It is almost one year since our roof garden arrived and the growth has been significant. The exposed soil is disappearing under green foliage.  The winter rains have reduced the need to use our irrigation system.

Seaberry saltbush in the foreground. Rounded noon flower creates a carpet around gum tree steps.

Our winter vegetable boxes are producing rocket, kale, broccoletti, lettuces, peas, garlic and spring onions.

Winter lushness.

The maintenance of our garden, for it’s first year of life, has been minimal.  This is one of the benefits of using native plants. When it is not raining our drip irrigation system is turned on. We adjust the water pattern depending on the weather. In summer, with no rain, we water three times a week for 10 minutes. In August we will need to fertilize the plants. This will be done once a year.  And the only other job is weeding. Very important not to let blown in seeds take over. There could be a tree growing in our very shallow substrate.

Flick weed pops out through the scoria.

The Flick weed above needs to be removed. Luckily we have a few residents helping with the task. You can also see native grasses that have started to self seed from our planted crop. This will thicken up our meadow in a few months. Can’t wait to see that.

Blue tussock grass in the foreground of our pathway. Blueberry flax-seed lilly grows in front of the laundry door.

The bees are very happy with the Rosemary flowers.