SERIES 36 | Episode 17
Clarence spots some newly planted ‘Silver Princess’ gum trees that need some attention to help them survive, so he steps in to help.
The group of three Gungurru or Eucalyptus caesia ‘Silver Princess’ are growing on a steep slope in NSW. ‘Caesia’ means blue-grey, which is the colour of the beautiful tree trunks and stems, covered with a fine powdery bloom.
They are well staked but are in danger of drying out as any rain is likely to run off the top of the mulch without soaking in. One tree in particular looks dry already.
In a natural setting, rain is slowed down by groundcovers and rocks but there are none here.
Clarence removes the stakes, and digs some swales – or rain-catching trenches – to slow down any rainfall and giving it time to soak in. These are best placed above the tree roots.
He firms up the soil then plants out a few grevillea groundcovers that should cover the area and help stabilise the soil. If you have rocks or logs, these are good to add too.
The stakes are replaced and Clarence waters in the new plants – watering into the swale.
Keep a check on the swales after heavy rain to make sure they’re not getting washed away and keep up the nutrients to avoid the plants competing with each other.
Featured Plants GUNGURRUEucalyptus caesia ‘Silver Princess’WOOLLY GREVILLEAGrevillea lanigera ‘Mt Tamboritha’
Filmed on Gadigal Country | Arncliffe, NSW
