BJ11_old_address's Edible Backyard

Joined: 05/11/09 Updated: 07/05/12 Frost:
Location: West Leederville

About My Edible Backyard

I'm an eastern states import trying to prove to my West Australian husband that a productive garden can look nice (i.e. formal as he complains cottage gardens are messy); and that such a garden can be created on inner-city block of less than 500 sq m where most of the land is occupied by a house/drive/garage/paved entertaining area). Ideally I want to grow enough fruit (and in due course vegetables) for a family (100kg/person/year of fruit and simular of vegetables) on such a small amount of land. If I can do it, then anyone can! I'm lucky as my garden seems to be attracting plenty of bees. I'd like to one day have a little hive so that I can benefit from their honey as well!

Comments

I sympathise with u.. I am in a share house with my 2 adult children ..& everyone has a diff view on messy-productive-tidy-formal etc

Black mulberrys are very good some say The white shahut is the best maby that instead no stains. Or paint pavers black is another option.

Hi BJ, i couldn't respond to you on my own page for some CRAZY reason that i can't figure out. however, the pistachios are too little for fruit but my plan is to trim the roots and the tops by the same proportion each year. i thought that might pose a problem with a tap root, but couldn't find anything telling me not to do it. So it's an experiment and i'll let you know how it goes

Hi BJ I've got a question down on your almond. Not sure if it is as noticeable there, so I'm putting this here too! Thanks, MJ

Do you really have all this fruit in your yard of 500m2. I would love to see a picture. My yard is 588m2 mostly covered in house, driveway, solid paths and bricked area and I too want to achieve productivity without it being a feral mess. How are you doing this?

fig ^8/10

Comments: -

Rescued (a friend didn't want the plant anymore) as a dormant pot-bound plant that had never fruited. I pruned it within an inch of its life and it seems much happier now. I'm hoping I'll get fruit next year.

leaves emerge in August / September. There only appears to be a single fruit. But oh, the taste of that little fruit ... divine! As a kid I used to eat wild figs by the river, and I've eaten shop figs, but this is so much yummier.

Unfortunately I often forget to water the pot in the summer ... so perhaps that is a factor. I really need to figure a better location for this plant. The fig only gets washing machine run off, but it still really needs to be planted rather than in a pot - I'm hoping to plant it in a soak-well when I build a vegetable patch (so worms can move in and out but roots are trapped). It will be used to shade summer sun near the laundry door. I am yet to figure the ideal spot - additional water has resulted in a few more fruit but it doesn't seem to be doing much. I have added worms from the worm farm.

I'm going to release this guy onto the farm (a friend wants a small fig on their rural property). I cannot put him in the ground and he's not a "pretty" feature in the pot so I'd rather he had a bit more attention and I could plant somethign I use more. Very tasty, but hidden out the back so I'd rather see it go somewhere appreciated.

Planted: 2009

Height 2 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

None

Question:

How can I find out what type of fig this is?

Comments

the fruit will most likely identify it. Most likely it was a cutting, rather than seed growing, so it should be good. If not, you can graft figs or start new from cuttings. I'm growing on a couple varieties, but they're still tiny

lime - sublime (Seedling)

Comments: -

A dwarf style lime grown with the hope that it will fruit whilst adding interest to an area close to the house (where plants cannot be put in the ground due to an extended slab). Something is making it very sick, and it lost all its leaves. I added coffee (for nutrient not pH) and the sticks are now covered in healthy looking little leaves. I have sprayed to prevent futher infection, as of Oct 2010 it is bushing up nicely. Now in Jan 2011 it is a solid green bush without any sign of disease. Hopefully next year it will make some limes! By April 2011 I've got a few flowers - but I don't think I'll get any limes as I've not seen a bee for ages. (developers seem to be knocking down trees where wild bees are ... I do need to get my own!)

A decent prune in August 2011 and thinning of the fruit means that I've got about 6 fruit growing to maturity. The plant gets little attention, but seems happy enough over winter.

An attack of scale in November 2011 caused me to resort to chemical relief. Another massive prune to keep the plant compact. In Jan 2012 - now scale free I've set this sublime free into the garden

May 2012 - this little plant just won't quit. I am seriously considering moving the mandarin and adding more sublimes to make a hedge. They are tough, attractive, and minimal maintenace. The only issue is that the fruit are small and hard to peel ... but that is fine for curries, stir fries, marmalade etc.

Planted: 2010

Height 0.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

home made sprays (oil dish-washing liquid) to supress the major leaf minor infestation - there doesn't seem to be any leaf minor anymore but I think the infection was so bad that almost all the leaves fell off. The new leaves appear healthy.

