Doggone Gardening | Gardener

Doggone Gardening

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25.01.2022 Today's post is about awareness. In a simple conversation with a veteran's wife yesterday about the weather, it slipped that they had no wood. Now it's the end of the season for firewood purchasing and I know personally that sellers have had they challenges with rain and vehicles bogged. So supply is slim. This weekend we have snow only a short drive from Mudgee. So this simple statement made me stop. I turned to face her and gave her all of my attention and asked her if she... was alright. The answer was "no". In very little time a long term solution was found. A local firewood supplier, Alan from Dunedoo, was sourced to go to their property and cut them a supply during the coming summer to split and age for next winter. For the immediate solution, a handful of Mudgee RSL Sub Branch and Mudgee & Districts Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers & Peacemakers Assoc Inc are on the road this morning heading to the property 40 klm away, complete with chainsaws, cut lunches, thermos of tea, and plenty of cold weather gear! We even had offers from members who are stuck at home with washed out roads at their place, offering their wood. The generosity of spirit is a wonderful thing. I want to take this opportunity to thank these men and women, and their families for their spirit of camaraderie, community, volunteering and generosity. My point of this post is to be aware that everyone is dealing with challenges in their lives and the clues to their needing help when they cannot ask, is in our every day conversations. Stay safe everyone Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

25.01.2022 I overheard a woman saying to her friend "I paid a gardener to mulch my garden and I still have weeds!" Short answer: You will always have weeds! Check out the different mulches used in my pictures. Long answer: Whether you chose weed matting (plastic vs bio-degradable weed matting), sheet mulching (cardboard and newspaper plus wood chip/straw) or hay/lucerne/straw or stones/pebbles etc you will still get weeds. Your choice depends on your short and long term targets for e...ach garden bed. However expect VASTLY fewer weeds than if you did not mulch. A seasonal weeding session at the very least will be required. So what mulch will you choose to suppress weeds? All of them have pros and cons. When you do your research and cost analysis, here are some questions you may wish to consider: Q:How will your mulch affect your ability to change planting in the future? Either adding plants or removing them. For example in Mudgee, the decorative pebbles from 5mm to large stones are very popular, as is the use of weed matting. Q:How much time (labour) to just to remove them to either remove a sick or dying tree/plant or replace or add new? Q:How will you control the weeds that reproduce below the surface? Q:Think about onion weed, or nutgrass or oxalis - where by pulling them out do you trigger more? Q:Do you want to smother grass and weeds now, and allow the mulch to breakdown and enrich the soil for future planting? Q:Do you want to plant seeds or seedlings? The type and depth of the mulch will help or hinder. All of these questions are to stimulate your creation and generation of possibilities for your garden. So...... Q:What can you create, generate and institute that will give you the garden you want now and in the future? Q:What can show up that you had not even considered? If you’re looking for someone enthusiastic and keen to create the right garden space for you, call me on 0421 805 780 and let’s plan it together! I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener. Also I observe all the necessary Covid safe protocols at all times. Stay safe everyone! Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

22.01.2022 Snails and slugs bugging you and your garden? What do you do? Personally I am using beer traps and NOT my partners good beer!! That makes you REALLY unpopular Other options are: spray a coffee mix (one part espresso to ten parts water) on the plants they like to eat and around them areas. Create obstacles of crushed eggshells, lime, wood ash, wood shavings and sawdust around plants. Mulch the area with some strong smelling herbs like wormwood, mint, tansy or lemon balm. ...And add some pine needles. Also I put strips of copper foil around near the top of pots or raised garden beds or citrus rind halves out. If you collect them from your plants pop them into a bottle with water and soap in it. It kills them, and kills any fertilised eggs in snail shells. If you have any great ideas to share, I’d love to hear about them. I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener. If you’ve got a project in mind and need help to achieve it, let’s chat Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

