At Crystal Creek Nursery, we love helping our customers create thriving gardens and beautiful outdoor spaces. Over time, we’ve noticed that a few questions pop up frequently. Here’s a round-up of the most common questions we get asked, along with our answers to help you get the most out of your gardening experience.
1. Which plants are best for my garden?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Which plants will thrive in my garden?” The answer depends on several factors, including your climate, soil type, and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. For example, if you live in a coastal area with sandy soil, you might consider drought-tolerant plants like succulents, coastal banksia, or pigface. If your garden gets full sun all day, look for sun-loving plants like lavender, rosemary, or grevillea. If you’re unsure, bring a photo of your garden and we do our best to help you choose the right nursery plants that will flourish.
We also offer personalised home consultations on plant layout and selection, led by our landscape designer, Jenny. Jenny is available at our nursery on Mondays to provide expert advice tailored to your garden needs. To schedule a consultation, please contact our office in Chinderah on 0448 300 736 and arrange a “walk and talk” session with Jenny.
2. How often should I water my plants?
Watering is a crucial part of plant care, and we often get asked how often it should be done. The answer varies depending on the type of plant, the weather, and the season. For most plants, it’s best to water deeply and less frequently rather than giving them a little bit of water every day. This encourages roots to grow deeper and makes the plants more resilient. In hot weather, you may need to water more often, especially for young or newly planted nursery plants. A good rule of thumb is to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation.
3. Do you accept Laybuy or Afterpay?
Yes, we do accept laybuy and Afterpay for your convenience at Crystal Creek Nursery. However, please note that a deposit is required for Laybuy and not available for plants. The balance must be paid off within six weeks. We understand that planning and purchasing for your garden can be a big commitment, so we offer these flexible payment options to help you get what you need without the stress.
4. What’s the best way to fertilise my plants?
Fertilising is key to healthy plant growth, and we’re often asked about the best products and methods to use. The type of fertiliser you need depends on your plants. For example, flowering plants benefit from fertilisers high in phosphorus, while leafy vegetables need more nitrogen. We recommend using slow-release fertilisers that feed plants over time, and organic options are great for improving soil health. Always follow the instructions on the fertiliser package, as over-fertilising can harm your plants.
5. How do I deal with pests in my garden?
Pests can be a major concern for gardeners, and we frequently get asked how to deal with them. The first step is to identify the pest correctly. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can choose the appropriate method. For minor infestations, natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap can be effective. For more serious problems, you may need to use a specific pesticide. However, we always recommend starting with the least harmful options to protect beneficial insects and the environment.
6. Do you offer other services?
Absolutely! We can pot up plants, and even arrange home delivery within the local area and customer orders conditions apply. Whether you’re looking for something unique or need help with the heavy lifting, our team at Crystal Creek Nursery is here to make your gardening experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. At Crystal Creek Nursery, we’re always here to help with your gardening questions. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting, we’re committed to helping you achieve a beautiful, thriving garden. If you’re searching for a “nursery near me,” look no further! Feel free to drop by anytime with your questions, and we’ll do our best to provide you with the guidance you need.
As people who love taking care of gardens in Tweed Heads/Banora Point and surrounding areas, and keeping lawns tidy, we know how tough it has been to keep up with the fight against the weeds. Lately, it feels like they’re growing faster than ever, almost like they’re playing a game of catch-me-if-you-can. Whether it’s our carefully tended lawns or our beloved garden beds, weeds seem to be flourishing more than usual. Let’s find out why they’re growing so much and how we can stop them.
1. Favourable Weather Conditions:
Warm temperatures, ample rainfall, and extended daylight hours have been creating optimal conditions for weed seeds to germinate and thrive, impacting garden maintenance in Tweed Heads/Banora Point and surrounding areas.
Construction projects, gardening activities, and foot traffic can disturb the soil, bringing dormant weed seeds to the surface, affecting both garden and lawn maintenance.
Digging and planting in farming and gardening disturbs weed seeds, helping them grow, which affects how we maintain gardens in Tweed Heads/Banora Point and Surrounding areas.
3. Nutrient-Rich Soil:
Weeds like rich soil with lots of nutrients, and they often grow better than the plants we want because of too much fertilizer or not using it right in lawns and gardens.
4. Resilient Weed Species:
Some types of weeds are tough and quickly take over disturbed areas, pushing out the plants we want, which changes how we care for gardens and lawns.