C

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

Dwarf Mango - Sensation

Comments: -

The sound of this fruit and the idea of a red dwarf mango is rather exciting to me. The plan is to put it in a giant pot (about 0.5 m3) to match the other dwarf mango (which will also be in a giant pot). I've gently rubbed its tip (spring 2010) and it now seems to be preparing to branch (yippee). I've planted strawberries all around the pot to act as a living mulch

Alas, no branching ... but LOADS of fruit. In Jan 2012 I've had to remove over a dozen the size of apricots to stop them weighing down the plant. I've added support to stop the remaining fruit from bending the plant to the ground (I intend to thin down to 1-2 fruit, but want to see how they develp first)

Home grown mangos are the ultimate! so much flavour packed into a little fruit! Delicious!

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Comments

Hi bj why do u gently rub the tip? Does this make it want to flower

Oh too make it branch. Rather than topping it.

Your story is so encouraging, this is exactly what I want to do - buy 2 different Mango trees and place them in 51cm Pots. The Palmer Mano and this one sound fine!

What climate do you live in? I want to know if they grow in greenhouses in cool temperate climates?

Mango - Ono (Grafted)

Comments: -

This is supposed to be a very tough form of mango. It is growing in a large pot after my Palmer dwarf finally expired. I've put down strawberries as a living mulch and the mango seems quite happy. It has a few branches but isn't growing at a great rate yet (April 2011)

As of June 2011 the plant has put on a spurt and added a further 2 branches. It doesn't seem to want to get any taller - but it does seem healthy!

By the end of 2011 it had several flowers and set fruit. In Jan 2012 I thinned this to 3 fruit only. It is still putting on new growth.

OMG ... home grown mangos are something else entirely. Anyone that can should grow a mango. These were little fruit 12cm long ... but delicious (and the pips were also small). So yummy.

Planted: 2011

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Question:

Jujube Rootstock (Grafted)

Comments: -

This plant is supposed to be the ultimate in toughness; requiring about 2000 'heat hours', which it should obtain against a west facing wall in a pot in full Perth sun. I was surprised as to how similar to dates the fruit tasted - quite acceptable! For something so tough it is surprisingly attractive and graceful. It is already fruiting. I've planted a few strawberries in the pot to act as a living mulch. Most of the strawberries have been fried by the sun, but they are recovering in autumn.

The jujube lost its leaves on its own accord in May.

By Jan 2012 there are a few fruit - but not as many as last year. I'm not sure if it is ideally suited to a pot. The plant has grown about 40cm and seems unfazed by the hottest of days.

May 2012 - leaves turned yellow and shed through autumn. The plant has been released into the ground. I discovered that the roots had taken up most of the area of the pot ... clearly jujube are not suited to pots of roots would need to be trimmed every 12 months. It will still be subject to substantial heat, but I hope it will grow larger in the freedom of the soil. I am hoping that in time it will assist with shading the avocado

Planted: 2011

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

none

Persimmon - Tanenashi

Comments: -

Persimmon are such pretty plants, and as they can drop all their leaves in the mild Perth winters they are a great tree to screen windows in the summer and let light in in the winter.

The Tanenashi is astringent, and should grow to about 4 meters. It is planted in Perth sand mixed with sheep poo, coffee, and kitty litter. There is the occasional worm so hopefully the sand can hold enough nutrients for the plant.

As of June the plant still has all its leaves. What is the go with this ultra-mild winter?!

I've got a fruit! My frist Tanenashi Persimon!! I wasn't expecting fruit for several years. The plant is still quite small but I'm so excited I'm going to leave this single fruit

April 2012 - wow ... the fruit has a definite apricot taste to it, very nice. I think I prefer fresh apricots (for tartness, this fruit was quite sweet) but it would make a fantastic ingredient for cooking or drying.

Planted: 2011

Height 1.2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Mulberry - Black Shahtoot? (Cutting)

Comments: -

A cutting from a tree growing wild on an undeveloped block I hope to nurture this plant and put it in the naturestrip. The fruit are delicious (although nothing beats the Black English) and the parent plant has survived years of neglect and no water in unimproved soil (at least 10 metres above the water table) so the cutting should be tough! I'm planning on espilaring it against the fence (in a pot) and keeping a close eye on the berries to prevent paver stains.

Maybe my husband won't notice!

From a 10cm cutting in November 2010 it is now 1m high in October 2011 and covered in fruit. Clearly a tough weed (that will never be released from a pot!) By Jan 2012 it has its second crop of fruit (I've not seen such a thing before) and is 1.5m high. This plant is a weed!! I intend to plant it out on the verge come autumn as it cannot stay in the pot (it will stain pavers and grows too quickly).

