A How to Guide for Creating Your Own Easy Care Garden - Clarence City, Tasmania

1. How does your
garden grow?
A HOW-TO GUIDE FOR CREATING
YOUR OWN EASY CARE GARDEN

2. Contents
Introduction 3
Message of Support – Tino Carnevale 4
Why Easy Care Gardening? 5
HOW
Raised Garden Beds 6
Easy Gardening 6
Soil Mix Recipe 7
Water Wise Gardeing 7
Mulch 8
Compost 8
Joan’s Tip: Propagating Roses 9
Sun Protection 10
Kev’s Tip: Recycle Potting Soil 10
Choosing Plants 11
Organic Recipes for Pest Control 12
Herbs 13
RESOURCES
Some Useful Resources 15
Companion Planting 16
Marie’s Tips: Companion Planting 18
Other Great Companions 18
Garden Design 20
Clarence Plant Species List 22
RECIPES & TIPS
Bellerive Primary School 24
Geilston Bay High School 26
South Arm Primary School 28
Lauderdale Primary School 30
Clarendon Vale Primary School 31
Notes & IDeas 32
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Council’s Positive Ageing Advisory Committee
(CPAAC) and volunteers from the Clarence Community
Volunteer Service (CCVS), for their commitment, time and
support in the development of this resource.
Thank you to all schools, groups and individuals who provided
their handy tips, recipes and resources and allowed us to
photograph them and their gardens.
2 How does your garden grow?

3. How does your garden grow? 3
Introduction
Welcome to Clarence City Council’s new resource to help you ‘plant ahead’
for the future.
The seed was planted for “How does your garden grow?” back in 2009 when
the Clarence Community Volunteer Service (CCVS) teamed up with Council’s
Positive Ageing Advisory Committee (CPAAC).
With the help of dedicated and hard working volunteer gardeners, older
clients of the service were assisted in transforming their unmanageable
gardens into more easy care, low maintenance.
Simple changes to the gardens such as mulching to reduce weeds, creating
raised beds, and choosing water wise plants, helped them to enjoy their
gardens more; feel better about remaining in their homes or ‘ageing in place’;
and have more time to pursue other activities.
Council is very supportive of the philosophy
behind this resource kit, which is let’s start early
to look at how our own gardens grow before
it becomes too late to be able to manage and
care for them as we grow older.
On behalf of the Clarence Community
Volunteer Service and CPAAC, we hope that
no matter what age you are, this resource will
provide information that will inspire you to
think and start planning and planting ahead
how your garden grows.
It is never too early to start!
Alderman Doug Chipman Marie – CPAAC member at the Warrane Mornington
Chair of the CPAAC and Deputy Mayor Neighbourhood Centre garden

4. Message of Support
Growing our own food is one of the most rewarding things we can do for ourselves and our families but
we don’t always think about what a positive effect it can also have on our community at large.
It has been very inspiring to witness the explosion of gardening projects across the state, with schools, garden
clubs, councils and self-motivated groups coming together to create this movement towards self sufficiency.
You may find that you start a garden for a single reason, to grow seasonal food or to save money, but then find
that there are added benefits such as improved health and spending more time with your family. As we harvest
our fruit and vegies, we can also take a moment to appreciate that we are part of something much larger, a
global community.
Tino Carnevale
ABC Gardening Australia
4 How does your garden grow?

5. How does your garden grow? 5
Why easy care
gardening?
ening is a fun and
It doesn’t matter what age you are, gard
many people.
enjoyable past time or hobby for so
stant maintaining
Often what is not so enjoyable is con
ers or vegetables,
of garden spaces, large or small, flow
ire lawn mowing,
that are overgrown with weeds, requ
work.
and take up many hours of energy and
overwhelming, particularly if you are
For many people these tasks can be a source
ing out in the garden starts to become
less mobile than you used to be. Gett garden
yment, because you can’t maintain the
of frustration and worry, instead of enjo
and have it looking like it used to.
and
Service helps older people who are frail
The Clarence Community Volunteer
ching them up with volunteers to assist them
young people with disabilities, by mat ening and
ssing medical appointments, light gard
with everything from shopping, acce
befriending.
need
service began to notice an increasing
Over the last few years the volunteer pulling weeds,
r gardens. Tasks such as
in older people requiring help with thei hard
ting and pruning were becoming too
mowing lawns, removing leaves, plan e from
ing to think perhaps they should mov
and overwhelming. People were start
e too much of a chore for them to look after
their homes because their gardens wer
independently or with help.
planting
as mulching, raised gardens beds, and
With just a few simple measures, such
ts have had their gardens, and their lives
easy care water wise plants, many clien
transformed. You can too!
en now.
thinking about transforming your gard
Don’t leave it until it is too late – start
this that will make a big difference.
There are so many ways you can do
g your
navigate how to go about transformin
You can use this resource to help you you think
are just starting out, this kit can help
garden in big or small ways, and if you ds.
nce easy care garden to suit your nee
about how to design a low maintena
So let’s get started!

