Plants as Gifts for Christmas

Plants as Gifts for Christmas

Presenting plants as gifts at Christmas time, birthdays or any special occasion, is a unique and thoughtful option. Loved ones and friends will appreciate the life and colour it will bring into their homes now and in the future.

Give Your Loved Ones a Living Gift

Whether the lucky recipient is an avid gardener or someone who can only manage to maintain a cactus, plants as gifts symbolise friendship and connection. It’s also a meaningful way of expressing that you care about their health and well-being.

Plants make fantastic Christmas presents because:

  • Plants bring happiness and joy with their natural green beauty
  • You help add a touch of nature into their home and surroundings
  • Offering something beautiful lightens and brightens up living spaces
  • As natural air-purifiers and oxygen providers, plants promote a healthy lifestyle
  • Nurtured properly, plants are long-lasting and sustainable

Beginners or Plant Lovers – Does it Matter?

Green thumb or not, plant gifts are suitable for everyone across all gardening levels. If you are concerned about giving a plant to a friend who has never owned one, we suggest looking into low-maintenance indoor options.

For friends or relatives who are keen gardeners, the choices are endless. You could even look for a rare type of plant that may require extra attention and care.

Top 5 Plants to Give As Gifts

Every plant is unique and different. With so many types and categories to choose from, we have compiled a list of top plant gift ideas for inspiration:

1. Spider Plant

Easy to care for and only requires weekly watering, Spider Plants are perfect for the gardening newbie.

2. Peace Lily

As an ideal indoor plant, the Peace Lily brings charm to a home with glossy green leaves and stunning white buds.

3. Monstera

A vibrant large houseplant with low maintenance, the Monstera needs minimal sunlight to flourish. Best suited for larger homes.

4. Fiddle Leaf Fig

This trendy indoor tree is ideal for experienced gardeners as it requires constant watering, plenty of natural sunlight, pruning and fertilising.

5. Calathea ‘Medallion’

Nicknamed ‘prayer plants’, their leaves will open and close throughout the day. Cathalea owners will only need to water it once a week, while placing it in moderate light.

 

We highly recommend giving plants as gifts this Christmas. What better way to provide the gift recipient with an ongoing reminder of how much you care about them?

When making your choice of plant, our team can advise on the level of care required and the most suitable location for each type of plant.

As your local gardenologists, we’re the plant experts. We specialise in garden maintenance, raised vegetable gardens, garden makeovers and landscape design in Murwillumbah, the Tweed Coast, Tweed Heads, Northern Rivers and the Far North Coast areas. We love helping your plants and garden thrive!

 

Still wondering which plants to give to your family and friends this Christmas? We can definitely help you …  We invite you to call our friendly team on 0448 300 736 to chat about plants as gifts, or your garden and backyard landscaping ideas today.

Tips to plant, grow and enjoy your edible garden.

Tips to plant, grow and enjoy your edible garden.

Edible Garden Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

Would you like to have a thriving vegetable garden? If so, you need the edible garden tips we share in this post. Read on ….

Even if your backyard has limited space, you can still create an amazing vegetable garden in a small area. Courtyards, balconies, porches and small gardens are all suitable. If you’re okay with growing your vegetables without requiring a raised garden bed, you can start planting your edible garden directly into the ground.

Your Thriving Veggie Garden Starts Here

With the warmer months approaching, there’s an endless list of what to grow in your vegetable garden this summer.

Raised vegetable gardens are a great idea for edible gardens, as they are easier to plant in and maintain. You can plant, grow and eat a healthy crop of veggies such as cucumbers, tomatoes, capsicums and beans. You could also start small using a few pots and containers. As they say, “From little things, big things grow.”

Get Your Vegetables Growing with these Simple Steps

As we delve into our tips, it’s helpful to understand the difference between a winter and summer veggie garden.

Vegetables that thrive in warmer weather include tomatoes, capsicums and eggplants. Alternatively, broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce will thrive during the cooler months.

It’s important to note that, while plants will grow slowly during winter due to the short days and lack of sunshine, there are fewer garden pests and insects.

Step 1: Deciding What to Plant

The best way to plan a thriving edible garden this season is to consider the herbs, vegetables, and summer fruits you enjoy the most. This will make the project more fun and bring the flavours you want to your plate.

For those creating a vegetable garden for a daycare centre or aged care community, consider plants with a sensory appeal, such as herbs with distinct aromas, like rosemary, thyme and mint.