May 2012 - the plant has put on MORE berries ... and been relocated to the verge. It was pruned heavily to assist with shape and root growth (as vandals killed the mango previously on the verge - although there are thorny roses planted around the mulberry to discourage this!). The prunings have been turned into about 20 cuttings. Plant is recovering well and hopefully will soon realised that cropping from spring to winter is a bit keen!!

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Comments

BJ you've got to see and try my black mulberry. They are massive and taste delicius esp when cooked. I also juiced them this year and it was totally yum!

Lemon - Eureka (Grafted)

Comments: -

Everyone needs a true lemon in their garden! This little guy should be vigorous, and hopefully thorn free. I'm trying to grow it as part of a citrus hedge. It hasn't enjoyed the transplant despite the good soil.

The Eureka had to get moved in Jan 2012. It was growing faster than I ever anticipated and needed tip pruning every weekend. It has grown over 50cm in less than 6 months despite regular pruning. It has been relocated to where it can grow up taller away from the house. Its width will have to be managed as it is against a fence, but it can still spread and grow up.

May 2012 - my attempts to turn this into a hedge failed. It is growing rapidly and seems very content in its current location at the edge of the vegetable garden!

Planted: 2011

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Almond - Self Pollinating Papershell (Grafted)

Comments: -

Very quick grower. Fruit is being removed to encourage root growth. Trees seems to need very little attention and almost enjoyed the Perth heat waves and storms. I really like these plants as they seem quite tough and adaptable.

I thought almonds were the first flowers of spring, but these guys are looking to be the last. The buds are healthy, just slow to emerge - it has taken until October to get a flower, and it was only a few flowers ... the rest were leaves! Due to low blossom there has been hardly any fruit set. I'm wondering if a late storm 'prune' disrupted the flowers in July so that only leaves emerged. Another almond across the street has the same problem, but a friend's a few suburbs away that missed the storm was covered in blossom and fruit.

The plants seem to be putting on ample growth despite the poor soils, warm summer and minimal water.

Leaves were removed in June in the hope of encouraging dormancy and resulting in flowers in spring.

Jan 2012 - yummy, yummy almonds. Make a great apricot and almond jam. Although difficutl to spot among the leaves. The plant as a lot of growth and it is so dense that critters are moving in.

May 2012 - leaves removed by hand and plant pruned heavily. This should reduce the risk of disease due to minimal air movement. Still finding older almonds during pruning, and they were still good to eat on site!

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

Not required

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Comments

BJ, How is your almond getting along? I'm near you and would love to plant one, but only if it will fruit. Do you have any feedback now it has been in the ground a little longer? Thanks, MJ

Nectarine - Sunwright (Grafted) ^7/10

Comments: -

Wonderful blossom. Is supposed to be hardy to WA.  It has attempted to set fruit quickly. I have removed all fruit as plants are young and need to establish roots rather than fruit

flowers and leaves emerged in July - I've left the fruit on as the tree is growing rapidly ... it is a prolific cropper and at 1.5m and 12 months in the ground I'd estimate there are over 80 fruit per plant after thinning! Unfortunately the fruit-fly struck so I had to collect all the fruit and pack it tightly into a bucket and 'drown' the fruit fly for a month before the muck was composted (fruit fly can be drowned when the fruit is underwater for over a week and the top of the water covered with a layer of vegetable oil to stop oxygen getting in).

These guys really struggled with the 2011 summer and lost most of their leaves. I'm hoping that autumn comes soon so they can recover.

Plants recovered in autumn and required substantial pruning. Leaves were removed in June 2011 to encourage dormancy

Jan 2012 - once again fruit fly were about earlier than expected so the entire crop (sans one bag) was picked and treated to prevent re-infection. Delicious crop ... but nectarines are not suited to Perth as they are too susceptiable to fruit fly. The destruction methods and spraying has prevented fruit fly being observed anywhere else - but I fear untended trees in the district are breeding zones for this pest.

May 2012 - leaves removed by hand, heavy pruning. This may reduce fruit, but hopefully will improve shape and relieve some stress (as the plants were very prone to disease over summer and leaves were quite pale)

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter and Spring

Pruned By: 30% in Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

leaf curl was initially a problem. I removed all the affected leaves by hand and also removed all the healthy leaves in winter (July). The plants ahve been pruned so that no branches or leaves are within 1m of the ground so the fungus shouldn

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

Comments

spores will be in cracks in the bark and also the soil. Reinfestation likely without autumn sprays and/or pre bud burst spray. since you have many trees that can be affected, I'd recommend you spray rather than suffer major outbreak

Peach - Tropic Snow (Grafted) ^6/10

Comments: -

 It is quite vigerous although this has been curtailed with storms removing branches. They have really kicked into gear for 'spring' (July) and is blossoming and budding like a champ. No signs of infection - but a few leaves indicate that the risk is still very much there. It appears that leaf curl can occur after leaves emerge. I'll definitely spray next year.