22.01.2022 So what’s the right plant for the job? Here is an example. This is a north facing bed. This rockery was created and here is a no-nonsense plant. The chinese plumbago. Each plant doesn't get taller than 30-40cm. It flowers profusely with blue flowers. Cut back once a year. No finesse required. Seeds itself. We don't water or feed this rockery and it thrives. We added some tiny cactus as an accent 3 years ago. Every year I cut out whole sections and we are moving them to unde...r the tank stand to out compete the random weeds that come up and share with friends and family. What is a bomb-proof plant in your garden that you want to share? If you’re looking for someone enthusiastic to find the right plant for the job, call me on 0421 805 780 and let’s plan it together! I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener. Also I observe all the necessary Covid safe protocols at all times. Stay safe everyone! Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

22.01.2022 Is your garden phenomenal? Do you want it to be? What does a phenomenal garden mean to you? What does it feel like? (e.g: Cool, shaded areas, structured beds, fruit trees, veggies, complementing bbq and entertaining areas) What does it look like? (e.g: as many flowers as possible or vegetable in amongst the flowers, or no nonsense structure/formal plantings or bowling green grass) ... Do you currently have an ordinary garden or an extraordinary garden? (P.S. Extraordinary is simply only "extra" above ordinary!) What possibilities can you see for your garden? If we are limited by the knowledge we currenly have, what have you not even considered could be possible for your garden? Most people start from limitations such as: I can only spend "X" amount. I have to afford the whole project, before I start. my land is flat, so I cannot have ..... my land is sloped, so I cannot have ..... I can only select trees, shrubs, bulbs or flowers etc that do well in Mudgee Yet what garden calls to you? Maybe it is a tropical landscape, formal English style, cottage garden style, permaculture-based, Australian native, or desert scape garden! What about considering your possibilities such as: start small and build on to your garden (complete stages) have an overhaul and get instant (relatively speaking) result. get a consultation to give you a plan do it yourself - whole or parts of plan hire a gardener/landscaper to implement plan Keep asking "What is possible?" And "What else is possible?" and "How is this possible?" These questions, without looking for the answers, will increase your awareness, and the "How would I like my garden to feel?" will come to you. So what does your garden "feel" like? Too much work? = one solution is a native garden. Peace and calm? = one solution is many flowers. Another solution is trees and shrubs to create a cooler microclimate in your yard. So when it comes to your garden space, stay in the question - What is possible? And "What else is possible?" If hiring a professional gardener becomes part of the answers you receive, please call me as this is what I love and do for a living! Cheers Bettina Franklin Not your average gardener Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

20.01.2022 Composting leaves is a great way to make great soil. I made one in 45mins including tying the chicken wire to the fencing, and 2 star pickets, using a pile of slightly composted leaves and 2 garbage bins full of eucalypt leaves and Chinese Pistachio leaves, plus 5 bags of aged chicken poop. This was done in alternate layers, finishing with leaves. The whole thing was watered in. This is a set and forget compost although I recommend occasionally checking on it to ensure i...t is wet enough to keep it "hot" which keeps the leaves composting. Have you got a special event like an outdoor wedding happening at your home and need to get your garden looking the part? I’d love to help you restore it to its former glory or add to its beautification in time for that important day! Call me and let’s plan it together. Have a sensational week! Bettina Franklin Not your average gardener Doggone Gardening - Mudgee 0421 805 780

20.01.2022 Topic for today is ROSES & APHIDS. After our amazing first flush of rose blooms in Mudgee, everyone noticed aphids. What to do? Wait for the ladybugs is an ideal strategy, however I have 2 more suggestions. One is pyrethrum spray, it's a short term solution and is available in a container more suited to only a few rose bushes. I much prefer buying eco oil and eco fungicide and make up a spray bottle with both in it. This is economical and covers both the aphids/thrips ...and any black spot. When to spray is also important. First thing in the morning before the heat of the day or when the day has cooled off significantly in the evening. Saturate the areas to be treated (referring to black spot as well). Deadhead your roses and get ready for the continued blooms. More labour intensive methods include squishing them with your fingers or Soap Spray Mix teaspoon mild dish washing liquid and 1 teaspoon cooking oil in a 1 litre sprayer filled with water. Spray liberally over entire plant. To be effective, this method needs repeated applications every few days and again after rain. Now.....stop for a second and breathe in your gorgeous roses I am now taking bookings for 2021, so please call me with your New Year gardening plans and let’s work on them together. Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

