From historical times to present, writers and artists have always sought inspiration amidst the strength and majesty of living trees. They comfort the soul, and quietly offer their reassurance during difficult times. An American Indian proverb describes them as our silent brothers, sharing the sacred journey of life. Whether chosen for their flowers, fruit, or foliage, trees are accurately described as framework plants. In this capacity they influence the visual and aesthetic characteristics of their surrounding environment. Above all, trees provide the sense of permanence which characterises an established organic garden. Once established, many varieties of tree are low maintenance and provide an additional dimension to gardens, particularly...

The best medium for growing healthy plants is a rich, loose, and fertile soil. Earthworms make a significant contribution by loosening the soil and providing plant nutrients in their droppings. When they burrow, worms aerate the soil to provide essential oxygen for bacteria, fungi, and other micro-organisms required for soil fertility. An earthworm can digest approximately half its own bodyweight of soil each day. Given that average populations number hundreds of worms per square metre, the combined effect will be the processing and movement of large volumes of earth each year. Earthworms concentrate essential nutrients and minerals from soil as it passes through their digestive tract. Their expelled waste, also known as cast, contains many...

The decision to use a particular type of fertiliser needs to be supported by some understanding of the preferred soil conditions and other requirements of the plants being raised. To grow properly, plants require a broad selection of nutrients. Ideally, these occur naturally and are directly available from soil or compost. The three macro or major nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), are required in significant quantities. They work together and in combination with other nutrients but each of them has a dominant role in certain aspects of growth and plant development. Nitrogen, for example, is required for shoot and leaf growth. Phosphorus is the most crucial nutrient for developing functional root systems, while the main...

In recent years, there has been a considerable shift away from the chemical approach to insect control. This is often explained in terms of the increasing cost of developing new formulations to combat elevated levels of resistance within several insect populations. At the same time, the accessibility of international travel combined with progressive reductions in agricultural trade restrictions have contributed to the increased risk of introducing previously unfamiliar insect species to working farms, and gardens throughout the country. In their efforts to control troublesome insect populations, organic gardeners and primary producers depend upon a restricted range of natural products and control strategies. These can be grouped within four...

The term herb is used to describe those plants which are commonly selected for their culinary, therapeutic, cleansing, and devotional properties. Throughout history, herbs have been associated with the cultural and religious practices of many influential civilisations. In ancient Greece, bay leaves were fashioned into garlands and presented as praise offerings to triumphant athletes of the original Olympiad events. In a similar manner, fresh and dried leaves were included as part of the ritual and sacred offerings to the ancient deities. Aside from these ceremonial applications, the Greeks appreciated the therapeutic and culinary aspects of this richly aromatic plant. For example, fresh bay leaves were steeped in jars of olive oil which were...