Flowers and leaves emerged in late July 2010. Alas fruit-fly struck and much of the fruit was lost. Next year I'm getting nasty and using chemicals!

These guys really struggled with the Perth summer in 2011. They seem to be getting hit by every pest and disease possible as they are clearly weakened. Leaves are pale in colour despite addition of water and balanced fertiliser.

Leaves were removed in June 2011 to encourage dormancy. The plants clearly need a break. Additional feed and TLC will be required next summer.

Jan 2012 - Most of the fruitletts were removed to reduce the stress on the plant for this summer. Plants haven't had much disease - but clearly are not enjoying being planted near the driveway. At over 3 m high now they are too large to transplant and have been mulched with pine bark to assist - but they are not ideal for the climate. Tasty fruit that was allowed to remain.

May 2012 - leaves removed by hand. Heavy pruning (this may reduce fruit, but will improve shape)

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

hand removal of any nasty bugs or infected leaves. Natural predators also assist. The tree is pruned so that no branches or leaves are less than 1m from the ground - this seems to have prevented re-infection of leaf-curl

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Persimmon - Dai Dai Maru (A)

Comments: -

I've heard good things about the fruit, and I'm hoping that the plant will thrive in its current location and allow winter sun to reach the house, and block out the worst of the summer sun.

Within weeks of planting it is putting on new growth - so I'm hoping that this is a good sign about the soil improvements and location.

Unfortunately as of Jan 2011 many of the leaves have been burnt by the WA sun (the tap root just needs to get a bit deeper). Additional water is helping the plant put on new growth.

Remaining leaves were removed June 2011. The plant appears healthy and strong despite the brutal summer

May 2012 - leaves have come off on their own. No autumn colour, I hope that it isn't crook.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Question:

Dwarf Persimmon - Fuyu (NA) (Grafted)

Comments: -

I'm hoping that the fruit of this tree will be OK, and that in its current location it will allow the winter sun to reach the house, and block out the summer sun. The garden is quite skinny (about 50cm) but I'm hoping that with the soil improvements and hand watering it will be sufficient.

Many of the leaves are getting burnt by WA sun. I'm hoping that as all the plants get bigger they will protect each other.

Remaining leaves removed June 2011. The plant appears healthy and strong despite the previous brutal summer.

May 2012 - I'm a little worried about this plant. The leaves have all fallen off now, and the edges went brown (rather than the leaves changing colour). I'm concerned it might be sick.

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Question:

Comments

I have tried this once as well and had the same problem as yours. The leaves get burnt in summer and the plant does not thrive. It ended as mulch for the garden.

apple - unknown (Seedling) ^4/10

Comments: -

Rescued from someone's renovations. It was initially very neglected and unhappy. It has amazing blossom, but the apples are small and green (a bit like a granny-smith but crisper and a little sour). There does not appear to be any graft consequently I've concluded this is a seedling - so I'm keeping it as it might just be unique (and the apples are interesting). The tree has been prunned back exceptionally hard to alter the old form (it was shaped with horizontal branches whilst I want vase shape). I am hoping that in spring it will put on additional height. I know it is self fertile as it had apparently fruited before with no other know apples in the suburb it came from.

March 2012 - these apples make a fantastic apple pie. The tree hasn't grown a great deal in height (now about 2m) but it is tough, robust, and crops heavily (about 5kg of fruit after thinning)

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Fruit Harvest: 4 kilograms per Year

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

 none required - it appears to be immune to pests which might have a go at the other apples

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

Is there an easy way to find out what type of apple this might be?

Comments

If you don't love the fruit - why not graft something else to it? You can prune it back hard and then graft to new shoots. Or leave some of the original if you want to. Forum people can probaly provide material

Lime - Tahitian

Comments: -

I'm not really sure where this came from (it traveled between rental properties as a friend's mascot), or even if it is a tahitian lime! Unfortunately it never set fruit prior to 2010 and I've not yet had a fruit reach picking stage. This could be because it has been dug up and re-planted roughly every 6 months until now. I've piled about 100 litres of sheep poo around it - I'm hoping this will leach into the soil and improve things a bit ... there are some flower buds so maybe the poo is doing the trick!