6. HOW?
Easy
Gardening
Roches Beach As we get older we MUST NOT think
we can’t garden any more. The ‘easy
garden’ is the way to go!
Raised Easy gardens should be raised so they
are not difficult to maintain. Use any
garden beds
containers that may fit on a table. Use
an old sink or washing trough, or even
go to your local tip-shop and pick up
cheap containers. They should all have
o Make sure the width of your garden bed is a little less than twice holes in the bottom for drainage.
your arm reach. That means you can reach to the centre from
Go for a walk in the Botanical Gardens
either side. If you have small reach then make sure you don’t
and have look at their easy garden and
have to stretch, make the bed narrower to suit you.
see how easy it is to companion plant.
o Don’t make the beds too long, so that you can walk around
You can have a little of everything;
them without tiring out. 10 feet is a good length.
home grown, fresh and no chemicals,
o Make the beds waist high so that you can garden with ease. and the important things, TASTE. It is all
o Make beds lower if you want to garden sitting down. your own, grown with love and care.
o Beds can be light weight polystyrene containers, or a bench top. I hope you have a go and enjoy yourself.
Eight by 16 inch containers could supply fresh vegetables all Please play it safe, DON’T lift heavy pots
season for one or two people. and always use a safe area. Take a cup of
tea or coffee and go talk to your plants,
o Bench tops will need to be sturdy as soil is heavy, especially and watch them grow and produce!
when wet.
Marie
o An old bath can make a good raised bed. CPAAC
o When planting in containers, use a light soil mix which will drain
easily. You can buy potting mix for containers but make sure
it has a good amount of moisture retentive material such as
vermiculite or peat moss in it, as pots dry out quickly.
r n a ti v e s to
S om e a lt e
o Lay out your raised beds in a north/south direction. This will
g a r de n
g r a is e d
p u r c h a s in
ensure all plants receive equal sunlight throughout the day.
ta in e r s
of oa m c on
ds – S ty r
With an east/west direction plants will shade one another as the
be f or
it h h ol e s
b u c k e ts w
sun moves across them.
and p ot s ,
ol d ty r e s ,
dr a in a g e , p ic k e ts
p e r s , s ta r
o Many nurseries and hardware stores are now selling specially
w oo de n s le e h e e ts … .
te d ir on s
made galvanised iron raised garden beds.
an d c or r u g a , use
l ti p s h op
it f or lo c a
o If you don’t have a back problem, then bending can be a useful
v is e s k y is
exercise to keep your back supple, but if you do have a back in a ti on , th
y ou r im a g
problem you could consider raised beds. th e li m it !
Source: Botanical Gardens; David Stephen, Creek Road Community Garden
6 How does your garden grow?