We suggest strawberries and blueberries as a great summer fruit addition to your garden.

Step 2: Which Vessel is Best?

Using old containers or vessels for your garden will make your project fun and quirky. It also encourages recycling. Add holes to ensure drainage, and you can use:

  • Wheelbarrows
  • Old bathtubs
  • Wooden barrels
  • Laundry tubs
  • Terracotta pots

Step 3: Location Matters!

While you don’t need much space for an edible garden, choosing the right location during the summer is essential.

Some points to consider include:

  • A flat ground
  • Reasonable access to sunlight with some shade
  • Shelter from the wind
  • Close to a garden tap for easy watering
  • A safe, non-slippery walking surface

Edible Garden Tips

We hope our helpful tips inspire you with fun and unique ideas for the upcoming summer months.

Whether it’s a family project or a community initiative, the benefits of planting and growing a thriving vegetable garden bring people closer together. Also, growing delicious produce in your yard promotes healthy eating and well-being.

 

Here at Early Up, we create raised vegetable gardens, design landscaping and deliver garden maintenance to help your garden shine. We’re your local backyard landscaping experts. Whether you’re located in Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, across the Tweed Coast or elsewhere on the Far North Coast, we can help with all your gardening needs.

Do you need assistance to create an edible garden? Our team of gardenologists are ready and willing to help. Call us today on 0448 300 736 to discuss your requirements and organise a quote.

How to Prepare Your Garden for a Wet Summer

How to Prepare Your Garden for a Wet Summer

With another La Nina weather event on its way, now is the time to prepare your garden for a wet summer. Above-average rainfall and cooler day temperatures are part of the weather predictions. But don’t worry, this post includes suggestions and tips to help keep your yard and lawn thriving and healthy, despite the weather predictions.

Rain Rain and More Rain – How it Affects Your Garden

La Nina will bring heavy clouds, causing frequent rain and storms. Such severe weather could potentially damage your plants and flowers. The additional water will also dilute soil nutrients.

A combination of warm weather and moisture during La Nina can produce unpleasant mould or mildew in your garden. Keeping a close eye on your growing fruits and vegetables is vital.

To prepare your garden for a wet summer, with its additional rainfall and humidity, follow these handy tips:

  • Move plants into a protected area such as a greenhouse or stand
  • Keep compost as dry as possible by adding dry materials such as garden cuttings or cardboard
  • Build mounds around your garden and vegetables to create soil drainage and increase airflow
  • Trimming and pruning will help rejuvenate and encourage growth while giving plants breathing space from all the humidity
  • Fertilise frequently and use slow-releasing pelletised fertilisers for better results in rainy conditions

Temperature Matters

The cloud coverage caused by La Nina reduces sun and heat, resulting in an uncharacteristically cool summer. When plantation usually flourishes during the warmer months, you may notice that your vegetable garden will slow down during La Nina. Try not to be disheartened. Your produce will take shape next year.

La Nina and Your Garden – The Downfalls

Your yard and vegetable patches will need extra love and attention during La Nina.

Every week, check your zucchinis, cucumbers and pumpkins. If you find powdery mildew or mould, spray a mixture of 2 cups of water with half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. A spray bottle filled with half milk and half water also works.

After heavy rainfall, there is the potential of finding unwanted garden guests such as spiders and snakes. Be sure to wear covered shoes or boots and always wear garden gloves.

How La Nina Can Actually Benefit Your Garden

La Nina weather is challenging to predict, and conditions will change frequently. However, there are some positives. You might be pleasantly surprised by thriving green plantations with a substantial amount of rain.

The cooler temperature is also an excellent opportunity to plant in your raised vegetable gardens for early autumn.

With the change of seasons upon us, we trust the above information will help you prepare your garden for a wet summer.

At Early Up, we specialise in landscaping design, garden maintenance and garden makeovers that will help your garden thrive. As your local gardenologists, we design landscaping 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.

This isn’t our first rodeo! We know how important it is to prepare your garden for the wet weather ahead. We have helped our clients with the effects of LaNina in the past and we’re certainly ready to do it again.

Give us a call on 0448 300 736 to chat about your requirements today.

Spring Gardening Checklist from the Experts

Spring Gardening Checklist from the Experts

We’ve created a spring gardening checklist to inspire you to spruce up your garden. After all, it’s the season for regrowth and new beginnings, so let’s get busy!

Our Top Spring Gardening Tips

As backyard landscaping and garden maintenance experts, we love Spring. However, it can be an overwhelming time for some gardeners when trying to prioritise what needs work in the garden.

