings.
∙ Alternatively, before the weather harvest well into winter by planting
gets too cold, prepare for winter and later-maturing varieties such as ‘Pink ∙ Alternatively, you could simply
spring harvests by putting in cabbage, Lady’ and ‘Granny Smith’. Some plant vegies in containers in a sunny,
broad beans, Asian greens, lettuce, retailers will have multigrafted varieties sheltered spot. Regularly liquid-feed
rocket, silverbeet, spring onions, that can be planted in winter. leafy crops.
spinach and carrots.
∙ Mandarins and feijoas will be ∙ As summer crops die down and are
∙ If it’s still warm enough, consider ripening as well. Even if the pests cleared, dig in some homemade
starting some herbs such as parsley, seem to have gone quiet some will compost to replenish soil nutrients.
basil, rosemary, coriander, rosemary, still be lurking, so keep fruit-fly traps Or, as previously noted, sow a green
marjoram and thyme. You could give and lures in place, reapplying them manure crop that can be dug back
mint and lemon balm a go but watch regularly to be sure. into the ground before it seeds.
out they don’t take over.
∙ After a La Niña summer with better- ∙ Replenish compost heaps with spent
∙ Set up your patch as a beacon for than-average rainfall, passionfruit summer crops, chopping them up
pollinators and beneficial inects may still be forming on the vine. In small to expedite decomposition. Be
by planting some autumn colour: cooler regions, though, as nights get careful not to add weeds that can
edible cornflowers, perhaps, or colder, late-season passionfruit may regrow and spread. Layer spent crops
calendula, dianthus, pansies, violas, fail to ripen and fall green. Invaders with fallen leaves and aged manure
snapdragons, nasturtiums, verbena will have enjoyed the rain, too, so for a good compost mix. It’s also a
and marigolds. The garden will look keep on top of the weeding in both good time to apply lime to acidic
lovely while being a hive of industry. the orchard and vegie patch. soils, including areas under lawn.

80 | Good Organic Gardening

EARLY AUTUMN | GARDEN CALENDAR

TROPICAL

VEGIES FRUIT COMPOST & SOIL

∙ As the rains and humidity of the wet ∙ Time to put in a Carmen Miranda fruit ∙ Runoff from heavy summer storms
season give way to drier weather, salad of strawberries, melons, citrus, may have depleted soil of nutrients,
you can plant edibles such as cherry pineapple and passionfruit. Tropical so productive and ornamental plants
tomatoes and herbs. Basil, lemongrass fruits ready to harvest include will need added compost and organic
and oregano will do fine now it’s drier; avocado, custard apple, granadilla, fertiliser spread over wet soils.
a slow-bolting variety of coriander is a macadamias and pawpaw.
better option if conditions are still on ∙ In drier zones, soils can be hard to
the warm side. ∙ Consider adding to your orchard keep wet. Before planting in dry
with some tropical low-chill varieties soils, add manure or compost and
∙ Sow beans, beetroot, broccoli, carrots, of peaches and nectarines. Large an organic fertiliser such as blood
celery, lettuce, radish, silverbeet and trees such as the ice-cream bean and bone, dig it in and water, then
zucchini. Keep them well watered, and mango are not only highly continue watering after planting.
especially those in raised beds or productive but also provide shade.
containers, which tend to dry out ∙ Add homemade compost as mulch
faster than the surrounding soil. ∙ Feed bananas with rich, aged chicken around all plants, including trees,
manure. With avocado, mango and to help preserve moisture for the
∙ Provide temporary shade for new pawpaw, apply a potash-rich organic dry times ahead and improve soil
plantings that are prone to wilting fertiliser mixed through mulch. conditions. Water soils and plants well
(such as lettuce and other leafy before applying a loose mulch that will
greens) but remove it as the plants ∙ As the humidity abates, so do fungal allow water to penetrate.
get established. diseases such as powdery mildew, but
look for pests such as scale that may ∙ Give new growth a kickstart with diluted
∙ Round about now is the right time cluster on citrus stems. Ants on stems compost tea or worm wee mixed with
to harvest ginger and galangal and are the giveaway. Treat scale with an a seaweed product.
replant for next year. Other root crops oil spray (in the coolest part of the
ready to dig now include yam, cassava day) and deter ants by banding the ∙ As always, water smarter and early in
and water chestnut. trunk with a sticky barrier. the day. A few deep soaks a week are
better than several quick sprays.

1 Before the weather gets too cold, now is the time to put in broad beans (as well as brassicas and leafy greens) for winter and spring harvest 2 Some apples
should be ready to pick. You can also consider planting the likes of ‘Pink Lady’ to extend the harvest 3 Feed bananas with a rich mix of aged chicken manure

