Introduction:

When it comes to gardening and landscaping, the quality of your topsoil plays a crucial role in the success of your plants. At Kennedy’s Cranbourne landscape garden centre, you can choose between two excellent options.  Screened Top Soil and Super Blend Top Soil.  In this blog, we will explore the differences between these two products and their specific applications.

Screened Top Soil:

Screened Top Soil is a sandy loam topsoil that is suitable for a wide range of gardening jobs.  It has been carefully screened to remove any large debris, with a finer, consistent texture. This makes it ideal for seeding lawns or laying fresh turf. The sandy loam composition promotes healthy root growth and efficient drainage and helps plants to thrive.

Super Blend Top Soil:

On the other hand, the Super Blend Top Soil contains aged fowl manure and sawdust. The ingredients provide a rich source of nutrients. It is high in essential elements like nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. This nutrient-rich composition makes it an excellent choice for fertilising and conditioning your garden beds. It is important to note that the Super Blend Top Soil is not suitable for use around Australian native plants that have specific nutrient requirements.

Applications and Considerations:

1. Screened Top Soil:  This topsoil is versatile and can be used for various garden applications. It is perfect for seeding lawns or establishing new turf. Its well-draining properties make it suitable for container gardening as well. When using the Screened Top Soil, be sure to monitor the moisture levels to ensure optimal plant health.

2. Super Blend Top Soil:  With its high nutrient content, the Super Blend Top Soil is an excellent choice for enriching your garden beds. It can be used to improve soil structure and fertility, providing a boost for your plants. However, it is important to be mindful of the specific needs of your plant species. Australian native plants, for example, are adapted to low-nutrient soils and may suffer if exposed to excessive nitrogen or phosphorus.

Choosing the Right Top Soil: Selecting the appropriate topsoil for your garden depends on your specific gardening goals and the plant species you are cultivating. If you are looking to establish a new lawn or need a general-purpose topsoil, the Screened Top Soil would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you are seeking to enhance the nutrient content in your garden beds or containers, the Super Blend Top Soil can provide the necessary boost.

Conclusion: Kennedy’s Cranbourne landscape garden centre offers two fantastic options for gardeners: Screened Top Soil and Super Blend Top Soil. The screened topsoil is perfect for seeding lawns and general garden applications, while the Super Blend Top Soil provides a nutrient-rich solution for enriching garden beds. By understanding the differences between these two topsoil options, you can make an informed decision and ensure the success of your gardening endeavours.

Drop into our Cranbourne East yard or organise local delivery to Clyde, Berwick, Cranbourne and other local suburbs.

At Kennedys Cranbourne landscape garden centre, you will find a diverse range of outdoor décor in water bowls, bird feeders, and garden pots that cater to different styles and preferences. Here are some of the options available:

1. Baby Old Stone Bird Bath:

This bird bath provides a charming addition to your garden which attracts birds and adds a decorative touch.

2. Water bowl:

A simple yet elegant blue glazed terracotta water bowl that can be used for birds or as a standalone water feature.

3. Avian Hutch and Ball:

These unique bird feeders doubles as a hanging ornament, providing a stylish way to attract birds to your garden.

4. Torquay Tub:

A rustic tub option that can be used as a garden pot or as a water feature, perfect for adding a natural touch to your outdoor space.

5. Shoal Tub:

This sleek and modern tub design adds a contemporary feel to your garden, suitable for both plants and as a water feature.

6. Astra Tub:

A versatile garden pot that comes in various sizes and colours, allowing you to create stunning displays of plants or even use it as a standalone ornament.

7. Bella Tub:

With an elegant and timeless design, this tub is ideal for creating a focal point in your garden or for showcasing your favourite plants.

The Bella tub is available in Turquoise or Pink

8. Pastello Egg:

This uniquely shaped garden pot adds a playful and whimsical touch, perfect for adding a pop of colour to your outdoor space.

See the Pastello Egg pots here:

9. Sandstone Cylinder:

A traditional sandstone pot that complements a variety of garden styles, adding a touch of sophistication to any setting.

10. Seasons Egg

This egg-shaped garden pot is perfect for showcasing your seasonal plants and flowers, providing an eye-catching display throughout the year.

