Autumn Gardening

I'll be honest when that calendar clicks over to March 1st I totally expect the weather to change.

Even though I live in Queensland I also expect trees to start changing colour and I even kind of imagine being that person that rakes a pile of autumn leaves into a pile then jumps on them, like they do in the movies!

Annnd this all starts on March 1st!

Reality hits... Its a 35 degree day with what feels like 60% humidity. Sweat is currently sitting on top of sweat. Pretty much like its been for last few days. We are supposed to get rain but we all know, the weather man has no idea how really how the week will turn out!

I try to enjoy the weather today because it wasn't as hot as yesterday. I try to write an amazing welcome to Autumn post on Facebook ... I try to be excited about my Autumn vegetable patch. I try to share the supposed Autumn hints and tricks with you.

As an Ipswichite I know that usually Autumn will hit mid April ... but this year who knows ... It's been a crazy year already.

Today I was wondering, what do I write to welcome us all to Autumn and I came across something I had written in 2007.

Feeling hot, bothered and frustrated, the sentiment I was reading really resonated with me. I do believe as I type this now my fingernails are the cleanest they have been in a long while! I'm not sure whether to blame the weather or life suddenly becoming really busy, since we got 'back to normal'.

The bundle of joy mentioned below recently turned 14 and he has a brother and a sister now. It's funny how life turns full circle on you. Today I had 20 minutes spare, in between a phone call and general mother/life/businessperson duties ... I gardened like no one was watching.... and I can tell you that 20mins today felt more like a accomplishment than I washed, dried and put sheets on everyone's bed!

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Since the birth of my first bundle of joy things have changed. My fingernails got clean. For the last 12 weeks I’ve had clean fingernails. I hate it. In between feeding, changing nappies, singing mother goose nursery rhymes and pretending to sleep, I haven’t had the time to get outdoors and get dirty.

Things had to change.

So a hat, a sun shade and a play mat was brought and out we went into the wide green yonder of our backyard (well it’s actually brown at the moment). The garden was to big of a job to tackle on my first day of getting the dirt back under my nails, so my pots got a work out.

It felt great. Elbow deep in soil, surrounded by dreams of rain, and reality of watering cans and soil wetters.

An hour later, two pots were completed. I had spreading pansies, perennial primula, alyssum and a camellia. I had mulched, soil wetted and fertilised. My nails were dirty and I was the happiest person around.

My little bundle of joy had received his first lesson in gardening and I didn’t let anything stand in my way of gardening.

This season don’t let life and the weather stand in the way of you getting your fingernails dirty. We can still get out water and admire our plants.

Flowers and gardening bring so much joy to everyone. Isn’t it nice to drive around and see gardens that are well taken care of and full of flowers. Isn’t lovely when you come home from a hard day at work to drive in and see of bright pot of flowers at the front door. Doesn’t it make you feel good when you eat a home grown tomato.

I can’t believe how much happier it made me feel just by getting outdoors and tending to my pots. They say laughter is the medicine for the soul, that person must not have been a gardener. Flowers are definitely the medicine for my soul.

Everyone should get outside and get dirty!

Plant a pot of flowers,

Put in a crop of tomatoes,

Redo a small section of your garden,

Whatever it is remember that no one can take the joy and pleasure that gardening brings away from you …

Not even the weather man!

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It’s amazing what some time outside can do for the soul.

I know I am looking forward to quality gardening time this Autumn, no matter what the weather or guidelines the Government brings in!

Grow your own Tea

Do you know that almost every type of tea comes from a Camellia? That's right tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis.

Camellia sinensis Flower

Camellia sinensis var. sinensis and Camellia sinensis var. assamica are two major varieties grown today. Camellia sinensis are believed to have originated in the borderlands of north Burma and southwestern China.

Camellia sinensis are evergreen shrubs. The leaves are glossy green with serrated edges. It usually forms cute small white flowers with bright yellow stamens in spring but I have found in our climate it can flower from spring through to winter. In cultivation flowering is halted by the consistent plucking of new growth, forcing the plant to constantly make more leaves not more flowers.

After flowering Camellia sinensis can fruit. This fruit has a hard green shell and a single, round, brown seed, these seeds can be used to make tea oil. Tea oil has huge huge potential in the cosmetic industry and medical industry due to its natural healing and nutritional properties. It is also commonly used in Chinese cooking.

Camellia sinensis sinensis (China)

Camellia sinensis var. sinensis is the main tea plant in production in China. It naturally grows at high altitudes on mountain slopes. In its native habitat it can grow to 4.5m tall and produce leaves up to 5cm long. The growing season may be short in it's native mountainous area and the yeilds small but the tender leaves yield a sweeter, less astringent tea.

When grown in cultivation the plant is pruned to about 1m high with a flat top surface to allow easier plucking of the new growth. In most areas the growing season is only half of the year as the plant is dormant during Winter. These plants will generally only yield about five pluckings a year. Due to its dormancy during Winter, where its storing up all its nutrients, the first spring "flush" of new growth provides some of the finest teas on earth with the highest concentrations of desirable flavours and essential elements that make tea a health tonic.

Camellia sinensis assamica (Assam, India)

Camellia sinensis assamica is native to the Assam region in Northern India (near boarder of Burma and China). This strain of Camellia sinensis loves high humidity, warm temperatures and lots of rain. If left alone the Camellia sinensis assamica can grow up 15-20m high and its leaves can be 20cm long. Under perfect conditions Camellia sinensis assamica can be harvested every 8 to 12 days all through the year. Due to the tremendous yields, it is the preferred crop in Northeast India, Sri Lanka and Africa. The Camellia sinensis assamica leaf is ideal for producing strong, malty, black teas. Other Chinese teas requiring lengthier production, such as oolong and pu'erh, are also made from the larger leaves of the Assamica plant.

We can easily grow Camellia sinensis in Ipswich. We just have to understand they will grow a lot slower than they do in their natural habitat. We may only get one yield a year out of our Camellia sinensis. Due to their slow growth rate, Camellia sinensis would be happy to stay in a pot or they could be used as a low hedge. With little effort Camellia sinensis can easily be trained to grow thick and neat, they really only need to be pruned once a year, when you do your tea harvest!

To promote good growth and some flowers I would be fertilising with Organic Link at least twice a year, just before flowering and just after. Throughout the year I also think its a brilliant idea to regularly liquid fertilise. I like to alternate between Triple Boost and Silica and Potash. I find Camellia sinensis aren't prone to a lot of insects or diseases if kept healthy. I usually mix neem oil with my Triple Boost Liquid Fertiliser to promote strong healthy growth. If by chance I get an insect attack I find Eco-oil or Eco-Fend can usually solve the issue.

Camellia sinensis can tolerate both full sun and full shade but the best spot is a partially shaded area. As long as they are planted into good quality potting mix or garden soil and mulched correctly Camellia sinensis can be one of the most robust drought tolerant plants around. They do prefer regular watering's though to promote healthy new growth.

If you've been looking for something a little different to grow in your garden this year, I'd suggest Camellia sinensis are a great place to start.

If you love your tea but can't wait to grow your own, Trevallan also stocks Tranquil Tea's Ipswich Breakfast Blend

Tranquil Tea

We love supporting other local businesses. One that has changed our lives for the better is Tranquil Tea.