7. How does your garden grow? 7
HOW?
Water wise
gardening
o Use a hose nozzle with a hand trigger. This
gives more control and will save water while
walking from place to place in the garden.
Soil Mix o Put in new plantings in autumn after a good
rain. This means they can get well established
Recipe
before summer. If you plant new plants in
summer they will require constant watering.
o Use glazed pots for pot plants. Terracotta
pots dry out much quicker than glazed pots.
Raised bed soil mix 1: o Water the roots of plants, the leaves.
o 50% sandy loam mixed with 50% sheep o Water less frequently but water deeply to
manure/mushroom compost/compost encourage root growth. Frequent light
mix + blood and bone as per packet watering will encourage shallow root growth.
instructions.
o Mulch, mulch, mulch. Mulch improves water
Raised bed soil mix 2: retention and can reduce evaporation by up
o Equal parts of loamy soil or coarse sand to 73%. It also adds nutrients to keep plants
and a mushroom type compost. healthy and improves soil structure.
o Add a tight fistful of dolomite lime and o Consider planting Tasmania natives. They
twice as much powdered animals or have evolved to grow in Tasmania and many
chook manure. Alternatively, use a fistful have low water requirements.
of blood and bone.
o Consider Australian natives. Many have low
o A little kelp seaweed chips can also be water requirements.
used to supply potassium and trace
o Lawns use a lot of water. Consider reducing
minerals.
your lawn area or use drought tolerant
Raised bed soil mix 3: grasses.
o Good quality potting mix – be prepared
o Avoid cutting grass too low. Taller grass holds
for poor results from a poor quality
water better and protects the soil from the
potting mix. Results can be improved by
sun. Cutting grass too short encourages bare
mixing a high nutrient compost.
patches and growth of moss in the lawn.
Maintenance:
o Lawn areas can be converted to native plant
o As soil level goes down: add sheep
strips and mulched to educe water use.
manure/mushroom compost/compost
mix + blood and bone as per instructions. o Visit water wise gardens to familiarise yourself
with the beauty and appearance of native
o If the soil becomes water repellent
plants.
remove top third and add any of the
above mixes in with existing soil. Clarence City Council has published a FREE
booklet “Plants for the Water Friendly Garden”
o Add soil wetter to help water penetrate
based on some of the plants used at the Rosny
the soil.
Farm water wise garden.
Source: Botanical Gardens; David Stephen, Creek
Road Community Garden Source: David Stephen, Creek Road Community Garden

8. HOW?
ip:
Julie’s t
o lv e
A lw a y s in v
ren or
y o u r c h il d n in
re
g r a n d c h il d
s of the
a ll a s p e c t
d c o o k in g !
Clarendon Vale School garden garden an
Mulch
Nature has always provided mulch
for the soil with fallen leaves,
Compost oner, promotin
g good
tu re’s soil conditi imes
twigs, bark and animal droppings. Compost is na and can somet
e, bi ological activity
This surface layer protects and crumb structur healthy plant
s required for
nourishes the soil beneath. supply all of the nutrient
growth.
Benefits of Mulch g will take 2-6
d of compostin
o Reduces water evaporation The fo llowing metho posting but
ethods of com
from the soil by up to 73% months. Th ere are other m is simple
identify with th
o Protects the soil from most home gardeners will
erosion effects of wind and method.
rain
o Adds nutrients and organic Step 1 ass, kitchen
aste (weeds, gr
matter which improves soil Place non-w oody green w e, as they
to an enclosur
t crops etc.) in ngths
fertility, water retention and peelings, spen ng into short le
ble. Chop everythi
structure become availa large quantitie
s of grass
o Reduces weed germination of 3 to 6 cm. If you have for up to a
ied in the sun
by keeping out light clippings th ey should be dr
ntent.
e ammonia co
o Reduces the need for wee k to reduce th
watering
Some types of Mulch Step 2 ose from
own waste. Cho
Blend in so me chopped br or shredded
o Pine bark, woodchips, edles, seagrass
moist leaves, straw, pine ne
sawdust, straw or hay, lawn the pile.
t don’t saturate
clippings, leaves, sea-weed pape r. Dampen, bu
(water to remove salt before layer, if you
over each 15cm
Sprinkle a fist full of lime . Also,
applying) r a food garden
the compost fo ird by
intend to use ure (up to a th
m oist animal man
To be effective mulches need to blend in some e.
be a minimum of 5cm thick, up to volume) from time to tim
k to see if
15cm for a no-dig garden. arter full, chec
mpost bin is qu
When your co the contents.
by turning over
Newspaper can be used under deca y is underway
other materials to help prevent soil when it is
to dig into the
Mature co mpost is ready
weed growth. Needs wetting your hands.
d crumbles in
before use. da rk in colour an
Community
n, Creek Road
Source : David Stephe
Garden
8 How does your garden grow?

