Presenter: Kim Syrus
Episode: 19
1^st September 2007

One of the toughest places to grow plants is in a thin garden bed, up against a north facing galvanized iron fence. With the way the sun shines and the angle it hits the fence, it may bounce off in the wrong direction and can really burn plants and that is not good. There is a couple a ways of dealing with such an area to make sure anything you plant thrives and not fries.

Before anything can be done the garden bed needs some attention. Who said kikuyu does not grow over winter, it is amazing how quickly this gets away! Remove the grass and weeds and clean up the edge to make sure the area is well defined. A little dose of zero along this edge will also help keep back the marching lawn. Once the garden is ready it is time to look at the fence.

To reduce the glare you could paint this fence a dark colour or cover the galv with shade cloth. Both these methods will help solve the problem of reflective heat burning your plants. The only issue on some properties is when it is a front fence and many owners like the galv look, if so go for a plant solution.

One of the toughest plants known for this position is Sacred Bamboo or Nandina (Nandina domestica). It is upright growth is ideal for narrow gardens and the foliage is both lush, hardy and continuous adding extra interest with red tips in the autumn and winter

It is recommended to select advanced plants to help establish the area quickly before the summer sun starts to bite. However, it would be okay to use smaller plants if the fence was painted or covered.

No matter what size the plant proper ground preparation is essential in getting the best results.

Dig your hole and add plenty of well aged manure or compost along with water crystals, these will provide valuable moisture to the plant should the ground dry out. Plant and back fill and water with a seaweed extract to stimulate root growth. Apply a fertilizer now. Something organic will really get the plants moving during spring. Then finish with a good layer of mulch, to keep the moisture in and the weeds down.

There are plenty of options when dealing with a difficult area. Painting, covering or simple plant selection will change this garden from zero to hero in no time at all.

Once you have finished in the garden, how about a good read and the latest Garden Guru newspaper has it all. Grab a copy now from your local Mitre 10 and other good garden centres.


Products Used:

Zero Glyphosate Weed spray

• Ready to use.
• Non selective control of all grasses and broadleaf weeds.
• Effective, economical and easy to use in rockeries, garden beds, paths, driveways, fence lines, lawn edges and before planting new lawns and gardens.
• Kills the weeds, roots and all.

Rain saver Water Storage Crystals

• When added to potting mix or garden soil, the crystals absorb up to 500 times their own weight in water.
• The water is released over a period of time as the plants require it.
• Reduce water usage and increase the times between watering.
• Effective for up to five years and biodegrade harmlessly.
• Available in a range of pack sizes.
• Ammonium Based

Dynamic Lifter Seaweed Tonic

• Rich source of micro-nutrients, alginic acid, essential amino acids, minerals and other complex organic compounds.
• Improves nutrient uptake, increases root development, encourages stronger stem growth, increases photosynthesis, increases yield and gives produce a longer shelf life and improved quality.
• Contains Molasses which provides a food source for beneficial soil microbes which make nutrients more available to the plant and improve soil structure.
• Wetting agent improves water penetration, reduces water usage and improves soil structure.
• Improves retention and plant uptake of essential nutrients.