A few years ago we had the pleasure of holding a Tea Workshop facilitated by Dona the creative behind Tranquil Tea. Dona explained during the workshop that she grew up in a country where she woke up everyday to a cup of tea. It was the first drink of the day. Tea plantations were the natural place to visit when they travelled around the country.

In her first job as a flight attendant, she served a cup of ‘Çeylon tea’ with pride because she knew that Ceylon tea could not be replicated or grown from tea planation's elsewhere in the world.

During this workshop we discovered what 'real' tea tastes like! While we were all coffee only girls before, you will now often find us having a cup of tea in the afternoons.

Fast forward a few years and Tranquil Tea has released her own tea blend and she named it in honour of her now home. The Ipswich Breakfast Blend is Tranquil Teas first blend from her personal range and can be found at Trevallan and other local cafes around town.

Tranquil Tea's Ipswich Breakfast Blend

Tranquil Tea created this beautiful blend (think English Breakfast but better) to pay tribute to the beautiful town that she has loved living in for the past 12 years. Tranquil Tea states "I love everything about this little city starting from historical buildings and the heritage it carries, landscape, we are in a city surrounded by a mountain range and most of all; people from all walks of life who are proud of their heritage. We have more than 6000 heritage-listed sites and over 500 parks... Love, care, safety, roof above heads and belonging "

Trevallan is over joyed that we can share this experience with you, we now a stockists for Ipswich Breakfast Tea. Why not come in today and be one of the first to get a box of this wonderful new release Tea.

Want to know how to grow your own Tea? Click here

Grow your own Coffee

Did you know that the coffee tree shares the same family as cocaine?

Coffea arabica also known as the Arabian coffee, is a species of Coffea.

It is believed to be the first species of coffee to be cultivated and is said to currently represent over 60% of global coffee production.

The other main coffee producer is and Coffea canephora, known as "Robusta"Coffea arabica is one of the world's most valuable crops and is the preferred coffee of choice as it is sweeter in taste.

Coffea canephora, has a higher caffeine content.

C. arabica originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and the Boma Plateau of Sudan.

According to Wikipedia, The first written record of coffee comes from Arab scholars, who wrote that it was useful in prolonging their working hours.

Coffea arabica 'First Fleet' Taken by Jerry Coleby-Williams

Coffea arabica can grow quite tall but there are dwarf varieties available. You can also just prune your Coffea arabica to size. Jerry Colbey-Williams recommends pruning your coffee tree to produce a crop that ripens evenly, to protect the cherries (fruit) from fungal damage, and to keep plants to a suitable height for picking. Jerry states that “Coffee plants flower on the current season's growth, not on older stems. Prune off all weak, dead or crossing branches. If necessary, thin flowering stems so all of them are exposed to good sunlight.”

Coffea arabica prefers a position that gets a lot of warmth but not too much direct summer sun. I have found this plant will burn in full sun and fade in shade. We have it in a number of positions at Trevallan and it loves early morning sun and all day warmth or late afternoon sun and all day warmth. I’ve even heard of people growing it in a full sun position inside. You know the place where the sun streams in through the windows! Coffea arabica hates the cold and during winter really loves a warm spot. It likes regular watering and hates drying out for long periods. It also hates over watering. Regular water is key! It can also be susceptible to insects if allowed to get unhealthy. I find fertilising mine regularly with Organic Link and a regular Liquid feed with neem and Triple Boost keeps ours looking good. Also great soil - free draining and nutrient dense. Jerry Colley-Williams has many posts on his Facebook page about coffee and all its different uses. Like, did you know you you can eat the ripe outer flesh? Jerry says it’s sweet and antioxidant rich. It can also be brewed to make tea which is said to have anti-inflammatory properties? A tea from coffee, mind blown!

Ultimately these babies can produce beautifully scented white flowers, fruit that can be eaten raw and then the ultimate seeds that make the coffee. It’s a long process and not one I would like to do to get a cup of coffee in the morning but at the same time an exercise I would like to experience

Have you grown and made your own coffee?

Coffea arabica now available at Trevallan

Finger Lime

Finger Limes are like our national treasure.

I always liken the little balls of tasty goodness to popping candy that I used to have as a kid.

Here’s this weird long fruit that you cut open to reveal what looks like caviar. You put these little balls of goodness on your tongue and a sweet Lime explosion happens in your mouth, giving a unique flavour sensation.

But to get to this amazing point we all need to remember the saying be thankful the thorn bush has roses!

To me Finger Lime bushes are spindly and exceptionally prickly. There really isn’t much more to say about their looks. As my mother always taught me if you can't say something nice, don't say anything!

As for care and attention, these guys are very hardy as long as you get it right! They Like a very warm protected position. This plant isn’t a fan of the cold and it also hates the burning sun. You have to remember that these plants are native to the rainforests of the border ranges of SE Queensland and Northern NSW.

I personally have found I can grow them better in a pot but I know a lovely family that is growing them by the tens at Pine Mountain in the ground.

They love a really nutrient dense soil so fertilise on the turn of every season with an excellent quality all round organic fertiliser like Organic Link.

Finger Lime Chartreuse

I have found it’s best to keep them trimmed as they can get a little, dare I say it, ugly !

White Autumn flowers are followed in Winter and Spring by slow-growing finger-shaped fruit containing glistening ‘citrus pearls’. The fruit is highly nutritious, rich in Vitamin C and high in antioxidants. Finger Lime fruit doesn’t ripen well off the tree, so pick only fully ripe fruit – these will feel full and detach easily. When opening the fruit, avoid getting oil from the rind onto the pearls, as this can affect the flavour.

Varieties Trevallan Stocks

Red Champagne variety of Finger limes produce fruit from December to March and they say the flavour is like spiced apple and apricot with a berry aroma... sounds like a good wine description!

Chartreuse has a subtle citrus flavour and is less bitter than other finger lime varieties.  It has green fruit with a pale green/yellow flesh. It is said to be ideal for salads, desserts and seafood. Chartreuse has a long fruiting season

Byron Sunrise is a dark skinned finger lime with tangy light pink coloured citrus pearls that strengthen in flavour when the fruit is cut and exposed to the air.

Crystal variety has very large fruit and can be vigorous, enabling the possibility of high yields per tree. The fruit is green skin with light green vesicles, bursting with flavour.

Seriously while these plants aren’t the prettiest plants they have a unique look that can work in many garden designs especially as containerised feature trees. Come into Trevallan today and get your own native fruit tree!

Going Bananas

We are going Bananas at Trevallan

We have some beautiful looking bananas at Trevallan. This range of banana have been selected for not only being able to grow and fruit well in the home garden but also for their ability to produce fruit under cooler conditions.... we all know sometimes we can get cold here in the Ipswich Region.

Varieties of Bananas Trevallan Stocks

• Dwarf Red Dacca produces small, very sweet bananas with a creamy texture. The skin changes from burgundy to orange as they ripen and the flesh is pale orange-pink.

• Dwarf Cavendish produces heavy crops of full sized, sweet bananas with a creamy texture. The tree is super dwarf reaching a maximum height of only 2m so it is perfect for pots, so it can be grown on balconies and yards.