9. How does your garden grow? 9
HOW?
LEFT: Before mulching
BELOW: After mulching
Joan’s Tip: Propagating Roses
Are you leaving a garden where you have lived for Make a little hole with a pencil – don’t just push the
years and would love to take some of your favourite cutting in as that can damage the delicate outer layer.
roses with you? It’s easy to do! Pat the cutting firmly into place, water it well and cover
the whole thing with a plastic bag to keep it moist and
The traditional time for taking cuttings is at pruning time humid.
because that is when you have lots of bits to play with
but actually you can propagate at any time through Always take more cuttings than you need – not every
the growing season, from early summer to winter. one will grow. Label your rose cuttings with their proper
The important thing is that the wood is ripe enough name if you know it. Place the cuttings in a warm place
and generally it is if the flower has fallen off. Make the with bright light but not in direct sunlight.
cutting from a strong cane that has just bloomed.
It takes 4 to 8 weeks for the cuttings to root, depending
A good propagating medium is a 50-50 blend of potting on the weather and the rose variety. In fact it may take
soil and perlite. This is a very light blend that encourages as little as 2 weeks or as long as 6 months for roots to
the roots to grow quickly. Rooting hormone is optional develop. Each cutting will develop differently.
but success rate is much better with it.
Repot the cutting when you see the roots come
Make your cutting 4 or 5 nodes long (a leaf grows at through the bottom of the pot. Keep the cuttings moist
each node) trimming just above the node at the top, at all times, with good air circulation and sunlight.
just below it at the bottom. Use really sharp cutters to
prevent crushing the stem and make a very clean cut. Good luck!

10. HOW?
Sun protection
Exposure Limits
Exposure UV Index Sun Protection Recommendations
Low 2 or less You can safely stay outdoors with
minimal protection
Moderate 3-5 Wear sun protective clothing, a hat,
sunscreen, sunglasses and seek
shady areas
High 6-7 Wear sun protective clothing, a hat,
sunscreen, sunglasses and seek shady
Warrane Mornington areas and stay indoors between 10am
Neighbourhood Centre and 2pm (11-3pm daylight saving time)
Very High 8-10 Wear sun protective clothing, a hat,
sunscreen, sunglasses and seek shady
areas but stay indoors as much as
possible
Extreme 11 or higher Wear sun protective clothing, a hat,
sunscreen, sunglasses and seek shady
areas but stay indoors as much as
possible
Check the weather section of the Mercury newspaper for daily UV limits.
Source: World Health Organisation protection recommendations for skin cancer
prevention.
Kev’s Tip: MANURE
Types
Recycle Potting Soil Sheep – best if it is pulverized
Chicken – use only old, can burn plants
Horse – can contain seeds etc
Potting soil can be expensive, we should not waste it. Adding Cow – probably the best
manure and compost to old potting soil will vitalise it for some time.
Mixture of above
It is best to use pulverised sheep or shredded horse manure.
I use a mixture of about 10% manure to 90% potting soil. Well
Others
rotted compost can also be added.
Dynamic Lifter – use as directed
If the mixture becomes too heavy, you can add some Perlite or
some broken up Polystyrene Foam. Blood & Bone – use as directed
REMEMBER – when handling manure make sure you wear gloves. Liquid Seaweed – use as directed
10 How does your garden grow?

11. How does your garden grow? 11
HOW?
Choosing
plants
o Plantings, especially trees, need to be
considered carefully
o You may not want a fast growing, potentially
tall, but short lived tree for example near the
house, where it may become a problem in
15-20 years. You may also not want it on the
roadside boundary where you may have to
organise its removal in the not too distant
future
o Low maintenance could simply mean choosing
the plant for the proposed location and
conditions
o Knowledge of the plant, its growth habits and
requirements is essential for choosing the right
plants
o Some plants considerations are:
Height, spread, lifespan, dense/sparse. Prefers
full sun/dappled shade, high/low water
requirements, preferred soil type, pruning
requirements, and susceptibility to certain
diseases
o A good understanding of the site conditions
Lauderdale Primary School garden
where the plant is to go is also important.
Some site considerations are:
North/south facing, slope, amount of shade/
sunlight, drainage, soil type e.g. clay or sandy
o Plants in the right place will be happier and P r op a g a ti on
/ c u tt in g s
healthier y ou c a n s –
ti ll h a v e y
o Plants in good condition are resistant to pests “h ig h m a in ou r
te n a n c e ”
and diseases p la n ts , ju s
t th in k a b
w h e r e to ou t
o Find a friendly nursery that can give advice on p u t th e m
th e y a r e so
plant selection
e a s ie r
to m a in ta in
.

