Green With Envy: Sabrina Hahn's Weekly Gardening Q&A Covers Ivy, Rats, and Potted Figs
Every Saturday, Sabrina Hahn, the esteemed gardening columnist for The West Australian, dedicates her time to assisting West Australian gardeners in optimizing their plant growth and solving common horticultural challenges. In her most recent column, she addresses a range of pressing issues, from managing invasive plants to protecting vegetables from pests and nurturing fruit trees in containers.
Submitting Your Gardening Queries
Gardeners eager to seek advice from Sabrina Hahn can submit their questions to the Green With Envy column, which is featured in Saturday editions of The West Australian. To participate, write to Ask Sabrina at GPO Box D162, Perth, 6001, or send an email to home@wanews.com.au. Please ensure to include your full name and suburb for consideration. Due to the high volume of inquiries, not all questions will receive a response, but Sabrina strives to cover a diverse array of topics each week.
Plant Identification: White Hong Kong Orchid Tree
Lynda Hiini from Mandurah inquired about a small tree, approximately 170 centimeters tall, with non-perfumed flowers located near the Creery Wetlands fence. Sabrina identified this as Bauhinia variegata alba, commonly known as the white Hong Kong orchid tree. Native to regions from China to South-East Asia, this deciduous tree can grow up to 8 meters high, offering excellent shade with its wide canopy. For optimal growth, it requires regular watering during summer and early pruning to develop a compact shape. This tree is available at select nurseries in Perth that specialize in deciduous varieties.
Dealing with Rat Infestations in Vegetable Gardens
Pip Brady from Coolbinia reported a persistent issue with rats consuming lettuce and snow pea seedlings, while leaving bean and tomato plants untouched. Despite using baits and traps, the problem persists. Sabrina suggested alternative methods to deter these pests, such as soaking cloth strips in Phenyle cleaner and placing them around the plants, or applying peppermint oil to plastic yogurt containers positioned at the base of the seedlings. These natural repellents can help protect vulnerable vegetables without harming the plants.
Care Tips for Potted Fig Trees
R. Lessnau from Palmyra sought advice on a potted fig tree that has developed numerous shoots from its main roots after a month in the container. Sabrina emphasized the importance of removing these suckers promptly, as they can lead to excessive bush growth, making fruit harvesting difficult. She also recommended winter pruning to maintain a manageable size and promote high-quality fruit. For fertilization, a product rich in potassium and trace elements, similar to citrus fertiliser, is ideal to support fruit production.
Addressing Issues with Hibbertia Plants
Joy Mikulandra from Rockingham expressed concerns about her hibbertia plants, which are turning brown and losing leaves despite being surrounded by thriving native plants. Sabrina explained that hibbertia requires frequent watering, at least twice weekly in hot weather, and prefers shaded conditions. They thrive in soil with clay or gravel content; adding clay and compost around the base can improve soil structure. Additionally, applying foliar trace elements in the morning or evening can protect leaves from sunburn and enhance overall plant health.
Sabrina Hahn's column continues to be a valuable resource for gardeners across Western Australia, offering practical solutions and expert insights to enhance their gardening experiences. For more updates and tips, readers are encouraged to follow her weekly advice in The West Australian.