23

Good Organic Gardening | 81

GARDEN CALENDAR | MID AUTUMN 1

THINGS TO DO IN

APRIL

AS THE DAYS GET SHORTER AND COOLER, IT’S TIME TO
HARVEST EDIBLES AS WELL AS PLANT FOR SUMMER CROPS

COOL & TEMPERATE

VEGIES FRUIT COMPOST & SOIL Bigstock

∙ As autumn deepens, keep sowing or ∙ The orchard should be buzzing right ∙ Those red and gold autumn leaves
planting brassicas, broad beans, peas, now. Apples can be harvested if look lovely but, when they start falling,
spring onions and spinach. Now is also they come away readily in the hand, don’t leave them lying about to kill
a good time to consider putting in while disease-free windfalls are worth the lawn or clog up storm-water
carrots and spuds as well as artichokes, collecting to make juice or cider. drains. Rake them up — and clear the
asparagus and beetroot. Snow peas Store undamaged apples in a cool, guttering as well — to make a rich
and spinach planted at the end of dark place or in the crisper section compost of well-rotted, nutrient-rich
summer may be ready for harvesting. of the fridge. leaf mould. Star pickets wrapped
with chicken wire make excellent
∙ Also ripening are pumpkins. Test them ∙ Citrus is the gift that keeps on giving demountable leaf bins.
out by rapping on the skin: a deep from now through winter all the way
drum-like sound means they’re ready. to spring. Make sure you pick ripe ∙ You might want to net your pond or
Harvest with a sharp knife, leaving a mandarins — unlike other citrus, they swimming pool against falling leaves
bit of the stem attached, and store in don’t store on the tree. Harvest other as well. If you don’t have deciduous
a cool, dark spot over winter. ripe citrus as needed. trees, your neighbours who do will
probably be glad to get rid of the
∙ It could be time to give up on those ∙ If conditions are dry even after those detritus. Just follow the sound of the
ragged-looking tomatoes but don’t La Niña summer deluges, a regular leaf blowers!
throw out the unripe fruit — keep it deep watering schedule will help
for making chutney. citrus along, oranges in particular. If ∙ It’s definitely the season to
any oranges have split after heavy consolidate your compost. If you
∙ As previously noted, autumn’s the time rain they need to be used quickly haven’t done a late-summer prune of
to rest a bed or two with a quick crop before they rot. mature fruit trees, now’s the time to
of green manure. Also, try adding some do it. Cut up and add prunings to the
colour (and pollinators) with flowers. ∙ Also ready for harvesting now are compost. It’s also time to admit defeat
kiwifruit and chokos. The latter are on exhausted summer vegies, pull
∙ Collect seed from open-pollinated especially bountiful in autumn and them up and add them, weeds and
crops to save for sowing in spring or tender if picked small. Keep aside a all, to the compost heap. Don’t worry
early summer. Make sure seed is clean couple of mature fruit for replanting, if weeds have gone to seed — the
and dry then store it in an airtight especially if any vines are cut down compost will take care of them.
container clearly labelled with its name by frost.
and the date collected.

82 | Good Organic Gardening

MID AUTUMN | GARDEN CALENDAR

TROPICAL

VEGIES FRUIT COMPOST & SOIL

∙ Potatoes can be hard to grow in the ∙ April is a bit like the final frantic ∙ Raised beds and containers will need
tropics but autumn’s drier conditions flowering before winter. Citrus should regular watering now that conditions
provide an opportunity to give spuds be ripening now as well as a veritable are drier. Compost, too, may need to
a go. Plant now and harvest before tropical fruit salad of banana, pawpaw, be moistened to aid decomposition.
the return of the wet. Once plants custard apple, jaboticaba, passionfruit Spent summer plants should go in
begin to flower, the potatoes should and the like. the compost; same with tree and
be large enough to harvest. shrub prunings. Chop woody and
∙ If you have some dragon fruit, it leafy material well before adding it as
∙ This is also a good time to plant should also be fruiting abundantly smaller pieces break down faster.
garlic and sow herb seeds along right now. The exotic night-flowering
with beetroot, carrots, leafy greens, climbing cactus grows readily from ∙ Although the fire threat should be
brassicas, sweet corn, pumpkins and leaf cuttings and autumn is the time abating in most areas, drier weather
spring onions. If you’re in a rush, start to take some and plant them. calls for vigilance. Watch out for fuel
with seedlings. Later you can thin buildup: clear rubbish and debris,
over-zealous plantings. ∙ Extend your avocado harvest with keep grass short, especially around
late-maturing varieties such as ‘Hass’, buildings and fence lines, and make
∙ Once seedlings have germinated, which crop from winter to spring. sure hoses can reach all areas.
keep them coming along with regular
watering and by applying organic ∙ All fruiting plants will benefit right now ∙ This time of year is ideal to check
liquid feeds every 7–10 days. Water from an application of organic fertiliser irrigation systems. The lines, sprayers
leafy crops (including herbs) daily to or well-rotted manure. and emitters can become blocked
keep them from bolting to seed from by dirt or ant activity. Look out for
water stress. ∙ Let the chooks into the orchard to any parts not delivering water. Low
forage on fallen fruit. If you don’t pressure can indicate breaks or
∙ Don’t slack off on the weeding. If have chickens, rake up the debris to missing fittings. Clean blocked nozzles
conditions are good for your edibles, reduce pest and disease problems. and repair leaks.
space invaders will also be thriving. Keep new plantings well watered as
soils begin to dry.

1 In the tropics, autumn’s drier weather can be ideal to try growing potatoes before the return of the rains 2 Tomatoes may be just about done, but don’t
throw unripe fruit in the compost — try making green tomato relish 3 Autumn is also the right time to grow some dragon fruit from leaf cuttings

23

Good Organic Gardening | 83

WELLBEING NEWSFEED | HEALTH BITES

Health news

FROM THE WELLBEING DESK

FAT DIET, THIN HAIR

Obesity and being overweight can lead
to thinning hair, it seems. Normally, hair
follicle stem cells (HFSCs) self-renew and
this is what allows your hair to grow back
continuously. As humans age, however,
HSFCs can fail to renew themselves, leading
to hair thinning. Research has found that
obesity and high-fat diets can lead to
depletion of HFSCs by causing inflammation
and speeding up that hair-thinning process.
Source: Nature

Health shot

TURMERIC AND AGEING BRAINS

Turmeric, a spice commonly used in curries, has a range of
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Most of these
effects come from curcumin, a component of turmeric.
Research suggests that because of this curcumin, turmeric
has benefits for your ageing brain. Alzheimer’s disease is
characterised by the build-up of amyloid protein plaques in the
brain. Curcumin reduces the accumulation of beta-amyloid in
the synapses or gaps between brain cells. It also seems that
clumping of proteins called “alpha-synuclein” is the first step in
diseases like Parkinson’s. Curcumin attaches to alpha-synuclein
and not only stops clumping but also increases the rate at
which alpha-synuclein folds or reconfigures. This increase in the
rate of folding makes clumping even more unlikely. So, there are
many ways in which the curcumin from turmeric can protect
your ageing brain, which gives you one more reason to make
plenty of homemade, turmeric-laden curries.