12. HOW?
Organic
recipes for
pest control
CPAAC member Joan at home
o Grubs and caterpillars
Dust Caterpillars & slugs with wood ash, fine sand or flour. Soap spray is also effective.
o Scale insects
Combine a tablespoon of liquid soap with a cup of vegetable oil. Dilute a tablespoon
of the mixture with a cup of water. Shake well before spraying on insects.
o Aphids, caterpillars, white flies, mealy bugs and scale insects
Dissolve 50grams of PURE soap in a litre of hot water. Allow to cool. Shake well and
spray on plants affected by these. ( Make sure to use pure soap NOT detergent)
o Ants
Use eucalyptus oil, tree tea oil or ground cloves along ant trails.
o Mites & Powdery Mildew
Dusting with sulphur, and wettable sulphur preparations.
o Fungal Disease
Sprays made from seaweed help reduce fugal disease of leaves and flowers.
o Pyrethrum
An insecticidal spray made from the dried flower heads of pyrethrum daisy. Is strong
and should be used with caution.
of
a garden
D o n ’t h a v e v e
Do you ha
y o u r o w n ? t in h e lp in g
s
a n in t e r e c o m m u n it y ?
o u t in t h e
rane
The War
n
M o r n in g t o o o d c e n t r e
N e ig h b o u rh
ed garden
h a s 8 r a is o p e n
is
b e d s a n d F r id a y .
Monday to
a n d h e lp d
Drop by
la n t in g a n
o u t w it h p t h e v e g ie
g
m a in t a in in
patch es!
Tino Carnevale at the Warrane Mornington Neighbourhood Centre garden
12 How does your garden grow?

13. How does your garden grow? 13
Herbs
HOW?
H a v e a lo o
k at
o u r r e c ip
es
Herbs have been cultivated for thousands of years for both their
culinary and medicinal purposes. These fragrant and flavourful many cont –
plants still play an important role in every kitchen garden. Even s o m e o f t a in
hes
wonderful e
a tiny plot can provide you with enough herbs to use fresh,
herbs tha
frozen, or dried.
t
can grow you
an
c o o k w it h ! d
Herbs are easy to raise, even if you’ve never gardened before. If
you have the space, you can plant a formal herb garden that is
both attractive and productive.
Formal herb gardens use design techniques that are centuries
old. Knot gardens, for example, where herbs are grown in a
knot-like design, have been popular since medieval times. If
you are short on space, however, you can tuck your favourite
herbs amid other plantings in your vegetable or flower garden.
Many low-growing herbs, such as creeping rosemary and
thyme make lovely edging plants for vegetable or flower
gardens. Herbs are ideally suited to container growing, and can
be placed in an easy to reach spot for cooking.
Source: Tasmanian company, Four Seasons Herbs
www.fourseasonsherbs.com.au
Clarendon Vale School garden
Herb Lifespan # Soil type Suitable
for pots
Asparagus Perennial Light No
e
herbs com
P e r e n n ia l f t e r y e a r
Basil Annual Rich Yes
# a
b a c k y e a r p la n t e d
Chamomile Roman Perennial Light Yes
e
and can b the garden.
Chervil Annual Rich Yes
d ir e c t ly in Chives Perennial Rich Yes
p e r e n n ia ls
# T e n d e r o s t t o le r a n t
Comfrey Perennial Light/Poor Yes
r
are not f e for
Coriander Annual Rich Yes
but can li v
iv e n
e a r s if g
Cumin Annual Rich Yes
several y e.
r
Dill
proper ca
Annual Rich No
Fennel Annual/Perennial Rich No
are those
# A n n u a ls
ic h g r o w ,
French tarragon Perennial Light Yes
p la n t s w h d d ie w it h in Lemonbalm Perennial Light Yes
n
produce a g season.
o n e g r o w in
Lemongrass Tender perennial Rich Yes
Mint Perennial Light Yes
Oregano Perennial Rich Yes
Parsley Biennial Rich Yes
Rocket Annual Light No
Rosemary Perennial Alkaline/light Yes
Sage Perennial Alkaline/light Yes
Spinach, English Annual Rich No
Sweet Marjoram Perennial Light Yes
Thyme Perennial Light Yes

14. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
FREE
sustainable
gardening talks
Talk and learn with
the real experts
Casual, 1 hour sessions in the garden
Topics have included: Bulbs, Horticultural Tools & Equipment,
Frost Protection in Winter, Seed Germination, Propogation,
Mulch, Transplanting Trees & Shrubs, Tasmanian Natives,
resources
Sustainable Native Lawn and much more.
For information or to book your place, call the main office
at the Gardens on 6236 3059 weekdays only
ALL SESSIONS ARE FREE BUT BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Queens Domain, Hobart TAS 7000
14 How does your garden grow?