• Lady Finger produces small bananas with a rich, sweet flavour and creamy texture and which keep well. Great for fruit salads since the flesh does not brown when cut

• Blue Java fast growing, cold tolerant. Fruit has the flavour and consistency of creamy vanilla ice cream or custard.

PLANTING INFORMATION

• Bananas require deep, rich soil which is well drained, in a position which is in full sun for most of the day.

Let’s be honest most soil in Ipswich isn’t that good unless you’ve been really working it for the last few years. So you will really need to work your soil well before you plant. A couple of bags of Searle’s Compost, some granulated Soil Soaker and a couple of handfuls of Organic Link will really enliven the soil before you plant.

The Dwarf varieties can be planted in very large pots. For this I would use Searles’ Platinum Potting Mix

• They suggest a north facing position is best for your banana and make sure if you get frost you can either protect it by throwing a cover over it or it’s in a protected position.

• After planting, water thoroughly and apply a thick layer of organic mulch to the worked area, keeping it away from the stem of the plant. I find sugar cane is best.

• Bananas are heavy feeders and as the plant grows it will need a good feed about every two to three months. I would be using Organic Link.

• Remove dead leaves regularly and keep the tree clean.

WHEN TO HARVEST

• You will know the bananas are ready to be harvested when the bananas lose their ridges. They will become more rounded, softer looking.

• The flowers at the end of the bunch will go dry and crumbly is an indication as well.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT BANANAS

• It may take 2-3 years for the first fruit to be produced.

• Suckers will appear from near the base of the main stem.

• You will need to select one to be the next main stem and remove the others.

• After the fruit has been harvested the stem that had the fruit on it should be cut down.

• The retained sucker will replace it as the main stem.

• This process is continued indefinitely

• Bananas don’t need another tree to help pollinate the flower so one Banana tree is enough but since variety is the spice of life why not grow all three if you have the space.

My Dirty Little Secret

Every year around this time my secret love affair starts. 

It starts off slow with only a hint of the love and pure joy that will come as the days turn into weeks and finally months. 

Then it’s gone. All the happiness and pleasure gone and I come crashing back down to earth.

Jasmine Polyanthum in full bloom. I love this scent.

I have to keep my love a secret as so many people disagree with me plus this love is just so, so, so common!

But I’ll let you in on my dirty little secret…. I love Jasmine polyanthum. They give my end of winter start of the westerly winds blues the TLC I need to continue.  I know spring will be here soon.  

I love nearly everything about this plant.

I love the soft feather like foliage, the deep green lushness of its leaves. 

I love the way it soft stems intertwine themselves and fall gracefully down. 

I love how the pink buds form at the end of winter, letting me know the end of this cold is close. 

I love watching the deep pink buds open to the purest white flower.

But most of all I love the scent.  

I love the scent wafting in the air, just a hint of spring.  I love getting up close and breathing deeply letting the fragrance fill me.  I love how it captures me and makes me want more. Oh how glorious it would be to be surrounded by Jasmine polyanthums.  

Every year I forget what their scent does to me. Then I start to notice them everywhere. This beautiful dense climber with pink buds and then they buds open and I’m in love all over again.

While Jasmine polyanthums are beautiful at this time of year reality hits around autumn and winter when they have a tendency to look a little shabby.  I have found that a good fertilise with Organic Link Fertiliser and trim after flowering (November) and just before flowering (June) helps keep them looking neat and beautiful.  

Jasmine polyanthums love the full sun but can grow in some shade.  They are a very vigorous climber and can cover an area quite quickly. 

If you don’t have anywhere for them to climb don’t worry they look glorious in hanging baskets or trailing over the edges of retaining walls. 

I have even seen some Jasmine polyanthums climbing on chain link fence and they were so highly trimmed it looked like a box hedge.  

These plants are hardy – they don’t mind a little bit of dry weather or a little bit of wet weather. They seem to handle the cold and the heat and once established can handle most soil types. 

Jasmine flowers are also commonly used as aphrodisiacs so make sure you like your neighbours before you use it on your fencing! 

Also for many people the scent can be very overpowering and even a bit sickly so do be mindful of where you plant it.  

This weekend give your love life some TLC and bring a Jasmine polyanthum home, it can even stay inside for a few days too, so you can enjoy the scent 24/7.

My Favourite Scentous Month

I love July.  It has to be my favourite month.  Not only is it my birthday month but my favourite plant is starting to flower.  I first discovered this plant when I was a little girl climbing trees in my parent’s garden.  At the time I thought that my mother and father had especially planted this tree for me so I had flowers on my birthday. I just could never work out why they planted it under my sister’s window and not mine!  Even when I smell the flowers today I get transported back to their garden and a time of simple existence.

I find the best way to give my life some TLC especially during one of the coldest months of the year is to have a Rogiera amoena. Many of you would know it by it’s old botanical name Rondeletia amoena.  Whether it be in the garden or a pot this plant is a must for all gardeners.  Some may class it as old fashioned, for me it’s timeless!

Previously the genus name, Rondeletia, commemorates Guillaume Rondelet, a 16th century French naturalist. The species name, amoena, is from the Latin meaning 'lovely' and lovely it is.

Rogiera amoena is an evergreen shrub or small tree to around 3m tall. It has dense green foliage making the perfect tree for hedging or as a feature.  Energex even thinks it’s a wonderful plant and recommends it for planting under power lines.

By July Rogiera amoena are just beginning to produce their clusters of deep pink buds which will slowly open to salmon-pink, perfumed flowers.  They will flower from July until the end of spring.  These deliciously scented flowers do not have an overpowering scent. If you are anything like me though you’ll want to sit all day in the garden and breathe in this divine scent.

Rogiera amoena’s are a versatile plant that can be grown in full sun or part shade.  It is a very tough, drought-tolerant plant for any style of garden from tropical to formal.  These plants are hardly bothered by pests or disease and they even attract butterflies!

 Whether you have a green-thumb or slightly brown tinged one Rogiera amoena are for you.

A light prune after flowering and a seasonal fertilise with an organic slow release fertiliser, I use Organic Link, will promote a denser form and more beautiful plant.

This weekend spoil yourself and take a trip back to your childhood.  Rogiera amoena are the best and easiest way to give yourself and garden some TLC during the cold month of July.

Ridding your Home or Office of Bad Vibes

Smudging is the common name given to the indigenous American tradition known as 'The Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing'

Smudging is a common way to rid our homes of that yucky or bad feeling. It's also a great thing to do if you just move into a home or if everyone has been feeling off kilter.

Smudging is the common name given to the indigenous American tradition known as the Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing.

It is believed to be a powerful spiritual cleansing technique which uses the smoke of various sacred plants to drive away negative energy and to restore balance to an individual, a group, a space, or all three.

Smudging has only come into the general Western consciousness in the past few decades, so it may seem strange and "new age-y" to some.

However, smudging is a traditional that goes back thousands of years.

Be gone, Bad Vibes with smudging

Smudging allows you to wash away all the emotional and spiritual negativity that gathers in your body and your space over time. It's a little bit like taking a spiritual shower!

The effects of smudging can be very effective, often banishing stress almost instantly and providing energy and peace. Originally, herbs and resins were placed in a special bowl and burned, or were burned over the smouldering coals of a fire.

Now days we have ‘Smudge Sticks’ and Smudge Incense.