Bigstock

84 | Good Organic Gardening

HEALTH BITES | WELLBEING NEWSFEED

SMALL DIET CHANGES MAKE BIG DIFFERENCE

Making lifestyle changes to reduce climate change can be
daunting just because it can be hard to see the difference
your changes will make. Now new research from the University
of Michigan has shown that small changes to your diet can
dramatically impact on the planet. The study evaluated more than
5800 foods and ranked them for their impact on the environment.
Factors taken into account were the life-cycle impact of
foods (production, processing, manufacturing, preparation,
consumption/cooking and waste), water use and fine particulate
matter formation. The results showed that substituting just 10 per
cent of your daily kilojoules that come from beef and processed
meats with a mix of fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes and certain
seafood will reduce your carbon footprint by a massive 33
per cent. Importantly, field-grown crops, like those shown, are
environmentally better than their greenhouse-grown counterparts.
Small, targeted dietary changes make a real difference.
Source: Nature Food

PLANT-BASED MIDDLE-AGED HEART HEALTH

A recent study examined the occurrence of heart disease in 4946
adults. The study began in 1985–86 and subjects were all aged
between 18 and 30 and were free of cardiovascular disease at that
time. The subjects had eight follow-up examinations until 2015–16.
Those follow-ups included blood tests, physical measurements,
medical histories and assessments of lifestyle factors. Detailed
diet interviews were given and the subjects’ diets were scored
according to their content of plant-based foods and meat. The
findings over the 30 years were that people who ate the most
plant foods (fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains) and the
least low-quality foods (high-fat red meat, salty snacks, pastries)
were 52 per cent less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, when the subjects were aged between 25 and 50
those who increased their intake of plant foods and reduced meat
intake were 61 per cent less likely to develop heart disease.
Source: Journal of the American Heart Association

SHAPESHIFTING ANIMALS

Animals are adapting to climate change and significant
physical changes are happening among the planet’s fauna.
Several species of Australian parrot, like the gang gang
pictured at left, have shown an increase in bill size of between
4 and 10 per cent since 1871 and this has been linked to the
summer temperature each year. In North America the small
sparrow songbird, the dark-eyed junco, has also shown a link
between beak size and temperature extremes. In mammals
there have been changes reported, including tail length
increases in wood mice and tail and leg size increases in
masked shrews. So far, the size changes are less than 10 per
cent, but predicted changes may be more dramatic and more
noticeable. For instance, elephant ears may be much bigger
very soon. This shapeshifting does not mean animals are
coping with climate change; it does mean they are changing
to survive it, for now, but we don’t know the ecological
consequences of those survival adaptations.
Source: Trends in Ecology & Evolution

Good Organic Gardening | 85

WELLBEING | POWERPLANT — EYEBRIGHT

POWERFUL EYEFUL

AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, EYEBRIGHT IS GOOD FOR EYE
CONDITIONS BUT IT IS ALSO USEFUL FOR ALLERGIES,
RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS AND SKIN CONDITIONS

Words Dr Karen Bridgman written record in Gordon’s Liticium Eye health Enrico Blasutto CC, Gertjan van Noord CC
Medicina (1305). In the Elizabethan era Traditional use of eyebright was to
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis it was made into ales and wines. relieve eye inflammation such as
syn. E. rostkoviana) has long conjunctivitis (inflammation of the
been well regarded as a cure Famed herbalist/botanist/astrologer membrane of the eye and eyelid,
for eye maladies and is used Nicholas Culpeper used it frequently as he blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelash
extensively in Europe, North America, placed it astrologically under the zodiac follicle) and eye infections. It tightens
Western and Northern Asia. sign of Leo and claimed it strengthened the mucus membranes of the eyes,
It’s an annual semi-parasitic plant the brain, using it to treat bad memory making the eyes “brighter”.
that for its nourishment relies on the and vertigo as well as eye conditions.
roots of other plants, grass in particular. Eyebright can be used internally as
Growing to about 30cm high, it has INGREDIENTS a tea or topically as an eyewash. The
elegant purple or white-and-purple- AND PROPERTIES diluted juice can also be dropped into
veined flowers and belongs to the the eyes.
Orobanchaceae or broomrapes family. Eyebright contains tannins, volatile oils,
Its lovely generic name Euphrasia glycosides and bitter principles. The If using as a wash, be aware of hygiene
is of Greek origin and is derived from parts of the plant that are used include and make sure the water for the tea has
Euphrosyne, the name of one of the the leaf, the stem and the flowers (the been boiled and put into clean, sterilised
three graces who was known for her joy aerial parts) and it’s picked and dried containers to cool before being used.
and mirth. The name means “gladness”. for herbal use when flowering.
Eyebright was used in the treatment Two eye baths should also be used,
of eye problems well before the first Eyebright is anti-inflammatory, carefully labelled for use on the left
astringent, antioxidant, digestive, mildly and right eyes, as this will prevent any
tonic and ophthalmic. cross infection.

86 | Good Organic Gardening

POWERPLANT — EYEBRIGHT | WELLBEING

Eyebright is a semi-parasitic
annual, relying on the roots
of other plants, particularly