Our spring gardening checklist helps break down the tasks and jobs for you. Once it’s all done, sit back and enjoy the blossoms and beauty of spring.

Get Your Vegetables Growing

Springtime is nature’s way of telling us to prepare our raised vegetable gardens for a bountiful harvest of summer produce.

Get inspired by planting summer vegetables like:

  • Tomatoes
  • Capsicums
  • Cucumbers
  • Beans
  • Zucchinis

Pretty Up Your Garden with Beautiful Flowers

While jasmine, wisteria and roses are popular spring flowers, don’t forget about stunning bulbs, like daffodils and tulips.

For a more Australian native feel, waratahs, bottlebrushes and kangaroo paws are perfect options.

Before you know it, your garden will be bursting with colour.

Weeds Begone!

It’s time to get down and dirty with some weeding. Weeds love sunshine and warm weather. At this time of year, regular weeding is essential, to prevent your garden from weed infestations.

Head over to our previous blog post for all the tips and tricks on how to get rid of these pesky plants.

Pruning is Key

Give your trees and shrubs a fresh start with a good prune. Cutting dead wood and clearing up the dead leaves from winter gives your garden a chance for fresh, new growth.

Be sure to use the right tool for each type of pruning, ensuring the tool is sharp and clean before your start. Cut back any weak or stunted growth and thin out problem branches to ensure air circulation for regrowth.

Irrigation Systems Simplify Your Busy Life

Warmer weather calls for more watering. An irrigation system will help reduce your water bill during the summer, while the automatic timer will ensure your garden is always adequately watered. At Early Up, we install garden irrigation systems – ask our friendly team about a quote.

Attracting Birds with a Feeder

Why not welcome feathered friends into your garden? In spring, a bird feeder can assist migrating birds to refuel and rest.

Clean out your bird feeder regularly and fill it with fresh seed or nectar.

Home-made bird feeders are a great project with kids, encouraging them to appreciate birdlife and the outdoors.

Your Handy Spring Gardening Checklist

Overwhelmed? Unsure where to start? Keep this spring gardening checklist handy, so you can reference it when you’re in the garden. Just tick the boxes as you get through each chore. Easy done.

  • Clear all winter shrubbery, sweeping up debris and dead leaves around the patio or veranda
  • Trim pathways with a whipper snipper or spade
  • Check garden hoses and taps, making sure fittings and watering systems are working
  • Clean, oil and sharpen gardening tools
  • Prune trees and shrubs
  • Nourish soil with organic fertiliser or compost
  • Add mulch around garden beds
  • Trim back and shape hedges

We hope this handy spring gardening checklist helps with your gardening tasks.

As your local Gardenologists, we’re here to keep your garden looking great. Early Up are your local North Coast landscape garden designers and landscaping experts in Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, the Tweed Coast and across the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

Need help getting your garden ready to thrive in Spring? Need an irrigation system to keep your plants hydrated in the summer months? Early Up can help. Call us today on 0448 300 736 to arrange a quote and find out why we are the garden experts.

Professional tips for a weed free garden

Professional tips for a weed free garden

Professional tips for a weed free garden

Maintaining a weed free garden may seem like a daunting task. Especially during the summer months, you want to be able to enjoy time in your garden. In this post, we provide a list of helpful tips to guide you in keeping your yard beautiful and blossoming.

Here are our top landscaping and gardening trends for 2022…

Here at Early Up, we understand how stressful weeds can be, especially when they overtake your garden. Following are our suggestions to help you keep the perfect weed free garden.

1. Are Weeds Destroying your Garden?

Weeds are well-known for being stubborn, pesky plants. They grow and thrive anywhere and everywhere, from raised vegetable gardens to lawns and flower beds.

To prevent weeds from destroying your vegetables, flowers and lawn, it’s essential to keep an eye out for unrecognisable shrubs or plants in each of these areas of your garden. The more familiar you are with what is growing in your garden, the easier it will be to identify and promptly remove those annoying weeds.

2. Why You Need to Start Now

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy spending time in your garden as you enjoy the outdoors. However, weeds also love the sun and are most prevalent during the summer.

When growing fresh produce, it’s crucial to understand the impact weeds can have in your vegetable garden. They can stunt the growth of your produce by competing for soil, light, and water. As weeding requires a lot of bending over, having raised vegetables gardens can make this process easier by alleviating the need to bend your back or kneel down while removing weeds.

