Four Seasons
To keep you updated with the latest news and reviews on gardening topics, the Gardeners' Circle WA Inc. offers a magazine, 4 times a year. This magazine is called 'Four Seasons' and is free to members (AU$3.00 to non-members). An edited transcript of speakers presentations, seasonal tips and 'Jobs to do' for each month, a general events diary and information on discounts to members can be found in the magazine.
This page features some articles from the Four Seasons, edited by Suzanne Marsh, with assistance from Jacques Maissin, Ellie Collins, and Frances Docherty.
'Letters To the Editor' can be emailed to Suzanne Marsh (magazine editor) at [email protected]
This page features some articles from the Four Seasons, edited by Suzanne Marsh, with assistance from Jacques Maissin, Ellie Collins, and Frances Docherty.
'Letters To the Editor' can be emailed to Suzanne Marsh (magazine editor) at [email protected]
president’s perspective
president’s perspective
Bit by bit I’ve been making my garden a safer place. By safer, I mean I’ve been removing hazards that may cause me to slip, trip and possibly fall. Why would I bother? Well it’s known that one in four people over the age of 65 will have
at least one fall each year. Apart from the indignity and possible difficulty getting up after a fall, if you’ve got dodgy bones (i.e. Osteoporosis or Osteopenia), there’s
also the chance of a fracture and the resultant pain, reduced independence, surgery etc. Falls occur for many reasons as people age, some are unalterable, but with
regard to the garden I thought it was worth addressing hazards. I’m not a risk taker and prefer the safety odds to be favourable.
The ‘safer garden’ project started by removing clutter, including a lot of unnecessary pots. In fact I introduced a rule, with the exception of Hoyas, no new pots. Other clutter included things that might be useful one day and garden debris. Most was compostable or recyclable and was moved on. Overgrowth along pathways was pruned to ensure a wider clearer path. Uneven footpaths were leveled and paving that was a trip hazard taken up and re-laid. The house and garden is wheelchair accessible, i.e. no steps but the edge of the ramp and the
verandah were potential hazards. Fortunately large pots with an assortment of edible figs grow along the ramp drop-off and a variety of shade-creating bushy shrubs in large pots form a barrier signposting the end of the verandah (introduced pre pot embargo). The garden shed was reorganised to eliminate stretching, reaching and climbing over equipment and supplies to lay
my hands on the thing I needed, making it far more practical.
Seasonal tasks include collecting and removing autumn leaves. Rather than enjoying the colour and mess they create, I’ve become more vigilant about keeping them in check as the drifts are slippery especially when damp. Picking up debris tossed to the ground by Black Cockatoos as they shred the olive tree is another essential short-lived seasonal task as is clearing moss
from between pavers. It looks quaint but is definitely slippery.
Fortunately some things didn’t need to be changed. I already had a couple of raised garden beds to reduce bending and kneeling, have a retractable hose making it easy to tidy away, and wear functional flat sensible shoes for garden tasks.
Like all garden activities, some of these were one-off tasks, others seasonal, and others when needed, so I’ll need to stay alert for changes. More issues will arise but these initial activities addressed my aim of creating a safer space. An astute aim, as I would like to remain upright and intact, and to be able to tend the garden long-term.
Spring always has so much to offer: longer warmer days, new growth, bulbs bursting into life, the budding, flowering and
re-growth of everything flora, give a mostly green outlook after the winter rain. Marvelous! Such a delightful and inspiring time to enjoy your garden, those you pass when out walking or visit socially. Hopefully my annual display of pink and white everlastings on the verge will be stunning and I’m hoping for a spectacular show of blue Rottnest Island Daisies, courtesy of Seed
Savers, at the back.
While enjoying the seasonal delights of spring, part of us will be adjusting to the loss of two of our valuedCircle members: Rena Boland and Ardea Murphy. We remember them fondly, are grateful for them and their unique contribution to the Circle, which became an integral component in the amalgam of individuals that is the Gardeners’ Circle.
Stay safe.
Jill Adams