grasses, for nourishment

EYEBRIGHT CAN BE USED INTERNALLY AS HOW TO USE EYEBRIGHT
A TEA OR TOPICALLY AS AN EYEWASH.
The leaves of eyebright can be eaten in
Interestingly, eyebright has also Immune system: allergies salads; however, the traditional dose for an
been used for dry eye and eye strain; Eyebright’s powerful anti-inflammatory adult is 2–4g of the dried herb, taken as a
and, accompanied by eye exercises, it properties make it particularly useful tea in boiling water three times a day.
can help restore better eyesight and for hayfever or respiratory allergies
strengthen the eyes in the elderly. where the nose and eyes are inflamed, For an eyewash, make up the tea in
and especially for seasonal allergies, boiling water and add a small amount
Respiratory system including allergic conjunctivitis. of salt, then cool to body temperature.
Eyebright has a long history of being Drops of this mixture or wash can be
taken internally for catarrh, hayfever, It has been estimated that seasonal used three times a day for three days
sinusitis, sore and tickly throats, dry and allergies affect up to 20 per cent of up to 17 maximum.
stuffy congestion and upper respiratory the population, making sufferers quite
tract infections. miserable during the peak seasons of Old recipes added the herb to broths
spring (pollens) and autumn (grasses). or infused it in white wine or milk to
Its astringent properties help tighten improve eyesight as well as strengthen
the membranes of the lungs and, Skin the brain and improve memory.
combined with the anti-inflammatory The astringent and anti-inflammatory Eyebright syrups were also made for
and anti-infective properties, make it properties of eyebright make it an bronchial conditions.
useful for all these conditions. effective wound healer if applied
topically as a wash or by using the Eyebright is generally considered safe.
The dried herb has also been a leaves as a poultice. Eyebright has also However, medically, there are concerns
major ingredient of smoking mixtures been used effectively for acne and about the sterility of the herb if used as
used in the treatment of chronic skin inflammation. an eyewash or eye drops. Good hygiene
bronchial colds. can generally manage this: use the wash
only once then discard it.

Occasionally, a person can be sensitive
to the herb, in which case eye symptoms
(such as sensitivity to light), sneezing,
nausea and increased urination can
occur, although these reactions are rare.

Although there is minimal research
today on eyebright, it has been used
effectively for hundreds of years to
clear infectious and allergic conditions
affecting the eyes, middle ear, sinuses
and nasal passages with nil or minimal
side-effects.

Ancient herbalists also used it to
improve memory and clear the brain,
though there is no recent research on
these attributes.

AVAILABILITY

Usually, allrareherbs.com.au sells seeds but
was out of stock at the time of writing;
there was a waitlist for ordering it. The
dried herb and eyebright supplements are
widely available online.

Dr Karen Bridgman is a holistic
practitioner at Lotus health in
Neutral Bay in Sydney and a regular
contributor to WellBeing magazine.

Good Organic Gardening | 87

WELLBEING | PLANT-BASED PREBIOTICS

GOOD FOR
YOUR GUT

WE KNOW THAT A HEALTHY MICROBIOME IS
ESSENTIAL TO GOOD HEALTH BUT TO BE HEALTHY
IT NEEDS TO BE FED WITH PREBIOTICS

88 | Good Organic Gardening

PLANT-BASED PREBIOTICS | WELLBEING

Words & recipes Lisa Holmen Jerusalem artichokes; a
great substitute for potatoes
Most of us know about
probiotics, but what about THE ROOT OF CHICORY
prebiotics? The names are IS ONE OF THE BEST
very similar, but each plays a PREBIOTIC FOODS ON
different role for your gut health. THE MARKET.
Probiotics are live “good” bacteria
in the body. In the gut they help break Green bananas are high in
down and digest food, minimise gas and resistant starch
bloating, boost the immune system and
support overall gut health.
The gut is sometimes called our
“second brain” as it can play a key role in
mental health. Recent studies have found
that probiotics have an effect on mood
since they produce neurotransmitters,
such as serotonin and dopamine.
Like everything, probiotics need to be
fed in order to remain active and healthy
— and prebiotics are their food.
Prebiotics are nondigestible plant
fibres linked to the promotion of the
growth of helpful bacteria. They are
complementary to probiotics and work
together synergistically to support
our bodies, laying the groundwork so
probiotics can thrive in our systems.
Without the “fuel” of prebiotics,
probiotics would starve, so it’s usually
recommended to combine foods that
have probiotics with foods that have
prebiotics in one meal.
Here’s a guide to some of the best
plant-based prebiotics to include in
your diet so you can eat healthily.
Foods that are high in fibre are also
often high in prebiotics.

Raw garlic Chicory root has long been raw, cooked or in powdered form. Since
Raw garlic contains the prebiotics inulin a popular coffee substitute they have a low glycaemic index they
and sweet, naturally occurring prebiotics are also a great substitute for potatoes.
called fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as Chicory root
well as nutrients including vitamins B , One of the best prebiotic foods on Bananas
the market, chicory root comprises As well as tasting delicious, bananas are
6 nearly 65 per cent fibre by weight and great for soothing the gut and reducing
approximately 47 per cent of fibre bloating. Choose unripe bananas for
C and selenium. It acts as a prebiotic by from inulin, which has been proved the best prebiotic effect and consume
promoting the growth of gut-friendly to improve digestion, break down fat before they are fully ripened as the fibre
bifidobacteria. Try adding raw garlic to and help relieve constipation. It can of the banana breaks down the riper it
your homemade hummus or guacamole be found in health stores and gourmet gets, eventually converting to sugar.
or even your next stir-fry or pasta. markets and is often used in cereals,
yoghurt, breakfast bars and bread. Raw dandelion greens
Onions It’s also popular as a coffee substitute These abundant, backyard greens are
Raw onions are particularly beneficial because it has a deep, dark flavour 25 per cent prebiotic fibre and a great
as a prebiotic since they are rich when roasted. addition to salads, casseroles or soups,
in chromium, which helps boost but best eaten raw to maximise their
inulin production; quercetin, which Jerusalem artichokes prebiotic benefits. Alternatively, just
fights off free radicals; and vitamin These large green potato-like
C. Unfortunately, raw onions are not artichokes are hard to miss at your
suitable for some people but the good local market. They can be consumed
news is cooked onions are a prebiotic
food as well, though some of the
prebiotic content is lost to sugars as the
starch breaks down.

Good Organic Gardening | 89

WELLBEING | PLANT-BASED PREBIOTICS

Wheat bran, excellent
source of fibre

blanch them slightly in boiling water or
swap your morning brew for a dandelion
green tea. Dandelion greens are also
known for their antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory effects.