15. How does your garden grow? 15
Some useful
resources
There is a wealth of knowledge out there
about gardening. You only have to talk to your
neighbours, friends and family to get good tips
on their easy care, low maintenance advice.
We have included just a small ‘taster’ on other
places you can turn to, to increase your
knowledge about gardening, and where to
go for resources. Your local garden centre or
nursery is always a good place to start!
For other ideas...
RESOURCES
Clarence City Council ’Water Wise’ gardening booklet, available at
Council office
Magazines or website ABC Gardening Australia
www.gardeningaustralia.com
Blooming Tasmania Guide www.bloomingtasmania.com
or ring 6344 6233
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – run free sustainable gardening talks, hold
community garden classes, website: www.rtbg.tas.gov.au or ring the Manager
of Learning and Community Engagement on 6236 3086
Some alternatives for raised garden beds: For timber beds - Dovetail Timbers,
ring 0429 13 2929 or email bodie@dovetailtimbers.com
Corrugated iron raised beds can be purchased at nurseries, contact your
nearest nursery to enquire or inspect
Plant Species List: http://www.understorey-network.org.au/municipalities/
understorey_clarence.pdf
Garden Design Template: http://www.yourclimateyourlife.org.uk/docs/
garden_template.doc
Companion Planting: Sustainable Gardening Australia www.sgaonline.org.au
Sustainable Gardening Australia presents: The most comprehensive companion
planting chart in the known universe (maybe)

16. Companion planting
Sustainable Gardening Australia presents: The most comprehensive companion planting chart in
the known universe (maybe!) www.sgaonline.org.au
Plant Good Neighbours How it works Bad Neighbours
Apple Nasturtium, Chives Nasturtium climbs tree and is said to repel codling Potatoes
moth
Apricot Basil, Tansy, Asparagus Basil and tansy are said to repel damaging insects
Asparagus Apricot, Basil, Chives, Comfrey, Lovage, Basil and Parsley are said to improve flavour. Onions Garlic, Onions
Marjoram, Parsley, Tomatoes and garlic release substances reducing growth.
Balm (Lemon) Tomatoes Attracts bees, said to enhance flavour and growth
Basil Tomatoes Basil said to repel flies and mosquitoes
Beans Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Beetroot, Chives,
(climbing) Cauliflower, Corn, Lettuce, Lovage, Majoram, Garlic, Gladiolus,
Parsley Onions, Sunflower
Beetroot Beans (bush), Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Bad Neighbours roots release substances reducing Beans (Climbing),
Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kohl Rabi, Lettuce, growth Tomato
Lovage, Marjoram, Onion, Peas, Potato,
Spinach, Silverbeet
Borage Squash, Strawberries, Tomato Said to deter tomato worm and improve tomato
flavour and yield. Said to increase strawberry yield.
Brassicas Beans, Beetroot, Carrots, Chamomile, Dill attracts a Cabbage White Butterfly controlling Garlic, Rue,
(Incl: Broccoli, Coriander, Cucumber, Dill, Lettuce, Lovage, wasp. Nasturtium disguises and repels aphids. Sage Strawberry
Cabbage, Marjoram, Marigold (French), Mint, Nasturtium, repels the Cabbage White Butterfly. Zinnias attract
Cauliflower) Pea, Potato, Rosemary, Sage, Tansy, ladybirds, which we love! Bad Neighbours roots
Thyme,TomatoZinnias release substances reducing growth
Capsicum, Chilli Carrots, Onions, Tomato
Carrots Beans, Chives, Coriander, Cucumber, Leeks, Bad Neighbours roots release substances reducing Dill, Celery
Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram, Onion, Pea, Radish, growth
resources
Rosemary, Sage, Tomato
Celery Cabbage, Chives, Dill, Dwarf Beans, Leek, Bad Neighbours roots release substances reducing Carrots, Parsnip,
Lovage, Majoram, Onion, Pea, Sage, Spinach, growth Potato
Tomato
Chamomile Cabbage, Onion Deters flies and mosquitoes. Strengthens
neighbouring plants
Chives Apples, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Peas Prevents Apple Scab. Said to deter aphids Beans
Cucumber Basil, Bens, Borage, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Bad Neighbours roots release substances reducing Potato, Sage,
Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Corn, Dill Kohl growth Strongly Aromatic
Rabi, Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Herbs
Parsnip, Pea, Radish, Sunflower, Tansy
Dill Brassicas (Incl: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower) Dill attracts a Cabbage White Butterfly controlling
wasp
Eggplant Beans, Spinach
Garlic Apricot, Cherry, Mulberry, Parsnip, Peach, Pear, Deters aphids, especially from roses and raspberry. Beans, Cabbage,
Raspberry, Rosemary, Rose Repels Cabbage White Butterfly Peas, Strawberry
Kohl Rabi Beetroot, Onion Beans, Tomato
Leek Carrot, Celery, Lovage, Majoram, Onion, Beans, Peas,
Parsnip, Strawberry Parsley
Lettuce Achillea, Beans, Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrot, Achillea, Coreopsis & Zinnia attract pollinators and Parsley
Chervil, Coreopsis, Cucumber, Lovage, offer shade for lettuce
Marjoram, Marigold (French), Onion, Parsnip,
Pea, Radish, Strawberry, Zinnia
Marigolds Numerous vegetables, including tomato Kills root knot nematodes and eel worm
(French)
Melon Radish, Sweet Corn
Mint Cabbage, Tomato Deters pests such as Cabbage White Butterfly, ants
and fleas
Nasturtium Cabbages, Fruit Trees, Radishes, Zucchini Flowers repel aphids and codling moth. Cabbage
white butterfly is attracted to this plant, and will seek
it out over cabbages
16 How does your garden grow?

