A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD - Optimum Growth with "Root to Shoot Relationship"

The existence and nurturing of our "Green Heritage" presents the urgent need for on-going awareness at all levels of today's Society. Then professional Guidelines linked to "Methodology" for fragile landscapes including banks and sloping terrain are essential. A Team Approach with a proven track record of Rehabilitation success ensures the best results for implementation and "CONTINUITY" and "ESTABLISHMENT".

For the residential garden, Parkland or attractive gardens within an apartment complex, the "Green Habitat" adds Real Estate value. Where the land resource has been granted "Change of Usage" often from sugar cane production, to Residential Development the data recorded in the ROD (Record of Decision), together with the "Conditions of Authorization" are significant. KEY ISSUES for attention include firstly, "Soil Quality Improvement", secondly, "Restoration of Bio-Diversity", thirdly, "Stability" of existing areas or man-made banks and slopes, to reduce erosion. Last but not least, is the availability of a clean water supply to enable "CONTUNUITY" of growth.

The" Root to Shoot Relationship" has a direct impact on the growth,appearance, and stabilization of the land resource. Of interest is the growth of the exotic Gum Tree species, (E.grandis). For top commercial production the stem needs to achieve maximum height, then girth at chest height. At the same time the tree spreads "anchoring" roots near the surface, against wind damage, then a long tap root which may balance the height of the tree at maturity. By comparison turf grass species present a relatively short rooting capacity an dare therefore not suitable to secure slopes where the design needs to adopt a 3- Dimensional Rooting Capacity, with site specific indigenous species.

Soil Fertility analysis will facilitate the addition of good quality organic compost, with Dolomitic Lime, plus added nutrients to restore the balance and enable growth. Where incompatible soils have been introduced and maybe compacted the desired establishment and root growth will be negated. Drainage throughout the Landscape and Rehabilitation area requires professional attention with "soak-away" zones, stormwater catchment and evacuation, together with an irrigation system to assist in times of drought. Too much watering is as detrimental as too little, and may cause root-rot in certain species. The selection of tree and plant species should reflect the moist and dry areas, sun and shade and proximity to the shoreline or elevated inland terrain.

Nature will assist recovery of newly damaged areas along the coastal zone but introduction of "Pioneer Trees" such as Dune Silver Oak, Common CoralTree, Verbena Tree and Pigeonwood, are early re-introductions together with shrubs such as Bush Tick-berry, Dune Violet and Creeping Foxglove, together with terrestrial species to rapidly cover the soil, planted at "density". Previous examples of "slippage" demonstrate that the exotic Vetiver species only have limited, "temporary", application. Furthermore, the introduction is negative and competitive to our indigenous plants, where the pioneer species should be planted and provide cost saving.

Lest we forget, the same principle off "Root to Shoot Relationship"applies to our vegetable or herb garden and the broader agricultural sector. Soil amelioration and aeration is essential for new Macadamia Plantations. The vegetable garden layout needs to allow borders with access pathways. A crop rotation system across the bedding sections will assist soil fertility. When reaping your crop of Dwarf Beans, do not pull out the actual plant growth,rather incorporate for the next crop of say, cabbages, thus adding nitrogen to the section. Always adopt a crop rotation system where on the seventh cycle theLand must "REST" and lie fallow. This in accordance with ancient practice,reference, Proverbs, Chapter 23 versus 10-12. The extreme weather patterns dictate due care and holistic attention to detail.