20.01.2022 Edible weeds anyone? I was inspired by my colleague, who makes nettle pesto, so I looked for a non-dairy recipe and made it. From soaking, to blanching to the food processor with the other ingredients and then to the bowl with rice noodles. YUM! I kept some and dried them for nettle tea (bottom right pick). What have you made? Doggone Gardening - my company - is based in Mudgee. I can help you design your garden, advise you on the best things to plant, source what’s nee...ded, and implement your garden set up. Let me help you love your garden! I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener Have a great week everyone! Cheers Bettina Franklin 0421 805 780

19.01.2022 From tubestock to planting Which tree variety will you plant? What is the purpose? How long will it need establishing itself? How long will it live? ... Deciduous or evergreen? What is the root system like? How close to pipes or buildings will you plant? I’d love to encourage a discussion of things that you’ve done with regards to successful & unsuccessful tree planting in your garden or on your property. Please feel free to pop your comments and photos here. In the meantime, let me help you! Doggone Gardening - my company - is based in Mudgee. I can help you design your garden, advise you on the best trees to plant, source what’s needed, and implement your garden set up. Let me help you love your garden! I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener. Also I observe all the necessary Covid safe protocols at all times. Stay safe everyone! Cheers Bettina Franklin 0421 805 780

19.01.2022 Mid to Late winter flowers. What's in your garden? When thinking about planting, one aspect is when plants flower, and another is height and texture. Plant for effect. For example, the soft grey foliage of lavender with tall spikes of purple, or iris with it's flat silver green strappy fronds and it's taller splashes of blossoms, or the dark green leaves of the escalonia with it's small sprays of white or pink. What about those deciduous trees or shrubs that give shelter... to your bulbs in summer and then lose their leaves to allow those bulbs light and warmth to grow and flower? Gardens are ever changing and evolving. What a joy! Let me bring happiness and joy to your garden space and let me work along side you to achieve the things you have in mind. Let’s chat and see what’s the best way forward. Have a great weekend! Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening Not your average gardener 0421 805 780

16.01.2022 What are you planning for the upcoming long weekend? Is it time in the garden? What will you do? We decided to upscale our compost area and got started on the project. You can see we have used recycled washing machine parts, corrugated iron, old bricks, and pallets. We originally had a 2 bay compost however it wasn't big enough, so we have moved it and increased it. You can also see we lined the shed (it is at an angle whereas the compost bays are level!!) and the colo...urbond fence to protect again long term rust and deterioration. Now you may not have a composting system. Would you like one? Why not start small with a backyard tumbler - check out buy, swap and sell. Then when you know what your household is capable of, you can upsize. What other projects are you planning for the long weekend? I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener. If you’ve got a project in mind and need help to achieve it, let’s chat! I love to work alongside people creating beautiful and clever garden spaces to enhance your lifestyle Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

15.01.2022 Hey, did you know that if you cut off the bottom inch and half (3-4cm) of celery and sit it in a dish of water to cover the bottom, it sprouts roots and can then be planted? Cool huh! What about Lettuce? It’s great from seedlings but that's expensive. Buy seed and put them where you want it. As they grow cut out the middle ones where they are growing close together. You get a sweeter baby lettuce and you are thinning the lettuce patch so the remaining ones have more room t...o grow. It's a way to have more for longer. If you buy seedlings then only cut off the outer leaves and it will continue to grow and produce. All depends on your frequency of eating and space you have to grow. The picture shows 12 seedlings (with Lebanese cress in the middle) Happy planting all. Lett -uce know if I can be of help with starting up or maintaining your veggie garden! Just call me and we’ll get you sorted Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