Jicama Leeks are versatile
Otherwise known as Mexican turnip and nutritious
or yam bean, jicama is a type of root
vegetable that’s like a cross between an
apple and a turnip. An extremely high-
fibre food, it contains a beneficial type
of prebiotic called oligofructose inulin.
Often used in Mexican recipes, jicama is
great in salsa and salads.

Raw wheat bran
Another food rich in prebiotics, raw
wheat bran (the outer layer of the
whole wheat grain) is an easy addition
to your daily ritual. It’s packed full of
a special fibre called arabinoxylan
oligosaccharides (AXOS), which
accounts for over 60 per cent of the
bran’s fibre content. AXOS has been
found to boost the level of healthy
bifidobacteria in the gut. Try adding it to
your morning muesli or blending it into
a smoothie.

Acacia gum Asparagus Acacia gum, usually used
Increasingly popular in recent years, Eating asparagus raw is best to get in powder form
acacia gum (or fibre) is commonly used its prebiotic benefits. However, if you
as a powder that can be served in a find it too tough to eat, try blending it Bigstock, Getty, Kerry Boyne
drink. It has an extremely high fibre into a smoothie or lightly steaming it.
content of 86 per cent, making it one of It’s also super easy to make fermented
the best prebiotics out there. asparagus at home by brining it in a
mason jar.
Berries
As well as being one of nature’s Leafy greens
superfoods, rich in antioxidants and In case you need another reason to
fibre, berries also contain a high level of eat them, studies have proven that
polyphenols which act in a similar way leafy greens including kale, spinach
to prebiotics. They have been found to and chard are also a good source of
interact with the good bacteria in the prebiotics. They are also full of
gut and help them multiply. All types of vitamins including A and C as well
berries including fresh and frozen are as fibre and potassium.
considered gut-friendly foods.
Lisa Holmen is a food and travel writer
Raw leeks and photographer. Follow her journey
Leeks are not only high in prebiotics but at lisaeatsworld.com.
also rich in vitamins K and C. They are
an incredibly versatile addition to many
dishes including salads, quiches and
vegetable bakes.

90 | Good Organic Gardening

PLANT-BASED PREBIOTICS | WELLBEING

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER WITH PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS

Here are some of my favourite recipes using plant-based prebiotic and probiotic foods together.

Banana & Coconut Yoghurt Breakfast Parfaits
Serves: 2
100g granola, store-bought or homemade
225g coconut yoghurt
2 bananas, sliced
2 tbsp maple syrup

Add layer of granola at bottom of two glasses or jam jars then add layers of
coconut yoghurt and bananas. Repeat process and finish with banana slices on
top. If desired, drizzle with maple syrup.

Tempeh Reuben Sandwich 1 tbsp olive oil
Serves: 2 200g marinated pre-boiled
tempeh, sliced
Russian Dressing 1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp mayonnaise 4 thick slices sourdough or rye
1 tbsp tomato sauce 2 thick slices Swiss cheese
1 tsp horseradish 4 tbsp sauerkraut
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce 4 dill pickles, sliced
Pinch hot paprika

Preheat oven or grill to 180°C.
To make the Russian dressing, combine all ingredients in small mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper if required.
Heat oil in non-stick frying pan and gently fry sliced tempeh on each side until golden, then add soy sauce and simmer

for 1 min until tempeh is slightly crispy.
Toast bread slightly then top two slices of bread with Swiss cheese and place under grill until cheese has melted.
Remove from oven and top cheesy toast with tempeh, sauerkraut and pickles. Spread Russian dressing over remaining

slices of toast and place on top of pickles.
Serve immediately.

Kimchi Fried Rice Toppings (optional)
Serves: 2 2 fried eggs
1 tbsp olive oil Red chilli, sliced
1 onion, finely diced Spring onions, sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely diced Fried shallots
½ cup of kimchi, chopped Microgreens
2½ cups cooked jasmine rice, cooled
1 carrot, grated
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ tbsp gochujang
½ tsp sesame oil

Heat oil in large nonstick pan or wok on medium–high heat.
Add onions and garlic and cook for a few mins until soft. Add

kimchi and cook slightly until fragrant then add cooked and cooled
rice, carrot, soy sauce, gochujang and sesame oil until the mixture
comes to the boil. Turn down heat and stir well until all ingredients
have combined. Season as required.

Divide fried rice into two bowls and top each bowl with fried
egg, red chilli slices, spring onions, fried shallots and microgreens.

Good Organic Gardening | 91

WELLBEING | AROMAS

HEAVEN
SCENTS

LIFE IS A PERFUMED PATH WHERE EACH
ESSENCE ENCOUNTERED EVOKES MENTAL
AND PHYSICAL CHANGES

92 | Good Organic Gardening

AROMAS | WELLBEING

SMELL IS THE ONLY SENSE
TO IMMEDIATELY IMPACT
ON THE BRAIN AND IS
10,000 TIMES STRONGER
THAN OTHER SENSES.

