1. What is your biggest nemesis in the garden?
Kikuyu runners in garden beds! It makes a hardy lawn but knows no boundaries.
2. Best veggie that no one grows that we all should?
Kohlrabi! Its not well known as a mainstream vegetable but delivers a great mix of Cabbage and Broccoli flavours.
3. Coolest creature you've found in your garden?
A blind snake. I don't think I will see one again anytime soon, but it sure made me do a double take!
4. If you could name a chicken, what would it be?
I don't have any chickens yet - but I would name a hen Helga!
5. The best, most unappreciated, ornamental garden plant?
This is hard.. I am going to go with a native. Eremophilas, there are so many species! I have some clipped into balls at the moment. They deliver a great shade of evergreen in the garden, super hardy and prolific flowers.
6. If you could travel to any garden in Australia, where would you go?
I think it would have to be Kings Park Botanical gardens in Perth - I haven't done much travelling specifically for gardens, but I have huge respect for W.A and their Horticulture & Garden works.
7. Do you have any gardening superstitions or rituals?
My superstition is that all of the garden critters can tell if you are there for good - If you are kind and calm they will leave you alone. Sometimes I think we need to remember that we all share this space - it's not Humans Vs everything else.
8. If you could create a dream garden, what would it look like?
My dream garden would contain a variety of 'garden rooms' for different obsessions and a sunset view. Close to the house will be a recycled planter vegetable garden, then a timber & brick fernery attached to a Pinterest worthy Greenhouse/garden shed. Special ornamental plants kept close to home with green walls and deciduous trees. I also adore a timber deck with a climber overtop. As the landscape moves downwards, there will be swales of mostly Australian natives - winding down and slowly blending into the surrounding landscape. There will also be crafty sculptures and bodies of water featured throughout. Lots of curves are a must.
9. One plant you want to grow, but won't be able to, due to climate/soils etc?
I would love for Banksias and Proteas to thrive in my garden - but my pH is more on the alkaline side.
10. Have you tried any innovative or unconventional gardening techniques?
Bokashi would be the most 'out there' technique I do. It's a composting process that involves fermentation, and it does a great job at keeping a wide variety of food out of landfill - it is also very effective at turning up the heat on your compost bin. I want to try no-dig on my Nature Strip to get rid of the existing grass!