Instant Plants With Jody Rigby

 
Fill a sparse garden in an instant using plants that can be transplanted or propagated easily to give you the look of an established garden.

AGAVES

Agaves are the perfect example as they form big clumps, which are perfect to divide.

About 20cm of stem is required to provide good anchorage into the ground, with exposed roots a bonus. They can then go straight in the ground. As they can be top heavy, tamp the soil down well for support. Agaves are extremely hardy and will grow fast in most parts of Australia, but do not like frost.

FRANGIPANIS

Frangipanis can be expensive but not if you propagate from cuttings. Wait for your cuttings to dry out for about 2 to 3 weeks, which enables some callous tissue to form at the end, from which the roots will shoot. Roots need good aeration and drainage, so use a propagation mix, which is sandier than regular soil.

Frangipanis are deciduous and will lose their leaves in winter, making it great shade tree in summer and allowing the sun to come through in the colder months. A sunny position with good drainage is essential, and not too much watering is required, making them a good companion plant for agaves, which also flourish in similar conditions. A large frangipani will cost about $250 to purchase.

A final touch of mulch looks great, suppresses weeds and helps retain moisture in the soil.

Other plants to consider:

• Large succulents (divide or cut the parent plant for propagating small succulents)
• Cane-like plants – yuccas, dracenas and cordylines

  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • RSS

0 comments:

Post a Comment