Words Caroline Robertson CHAMOMILE EUCALYPTUS EUCALYPTUS SPP.
MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA
Helen Keller said, “Smell is a Evergreen eucalyptus is the aroma
potent wizard that transports The distilled essence of these dried of Australia. Aborigines prepare the
you across thousands of miles daisy-like flowers has brought peace and camphorous leaves as a respiratory tea
and all the years you have lived.” patience to many. and a salve for pain, fever or infection.
Smell is the only sense to immediately
impact on the brain and is 10,000 times German chamomile is considered better Eucalyptus essential oil increases
stronger than other senses. An inhaled for local inflammation, such as psoriasis one’s will to get well and uplifts
essence travels via olfactory nerves and bursitis, due to its chamazulene emotions. First Fleet surgeons distilled
directly to the brain’s limbic system, content. Roman chamomile is preferred for eucalyptus oil to treat colonists and,
affecting memories, emotions, instincts, sensitive skin, period problems, headaches, since 1852, Melbourne’s Bosisto family
immunity and hormones. aches and allergies. Both are relaxants and has produced mass eucalyptus oil.
Essential oils nurture you through relieve colic, indigestion and eczema.
problems and support you through Diluted eucalyptus has powerful
sickness. They won’t break the bank, Chamomile calms kids through antiseptic properties, perfect for cleaning
either, as a few drops go a long way. teething, tummy upsets, earache and surfaces and clearing the air. Its refreshing
Aromatherapy existed long before skin irritations. Dab diluted chamomile on scent stimulates and helps congestive
René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the cuts — its antiseptic power is 120 times headaches; eucalyptus vapour added
term in 1937. Archaeological evidence stronger than that of salt water. to steam inhalation or sprinkled inside
reveals Egyptians and Romans used a sauna is superb for easing asthma,
oils for rituals, Persians perfected Try adding chamomile to a carrier oil coughs, colds and sinusitis.
perfumes for pleasure and the Greeks for a blissful bath. Try chamomile balm for
for health. headaches, sinusitis, toothaches and cough Dabbed diluted on bites, stings and
Aromatherapy is intrinsic to Indian suppressant: mix five drops with 1 teaspoon sores, it reduces inflammation and
culture — the Kama Sutra recommends of base oil and rub into the aching area. infection. Eucalyptus massage oil or
aphrodisiac oils such as musk, rose liniment soothes pains, sprains and strains.
and saffron. A few drops of chamomile in a basin
China’s ancient Materia Medica Pen of warm water can be a wonderful skin Comb through hair to evict lice and
Ts’ao cites 20 essential oils, including tonic or inhale it to clear the respiratory splash diluted eucalyptus on skin to
jasmine as a general tonic, rose for tract. Also called Matricaria, from the clear pimples. You can even deodorise
digestion, chamomile for headaches and Latin for womb, chamomile is believed to the garbage bin with a eucalyptus wash
ginger for coughs. ease menstrual issues. and add it to laundry for extra freshness.
Essential oils have seeped into
all cultures — antibacterial French Chamomile blends well with bergamot, Enhance eucalyptus with earthy
lavender, calming German chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, cedarwood, frankincense, lemon,
throat-soothing English sage — and neroli, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, rose, marjoram and peppermint. Spritz a mix
aromatherapy can be used to attract ylang-ylang, palmarosa and sandalwood. of eucalyptus, lemon and pine for an
customers, lure lovers and stir appetites. alpine-fresh atmosphere.
There is mounting evidence of Avoid if allergic to the ragweed family.
their efficacy: eucalyptus has proven
antiseptic agents, ylang ylang is said
to ease epilepsy, spearmint soothes
nausea, lemon improves mental
cognition in Alzheimer’s and rosemary
is claimed to increase memory by 75
per cent.
A small supply is ample for everyday
needs. Ensure you purchase pure oils in
dark glass bottles labelled 100 per cent
essential oil and use only as directed.

Good Organic Gardening | 93

WELLBEING | AROMAS

LAVENDER LAVANDULA SPP. LEMON CITRUS LIMON PEPPERMINT Bigstock, Getty,
MENTHA × PIPERITA
This purple panacea is unbeatable for Lemon’s sharp aroma awakens the
burns, bites and brain strain. Romans senses just as its zesty taste tingles the This minty marvel keeps you cool,
used lavender lavishly in their bathing tastebuds. A study in the International clear and pain free from top to toe.
rituals — its name comes from the Journal of Food Microbiology named it Peppermint is one essential oil that can
Latin word lavare, meaning “to wash”. the most powerful antimicrobial agent be ingested if indicated on the label, but
of all essential oils, effective against E. first check with a health practitioner.
Provence is famous for its coli and salmonella.
lavender fields; the crop was used One drop of the essential oil equals
for fumigation during the great Diffuse it for antiseptic air, add 28 cups of peppermint tea, so a little
plague of the 1720s and later to to olive oil for furniture polish and goes a long way.
ward off tuberculosis. use straight to shine metal. Clean
countertops and oily surfaces with Prescribed doses can be taken orally
Lavender’s antibacterial, anti- lemon as it’s a great grease cutter. to freshen breath, protect gums, clear
inflammatory, cooling and calming sinuses and ease digestive discomfort
qualities heal a host of common Inhale lemon’s citrusy essence to related to gas, IBS or Helicobacter pylori.
concerns. Spritz, diffuse or dab stimulate the digestive, respiratory and
on directly to destress, dissipate creative juices; inhale lemon steam Peppermint cools fevers, hot flushes,
headaches and sleep deeply. Inhale to clear sinuses and lungs. Research heat exhaustion and sunburn when applied
for asthma, respiratory infections, suggests that lemon counters confusion, to the area in a lotion or oil base. When
dizziness and depression. Add to fatigue, memory loss and depression. travelling, it helps motion sickness, jet lag
carrier oil for a relaxing bath and to a In a burner, blend 2 drops each of wild and nausea and is a potent deodoriser —
compress for fevers. orange, bergamot and lemon. plus its strong smell repels insects.

Lavender is one of the few essential Derived from lemon skin, this essential oil The menthol melts muscles and
oils that can be applied straight to improves skin issues such as pigmentation, joints by stimulating circulation. Hence,
skin for burns, eczema, acne, boils or acne, sagging and oiliness. For a cleanser, people find peppermint aids arthritis,
bites. Studies have shown lavender and splash on a litre of water with 3 drops of fibromyalgia, migraine, sciatica and
almond oil rubbed on babies’ bellies lemon oil. Add to your conditioner for shiny bursitis. Massaged into aching feet,
can reduce colic and crying. hair and a dandruff-free scalp. peppermint puts pep in your step.

Spray this blissful bed blend on Lemon essential oil works well Try rubbing on your scalp to boost
your pillow for a sweet sleep: 15mL with eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, brainpower: Roman naturalist Pliny
distilled water, 2 drops lavender, 1 drop geranium, peppermint, sandalwood suggested scholars wear a mint crown
chamomile, 1 drop orange and 1 drop and ylang ylang. Lemon expires after 10 for mental clarity and the University of
ylang ylang. months, so use it or lose it. Cincinnati found peppermint increased
mental acuity by 28 per cent.

