Welcome to My Garden

Riley Jordan has been a mad keen gardener for 20+ years. She lives in the Dandenong ranges which are about 50km east of the city of Melbourne, Australia.

Spring preparation in the herb garden and rose beds.

Her current garden is just under half an acre (quarter of a hectare) and features about 40 tall messmate eucalyptus trees, 3 large conifers and numerous camellia’s, rhododendrons, ferns, azaleas, roses, geraniums, herbs and a vegie patch. The lawn is mainly a mix of moss, flat weed and some grass. The aim is to go all moss as it doesn't need mowing and it's very romantic.

The Grand Old Lemon Tree

Riley's favourite plants are a really old lemon tree and a frilly red and white flowered azalea. The lemon tree gives her fruit even though it is almost in full shade. The lemon tree is like a grand old lady who's make up is not quite right, frail but proud.

When I go for a walk, this is the view. I only get glimpses of this from my garden.

Riley moved to 'the hills' about 17 years ago when the garden was made up of nearly every listed weed in the area. The soil is heavy clay littered with shale rock and to top it off, there has been a drought in south eastern Australia for the last 12 years. The garden has been a challenge, a joy and overwhelming, sometimes all at once.

View from the window after a hail shower.

The garden has had many incarnations as drought has claimed many shrubs that were long established. Riley's plan for Spring (Sept/Oct 2008) is to strike various plants for a hedge in addition to her regular planting and her snail relocation program.

The summer of 2006 was a bumper crop. If you stood still for too long you it would have grown right over you. As Elvis would say "It's a Hunk O' Harvest".

Feature Plant Snippet

My Apple Tree

Please click to enlarge, use back button to return

Apple trees are wonderful as ornamental plants. The fresh fruit is a bonus. You can espalier them so they can be a dinkum lanscape plant..... and the blossom is just stunning.

Height : Small to medium tree. Dwarf Varieties are available.

Climate: Needs cool temperate climate. Lots of sun in summer, at least 6 hours a day.

Soil : good soil, will take clay but not too heavy. Try adding lots of organic material if your soil is too heavy.

You will need two trees to pollinate each other. Talk to your nursery person for advice on varieties.

Planting Tip: If your soil is poor, spend some time impoving it, even over a few months before planting. You will be well rewarded!

Apple Orchard Idea:

If you're mad keen on apples, how about planting lots of different varieties so you get crops over a long period. Be prepared for the birds...now there is a whole topic just there!