An entertaining morning was enjoyed by all when the Quondam Village committee hosted a talk by Wayne Stewart from Eckards Garden Pavilion in Bedfordview.
Many residents already know Wayne well through the garden centre, having been regular customers over the years. With nearly 40 years in the area, he shared stories of Bedfordview’s history, how it has evolved, and how those changes have shaped the way we garden today.
The conversation naturally moved into gardening within a village setting, where space is smaller and needs shift over time. As lifestyles change, so do the ways people garden. Wayne shared practical tips for autumn, winter and spring to help keep gardens looking their best. Quondam Village is well known for its beautiful gardens, and the committee is committed to maintaining and building on that reputation.
He also touched on how fertilising has changed, with a strong focus on organic options. Products like BioOcean and BioGanic were highlighted as simple, effective solutions—and to the audience’s delight, a few packets were handed out. These fertilisers bind with the soil rather than washing away, and BioOcean in particular helps with water retention. Feeding now allows nutrients to settle into the soil with the rain, supporting plants through winter—especially important in village settings where watering is often limited, yet a green, attractive garden is still desired.
Attention then turned to indoor and container plants, which are popular among many residents. Containers are especially useful as they raise plant levels and make gardening more accessible. Wayne recommended using BioOcean for outdoor containers, or Nitrosol, a liquid organic fertiliser that feeds the entire pot. It’s safe for both indoor and outdoor use and helps maintain healthy, lush growth.
Mulching was another key topic. Wayne encouraged residents to use garden cuttings as mulch by placing them at the back of beds. This helps retain moisture, creates shelter for beneficial insects, and gradually breaks down into compost, improving soil quality by spring. There was even a light-hearted moment when he joked that if you don’t like fallen leaves, your neighbours probably will—just toss them over the wall—prompting plenty of laughter.
What was planned as a one-hour talk quickly turned into two, with plenty of questions and discussion. Topics ranged from orchids and insects to general planting advice. More than anything, it reflected a shared sense of community—gardeners coming together, all wanting to create neat, thriving spaces.
One of the most memorable moments was a quote Wayne shared from Audrey Hepburn: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” In a world that often feels uncertain, that idea struck a chord. Gardening becomes more than just a pastime—it’s an act of optimism. Rather than waiting for spring, the message was simple: plant now, nurture your garden, and enjoy the rewards in the seasons to come.