15.01.2022 Who gets excited by the opportunity or space to plant?? Me!! And the result is overplanting I was a little excited about silver beet and rocket in my garden and now I share on a weekly basis with some of my clients, a bag of fresh spinach! A girlfriend was having a get together and I said "come pick your salad" so we caught up on each other's lives as I picked through my garden picking lettuce, rocket leaves and flowers, radishes, cress, celery, dandelion, and carrot top...s. It was fun Now I am sharing my excitement over sweet peas. I planted regular, semi dwarf and dwarf varieties. So wonderful! The scent outside their kitchen is heavenly. Next year I will plant some for myself as well!! I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardenerIf improving your planting skills is on your to do list, then let’s chat to see how I can help. Enjoy your long weekend Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

14.01.2022 Thought I’d share some lawn tips for Spring with you Well for starters, I am not a lover of lawn and nor am I an expert. In fact, I rarely mow for clients any more as I enjoy the gardening so much more and there are lawn mowing specialists here in and around Mudgee that do a terrific job. So what are we talking about? Tackling the clover in the growing lawn after the weekly rain we have had recently. If you have not been mowing up until now, you are probably wanting to ge...t mowing now. So start high and go lower. In the picture I mowed on level 7 (so high) and because of the amount of clover, I continued in the same direction for the whole section. Then I reversed the direction and mowed on a lower level (No.5). My client likes a shorter edge, so I did the outer edge on level 4. As boring as it is, emptying the catcher frequently assists the cutting process and reduces the need to take up the mulched grass that kicks out of the catcher when it's too full. Now why did I reverse the direction? The clover lies down in the direction of your mowing so you get a better mow. Once you have achieved a great lawn, keep it up. Mow regularly and you will enjoy your lawn. Oh and don’t forget to Weed'nFeed after rain I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener. All Covid safe practices observed at all times. If improving your garden space is on your to do list, then let’s chat to see what we can come up with together! Happy Sunday everyone Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

12.01.2022 How satisfying is it to be able to put together a salad from the garden? 2 types of lettuce including baby Cos. Lebanese cress, celery tops, rocket, white radish and leaves. I lost my tomato 3 weeks ago in the last frost so had to buy tomatoes and I haven't grown cucumbers in years, so might put them on the list of things to grow!Thyme and oregano to go in the locally made (Crave Natural Foods) organic olive oil for dressing. My garden is a "plant or seed and go" garden.... I am a busy gardener so I don't have much time for my own. I work with an amazing colleague who is a Permaculture specialist and I established two garden beds as "lasagna composting beds" and then chose yummy veggies that don't require looking after. Water, mulch and pruning (which are my salad and dinner veggies). There are even some strawberries for dessert My next project garden bed will be self seeding flowers. My target is to have flowers all year round in that bed. Yesterday saw an Australian Native bee in the rocket so that confirmed it for me Keep you in the loop for how it goes! If you’re looking for someone enthusiastic to put together or spruce up your garden to plate collection, call me on 0421 805 780 and let’s plan it together! Happy Father’s Day to all those great Dad’s out there Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

12.01.2022 Have you wondered why you are not having success growing chokos when yours shoot well but die when you plant them? The top picture shows the shooting stages. You can plant when at the stage of the chokos on the left hand side. The bottom picture shows how to plant. You need to plant sideways with the shoot on the top. The bottom part of the shoot is where the roots will form from. So you need to bury them enough so that only the top 1/3 of the "seed" is above the soil. ... I recommend planting it outside in a clear spot that gets lots of sun. Keep the soil from drying out, and provide a trellis to support your vines. The vines will flower in late summer and, by early autumn, you'll be able to harvest the fruits of your labor. Doggone Gardening - my company - is based in Mudgee. I can help you design your garden, advise you on the best things to plant, when to plant them, source what’s needed, and implement your garden set up. Let me help you love your garden! I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener Stay safe everyone! Cheers Bettina Franklin 0421 805 780