11. Seasons Tub:

Similar to the Seasons Egg, this tub-shaped pot offers versatility and style. The Seasons range allows you to create stunning arrangements in your garden.

Kennedys Cranbourne landscape garden centre is conveniently located for pick-up if you live in Clyde North, Berwick, Cranbourne, or Botanic Ridge.

We have wide range of water bowls, bird feeders, garden pots and other garden décor.  You will surely find the perfect additions to enhance your outdoor space.
Prices are on our website. Drop in to our yard at 1635 South Gippsland Highway in Cranbourne East, VIC

What is Mulch

Mulch is an essential component for maintaining a healthy garden. The information below will help you to understand the importance of using mulch and which mulch to use for your garden.

It is a layer of organic or inorganic materials placed on top of the soil to help

1: retain moisture,

2: suppress weed growth,

3: regulate soil temperature,

4: improve soil fertility and

5: Helps prevent soil erosion and erosion damage to plant roots.

Nutrients are added to the soil when organic mulches such as leaves, grass clippings, and bark decompose. This is important as it provides a natural fertiliser for the plants.

Inorganic mulches such as wood, stone or plastic can also provide benefits such as preventing moisture loss and weed growth.

Applying mulch to your garden not only improves the appearance of your landscape but also helps to promote healthy plants.

When it comes to choosing the right mulch for your garden, there are three main categories of mulch to consider.

The categories are feeding mulch, wood mulch and hard mulch.  See descriptions below of each type of mulch to help you decide which is best to use in your garden.

a: Feeding Mulch

Pea-straw, Sugarcane mulch and lucerne are both effective and popular options for organic mulches in gardens.

Pea straw is known for its high nitrogen content, while Lucerne has high levels of potassium and phosphorus and Sugar cane breaks down to provide hummus to the soil, making them all great choices to improve soil fertility and an important mulch to promote plant growth.

b: Wood & Bark Mulch

Wood chip and bark mulch are common types of inorganic mulches used in gardens and landscaping. They are made from chipped or shredded woody material such as wood chips, bark, and shredded sawdust.

These mulches are highly effective in suppressing weed growth and conserving soil moisture while providing an attractive ground cover. The larger size of the mulch pieces also means that they break down slowly over time, making them an excellent option for gardeners who prefer a low-maintenance solution.

However, it is important to use a mulch that is appropriate for your specific plant needs since some wood chip and bark mulches can be quite acidic and negatively affect soil ph. It is best to source your mulch from landscape supply companies as they stock quality products.

c: Hardscaping

Hard mulch is an inorganic type of mulch made from materials such as rocks, pebbles, and gravel. It is a long-lasting option for gardeners who prefer a low-maintenance solution, as it does not require frequent replacement.

Hard mulch is also beneficial for making garden paths and driveways, providing effective weed suppression while adding an attractive and decorative element to a garden landscape.

However, hard mulches can be harder to remove and work with than organic mulches and do not contribute to soil fertility. Furthermore, it can reflect heat and cause plant stress on hot days

Conclusion

Each type of mulch has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider factors like the growing conditions in your area, your budget, and your personal preferences when making your selection.

Ultimately, the right choice of mulch can help keep your plants healthy and thriving, while also enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your outdoor spaces.

Backyard Landscaping

Backyard landscaping is an excellent way to transform your outdoor space into something beautiful that reflects your personality and style. Whether you have a small, cozy backyard or a large, sprawling garden, there are plenty of landscaping ideas to make it your own. Here are a few ideas from building a deck, water feature or hardscaping to get you started.

1: Create a Garden:

One easy way to beautify your backyard is to create a garden. From flower beds to vegetable gardens, there are numerous options to choose from. You can add a few raised garden beds and grow your own fresh herbs and vegetables or plant some beautiful flowers to create a colorful and fragrant haven.

2: Build a Deck or Patio:

Adding a deck or patio to your backyard not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides an excellent space to relax and entertain guests. You can create seating areas, dining zones, and even add a built-in fire pit.

3: Install a Water Feature:

Whether you want to create a peaceful ambience or add a focal point to your backyard, a water feature can do the trick. A small pond, a fountain, bird bath, or even a waterfall can make a striking addition to your backyard.