Trevallan’s stocks smudge sticks, these are composed of bundles of dried sage tied together and Smudge Incense, white sage and Palo Santo. The incense provides a great alternative to those who might be allergic to or don’t like the scent of the traditional sage stick.

The smoke of Sage and Palo Santo are believed to drive away negative energies and influences. After you have Smudged your house with White Sage or Palo Santo it is advised to burn some dried sweet grass or your favourite essential oil or incense. These attract positive energy to the space from which the negative energy was banished. Trevallan stocks fresh sweetgrass in our herb section and Perfect Potion's Essential oil blends.

How to Smudge

1. I always like to open all doors and windows

2. Light one end of your smudge stick or incense stick, allowing it to catch fire and burn for several seconds. Once the flame extinguishes gently blow on the lit end to fan the embers; it will begin to glow and smoke.

3. Have a heat proof dish, to catch the ashes as it burns. We should always respect the power of fire when using it in ritual.

4. As the smoke rises into the air, picture your intention, whatever it may be. If you are clearing negative energy, picture its density and see it lifting away. Healing? Then imagine the smoke cleansing any illness or injury. Whatever it is – envision it floating away on the smoke. You can pray or chant if you feel so called.

5. Use your hands to guide the smoke over yourself and around your sacred space.

6. Upon completion of smudging your space, douse the burning embers and Thank the universe.

Different ways you can Smudge

The beauty of smudging is that it can be done at any time, as often as you need, no matter your background or culture.

If by chance the idea of 'Smoke Cleansing' does not feel right. Trevallan stocks a range of other products that you can use to cleanse your space and yourself! Click here for more information.

If you've been feeling off kilter or maybe things just keep going wrong at home why not give cleansing a try. At the very worst you house will smell nice after you complete the ceremony!

Forest Bathing

"It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Did you know there was a term used to describe that innate tendency we have to seek connections with nature?

Biophilia

Biophilia is an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world.

 Due to urbanisation, media and technology our biophilia, close relationship with nature has been weakened.

Sal from Perfect Potion believes the renewed interest we have for aromatherapy is based on our desire to reconnect with nature.

He thinks that essential oils remind us of nature and that they are a powerful tool to bring healing qualities of nature back into our lives. It seems we need aromatherapy more than ever to reconnect with nature.

It is believed the disconnection with nature is one reason why we have so many mental health issues. 

The Japanese many moons ago decided to do something about this disconnection and in 1982 the term shinrin-yoku was coined.

Shinrin-yoku literally translates to taking a bath in the forest.

There have been many studies that have confirmed that spending time within a forest can reduce psychological stress, depressive symptoms and aggression, while also  improving sleep and increasing both our energy levels and sense of wellbeing.

Japanese researchers also found that 20 minutes of shinrin-yoku (compared with 20 minutes walking in an urban setting) altered cerebral blood flow in a way that indicated a state of relaxation.

The Nippon Medical School showed that forest bathing (either a day trip or a couple of hours daily over three days) can have a long-lasting influence in increasing the number of natural killer cells and increasing the number of intracellular anticancer proteins.

It was also reported that the natural chemicals, phytoncides, secreted by the evergreen trees, have been associated with improvement in the activity of our immune system. Essential oils from the Pine family are high in this chemical.  

With all this in mind Sal from  Perfect Potion developed the Shinrin Yoku Range.

Shinrin Yoku Range

Shinrin-yoku Room Spray

Transform your surroundings into an enchanting mystical forest with the lush forest-green scent of Siberian fir CO2 extract blended with pure essential oils of lemon, bergamot, lavender, sage, rosemary, Virginian cedarwood, geranium and sweet orange. 

Spritz yourself or your room and allow the scent of the forest to surround you.

Forest Bathing Essential Oil

It’s time for you to reconnect with Nature by creating a healing sanctuary with the aromas of the forest. Experience the health benefits of forest bathing in your home or office

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Walk In The Forest Essential Oil Blend

Walk in the Forest Essential oil blend - Feel invigorated and re-energised as you immerse in the vitality of the forest

Feel invigorated and re-energised as you immerse in the vitality of the forest. Add a few drops to a Ultrasonic Diffuser and inhale the fresh, rich aromas of lemon, bergamot, lavender, sage, Siberian fir CO2, rosemary, Virginian cedarwood, geranium and sweet orange pure essential oils. 

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Koyasan Sacred Mountain Room Mist

Experience the healing scent of the Sacred Japanese Koyasan Mountain with this blend of oils from sustainably harvested koyamaki pine needle and hinoki wood growing in the sacred mountain region of Koyasan, Japan.

You can read more on how this mist came about here 

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Australian Journey

This is a new addition to my scents of Shinrin yoku range but I believe it has to be included as this room spray is the epitome of the Australian Bush. It’s time to take your senses on a journey with the unique native flora of Australia in this revitalising room spray.

Lemon iron bark, fragonia, kunzea, Australian sandalwood, lemon myrtle, and blue mallee eucalyptus are the heart of this creation. These beautiful Australian pure essential oils have been blended with bergamot, lime, clary sage, cedarwood, ylang ylang, chamomile, sage, vetiver, frankincense and geranium to awaken your spirit.

Freshen your home, office or car and create an atmosphere of calm and serenity. This beautiful blend removes stale odours and leaves the room smelling fresh and sweet. You may also use this as a linen spray.

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Let Trevallan and the scent of Shinrin yoku transport you to an enchanting mystical forest that will become your healing and rejuvenating sanctuary.

Moringa Tree

I love a plant that is so versatile, its almost like someone has made this tree up.

Moringa oleifera, Moringa Tree, (horseradish tree, drumstick tree) originates from northern India and the leaves, flowers, pods and roots are edible.

Not only is this plant completely edible its being claimed that this is The Miracle Superfood tree.

The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant, being a significant source of B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium manganese, and protein. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and are commonly dried and crushed into a powder used in soups and sauces.

The immature seed pods are commonly used in curries. The seed pods/fruits, even when cooked remain particularly high in vitamin C and are also a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.

The seeds are usually removed from the mature seed pods and eaten like peas or roasted like nuts. These also contain high levels of vitamin C and moderate amounts of B vitamins and other dietary minerals

Mature seeds can yield an oil, that is currently being tested as a biofuel and the seed cake remaining after oil extraction is being tested to be used as a fertiliser or to help purify water.

All of the parts of the tree are not only edible for humans, but also can be used as a fodder or forage crop for animals. The high protein content of the leaves make it an excellent supplement to chicken feed and the seed pods can be given to your cows, goats, sheep or other large animals.

Basically the miracle tree.

It is so awesome it is now being used/tested in countries to help with malnutrition.

What makes this tree even more magnificent is that it's drought tolerant, grows in arid regions through to the tropics, will tolerate light frosts and grows quick. It can handle a good prune and has even been used a a living fence.

So why are we only just hearing about it now? Well maybe because this tree could become a problem if everyone started growing it. Its on the Australian plants to watch list. So we do not have trees for sale.

Another reason could just be the simple fact we have forgotten nature provides us with everything we need. Studies are now just starting to be popularised in western countries about the health benefits of this tree.