94 | Good Organic Gardening

AROMAS | WELLBEING

ROSEMARY SANDALWOOD SANTALUM SPP. TEA TREE
SALVIA ROSMARINUS MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA
This warm, woody essential oil pervades
“Rosemary, that’s for remembrance,” temples throughout Asia. Its scent Tea tree is a favourite fungus fighter: a
wrote Shakespeare. Hence we wear centres and stabilises us when we’re spray of 2 teaspoons to 2 cups water
it on memorial days to remember scattered or stressed. keeps mould and mites off plants,
soldiers’ sacrifice. surfaces, shoes and clothes. Adding a
Since Indian sandalwood is sparse few drops to washing keeps fabric fresh
Rosemary rubbed on your head and protected, Australian and Hawaiian and bug-free.
will make you brainy and beautiful. sandalwood are popular alternatives.
It promotes flake-free, glossy locks Though not as strong, they share the For clear skin, wet a cotton bud,
by stimulating scalp circulation and same antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, dip in tea-tree oil and dab on a pimple
it uplifts mood, helping to counter anti-itch and antipyretic properties. or cold sore to dry it overnight. Tea
depression and fatigue. tree’s antiseptic action also makes it an
Blend sandalwood with a carrier oil excellent wound and bite remedy.
Rosemary also dissolves stress, with such as coconut to soothe sunburn, calm
a 2007 study showing that sniffing itches, eliminate eczema, ease arthritis Its pinene properties make tea-tree
decreased cortisol levels. and clear psoriasis. a terrific decongestant for coughs,
colds and congestion: use as steam
Inhaling rosemary clears the Recent research by the Institute of inhalation, put a few drops on a tissue
sinuses and chest like an ocean Pharmaceutical Chemistry in Vienna or add to a vaporiser.
breeze. It’s claimed to clear acne, showed sandalwood oil significantly
eczema, cellulite, varicose veins and reduces hypertension and heart rate. Mix 5 per cent tea-tree oil to shampoo
puffy eyes as well as detoxify the liver to deter dandruff and nits. For a
and clear cramps or constipation. To treat acne, pigmentation or bites, warming diffuser, blend with cinnamon,
apply a paste of 5 drops sandalwood oil clary sage, clove, geranium, nutmeg,
If you’re pregnant, epileptic or have with ½ teaspoon turmeric powder and rosewood, rosemary and thyme.
high blood pressure, avoid rosemary. ½ teaspoon rosewater.

CAUTION Caroline Robertson is a passionate
practitioner and teacher of
Many essential oils are highly flammable, increase sun sensitivity and deactivate natural therapies and first aid.
homœopathics. Don’t apply undiluted essential oils, take internally, use on children Visit carolinerobertson.com.au
under six or use when pregnant unless advised by your health professional. Try a
small skin-patch test to check for sensitivity. Avoid eyes, ears and nose.

Good Organic Gardening | 95

IN SEASON | FRUIT & VEG

FRESH LOCAL

THESE FRUIT AND VEG ARE THE FRESHEST AND BEST IN OUR
SHOPS AND GARDENS DURING THE AUTUMN MONTHS

IN SEASON IN SEASON

MARCH APRIL

FRUITS VEGIES FRUITS VEGIES

Apples, bananas, berries Asian greens, beans, Apples, avocados, Asian greens, beans,
(raspberry, strawberry), broccoli, capsicums, bananas, cumquats, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
breadfruit, dates, figs, celery, chillies, cucumbers, custard apples, dates, cabbages, capsicums,
finger limes, grapes, daikon, eggplant, feijoas, figs, finger limes, carrots, cauliflower,
guava, kiwifruit, lemons, eschalots, kale, leeks, grapes, guavas, kiwifruit, celery, chillies, chokos,
limes, mangosteens, melons lettuce, mushrooms, nuts lemons, limes, mandarins cucumbers, eggplant,
(honeydew, rockmelon, (chestnuts), okra, onions, (Imperial), nashi, nuts, eschalots, fennel, garlic,
watermelon), nashi, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, olives, oranges (Valencia), ginger, kale, leeks, lettuce,
nectarines, olives, oranges squash, sweet potatoes, passionfruit, pawpaw, mushrooms, okra, onions,
(Valencia), passionfruit, sweetcorn, Swiss chard, pears, persimmons, peas, parsnips, potatoes,
pawpaw, peaches, pears, tomatoes, witlof, zucchini pomegranates, quinces, pumpkin, silverbeet,
plums, pomegranates, rhubarb, tamarillos spinach, Swiss chard,
quinces, rambutan, rhubarb, turnips, witlof
tamarillo, watermelons

SEASONAL TIP

If you’re avoiding potato for dietary or health
reasons, or you’re just bored with potato and sweet
potato fries and wedges, why not give pumpkin
chips a go? Cut them up the same way you would
with potato and lightly oil them (pure olive oil spray
is good for this), then either bake them in the oven
or do them in the air fryer if you have one.

96 | Good Organic Gardening

GARDEN TO TABLE

Breakfast time! Try these delicious plant-based alternatives
for that all-important first meal of the day.
98 Beetroot & purple carrot muffins
99 Corn & kale fritters
100 Sweet potato & buckwheat pancakes
101 Pea & goat’s curd tart

Images and text from Egg of the Universe by Bryony and Harry Lancaster,
photography by Alan Benson. Murdoch Books RRP $49.99.