4: Add Lighting:

Lighting is simple yet effective in transforming your outdoor space. String lights, lanterns, and spotlights can all be used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

5: Incorporate Hardscaping:

Hardscaping elements like stone walls, pavers, and pathways can add texture and contrast to your backyard. They also provide a sturdy foundation for your furniture and plantings.

These backyard landscaping ideas are just a starting point for the endless possibilities that exist for creating a beautiful outdoor oasis right in your own backyard. You can mix and match these techniques until you have a custom solution that is perfect for your needs.

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Call the friendly staff at Kennedy’s or search our website for more information

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Composting is an age-old method of recycling organic materials such as leaves, kitchen scraps, and yard trimmings into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to enhance your garden soils. Composting in autumn has many benefits, particularly because the cooler temperatures are ideal for producing quality compost. Autumn is also a great time to start composting because you will have plenty of fall foliage and other plant material available to use in your compost pile.

Advantages of Composting in Autumn

One of the major advantages of composting in autumn is that the cooler temperatures are ideal for producing quality compost. The microorganisms that break down organic material – like bacteria and fungi – thrive in temperatures ranging from 12-25 degrees C, making autumn an optimal time for successful composting.

Additionally, cool weather means slower decomposition which allows more oxygen to reach the microbes, resulting in higher quality compost with rich nutrients.

Another huge advantage to composting during autumn months is having plenty of fall foliage and other plant material available as feedstock for your pile. Autumn leaves are especially abundant this time of year and they contain a high level of carbon which is necessary ingredient when creating a balanced mix in your compost bin or pile. Other materials such as grass clippings and vegetable scraps can also be added to increase nitrogen levels needed for successful decomposition.

Creating the Perfect Compost Pile

The key to making quality compost is to ensure you are using the right materials in your pile and blending them in a balanced manner. When it comes to creating compost, there are two types of material that should be used: “green” (nitrogen rich) materials such as kitchen scraps or grass clippings, and “brown” (carbon rich) materials like leaves or wood chips. Both green and brown components should be added in equal parts for optimal decomposition as too much of one type can inhibit microbial activity and slow down the breakdown process.

Ensuring you have enough nitrogen-rich material is also essential when creating a successful compost pile. For every 2 parts of carbon-rich material, add 1 part nitrogen-rich material such as food waste or manure to create an ideal balance for rapid decomposition.

Make sure all organic matter being added has been chopped up into small pieces which will speed up the rate at which it breaks down in your pile due to increased surface area available for microbes to work on.

Finally, adding moisture throughout the composting process will also help promote microbial activity by keeping temperatures higher than normal levels needed for effective decomposition.

Maintaining the Compost Pile

Proper management of the pile will ensure optimal decomposition and produce quality compost for your garden soils.

Managing moisture levels is essential for successful composting, as too much water will drown out beneficial microbes that help break down organic matter while too little can lead to dry and crumbly material that won’t decompose properly.

In general, a moisture level between 40-60% should be maintained throughout the process by adding water in small amounts when needed or covering piles with tarps during rainy periods to prevent them from becoming saturated.

Aerating your compost regularly helps provide oxygen necessary for microbial activity which speeds up breakdown of materials within the pile. This can be done manually by turning over or stirring contents with a pitchfork every few weeks or using an automated system like tumbling drums which rotate periodically to evenly distribute air into the mix.

Lastly, keeping temperatures at ideal levels throughout the entire process is also key for producing quality compost; this means monitoring thermometers on a regular basis so you can adjust watering schedules if required.

By following these simple steps for maintaining your compost pile during autumn months, you can enjoy all year long healthy soil amendments made from recycled organic materials!

Conclusion

Composting in autumn is an ideal time to create quality soil amendments for use throughout the colder winter months ahead. The cooler temperatures are perfect for fostering beneficial microbial activity and providing oxygen necessary for successful decomposition.

Contact one of our lovely staff members to discuss which compost is the right one for you.

Autumn begins on the 21st of March in Australia, and continues until May. Knowing which plants are best to grow during this period can make all the difference when it comes to success in your garden.

Many popular fruits and vegetables are best planted at this time of year. Below we’ll cover some of the top fruits and vegetables you can plant, as well as some tips for tending gardens in autumn.

