What's on

Cacti are terrific choices for hot, sun baked gardens.  In the gardens at Eden there are a variety of sites that prove difficult for most plants yetare perfect are for these prickly cases.  As you drive down into our underground carpark, check out the lovely garden filled with barrel cactus, agaves, aloes and Euphorbia crown of thorns, and look at the rooftop tower in the main display garden, with has another variety ofEuphorbia tirucalli called firesticks , all thriving with no care.

Simon Ainsworth, the owner of Eden Gardens, loves cactus and succulents.  He the Patron of the Cactus and Succulent Society of NSW and has a collection himself.  It’s no wonder Eden Gardens have such a good range in their retail nursery.  We also make a range of custom designed combos.  Our cactus bowls are tough, drought tolerant miniature gardens that are right on trend.  To get an instant look that's ready to go, they’re hard to go past.  We are a range of styles with something for everyone's taste, all thoughtfully created by our own staff to help you get the look and results you're after.  Perfect for courtyards, table displays and gifts.  If you’d rather pot your own though, read here.

So what is a cactus?

They are a diverse group of plants with succulent stems and spines, often well known for their spectacular flowers and sculptural forms.  Many have evolved in desert environments, so they’re often able to cope with neglect, though the more you can offer them, the more they’ll give back. Succulents simply don’t have the spines.

Growing tips.

• Rotate plants on window sills so that they grow evenly.
• Use cactus and succulent mix.
• Plants should be allowed to dry out between soakings, which is normally twice a week in summer and about once a month in winter.
• Fertilise with slow release fertiliser in spring
• Many cactus are suited to indoors – ask our staff which ones should work at your place
• Repot wearing gloves and lift the cactus using polystyrene ‘handles’ to help you avoid the spines

Succulent bowls are as individual as you are.  No two bowls are ever the same.  Succulents are surging in popularity, and it’s no wonder - they are virtually maintenance free, with very low-water needs and they look good all year round.

Succulents are diverse.  Their shapes and textures range from rose-like to dainty beads, daisies and fluffy mounds and jellybean like. They also come in surprising shades of blue, teal, silver, chartreuse and burgundy.

Where to place them?

• Try one at home or at work - not only do they look good, but the presence of plants helps promote creativity, productivity and general wellbeing.
• On a sunny outdoor table setting they provide the answer for that ‘set and forget’ living arrangement.
• If you’re growing them indoors, make sure they are in a bright and well lit position. Succulents also hate sitting in a saucer of water, or having any moisture sitting around their roots.  If you need to put something under their pot, put a layer of pebbles in the saucer too so that drainage holes are above the water line.

How much water?

The amount plants need varies on the time of year.  Succulents can go virtually free of water if they are indoors over winter, but outside in the summer sun weekly watering will be needed.  Adjust the amount you give between these two extremes to about once a fortnight on a table in a covered courtyard in autumn and spring.

How they style a room?

Choosing the container and selecting the mulch toppings will change the styling of each succulent bowl.  Mix and match to get the look you’re after.  Seashells and jellybean like succulents planted into a large shell will obviously ramp up a coast vibe, whereas red gravel mulch and a terracotta bowl will add to a Mexican or Santa Fe look.

By: Meredith Kirton

Gro Urban Oasis in Miranda is hard to miss. Located in Westfield, the store is a literal haven in the heart of the centre. Greenery spills from every corner with plants dripping from the ceiling and leaves crowding the walls and floor. You can’t help but wander on in. 

If you’re yet to have the pleasure of a meander through Gro Urban Oasis, you best add this experience to your must-visit list. And yes, we choose the word experience for a reason. Upon entering, you’re greeted by friendly staff who encourage you to explore whilst offering knowledge and tips on how to care for the abundance of plants on offer. There are indoor plants, a few outdoor plants, terrariums, kokedama, homewares and pots and baskets galore. Not only do we always find something for our home, but Gro Urban Oasis is our go-to when we’re on the hunt for a thoughtful, fail-proof gift.   Read more...

Do you have empty plastic pots lying around your home and you’re not sure what to do with them?

Step 1. Get your pots together for recycling and check that they have the PP5 symbol on them.

Step 2. Tap them to remove the soil.

Step 3. Stack them together neatly.

2022’s theme for Mardi Gras is United We Shine and looks towards a brighter future for the rainbow family.  To celebrate diversity and inclusion, we have created some Pride Kokedama balls in rainbow colours, and some bejewelled ones too.  These will be available at Eden Gardens in Macquarie Park and our Gro stores in Bondi, Miranda and Warringah.  It’s a small gesture to remind us all that we are growing in love.

We also have two wonderful installations at Eden Gardens Macquarie Park that celebrate inclusion.  One is called Ritual Rainbow Ceremony, by Jayanto Tan, and the other is called Rainbow Ceremony, by Akira Kamada, and was created after the gay marriage legislation was passed.  It rejoices in the many colours of the spectrum in an eye-catching arc along the bride lawn.

For something a little different and fun, check out this interview with Tim Entwisle, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, by our horticultural journalist Meredith Kirton about Sex in the Garden.

By: Meredith Kirton