While we don’t have the tree in stock we do have Moringa Leaf Tea! Moringa tea is an herbal tea made by steeping the moringa leaves in pure hot water (just before boiling point). The tea is naturally caffeine, gluten and diary free and can be consumed at any time of the day. Moringa tea offers an flavour similar to that of green tea but I find it less bitter.

You get all the health benefits of the Moringa tree in tea form without the need to have a plant.

Time to try some Moringa Tea, what's stopping you from being a healthier version of you?

Water Saving Tips for Gardeners

Back in 2005, we were hit with water restrictions for the first time and these made gardeners feel like they were some sort of water criminal. Even today, it still feels like gardeners get the blame for wasting water and not conserving our environment.

Gardeners are not water criminals. Gardeners and Gardens are necessary as we need trees and gardens to help sustain a healthy urban environment.

Three positives generating a healthy urban environment are:

• Spending time in nature can make us mentally, emotionally and physically healthier.

  • “In 2021, nearly 1 in every 7 people (1.1 billion) around the world were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders the most common.” It is believed the practice of shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term that means forest bathing, has the power to counter depression, anxiety and stress, as well as illnesses including cancer, strokes and gastric ulcers. It is also believed that over time it boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and aids sleep.

• Energy is conserved, saving YOU money.

  • Strategically placed trees planted around a home could cut your summer air conditioning costs by over 25%. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.

• Neighbourhoods become safer.   

  • Barren neighbourhoods have shown to have a greater incidence of violence than their greener counterparts. Trees and healthy urban landscaping encourage people to spend more times outside socialising and also have a therapeutic effect, which overall reduces the level of fear people have for their neighbours.

If these reasons aren’t good enough (I have plenty more) for someone who accuses you of being a water criminal because you garden, just explain that you save water in the following ways:

• Soil Wetters. Sometimes soils become hydrophobic (can't soak up water so it just runs off the surface). These products contain surfactants that allow the water to penetrate the soil and enhances the soil’s ability to absorb moisture, enabling the soil to actually become wet and stay wet for longer. This leads to a happier, healthier plant. These products are a must for all gardens and lawns and need to be applied at least yearly, but preferably every six months.

  • We stock Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules or Searles Recharge. Both these are granular soil wetters that contain fertiliser as well. All in one product.

  • Plant of Health's Eco Friendly Range of Soil Wetters are also fantastic. We use the Soil Wetter Granular, which is 100% biodegradable. This surfactant is infused into natural diatomaceous earth granules giving you the benefit of both a surfactant and a silica rich input, that helps retain water, hydrate the plant and helps reduce plant heat stress. We also use Soil Wetter Liquid. This also has 100% biodegradable surfactants that enable water to penetrate the soil while the natural organic humates condition the soil, feed microbes, help retain water and hydrate the plant.

• You try to use the lawn sprinkler as an outdoor shower, with friends of course!

• You use organic Mulch; like sugar cane, tea tree, or my personal favourite, one inch hoop bark. Mulching your garden can reduce the water lost through evaporation by up to 73%.

• You become a nude gardener … No need for clothes washing.

  • If you do wash you use the EUCA range of laundry detergents as it’s grey water and septic safe.

• You use Envy. Envy is a liquid that you spray over your plant’s foliage.  It helps protect against frost and reduces water loss through the leaves (transpiration) by 50%.

• You don’t drink water whilst gardening, you drink vodka.

• You use Silica and Potash Foliage Spray. This is a liquid that is sprayed over the plants foliage. It improves growth, flowering, fruit count, leaf presentation, colour and shelf life. It is also excellent for transplanting plants and can reduce wilting, frost damage, wind burn, heat and winter stress. Plants become physically stronger, especially in poor or salty soils, and more tolerant to pest attack.

• Fertilise. A healthy plant is a strong plant. Use a complete organic slow release fertilisers, like Organic Link. These  fertilisers  promote deep healthy roots that allow the plant to withstand growth phases, as well as heat and dry phases.

Enjoy your garden and never feel guilty about being outside, using water and playing in the dirt.

Fruit Fly

So you want to know why your tomatoes get black spots and rot away or why you lose most of your peach crop to black spots and maggots.

Two words that can strike fear into any fruit tree or vegetable grower – FRUIT FLY!

Whether you have one fruit tree in a pot or a commercial orchard Queensland fruit fly can have devastating effects. 

These files can sting up to 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetables such as Peach, nectarine, grapefruit, pear, avocado, grape, cumquat, apricot, orange, fig, tomato, eggplant, passionfruit, lemon, apple, loquat, chili, capsicum and strawberries.

Queensland Fruit Fly is an Australian Native insect. This native insect though is recognised as one of the world's worst fruit pests - it used to be estimated that it cost Australian fruit growers more than $100 million each year.

For many years it was just Queenslanders that used to have to suffer the trials of Fruit Fly devastation. Unfortunately fruit fly has not been well managed and many parts of NSW and Victoria have now also been declared Fruit Fly zones.

The adult Queensland Fruit Fly is only about 7 mm long and reddish brown with yellow markings.  They lay their eggs in ripe fruit, their babies - maggots then hatch from the eggs and tunnel through the flesh of the fruit turning it into a brown, filthy  inedible pulp.  Affected fruit is recognised by a small sting mark that becomes discoloured and rot develops around.

Whether you grow one fruit tree or 100 we are all responsible for keeping this pest under control.

Some easy things to do

• prune your fruit trees regularly, keeping the tops of the trees to a manageable height which makes fruit picking easier. 

• Remove any ripe fruit from fruit trees before it has a chance to fall to the ground

• Most importantly collect fallen fruit from the ground and preferably place it into a black plastic bag and leave in the sun for 3-7 days to kill any maggots in the fruit.

Another easy way to help reduce the amount of fruit files is to use a trap.  Searles Fruit Fly Trap attracts and kills the male fruit fly. 

If there are no males in the area the female is unable to reproduce and moves on.  The trap has a wick inside a container.  The wick contains the pheromone of a female fruit fly in season, coupled with an insecticide.  Traps are hung in an area near the fruit trees and can do an area of up to 500m. The wick lasts for three months and a replacement wick can be bought. 

I change my wick at the turn of every season. Fruit fly usually have a dormancy period during the colder months but I have found our winters aren't really affecting them like they used too so I keep my trap going all year long.

My first season of using this method I was catching a small vegemite container of Fruit Flies a week!

In conjunction with my trap I used to use eco-naturalure but this has now been replaced by Yates Nature's Way Fruit Fly Control. Yates Nature's Way Fruit Fly Control is a BFA registered organic fruit fly control spray for both male and female flies.

It combines specific food based attractants which target only fruit flies, and bacteria derived insecticide, spinosad, that leads to an almost instantaneous death.

You can also use fruit fly netting and fruit protection bags which are specially designed netting that you can use to cover your fruit trees or individual fruit.

I honestly believe that if every household had a fruit fly trap we could get on top of this horrendous outbreak.

Fertilising at Trevallan

Quick Guide to Trevallan's Favourite Things

Trevallan Lifestyle Centre loves to use the Plant of Health Range at home and at the Garden Centre. We stock this range in store, what we use, you can use.