The Best Fruits to Plant in Autumn

Autumn is a great time for some of your staple fruits, including citrus. Popular options for autumn include:

• • Apples
  • Pears
  • Mandarins and oranges
  • Figs
  • Pomegranate
  • Rhubarb
  • Strawberries

The Best Vegetables to Plant in Autumn

Hearty root vegetables grow very well in the autumn and winter months. This is the best time of year to plant staples such as

• • Cauliflower and broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Onions
  • Leek
  • Lettuce and spinach
  • Cabbage
  • Snow peas
  • Swedes and turnips

Planting Fruits and Vegetables

When it comes to planting fruits and vegetables, proper soil preparation is key. Proper soil should be loose and well-draining in order to allow oxygen to reach the roots of your plants. Make sure you add plenty of compost before planting as these will help provide nutrients for your plants while also improving drainage.

Additionally, test the pH level of the soil – this is important as different crops have different needs when it comes to acidity levels.

Frost is an important consideration — both as a risk, and also a benefit to certain plants.

Young plants are susceptible to frost damage. It’s important to plant fruits and vegetables early so that they can be mature enough to withstand frost when it sets in. Hessian covers and other protective items can be placed over plants to prevent frost and frost damage.

That said, certain fruits and vegetables actually benefit from a little frost. These plants react to the frost by producing extra sugars, which in turn results in a better flavour for the harvested food.

Hardy winter crops include broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, parsnips and carrots. These will have a richer flavour if exposed to a little frost — that’s not to say bathe the plants in ice water, but you can leave them uncovered on colder nights without much worry.

Start Planting to Reap the Benefits

Planting fruits and vegetables in Australia during autumn can be incredibly rewarding with the right knowledge and preparation. Some of the most popular fruit and vegetable staples thrive at this time of year, such as citrus fruits and root vegetables.

Understanding what type of soil you have, what types of crops will work best for your climate, and how to properly store harvested produce are all essential considerations when creating a successful garden.

With a little bit of research ahead-of-time as well as regular maintenance throughout their growing cycles, you’ll soon find yourself with plentiful harvests from your autumn additions.

Reach out to our lovely staff to assist you with the right products for your garden.

Sandpits are a great way for children to enjoy the outdoors and get creative with their play. But it’s important to select the right sand for these types of activities.
Whitewashed sand is an increasingly popular option due its cleanliness, lack of sharp edges and fine texture that make it much easier to keep kids’ clothes and hands clean after they have been playing in the sandpit. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of whitewashed sand as well as tips on how to choose, store and use it safely so you can ensure your child has hours of safe fun in the sun.

Benefits of Choosing White Washed Sand

White washed sand is the perfect option for a sandpit. Its fine texture and lack of sharp edges make it much safer for children to play in than traditional sand, which can be gritty and uncomfortable on the skin.
The process of washing removes all impurities from the sand so that it is completely clean and safe. It also provides better traction when wet, making building with moulds easier as well as lessening risks of slips and falls during playtime.

Hands and clothes will be noticeably cleaner after using white washed sand as well — saving parents time, hassle, and growing water bills after each play.

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Picking the Right Sand

When it comes to picking the right sand for a child’s sandpit, there are a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, choosing a fine-grained sand is essential as this will provide the best traction and be gentle on their skin.
Secondly, ensuring that the sand is clean from any impurities or debris is important so that kids don’t get dirt or germs in their eyes or mouths while playing.
Finally, it’s important to avoid sharp objects such as rocks, shells or glass which can cause cuts and scrapes if stepped on accidentally.
White washed sand ticks all of these boxes – the sand is a fine grain, less likely to be abrasive, and triple washed for cleanliness. It’s also softer than traditional beach sands thanks to its extra fine texture so children get more comfort while they play – plus you won’t have sandy messes everywhere after use!

Sand Play Safety Tips

To ensure children remain safe while playing in the sandpit, there are a few important safety measures to consider.
Firstly, it’s important to keep play areas clean by regularly raking or shovelling out any debris that has been left behind after previous use. This will help prevent any sharp objects from getting mixed up with the sand, and can also limit the chances of pests such as ants or cockroaches becoming a problem.
Secondly, keep the sand as dry. After use, cover the sandpit with a tarpaulin or other weatherproof cover. This will help to keep the sandpit environment clean and prevent mould from growing around the edges.
Finally, providing proper storage for any excess sandbox fill is essential in ensuring it remains safe and sanitary throughout its use. Look for an airtight container that can be sealed securely when not in use to prevent the sand leaking or getting dirty.

