Guest mandragora Posted November 15, 2002 (edited) l Edited April 17, 2007 by mandragora Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterdragon Posted November 15, 2002 musta fluked it, u don't actually look anything like a dickhead up close. where is the link to wandjina gardens btw? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mesqualero Posted November 15, 2002 Originally posted by waterdragon:musta fluked it, u don't actually look anything like a dickhead up close. where is the link to wandjina gardens btw? www.wandjina.net.au Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Torsten Posted November 15, 2002 You just happened to be standing in the only decent shot of that wall, sorry. I'll be putting up the staff and contributor pages in the next few weeks and you can choose a good pic for those Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Dunkel Posted November 15, 2002 Very exciting stuff. Any more pictures, news, plans etc.... Keep us posted (or keep updating the website). Something like this is needed in Australia and elsewhere. Maybe others should start similar projects as well. E D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RonnySimulacrum Posted November 15, 2002 The property looks beautiful. Very interesting project. How did you know what sort of climate would be best for such diverse plant varieties? Awaiting more pics Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Torsten Posted November 16, 2002 we're taking lots of pics of any work we do there. Much of it is still only around the house area, but hey, we gotta start somewhere. 180 acres is a little overwhelming at times. More pics when I get the time to upload. as for climate, it had to be subtropical as this allows the greatest diversity. The fact that we have elevations of 10m to 309m above sealevel ensures we can create lots of different climates. Exposed patches on the hill are dry and sunny, while moist, cool gullies are good for rainforest. The only thing we are not impressed about is the soil, but at least we can build lots of claybrick buildings The heavy clay soil is dictating very sustainable practises. The only way to break it up is with mulch, and given the huge quantity of camphor laurels (weed), we will have no shortage of mulch. The most important thing we have done in the last few weeks/months was to drill a bore. This was an expensive and time consuming shitfight. With irrigators license and irrigation systems we are now finally independent from the dismal rainfall this season. It is good to know we can plan ahead even if the el nino sticks around till the end of our wet season. As always we are running way behind schedule , but progress is pretty impressive nonetheless. Mandragora and Darcy are amazing in the way they help us transform the place. Without their help we would surely be exhausted and somewhat disappointed by now. Adrian also just spent two weeks doing hard yakka. He will tell you that this is not a glamorous project ... yet. We hope to have a good display garden by late 2003. The retail nursery has been delayed by a few months and probably won't be opening till february/march now. There were other priorities. BTW, for anyone looking for the pics, they are in the "gardens" section. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mandragora Posted November 16, 2002 (edited) l Edited April 17, 2007 by mandragora Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Torsten Posted November 16, 2002 Originally posted by mandragora:Yeah 179 acres ---Sorry my eight button is not working. --- actually, it is only 179 anyway Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spaced Posted November 20, 2002 Originally posted by Torsten:The heavy clay soil is dictating very sustainable practises. The only way to break it up is with mulch Gypsum? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Torsten Posted November 20, 2002 at an application rate of 1 kilo per square metre, per year, this is simply not viable. Yes, we will use gypsum, but only in certain areas. Also, gypsum does not actually turn clay into soil. We have huge PURE clay bodies in the ground. Like, the stuff is pure enough to use in pottery without processing first!! being such a steep property, using gypsum would also be a bit of a waste due to run off. Really, the best way to turn clay into soil is to add organic material. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest electro Posted November 20, 2002 QUOTE]Originally posted by mandragora: Yeah 179 acres ---Sorry my eight button is not working. --- actually, it is only 179 anyway .... only ... my garden is about 20 square metres and it's ONLY 179 acres hehehe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waterdragon Posted November 21, 2002 Originally posted by Torsten:We have huge PURE clay bodies in the ground. Like, the stuff is pure enough to use in pottery without processing first!! looks like a sideline in terracotta pots then. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Torsten Posted November 21, 2002 we've already taken a trailerload of a special white type of clay to a friend. but there is PLENTY more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