Organic Link

• Slow release pelletised fertiliser

• Can be used on every plant – natives, roses, camellias, palms, vegetables – we use it on every plant in the centre

• Won’t burn or leech

• Finely balanced mineral fertiliser

• A high carbon, composted fertiliser to promote nutrient retention and to supply a home base for beneficial micro-organisms

• For more information click here

Triple Boost

• Liquid Fertiliser (mix with water and water over plants foliage)

• Boosts growth and root development

• Promotes healthy green appearance

• Super concentrated fertiliser based on nature’s super foods – fish, seaweed and earthworm combined with trace elements

• Contains Tricontanol (extracted from bees wax) powerful photosynthesis enhancer

Liquid Silica with Potash

• Liquid Fertiliser (mix with water and water over plants foliage)

• Potash helps the plants produce fruit and flowers

• Silica can help with plant stress caused by heat, wind, cold and transplanting

• For more information Click Here

Plant Care

• Liquid Fertiliser (mix with water and water over plants foliage)

• Super tonic for stressed, flowering or fruiting plants

• Helps prevent insect attack

• Promotes the plants health during flowering and fruiting

• Increases the plants foliage gloss and vitality

Soil Soaker

• Eco friendly surfactant

• Allows water to soak into the soil retaining it where it’s needed most.

• Available in liquid form or granular form

Instant Living Microbes

• Organic liquid that provides good bacteria to your soil (PROBOTIC FOR YOUR SOIL).

• Enriches and detoxifies your soil and compost.

• Healthy soil leads to enhanced plant growth. This can lead to better crop yields, drought and frost resistance and better pest and disease resistance. 

• Add to water and water into soil

Bio Trace

• All in one trace element mix that contains major and micro trace elements that are essential to a plants overall health.

• For more information on Trace Elements Click Here

Lawn and Turf

• Easy to spread, convenient application

• Improves soil fertility

• Improved root growth and lush green appearance

• Retains moisture

• Help put carbon back into the soil

• Contains beneficial microbes

• Added Trace Elements ensures luxury uptake of minerals maintaining mineral balance & lawn health

• Continual use helps prevent Lawn Grub

Birchy

• Birchy AquaMix is a fertilizer mixing unit for liquid fertilising without a watering can. The well designed dosing system ensures a precise mixture of water and liquid fertiliser. This is what we use in the garden centre and at home to apply the liquid fertilisers mentioned above.

How do I put on My Oxygen Mask?

I have been reading a lot about the self care and the ‘oxygen mask first’ statement.

When a plane is in emergency mode, oxygen masks drop from the ceiling and you are told you must put yours on first. Why? Because you can’t save others if you, yourself cant breathe.

I understand its hard to put yourself first. The thing is most of us are all in a position where someone is relying on us to help them with their oxygen mask. It could be our kids, our parents, our businesses, our partners, family members.

Don’t wait until you are struggling to breathe to put your oxygen mask on..

I know I do all the time and regret it every time!

These are some of the ways I put on my oxygen mask

Eating healthy nourishing foods

Now is a great time to get our vegetable patch ready for the cooler weather. You don’t need a lot of space. A few pots to grow some tomatoes and climbing spinach. Anything is better than nothing. If you have no idea what you are doing come along to one of our masterclasses or have a look at one of our blog posts on vegetable gardening.

Trevallan stocks a great range of organic fertilisers and organic pesticides to keep your vegetable garden healthy and pest free.

Surrounding myself with beautiful scents

You all know I have a soft spot for scent. Perfect Potion have some of the best blends that encompass all my needs and we stock them here at Trevallan to make it easier for you.

Space Clearing Blend 

Space Clearing Blend ...... Cleanse and purify your surroundings to reveal fresh, new energy and a sense of rejuvenation with this harmonising blend.

You know those times you just feel yuk, the car feels yuk, the house feels yuk. The kids are driving me  insane, nothing is going right at work. I’m drowning basically. This is the blend I diffuse. 

I will use it in my diffuser at home.

Sometimes I even have it going in my mini portable diffuser in the car.

Perfect Potion recommends this divine blend to restore balance and purify negative emotional, mental and subtle energies. Diffuse this blend to cleanse away negative energies and clear space for happiness, peace, positivity, love and abundance to enter.

I find another great way to rid myself of bad vibes is to smoke cleanse my home ... Click here to read my tips on Smoke Cleansing

Hug Time Blend

You know those times when we are sad, feeling down, just feel disconnected. This is the blend I use, I feel it’s just like a big hug.

A gorgeous blend of essential oils that will wrap you in happiness and love. Sometimes all we need is a good long hug but when you are person that isn't a hugger this essential oil blend is the next best thing!

Mother Earth Blend

Mother Earth Blend

This is currently my favourite blend. I just want to dive into and just be.

Reconnect with the life giving and nurturing aspects nature with this lush, sweet, warm, floral and earthy blend that embodies the essence of nature.

Emotional Healing

Argh! So many of us hate this and I think know why.

We all hate admitting we need some inner work. Aren’t we all perfect except that one crack (in our butts, he he!).

To do the inner work we may have to face things we don’t want to. Then we have to follow all this up with changing patterns and thoughts.

But ...

Emotional healing allows you to have a fresh start. You can learn how to tune into your emotions and what they are telling you. You can respond to situations, people and life secure in your own energy separate to the influence of others.

I love that Trevallan has the Mystic Garden and we have two extraordinary healers/readers to help us with our inner work.

Lorelle Joy – Dimensional Healing

Lorelle From Dimensional Healing

A session with Lorelle is unique to the individual and the goal they have in mind.

Lorelle works with the process of RAW, Charka Balancing, Reiki and Human Design to delve into the 12 parts of the being and re-pattern the energy. Intuitive insight, mentoring conversation are all blended together as an energetic healing.

Rekindled Ancient Wisdom (RAW) is a balance using muscle testing to access the energetic source of ancient times that are held within your cells. This enables you to re-pattern the energy blockages in the cells that are creating emotional, physical or soul imbalances, keep focused on the Soul’s direction and help you to reach your full potential. The purpose of chakra balancing is to support a balanced flow that will sustain our overall level of energy. In our everyday life, we are subjected to a number of activities, sources of stress and demands that result in fluctuations in our energy level. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you.

After a session with Lorelle you will truly feel a balancing of the body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.

Lorelle is in Mystic Garden on the First Wednesday of the Month

To Book a Session with Lorelle on First Wednesday of the Month at Trevallan Click Here

Claire Roe Wellness Witch

Claire Roe is a psychic & spiritual messenger. She offers intuitive guidance using a range of cards & her natural born psychic abilities.

Claire Roe Wellness Witch

She is an eclectic witch with a passion for wellness. Her mission is to encourage & inspire people to live their best lives. It’s not about finding magic one day… it’s about creating it everyday.

She dances with the garden fairies and her wild heart flows with the moon. The birds carry messages to her on their wings and the earth brings her home. She uses sound to stir the soul and smoke to clear the way. Fire to burn and cleanse and love to spark the light. She brings magic into the kitchen; through creative cooking & tea rituals. She is free her spirit with creative flow and loves to sing and dance. Stillness and movement, she ebbs and flow with life’s natural cycles. Connected, creative & free. She shares her journey of daily life to inspire and ignite. To show the beauty of simplistic living, the true heartbeat of life.

