From The Green Shed

Can Alocasias really bring us happiness if we live in Gippsland ?

Winter check in time for your String of Pearls

Rosemary An ANZAC tradition . Plants for remembrance. Plants for pots.

We understand the only thing you really want to know about fungus gnats is “how do I get rid of them?” but here at Greener Life Inverloch we want to try and teach you a little bit of bug science so you can understand them a little bit more. WHY do you ask – because it may help you to change your plant care routines a little and actually stop them coming back. You know; stop the spread, flatten the curve , eradicate not just get rid of the ones you can see. The role fungus gnats play in nature (yes there is a role) is to assist the decomposition process on the forest floor. They feed on rotting wood, fungi, organic matter and plant roots of weakened or diseased plant SO when they decide to infiltrate your home you will find them infesting areas where water pools and there is enough moisture for fungi to grow; think leaky pipes, damp compost, mould and mildew spots, underneath pots and of course ; overwatered plants!

Thought we would start the week with a begonia check up. Many of us fell in love with Dotty over the warmer months and for some it was the first begonia you have taken home. In mid climates these begonias will thrive all year round, in cold coastal Gippsland I know some of you are experiencing some challenges with leaf loss and powdery mildew.  Begonias are susceptible to fungal problems which is why when you purchased one from Greener Life that was to live in Gippsland we would have explained that you don’t mist spray the leaves of begonias, they don’t like to live in bathrooms as the humidity can encourage mildew growth in cooler weather and its best to water as they dry out a little, keeping them on the dryer side in winter.

Time to check in on your snake plants as we head towards winter in Gippsland so we can ensure they emerge from the cold strong and ready for some spring growth and maybe -just maybe some spring flowers. Yep they do flower, albeit very randomly but when they do it is quite a treat- long stems of tiny little slightly fragrant flowers that stand proud against the plant’s upright rigid leaves.

Will you take the #30greenminutes challenge? Are you a garden, gardening or plant lover already? Then you probably know there has always been a deep seated human need for contact with nature to enrich our lives, alleviate stress and improve overall wellbeing. Sadly with the onset of modern technologies, urban movement closer to cities, smaller home block sizes with limited garden spaces and time-poor busy lifestyles it seems people have never been more disassociated with plants and gardens and the age-old joy of gardening. It is possible that many of us, including children can go for days without any real interaction with plants and gardens, all at a time when research continues to show significant benefits plants and gardens can have on improving our physical and mental health and well-being.

As we switch over to a new season it is always the perfect time to stop and take a breath and see what our priorities should be for the months ahead. If you are into housework you may love a good spring clean, but if you are into houseplants or gardening you may be keen for an Autumn check up.

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