12.01.2022 It’s 2 days away from Spring and everything is sprouting up, including the weeds. Now a weed can simply be a plant you don't want in that spot. By now you have noticed little seedlings everywhere, especially if you are in the vicinity of a Chinese Elm, which are so popular and prolific here in and around Mudgee. The largest picture and top right, shows these seeds sprouting. Did you know you only need to disturb them and they won't grow! So your weeding time is hugely red...uced. The other pictures are of barley straw used as mulch - that’s now also sprouting after our wonderful rain. One, it's inexpensive and two, it sprouts. So what do you do? Simply flip it over. In no time at all the barley that has sprouted becomes part of the mulch process again. Remember do not mulch up to the base of any plant. Leave a 5cm clearance at least. I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener. All Covid safe practices observed at all times Happy Sunday everyone Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

10.01.2022 Winter is the pruning season for roses and stone fruits. Thought I’d do a quick run through of the basic equipment you will need to prune: Secatures, loppers, a saw, ... sharpener sterilizing spray/dip strong leather gloves I also added a ratchet secatures and have a pair of ratchet loppers. (The ratchet options are great for anyone who does not have optimal hand strength.) I won’t be giving rose pruning advice here today because there are several ways to prune roses, and it all depends on the end result required. For example, you may wish to use your roses in vases, firstly the species of rose will need to be appropriate, (a miniature variety would not work!), then you might wish to encourage a lot of canes, and therefore you prune leaving many growth buds in the directions that would suit multiple growth. Remember check out a reputable supplier that has good stock of pruning equipment and can give you good, cost effective recommendations. If you need any help with pruning tools or need a job done, please give me a call 0421 805 780. I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener! Also I observe all the necessary Covid safe protocols at all times. Stay safe everyone Cheers Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

10.01.2022 If you didn't remember to check your fire alarm when you turned your clocks forward, now is the chance. Do it before you forget. Your life could depend on it!

04.01.2022 Hey everyone - let’s talk Artichokes - Globe Artichoke vs Jerusalem! The globe artichoke is a variety of thistle, a large, architectural perennial that looks great when grown in flower beds and borders. The Jerusalem artichoke is a species of sunflower, grown for its edible tubers. These are a real winter treat, although an acquired taste for some.... I am so excited about my first Globe Artichokes to eat. In winter I enjoyed the Jerusalem artichokes with a roast and in soups. I just love growing stuff to eat in my garden. If you love growing stuff but need a little helping hand, why not call me and let's chat. I’m a consulting gardener as well as a working one BUT I’m not your average gardener I am now taking bookings for 2021 so would love to pop you into my very quickly filling diary! A HUGE thank you to all my clients - your support is humbling and so invigorating. With much gratitude Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

03.01.2022 Hey everyone - I'm having a GARAGE SALE TOMORROW between 8am & 1pm - time to move things on. Come join me and grab a bargain! With much gratitude Bettina Franklin Doggone Gardening, Mudgee 0421 805 780

01.01.2022 Every gardener makes mistakes or plants later than recommended, or forgets to label what seeds they planted. Sometimes there are things you can do to "help" a not so ideal situation. I was so keen to get cauliflower and broccoli in this year, but because I have been blessed with work, I ended up planting the seedlings over 6 weeks later than the last opportune planting time. What did I do to help them? Built a quick tunnel to increase the heat for the big planting sec...tion and used milk/coke bottles for the single plants in the mixed garden. They doubled in size in a week and are doing great. Go me! If you’ve got a special event like an outdoor wedding happening at your home and need to get your garden looking the part, I’d love to help you restore it to its former glory or add to its beautification in time for that important day! Call me and let’s plan it together. Have a sensational week! Bettina Franklin Not your average gardener Doggone Gardening - Mudgee 0421 805 780