Claire is in the Mystic Garden on the third Thursday of the month

To Book a Session with Claire on the Third Thursday of the Month at Trevallan Click Here

Friends, Laughs and Good Times

How many times have you not wanted to go out but after spending time with your favourite people you feel uplifted and happy. There is nothing like spending time with good friends. I have found it hard in past to gather all my friends, we seem to need a reason. Which is one of the main reasons I started Trevallan’s workshops.

Trevallan's Workshops are a reason for friends to gather and if you have no friends around a place to meet new friends.

We hope that our workshops grow your mind and maybe your friend circle.

While we aren’t holding as many workshops as we usually do at the moment, the space is still there. Welcoming you if you need a place to just chill or maybe even hold your monthly Book Club Catch up.

How will you put your oxygen mask on?

The Spittlebug

Check this out looks like someone spat all over my Daintree Pine.

It’s not someone being disgusting.

It’s an insect, well a nymph really (a nymph is the immature form of an insect).

This is the Spittlebug nymph.

The nymph produces 'spittle' clinging on the stems of shrubs or small trees.

They prefer pine like trees.

The nymph lives immersed in masses of the spit like liquid. It is believed that this will reduce the risk of dehydration and to deter parasites.

The adults are excellent jumpers and are sometimes called frog hoppers. Supposedly their faces look like frogs but at 0.5cm long I have no idea how one makes that judgement call! They insert their needle like stylets into the plant tissue to feed. They are sapsuckers which feed on the leaves, twigs, branches and/or trunk of the host trees.

There are around 230000 species of spittlebug (mind just blown). I have no idea which one I have as mine are still in baby spit stage!

They say when the spittlebug is in spit form they cause no real damage (unless you have a huge infestation). Simply putting your hose on high pressure and blasting them off is enough. If you need to spray an organic spray like eco oil or neem oil would work but you would need a few applications.

I like to mix my neem oil with Triple Boost and give the plants a feed at same time. I find insect infestations are usually a sign of a weak plant.

So have you ever seen a spittlebug in your garden?

Zygo Cactus

Sometimes botanical names just make me feel like my tongue is permanently tied and afterwards I just want to have a giggle at how ridiculous I sound.

Saying Schlumbergera is one of those times.

I'm sure most of you know Schlumbergeras as they are commonly called Zygocactus (which was their former botanical name), Christmas Cactus, Holiday Cactus and Easter Cactus.

It's funny how northern hemisphere common names are still used here in the southern hemisphere. I quite often get people asking for Christmas Cactus around April, May as Schlumbergeras flower in the cooler months. The northern hemisphere have Christmas in the cooler months hence Christmas Cactus. In the Southern hemisphere we refer to these plants as Easter Cactus as they are usually flowering around our Easter.

Schlumbergeras were named after Frédéric Schlumberger, a French collector of cacti. When we think of cacti we oftemn imagine a cacti in the desert, these plants are not desert plants.

Schlumbergeras are epiphytes - plants which depend on others for support, but not nutrition - from the jungles of southeast Brazil, a humid area with high rainfall. These plants have flattened spineless, pendulous branches with prominent notches at the margins.

The flowers are asymmetrical in shape and appear at the stem tips. Their flowers are described as inflorescence. Inflorescence refers to a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem that is composed of a main branch or a complicated arrangement of branches. The flowers were originally shades of pink but thanks to breeding programs all over the world, the flower colours now range from pink, lavenders and reds through to oranges, yellows and whites.

Like all epiphytes, Schlumbergeras need excellent drainage and do not grow well in heavy garden soil or potting mix. Some people like to use orchid mix; some cacti mix. I like using an excellent quality potting mix like Searles Platinum Mix and just not watering them as much. If planting in the ground, I do add a bit of orchid mix to the soil when planting.

I fertilise them about three times a year with Organic Link slow release fertiliser and use Triple Boost liquid fertiliser about once a fortnight when they are in flower.

While Schlumbergeras can grow in the sun, I think they look superb in the shade. There is a school of thought that believes Schlumbergeras flower in response to shortening day length and that they are so sensitive that their normal flowering can be upset if they are grown in an area which is lit up at night, for example on a balcony near a street lamp or outside light. I'm not sure I completely believe this as I'm assuming the Brazilian rainforest wouldn't be exceptionally bright at the best of times. Other schools of thought believe the flowers are triggered to bloom near the beginning of the rainy season while others bloom near the end of the heavy rain. I think it could be a little of both.

Since we can't replicate Mother Nature, I usually fertilise, water and make sure my night light is turned off and hope for the best!

Making Offices Green

Beautify the Inside

Over the years there has been a great deal of research into not only how being outdoors improves your life, but also how being surrounded by green living plants inside improves your life, health, brain functioning and even your bank balance.  (Check out Plant Life Balance website for more details)

Plants aren't a luxury they are a necessity, however, sometimes it’s challenging to keep indoor plants thriving especially in our offices.

Why? Well, more often than not we are faced with problems such as no natural light, air conditioning and an inability to regularly water to plants due to over-watering resulting in wet desks.

At Trevallan, we are trying to come up with ways to make indoor plants easy but still really pretty using a range of planters, terrariums, kokedamas and even plants in bowls.

When we grow plants indoors, we have to realise that sometimes it's about giving up on our perfect plant to have an amazing plant that looks good all the time. Some plants are better suited to indoors and sometimes a really ‘boring’ plant can be made to look amazing in the right container!

Some of the Ways Trevallan is Bringing Plant Life Balance to your Workplace!

Planters

I have found that using planters (pots without holes) has been my saving grace.

I used to under water and ultimately kill my indoor plants as I was worried about water going all over my furniture.

Planters have no hole in the bottom. I just place my plant in the planter (I do not pot). I then can give my plant a really good drink, without the hassle of worrying about water going everywhere.

If by chance I decide I don't like that plant, or want to swap my plants around, I simply remove the plant from the planter. This way I am always keeping my décor the same (by keeping the same planter), but can switch my plants around and create an entirely new look.

It can take a while to get used to watering with a planter, but before you know it, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without them.

Terrariums

I love the meaning of Terrarium - a sealed transparent globe or similar container in which plants are grown! You cant get any more exact than that.

What a lovely idea to have a mini landscape sitting on our desks that only requires a small drink once every few months, in a closed terrarium or every few weeks, in an open terrarium.

I love staring at terrariums and seeing the mosses grow and the plants changing. The maintenance is minimal, but therapeutic, as its a delicate process.

Open Terrariums or Plants in Bowls are great too, if you want your plants to grow out of your jar. In an Open Terrarium, the plants are planted in glass jars or a decorative bowl. Instead of the plant being inside the container, as they would in a terrarium, they actually come up out of the container.  Even better, there is no need to worry about water leaking everywhere as the containers are sealed. Water them as you would a terrarium (at least once a week). When planting an Open Terrarium, follow the same guidelines as when planting a Closed Terrarium, just be sure to pack out the bowl with sphagnum moss.

Kokedamas

Kokedama is a style of Japanese bonsai. It is made by binding the plants root ball with a unique soil mixture, sphagnum moss and string.

Kokedamas are usually seen hanging from ceilings, or specially made stands. Personally, I like to put them in a bowl as this way I can just fill the bowl with some water and the plant can slowly soak up the moisture as it needs. I have tried numerous indoor plants with Kokedamas and they all work really well. Furthermore, these plants can be a real talking point in your office.