5. Lack of Weed Management Practices:
Neglecting regular lawn maintenance and weed management practices allows weeds to establish and spread unchecked, impacting garden maintenance in Tweed Heads/Banora Point and surrounding areas.
6. Combatting the Weed Surge:
Implement a proactive weed management plan encompassing cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods tailored for garden maintenance in Tweed Heads/Banora Point and surrounding areas.
Regularly mow lawns at the appropriate height to shade out weeds and prevent seed production, is a crucial aspect of lawn maintenance.
Practice proper watering and fertilization techniques to promote healthy grass growth and reduce weed competition, essential for lawn maintenance.
Mulching garden beds to suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture, is a vital component of garden maintenance.
Utilize pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed seeds from germinating, and post-emergent herbicides to target existing weeds, integral to effective weed control in both gardens and lawns.
Hand-pull weeds before they have a chance to set seed and spread further, a proactive approach in garden and lawn maintenance.
Stay vigilant and address weed problems promptly to prevent them from becoming more challenging to manage, a key principle in both garden and lawn maintenance.
In conclusion, even though the excessive growth of lots of weeds is currently proving to be tough for gardeners and lawn lovers, knowing why they grow will help us to act.
If you would like help implementing effective strategies to combat unwanted vegetation and maintain the health and vitality of our outdoor spaces, even in the face of persistent growth please contact us at Early Up for a free quote www.eups.com.au or 0448 300 736. Our service area includes Tweed Heads, Terranora, Banora Point, Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach, Pottsville, Tumbulgum, Murwillumbah and surrounding areas.
Whether you’re directly affected by water restrictions or not, conserving water should be a priority for every Australian.
However, late last month the Tweed Shire Council released a media statement urging the Tweed areas such as Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, Banora Point, Kingscliff, Pottsville and surrounding towns to look at saving water usage to delay restrictions.
Following the El Nino declaration by the Bureau of Meteorology and less-than-average rainfall now forecast for the Northern Rivers, water restrictions are inevitable.
What does this mean for your garden and lawn landscaping and maintenance services?
Reducing water usage in the garden doesn’t have to mean having to watch your plants wilt and turn brown, it just means being clever about the water you do use.
Reducing freshwater usage around the home not only saves vital community water supplies, it can also decrease household water bills. Purpose made hoses can be connected to washing machines and other outlet pipes to redirect Grey Water to your lawn as well as garden beds and veggie patches. Before using Grey Water in your garden, check what type of washing liquid or powder you use, as some chemicals will be harmful to plants.
2. DON’T USE WATER WHEN ANOTHER TOOL WILL DO THE JOB
Use a rake, broom or outdoor blower to clean paths and driveways rather than a hose, if you’re looking for a way to save water. Similarly, if the car’s looking a little dusty sitting in the driveway, resist the urge to grab the hose. Waterless car cleaning products on the market can help you save water and keep your car sparkling clean.
3. ONLY WATER YOUR LAWN WHEN IT NEEDS IT
If your lawn springs back after stepping on it, it doesn’t require watering. Also remember a solid ground watering is far better than a light sprinkle, as this encourages deeper roots, giving you a stronger, more drought resistant lawn.
4. WATER AT THE RIGHT TIME
Watering your garden in the early morning or evening reduces water loss through evaporation. Don’t put the sprinkler on if it’s too windy.
5. MULCHING PLANTS IS KEY TO RETAINING MOISTURE
As well as reducing evaporation and water run-off, good quality mulch will also provide nutrients to the plants and restrict weed growth.
6. LET YOUR LAWN GROW A LITTLE LONGER
When water is scarce, we recommend allowing your lawn to grow a little bit longer than usual. By keeping the lawn mower cutting height as high as possible, this will help the lawn retains all the moisture that it can.
7. GET A WATER SAVING NOZZLE
During Level 1 water restrictions, gardeners can only water before 10am and after 4pm and all hoses must be fitted with a trigger or water-saving attachment.
An easy way to save time while conserving water is by using a tap timer. Once set to a specific length of time, it can be left unattended and will automatically turn off, so you can get on with your day without accidentally overwatering your lawn.
8. DON’T WALK ON THE GRASS
No seriously. Reducing foot traffic can really help your lawn survive during a drought. The weight from the foot traffic compacts the soil, making it harder for the lawn’s roots to reach moist soil.