With the months warming up, now is the time to start protecting your harvest and flowers, while keeping your garden weed free.

3. How to Prevent Weeds Invading Your Garden

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, right? Here are three key preventative tips to help you maintain a weed free garden:

  • Mulch it up – Thick layers of mulch will create a barrier for weeds, stopping their roots from reaching the ground. Also, mulch will block weeds from direct access to sunlight, preventing them from growing.
  • Mow Regularly – While mowing keeps your lawn tidy and well-kept, you will also remove the heads of weeds and stop seeds from spreading through the grass.
  • Weed Every Day – Consistency is key. Taking 10 minutes each day to do some weeding will keep your garden in great shape, saving it from a more severe problem.

4. How to Effectively Remove Weeds

With the right tools and techniques, you can say goodbye to weeds for good. The most important tips are to:

  • Pull and Remove – Roll up the sleeves and grab some gardening gloves. Using your hands means you can reach down around the weed’s root ball and yank the entire weed with its root, giving it no chance to regrow.
  • Using Effective Tools – For the challenging or taller weeds, a small hoe, sickle or blade will help to cut them down at the base. Keep tools sharpened, especially after heavy use.

Keep your garden looking beautiful and healthy. Let Early Up whack your weeds in preparation for summer!

Early Up are your local Gardenologists. We deliver expert landscaping services and garden maintenance in Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Tweed Coast and throughout the beautiful North Coast of New South Wales.

Don’t have time to weed the garden yourself? Don’t worry, we can help. Your weed-free garden is just around the corner! Click over to this page for further information – https://www.earlyup.com.au/services/whack-your-weeds/

The Key Benefits of Using Native Plants in Your Garden

The Key Benefits of Using Native Plants in Your Garden

Australians love a low maintenance garden, so using native plants is a great option to consider when planning your front and back yards. Aside from their resilience to our harsh climate, a native garden has many more benefits. Here at Early Up, our team of landscape garden designers have compiled our list of reasons native plants make an excellent choice for your backyard landscaping.

What are the Advantages of Planting Natives?

Most native plants are wonderfully unique to Australia. They are also invaluable to our environment, wildlife and much more.

Plant Survival

For those who don’t have a naturally green thumb, native plants may be your saving grace. Highly resilient in Australia’s ever changing and extreme conditions, native plants can survive through droughts and excess rain. They require minimal watering in their first year of growth. After that, native plants can thrive on rainfall alone.

Birds and Bees Love Them

There’s a beautiful harmony that exists between Australian natives and local wildlife. Using a variety of different native plant species in your garden offers different food sources for native birds, bees and other local animals.

Native flowers provide sweet nectar, attracting pollinators such as:

  • Hummingbirds
  • Native bees
  • Butterflies
  • Moths
  • Bats

Nuts, seeds and fruits sourced from native plants can also entice wildlife including:

  • Reptiles
  • Small mammals
  • Frogs

Your native garden also provides shelter, protecting wildlife from predators. Sit and watch your backyard flourish as a beautiful and functional wildlife sanctuary.

No Chemicals Required

Regular fertiliser and pesticide treatments are necessary for maintaining exotic plants and lawns. The main ingredients in fertiliser include phosphorus and nitrogen, which can cause excessive algae growth. This will result in a significant reduction to oxygen content in water, risking serious harm for aquatic life.

Chemical pesticides can be equally detrimental to the natural environment and wildlife. When used excessively, the toxic elements in pesticides are prone to contaminating soil and waterways.

Native gardens, on the other hand, are generally chemical-free. By using native plants in your garden, you’re helping protect remaining native vegetation, which is a vital source of food and shelter for local wildlife. Also, native plants help preserve biodiversity.

Overall, native plants contribute to thriving eco-systems which help to:

  • Clean water
  • Purify air
  • Maintain healthy soil life
  • Regulate climate
  • Provide natural resources for food

Your native garden will also be your significant contribution to a healthy, natural environment. There is no reason more meaningful and valuable than to keep native plants and animals alive and well in your backyard.

Early Up are your local Gardenologists. With our extensive experience and knowledge in native plants, we will help you create your native Australian oasis. Providing expert gardening and landscaping design, our services are available in Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads, Tweed Coast and across the beautiful Far North Coast of New South Wales.

Would you love to have a native garden, but don’t know where to start? Do you need more information about using native plants and which ones are best suited for your backyard conditions? Let us help! Call us today on 0448 300 736.