Triple White Washed Sand

When it comes to making sure children have safe and enjoyable playtime, white washed sand is the ideal choice for a sandpit.
With whitewashed sand, parents can save themselves the nightmare of washing tiny hands and clothes after every use. The sand doesn’t stick as much as other types, and is easy to gently brush off. This allows kids to get back into the house quickly without leaving a mess, and parents can save on water bills and time spent vacuuming up after their children.
What’s more, using white washed sand helps protect against unexpected sharp objects too. The fine particles create an even surface and tend to settle below foreign objects, so they stay visible and easily removed. Additionally, due to its carefully processed washing method there are no worries about impurities either so kids can stay healthy whilst playing in the sun!
Triple white washed sand is the ideal choice for your child’s outdoor sandpit. Browse our selection today, or ask our team about the best options and ways to fill your sandpit.

Lava rocks, also known as Drainage Scoria, are igneous rocks created when molten lava cools and solidifies. They generally have a rough texture with holes that were formed by gasses escaping during the cooling process.
Scoria rock is available in different sizes and shapes and can range from black to red in colour, depending on their chemical composition. It has many uses in gardening such as for landscaping, mulch, and drainage systems.

Why Use Lava Rocks in Gardening?

Scoria rocks are an ideal choice for gardening due to their excellent drainage and aeration properties.
The rocky structure of the lava rock helps to create air pockets which allow water and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil, ensuring that plants receive adequate amounts of both.
Additionally, its porous nature prevents moisture from being retained and making the soil soggy or compacted.
Furthermore, because it is a natural material with good thermal insulation qualities it can help keep root systems at a more consistent temperature throughout different seasons.

How to Use Lava Rocks in Gardening?

When using lava rocks for gardening there are several steps that need to be taken beforehand.
Firstly, you should ensure that the area where you plan on laying them down is free from any obstructions such as weeds or roots so they have maximum contact with the soil beneath them.
Secondly, you should spread out an even layer of lava rock over your desired space before tamping it down lightly with a rake or shovel handle.
Finally, add organic matter such as compost or peat moss on top of the stones if desired before watering thoroughly until all particles have been moistened evenly across your garden bed’s surface.

Benefits of Using Lava Rocks in Gardening

One of the main benefits of using lava rocks in gardening is better soil drainage. The porous nature of this material allows water to pass through easily while also allowing air to move freely throughout the soil, ensuring that plants are able to receive both without any hindrance.
This can be particularly beneficial for areas with heavy rainfall or poor drainage as it helps prevent flooding and waterlogging.
Additionally, because these rocks hold little moisture themselves, they act as a natural weed suppressant; preventing weeds from taking over your garden beds by competing with them for resources such as light and nutrients.
Another benefit that comes from utilising lava rocks in your garden is its ability to regulate soil moisture levels.
By providing an even layer across the surface it ensures that evaporation takes place gradually rather than all at once which can result in dry patches or overly saturated areas.
Furthermore, since lava rock does not degrade over time like other mulching materials such as wood chips or leaves it provides an effective barrier against topsoil erosion caused by wind or rain runoff; helping keep nutrient-rich topsoil where you want it – right on your plants!
Finally, when adding lava rock into your landscape design you will find that maintenance requirements become much less intensive overall due to its long lasting properties.
As opposed to organic composts which require regular replenishment every season, this type of material has no need for frequent topping up; making it an ideal choice for those who may not have time for constant upkeep but still wish their gardens look neat and presentable year after year!

Conclusion

Scoria rocks are excellent materials for use in gardening projects due to their unique drainage and aeration properties.
Not only do they provide an ideal structure for water and air to penetrate deeply into the soil but also help regulate moisture levels more evenly throughout different seasons.
Since these rocks are incredibly durable it means that maintenance requirements become much less intensive over time; making them a great choice for those who may not have the time or resources available regularly for upkeep.
When used properly within your landscaping design you can create an attractive outdoor space which is both low-maintenance yet still aesthetically pleasing!
If you’re in need of any of the products mentioned in this article or relevant to your garden or lawn. Please visit our website here.