With the weather improving and Spring imminent now is the time to start preparing your Lawns and Gardens for the upcoming season. Our local areas of Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah and South to Pottsville are known for their agreeable temperatures in Spring, with temperatures ranging between 18 to 24 degrees. However, with experts predicting higher than normal temperatures and lower rainfall, our lawns and gardens are going to need extra love and attention this spring, if we want them to flourish during the summer.
Therefore, here is what we recommend you do.
Gardens
Commence in your gardens by removing fallen leaves, sticks, and other debris that might have accumulated over the winter. This helps prevent pests and diseases from finding shelter and gives your plants a fresh start.
Have a good look at your plants and trim away any dead or diseased looking branches to encourage healthy growth. Remember proper pruning promotes better air circulation and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to fungal issues.
Apply a layer of mulch around plants and trees to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain more stable soil temperatures. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or straw, also break down over time, enriching the soil. If you are not fortunate enough to have a garden to resurrect, now might be the time to introduce new plants or transplant existing ones. Native plants that thrive in our climate are a great way to go e.g., Grevillia or Bottle brush, as they provide nectar and pollen that welcome pollinators like bees, birds and butterflies into your garden. Pay attention to your planting depth and spacing, and water thoroughly after planting will help them establish their roots. (a handy little tip is to add a squirt of dishwashing liquid to your watering can when watering your new plants in as it works as a great wetting agent)
Lawns
The forecast is for another long hot summer and therefore our lawns are going to need extra love and attention this spring.
Coring or aerating are the best ways to alleviate soil compaction within your lawn. This improves water and nutrient absorption for stronger grass growth. You may want to overseed bare patches with an appropriate lawn seed to fill in those unwanted bare patches you may have.
Fertilize both your lawns and gardens with specific balanced fertilizers and commence a watering routine accordingly. When watering your lawns, the recommendation is always to water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
Early morning are the best time to water, as it minimizes evaporation and gives plants and grass a chance to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day.
Once you notice the grass is starting to grow, you should gradually lower your mowing height. However, as with everything in our gardens, there is a process for this as well, as we need to avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing to prevent stress.
In summary, Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and your lawn and garden deserve your thoughtful attention. Hopefully following a few of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a vibrant outdoor oasis that brings beauty and joy throughout the season.
Remember, the key to successful spring lawn and garden maintenance is patience and consistent effort – the rewards will be evident in the stunning display of nature’s wonders in your own backyard.
As your local gardenologists, the team here at Early Up are well placed to showcase the new and emerging landscaping trends for 2023.
We see the personalisation of outdoor spaces and a connection with the environment becoming popular. During the lockdowns of COVID-19, most people spent more time at home and realised there’s potential to create their own outdoor sanctuary. Whether you’d like to create a beautiful outdoor space at your home or for use in a larger commercial setting, we’ll share what’s trending for the coming year in this blog post.
Here are 5 of the Emerging Landscaping Trends for 2023…
1. Outdoor Entertaining Areas with Firepits
In 2023, more people will be enhancing the ambience of their outdoor entertaining area with firepits and lights, to create a unique atmosphere that is both comfortable and inviting. With the warmth of the firepit and the soft glow of the lights, outdoor entertaining can offer an experience like no other. Whether gathering family and friends in a welcoming and cosy setting or simply taking some time to yourself, roasting marshmallows over an open flame is always enjoyable.
Many of our landscaping clients have been investing in striking furniture pieces, fire pits, pizza ovens and water features, as well as lighting that will make their backyard the perfect spot to unwind.
2. Rustic & Homely Looks
Creating a rustic garden brings a less clean-cut and more homely feel to your outdoor space. From weathered wood and vintage accents to native flora and natural stone, the rustic style combines charm and beauty with a sense of history. Planting various trees, shrubs and flowers at different heights gives structure and texture to complete the look. Furnishings such as handmade benches or upcycled furniture add the perfect touch to create a cosy environment where you can relax, entertain or just enjoy some quiet time.
By embracing the rustic vibe, you can create a unique backyard oasis that both looks good and also helps sustain wildlife in 2023 and beyond.
3. Native Plants that Wildlife Love
Turning your yard into a haven of native flora, pollinator-friendly flowers and bird habitats has become a popular trend, especially for younger gardeners. You can nurture nature by including native trees, herbs, shrubs and edible plants in your garden. Because these plants have adapted to the local climate, planting them helps produce a fantastic green space that is full of sustainable seasonal homes and feed for birds and wildlife.