17. How does your garden grow? 17
Plant Good Neighbours How it works Bad Neighbours
Onion Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Smell of onion said to deter numerous pestsOnions Asparagus, Beans,
Chamomile, Leeks, Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram, release substances reducing growth of Bad Gladioli, Peas
Parsley, Parsnip, Silverbeet, Strawberry, Summer Neighbours
Savory, Tomato
Parsley Asparagus, Sweet Corn, Tomato Said to improve flavour of asparagus and tomato
Peas Beans, Beetroot, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Bad Neighbours roots release substances reducing Chives, Garlic,
Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Lettuce, growth. Sweet Corn has traditionally been used as Onion, Shallots
Lovage, Marjoram, Parsnip, Potato, Radish, “living stakes” for peas
Sage, Squash, Sweet Corn
Potato Beans, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Sweet Alyssum and Marigolds attract beneficials Apple, Celery,
Cauliflower, Corn, Eggplant, Horseradish, and suppress weedsPotatoes release substances Cherry, Cucumber,
Lovage, Marjoram, Marigold (French), reducing growth of Bad Neighbours. Horseradish Pumpkin,
Nasturtium, Parsnip, Peas, Sweet Alyssum, should be planted at the corners of the patch Raspberry,
Sweet Corn, Watermelon Rosemary, Squash,
Sunflower, Tomato
Pumpkin Beans, Cabbage, Eggplant, Peas, Radish, Sweet Bad Neighbours roots release substances reducing Potato
Corn growth
Radish Beans, Carrot, Chervil, Cucumber, Sweet Radish is said to attract leaf miners from Spinach Hyssop
Corn, Cucumber, Lettuce, Lovage, Marjoram,
Nasturtium, Parsnip, Pea, Spinach, Sweet Corn
Raspberry Blackberries,
Potato, Tomato
Rosemary Beans, Cabbage, Carrot, Sage Said to deter Cabbage white butterfly. Attracts
beneficials
Sage Brassicas (Incl: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower), Sage repels the Cabbage White Butterfly Cucumber
Carrot, Rosemary
Silverbeet Beetroot, Cherry, Lavender, Lovage, Marjoram, Basil, Wormwood
Onion
Spinach Celery, Eggplant, Strawberries
Squash Borage, Lovage, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Peas, Potato
Sunflower, Sweet Corn, Tansy
Strawberry Beans, Borage, Chives, Leek, Lettuce, Marigold Brassicas (Incl:
(French), Onion, Pyrethrum, Sage, Spinach Broccoli, Cabbage,
Cauliflower),
Brussel Sprouts,
Garlic
Sunflower Apricots, Cucumbers, Squash Beans, Potato
Sweet Corn Beans, Cucumbers, Lovage, Marjoram, Melon, Sweet Corn has traditionally been used as “living Cabbage
Parsnip, Peas, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Squash, stakes” for peas. Bad Neighbours roots release
Zucchini substances reducing growth
Tomato Asparagus, Basil, Celery, Borage, Broccoli, Marigolds said to repel white fly and root knot Apricots, Beetroot,
Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, nematode. Bad Neighbours roots release substances Fennel, Kohl Rabi,
Celery, Chives, Dill, Gooseberry, Grape, Hyssop, reducing growth Potato, Rosemary,
Lovage, Mariglod (French), Marjoram, Mint, Sweet Corn
Nasturtium, Onion, Parsley, Parsnip, Turnip
Turnip Cucumbers, Lettuce, Nasturtium, Peas, Tomato
Watermelon Potato
Yarrow Most aromatic herbs When planted along pathways, is said to enhance
essential oil production and herb flavour.
Zucchini Lovage, Marjoram, Nasturtium, Sweet Corn