Good Organic Gardening | 97

GARDEN TO TABLE | BEETROOT

BEETROOT & PURPLE CARROT MUFFINS

MAKES 16–18 INGREDIENTS

We like to play around with cakes and sweets that involve some vegetable • 1 cup (200g) rapadura sugar
elements, and purple carrots are especially fun to use for their beautiful colour. • 1 cup (160g) brown rice flour
This most recent carrot muffin recipe by our chef Gabe is beautifully fudgy and • 1 heaped tablespoon baking powder
has that little extra verve from the golden beetroot icing. No golden beetroot? • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Top them with cream or yoghurt instead. • 4 cups (600g) grated purple carrot
• 2 cups (280g) grated beetroot,
METHOD
scrubbed, then grated with the skin on
1. For golden beetroot icing, cover golden beetroot with water in a small saucepan, • ¾ cup (180mL) olive oil
• 3 organic eggs
bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer until soft. Cool, then puree with • Sumac or beetroot powder, to serve
lemon juice in a blender. Transfer to a saucepan. Whisk together sugar, pectin • Whipped yoghurt or coconut cream,
and spices, then add to beetroot. Bring to a gentle simmer to activate the pectin,
stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature, then chill. to serve

2. Preheat oven to 170°C. Whisk together sugar, rice flour, baking powder and Golden beetroot icing
• 200g golden beetroot, peeled
cinnamon in a large bowl, then add carrot and beetroot. The sugar in the mix will • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
begin to macerate the vegetables and draw out their juices. Pour the oil over this • 50g raw sugar
mix and gently fold it through. • ½ teaspoon pectin
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
3. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, then add them to the batter and fold through until • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

thoroughly incorporated. Once combined, transfer batter into lined muffin moulds
and bake for 15–20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into a muffin comes out clean
(or with only the merest hint of purple).

4. Top each muffin with a spoonful of golden beetroot icing, dust with sumac or

beetroot powder, and serve with whipped yoghurt or coconut cream.

98 | Good Organic Gardening

KALE | GARDEN TO TABLE

CORN & KALE FRITTERS

SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS

As a gluten-free family, we’re often denied the regular dishes that everyone • 130g kale, finely shredded
else seems to enjoy — croissants, schnitzel, hash browns and, of course, that • 2 small–medium corn cobs,
classic Australian brunch dish, corn fritters. On our journey with good food
that happens to be gluten-free to honour Bryony and our coeliac daughter, kernels sliced off
Olive, we’ve reinvented all these dishes. Not only do we think they taste better, • 6 organic eggs, 2 separated
they also feel better in our bodies, so it’s a win-win. These fritters are light and • 100g buckwheat flour
easy to digest and make a great addition to our weekend brunch repertoire. • 2 tablespoons ghee, coconut oil or
A splash of hot sauce at the end will add a little kick. We normally serve these
with classic smashed avocado, tomato salsa, some thinly sliced fresh or pickled olive oil, plus extra olive oil for drizzling
jalapeño and a simple green salad. • Smashed avocado, sliced jalapeños

METHOD (optional) and a green salad, to serve

1. For salsa, toss ingredients together and season to taste with salt. Tomato salsa
2. Preheat oven to 100°C. Stir kale, corn, eggs, egg yolks (reserve the egg whites), • 2⅓ cups (350g) cherry tomatoes
• ½ red onion, diced
flour, 100mL water and 1 teaspoon salt together well. Whisk egg whites to stiff • 4 coriander sprigs, finely chopped
peaks, then gently fold them through kale and corn batter. They’ll deflate a bit, but • 1 dried smoked chilli (such as ancho),
the whites will help the fritters become nice and fluffy.
soaked for 10 minutes in hot water,
3. Heat a cast-iron frying pan over medium–high heat. Add half the ghee or oil, swirling then chopped

to coat, then spoon in large dollops of batter. Fry for 2–3 minutes each side until
nicely browned, then transfer to oven to keep warm while you cook remaining fritters.

4. Serve with smashed avocado, tomato salsa and a green salad drizzled with olive oil.

Good Organic Gardening | 99

GARDEN TO TABLE | SWEET POTATO

SWEET POTATO & BUCKWHEAT PANCAKES

MAKES 16–18

This dish was originally created by Brendon Vallejo, one of our early chefs. We serve a single fat pancake
with sweet potato and seeds to give it a nutritional boost that takes it far beyond the simple happiness
formula of carbs, butter and sugar. Start this recipe a day ahead to soak the flours and seeds.

INGREDIENTS METHOD

• 2¼ cups (300g) buckwheat flour 1. Whisk together both flours, chia seeds, linseeds and cinnamon in a large bowl.
• ⅔ cup (110g) brown rice flour
• 1½ tablespoons chia seeds Add about 3 cups (750mL) water to the bowl — so that the mixture weighs 1.2kg
• 2 tablespoons linseeds (flaxseeds)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon in total — whisking and stirring the water through to create a thick batter. Cover
• 3 organic eggs
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder and allow batter to rest and activate overnight.
• 1 cup (125g) grated sweet potato
• ⅓ cup (80mL) coconut oil 2. When you are ready to make your pancakes, preheat oven to 200°C. Whisk
• Cashew cream, to serve
• Poached pears, to serve together eggs and baking powder in a bowl and fold grated sweet potato through.
• Maple syrup, to serve
Add this to soaked batter and combine thoroughly.
Caramelised bananas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 3. Heat a small, ovenproof frying pan over medium–high heat and add 1 tablespoon
• 2 bananas, halved lengthways
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter coconut oil and a large ladleful of pancake batter; this should immediately sizzle

up around the edges. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the underside is nice and golden,

then flip it, either with a flick of the wrist or with a spatula. Cook for 1 minute,

then gently tease out pancake, transfer to a baking tray and place in the oven

for 5 minutes until firm to the touch (you can start another pancake in this time).

Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

4. Wipe pan and repeat with oil and batter to make 4 pancakes in total.
5. Meanwhile, for caramelised bananas, heat oil in a separate frying pan over medium

heat. Add banana, cut side down, and fry for 3 minutes until golden. Add butter to

the pan, allowing it to sizzle and melt, then remove from heat.

6. Serve pancakes with a generous dollop of cashew cream, caramelised bananas,

poached pears and maple syrup.

100 | Good Organic Gardening