Crystal Planters

The beauty and power of crystals has been long recognised with healers, shamans and priests using crystals for their unique and special properties. It is widely believed crystals vibrate at the same pitch as humans - such that the resonance between the stone and the human either combats the vibration of the illness or amplifies that of health!

There are thousands of different crystals on the planet.

Many crystals would be useful in the office, especially ones that amplify harmony, resolve conflict or even attract sales! Some people may think you are a little kooky if you start having crystal grids on your desk, so Trevallan has come up with an idea to have these crystals in your workspace, without others even realising.

Planted Crystals

Very cleverly, we have planted plants into crystals that we think would be most beneficial to have in your office. All you need to do is keep the moss wet and you should start to notice the difference straight away!

You could also place some of your crystals on top of your plants soil. This keeps them earthed and cleansed, not to mention that it also looks really pretty! For some ideas on what crystals are best for your office click here. 

Want to improve your plant life balance or maybe someone else's? The Trevallan ladies are here to help. Not only can we can help you decide on the right plant, but we also provide a local delivery service straight to your office on Fridays.

Crystals for the Office

The beauty and power of crystals has been long recognised with healers, shamans and priests using these beautiful rocks for their unique and special properties.

It is widely believed crystals vibrate at the same pitch as humans - such that the resonance between the stone and the human either combats the vibration of the illness or amplifies that of health!

There are thousands of different crystals on the planet.

Many crystals would be useful in the office especially ones that amplify harmony or resolve conflict or even attract sales!

These are just a few that I have found would be useful.

Amethyst

Amethyst can help protect your energy and office space from negativity.

It can help you find and access your truth, connect with your Higher Self, and then can help dissipate the fear that can go with sharing your wisdom.

Citrine

Golden yellow Citrine is an abundance stone. Its colour invokes happiness, joy and optimism. A stone of success Citrine inspires wisdom, cleanses energy and reverses damaging behaviour. Yellow links with the solar plexus chakra the centre for self-esteem, fearlessness and empowerment and self-confidence. It is believed that it can draw good things to you - Powerfully energizes and attracts supportive friends and mentors. Lorelle from Dimensional Chakras talks more about Citrine here

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz arouses and opens the heart to all forms of love and compassion for self and others.

Powerfully energizes and attracts supportive friends and mentors.

Pink infuses your soul with unconditional love, opening your heart to receive the call to follow your dreams and fulfill your purpose.

Sodalite

Sodalite is a clearing stone.

Place next to a computer to help cleanse electromagnetic energy.

It helps keep communication clear and concise. It will help bring an end to disagreements and supports honest expression.

Inspires understanding of problems by promoting inner knowing and self-examination

The colour blue helps access and share truth through the feelings, increasing confidence, self-esteem and trust.

Clear Quartz Crystal

Clear Quartz Crystal is a stone of power. It's a MASTER HEALER that amplifies other stones and intentions. Quartz amplifies the psychic expressions of hearing, seeing and inspirational speaking. It can helps cleanse the auric field and bring peace and harmony.

Fluorite

Fluorite is a stone of mental order and clarity.

It is used to enhance mental clarity and reduce instability and disorder.

This brings a wiser, more balanced view of life and improves decision making.

These traits enable one to manifest ideas and bring plans to fruition.

Fluorite can remove confusion and mental "fog" to create order and harmony in life.

At Trevallan we have beautifully presented planted crystals that you can put on your office desk or you could buy some tumble stones and place them on the top of your office pot plants. Believe or not believe in the power of crystals? Why not give it a go, at the very least it will pretty up your office space and that in itself will change the energy of your workplace!

Growing Spring Flowering Bulbs in South East Queensland

Ranunculus flowers almost look too good to be real. These are an easy to grow Spring Bulb

Bulbs, corms and tubers are all sometimes erroneously referred to as bulbs. The technical term for plants that form underground storage organs is geophyte. All these types of plants cycle through vegetative and reproductive growth stages; the bulb grows to flowering size during the vegetative stage and the plant flowers during the reproductive stage.

These plants need certain conditions to trigger the transition from one stage to the next, such as the shift from a cold winter to warm spring.

Due to the bulb, corm or tuber being a storage device, these plants can also survive adverse conditions such as cold, excessive heat, lack of light or drought.

The foliage of these plants absorb nutrients from the soil and energy from the sun for setting flowers for the next year.  After the foliage period is complete, bulbs can be dug up for replanting elsewhere.  

I just love the idea of my garden bursting with colour and scent in the Spring, like they do down south or overseas, but sadly, Spring flowering bulbs in South East Queensland just don’t really live up to the expectation.

Hippeastrum reticulatum var. striatifolium

Don’t despair though, we can still plant some beautiful bulbs, corms, and tubers, we just have to accept that our choices are different to the southern states. We can still grow tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, ranunculus and anemone here in South East Queensland. It's just they will never grow like they do down south or in Europe. They usually only flower for just one season and we treat them the same as other flowering annuals such as marigolds, pansies or petunias.

If you want bulbs that will naturalise and come up year after year in your garden and pots, you can happily choose bulbs such as Freesias, Ixia, Sparaxis, Jonquils, Babiana, Tritonia, Leucojum aestivum, Eucharis, Sprekelia, Zephyranthes, Rex Begionas or Proiphys cunninghamii (Brisbane Lily). Don't forget we also have some great summer bulbs/corms/tubers like Hippeastrums, Scadoxus, Haemanthus, Caladiums and ornamental Gingers. We are slowly building up our bulb collection here at Trevallan… SHOP BULBS HERE

When I am looking for new bulbs to plant out, I like to look for flowering bulbs native to South Africa, as I find these do a lot better in South East Queensland.

In my quest to achieve a garden that comes alive with flowering bulbs, I asked Claire Bickle from Gardening for the GoodLife to give me a few tips on how to achieve this daunting task!

Claire Bickle's Tips for Growing Bulbs

• Place larger bulbs, such as jonquils, hyacinths, daffodils and tulips in a paper bag in the crisper drawer of the fridge for 4-6 weeks before planting. This gives them the chill down they would not otherwise receive in our mild autumns.

• Ranunculus corms are best spread out on a thick wad of wet newspaper and covered with another reasonably damp wad overnight before planting the next day. This helps the corms to swell and get ready for shooting once planted.

• If growing in pots, use a good quality potting mix and ensure the pots have good drainage. Shallow pots work quite well too and remember some bulbs can be planted closely together.

• You can fertilise the soil with Organic Link when planting, but there is no need to start fertilising with liquid fertiliser until they have some growth. Then I alternate fortnightly feeds between Triple Boost and Potash and Silica.

• When the bulbs have finished flowering, don’t be tempted to cut all the foliage off. Leave it to die down naturally, as this is how the bulb draws back in all it’s nutrients to store away until the next season.

A range of spring flowering bulbs

I am very excited - the bulb garden of my dreams may just be achievable if I change the way I view my end goal. This year I've bought myself a mixture of bulbs like Gladiolus, Iris, Jonquils and Ranunculus and I have interplanted them amongst my annuals like poppies, pansies and lobelia. I can't wait to try out Claire's tips and see what comes up this and hopefully, next year. One thing about gardening which is for sure though is that it's never the same!