18. Marie’s Other great
Tips: companions
Companion
Catnip repels fleas, ants and rodents.
Caraway helps breakdown heavy soils.
Elderberry a general insecticide, the leaves encourage
Planting compost fermentation, the flowers and berries make
lovely wine!
Fennel (not F. vulgare or F.officionale) repels flies, fleas
It is great fun when plants really get on well and ants.
together. A bit like people one can say,
Hyssop attracts cabbage white moth keeping brassicas
except, people don’t grow smaller under
free from infestation.
shade or bigger and dry off in the sun!
Mint repels cabbage white moth. Dried and placed with
Good companions clothes will repel clothes moth.
o Apples like garlic, onions and chives Nasturtium secrete a mustard oil, which many insects
o Beans love to be with carrots, find attractive and will seek out, particularly the cabbage
cucumbers, cabbage and parsley white moth. Alternatively, the flowers repel aphids and
o Beetroot likes to be with cabbages, the cucumber beetle. The climbing variety grown up
silver beet and dwarf-beans apple trees will repel codling moth.
o Lettuce gets on well with Pyrethrum will repel bugs if grown around the vegetable
strawberries, marigolds and carrots garden.
Rosemary repels carrot fly.
resources
Bad companions
o Pumpkins don’t like to be near Rue (Rutus, not Peganum) keeps cats and dogs off garden
potatoes beds if planted round the borders.
o Raspberries don’t like blackberries or Tansy (Tanacetum, not Senecio) repels moths, flies and
potatoes nearby ants. Plant beneath peach trees to repel harmful flying
o Mint and parsley don’t like to be near insects. Tansy leaves assist compost fermentation.
each other. Keep them separated Wormwood (Artemesia, not Ambrosia) although it can
o Garlic is not a goog companion for inhibit the growth of plants near it, wormwood does repel
beans, peas, or strawberries moths, flies and fleas and keeps animals off the garden.
18 How does your garden grow?

19. How does your garden grow? 19
Clarence City Council
community
volunteer
service
Want to make a big difference in the lives of others?
“…A tremen
RESOURCES
Enjoy light gardening, shopping, chatting with people? dous
service, he
lping
to keep pe
Like to be recognized, for your, contribution and skills?
ople in
Just retired - a few hours to spare?
their own h
Like to work in aged care – need experience? omes…”
Need to meet your Centrelink requirements?
“ …you allow
Have your own vehicle? elderly
to age, both
with pride
Look no more!
and
happiness…
The Clarence Community Volunteer Service aims to give
”
the elderly and younger people with a disability some
much needed support, enabling them to remain in their
own home, as long as possible.
“..I am so g
rateful for
The personalised assistance offers a diverse range of all you are
doing, you
are helping
services, from taking people to appointments, assisting
them with shopping, shopping for them if they are unable me to
keep my h
to leave the house, phoning or visiting for a friendly chat, ome….”
to light gardening.
Clarence Community Volunteer Service ‘…I could not
be more
PO Box 96 Rosny Park TAS 7018 grateful, as
for many
Phone 03 6245 8678 years my g
arden was
Email ccvs@ccc.tas.gov.au passion……..w my
.” … a big th ith your he
www.ccc.tas.gov.au ank it lives again lp
you for the and it’s a
garden pleasure to
pebbles, it walk in my
is so now flourish
greatly app ing garden..”
reciated...”

20. Garden SHED
COMPOST
design
GREENHOUSE
WATER
TANK
Why is good garden design important? It is
important for many reasons but it doesn’t have
to be hard. It can be as simple as thinking and SHRUBS
TREES
planning where to put things, designing areas
with water wise plants, increase safety and
security with lighting, paths, and planting shade
borders etc.
Gardens that evolve are lovely too – but a bit of PATHS/STONES/PAVERS
LIGHTING
planning can help you transform your garden into
an easy care low maintenance haven.
You can free draw your design or use the graph
paper provided at the back of this booklet. Below
is an example of how you can create your own
design online. You will find this website in our
resource section on page 15.
resources
TIP: Photocopy and then cut out shapes to design your garden
20 How does your garden grow?

21. How does your garden grow? 21
RESOURCES