Native plants can create an oasis where humans and wildlife can thrive as one. Fortunately, there is growing awareness around the importance of sustainability and the small part we can all play in our own environments.
4. Keeping it Simple – and Relaxing
Less is more when it comes to a calming space where you can cool down and relax.
Drawing inspiration from European influences, this sophisticated style captures the essence of elegance, history and tradition. Taking some time for yourself is always beneficial, and this trend gives you the feeling of being on holiday without ever leaving your house.
When creating simplicity and relaxation in your own outdoor setting, consider limiting yourself to a specific colour palette rather than too many colours, while repeating shapes through rows or mounds can provide an especially strong optical effect.
Property owners seeking a beautiful, simplistic and relaxing landscape often enlist the help of an expert for design and installation. Our landscaping experts are happy to assist you to create your outdoor oasis. (link to landscape design services)
5. Vegetable Gardens that Feed the Family
With grocery prices escalating to an all-time high, it is no surprise that edible gardens are among the landscaping trends for 2023. Besides saving money, nothing compares to the freshness of homegrown produce. From the juicy tomato plucked right from your garden to a wholesome vegetable salad, home-grown fruits and vegetables have no parallel. Veggie gardens provide the opportunity to live off the land and give you the satisfaction of growing your own produce.
Need help planning out your landscaped garden? Want to know more about the emerging landscaping trends for 2023? Speak to one of our experienced team. Call us today on 0448 300 736 to arrange a quote and find out why Early Up are your local landscaping and gardening experts!
Self sufficient plants guarantee beauty and appeal with little-to-no maintenance for any garden. They provide a much-needed solution for time-poor and neglectful gardeners.
The busyness of life often gets the better of us, leaving very little time for watering or pruning the garden.
Are you a Neglectful Gardener?
Do you long for a gorgeous garden? Does your busy schedule prevent you from giving it the attention it deserves?
Kids, work, and social commitments are part of a hectic daily schedule. It’s easy for us to become distracted and neglect our gardens. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for self sufficient plants to grow and bring colour while requiring little watering or maintenance.
Top 5 Self Sufficient Plants for an Easy-Care Garden
Check out our top choices of stunning and hardy plants:
1. Lily of the Valley
Blooming with blue or white bells in the spring, these beautiful perennials also have a lovely fragrance. Once established, the Lily of the Valley can easily be left to blossom naturally.
2. Russian Sage
Russian Sage thrives in dry conditions with their striking lavender-coloured flowers in the warmer months. Requiring minimal watering, they’re ideal for the busy gardener.
3. Oak tree
In Australia’s hot and dry climate, oak trees provide generous shade in any backyard. Enjoy autumn with its large leaves in shades of red and yellow.
4. Nandina
Originating from Japan, this multi-stemmed shrub brings out stunning-coloured leaves ranging from gold to pink. Nandina is durable in extremely low and hot temperatures, adding colour to your outdoor space all year round.
5. Peace Lily
As a low-maintenance indoor plant, the Peace Lily is perfect for apartment dwellers. Bringing warmth and charm to your home, they don’t need sunshine and are happy in a brightly lit room.
Expert Tips to Help Revive the Neglected Garden
Beyond using self sufficient plants, the following simple steps will help restore life and beauty to your yard:
Take a look at the different areas and conditions of your garden, and decide which plants will work best
Prune and trim existing plants and give them a new lease of life
Rejuvenate your soil with fertiliser – organic is best
While it can be a dreaded chore, weeding is essential to give your new plants the best start
Self-sufficient plants still need some attention in the beginning – water them thoroughly and add slow-release fertiliser
Place a generous layer of organic mulch to ensure water retention
Gardening doesn’t need to be too time-consuming or difficult. By establishing a low maintenance garden based around self sufficient plants, you can have a beautiful display without all the hard work.
Early Up’s team of gardenologists specialise in landscaping design, garden maintenance and garden makeovers that will have your garden thriving in no time. We are your local landscape garden designers in Murwillumbah, the Tweed Coast, Tweed Heads, Northern Rivers and the Far North Coast areas. Let us help you with all your landscaping and gardening requirements.
Are you too busy to create a low maintenance garden? We can help… Give us a call on 0448 300 736 to chat about your garden or backyard landscaping ideas today.