This plant suffered badly summer with only a small amount of watering - many of the branches were burnt off. I've sinced discovered that WA citrus need approximately 6 litres of water per day per square metre of canopy and the orange has responded very well to an almost 7-fold increase in water! There are now many new shoots. I've also errected a screen of cardboard boxes around the plant to provide additional shade. Ugly - but it is working.

Hopefully next summer the Jujube will provide some additional shade!

Plant was 'transplanted' in June 2011. I dug the plant up, removed the pale WA sand and replaced with a better quality soil, and re-planted the tree. It seems to have coped with the ordeal OK.

Jan 2012 - it is hard to imagine this is the same plant that struggled last summer. A bit more food and water and it is growing like a champ and covered in fruit. No cardboard this year - just sugarcane mulch.

May 2012 - already more fruit than I can eat, thankfully friends at work are happy to consume the extra limes. Water and food clearly appreciated!

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

ladybugs

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Comments

actual tahitian limes are quite hardy and don't need huge soil improvement. They will establish as long as the rootball settles in. Should be flowering now at that size

Feijoa

Comments: -

Rescued from a throw-out these plants were very root-bound and dehydrated for about 4 years before being released into the ground in 2009. They have responded well to freedom and as of October 2010 are covered in flowers. In 2010 I was surprised to discover that these Bunnings seedlings do set the occasional fruit (albeit a bit bland). I'm hoping that the fruit improves a bit this year. Irrespective they purpose of these plants is to provide a hedge so the occasional edible fruit is just a bonus!

That said, a named variety might be nice - especially if more fruit were provided (and tastier fruit). I could also practice grafting by taking cuttings to the original plants. I might remove / relocate strawberry guava and put in named feijoa.

Jan 2012 - no fruit this year - but I intend to add some more feijoa to complete the hedge come autumn. They are a tough plant with interesting folige and stunning (tasty) flowers.

May 2012 - an additional 6 tiny seedlings purchased to complete the hedge. The existing plants have produced a reasonable crop of somewhat grainy bubble-gum fruit. It makes good sorbet.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

First Fruited: 5 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

Not require

Organic Status:Partially Organic

apricot - trevat (Grafted)

Comments: -

As they are only babies I removed all the fruit as soon as it set as I want them to get their roots fully established so they can survive the summer!They are being espilared against the fence. A few have been hard hit by the storm and had some unorthordox pruning (thanks Perth storms) - but they seem to have recovered well. All their leaves have been removed for winter and I'm hoping they spring out of dormancy soon)

leavs are emerging late September. There are not many flowers - this could be due to Perth storm pruning, or insufficient chill, but a few fruit have set (obviously not enough ... one can never have too many apricots!) I always knew apricots would be a challenge in Perth!

I striped the plants of leaves in June. Hopefully they will learn that it is winter and crop in summer (maybe). The first blossom has appeared mid September 2011. It is still just waking up as of mid October 2011. There might be tiny fruitlets (just a few). It would be wonderful to get apricots in Perth (given we have far too few chill hours)

Jan 2012 - yummy, yummy, yummy ... fresh apricots are so delicious. The is no danger of an apricot crop in Perth breaking the branches of the tree, but a dozen fruit per tree is a nice treat, and so much more flavour than in the shops.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

ladybugs!

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Guava - Strawberry (Seedling) ^3/10

Comments: -

Four little plants from Bunnings, planted quite close together (just over 1m apart as I'm hoping to create a dense hedge) in 2010. I've loaded them with compost and some blood & bone. Hopefully the soil improvements will be enough - but the soil is very poor and likely to stunt their growth (hence planting them so close)! They really don't appear to enjoy large amounts of WA sun (they will be blasted in summer) so I'm hoping they can make it. I've recently tasted a few strawberry guavas in my grandfather's yard in Melbourne. Delicious ... I hope that in time mine are as tasty!

They are quite fast growers, doubling in size in less than 6 months. They appear to be quite bushy - they tips are already touching (which is good from my perspective - a dense hedge is exactly what I want). I've tip pruned to encourage strength rather than straggly. Flowers and baby fruit have already appeared (October 2010)

I'm actually not thrilled with these guys. They all have the yellow guava instead of the pink, and they are getting hit by disease quite hard. They might end up being relocated (and replaced with a known feijoa) or 'donated'. Not a bad looking plant ... but just not the flavour I wanted.

Jan 2012 - tough as old boots, fruit well ... but boring.

Planted: 2010

Height 0.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

None so far

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Comments

my tree is planted under a white shahtoot mulberry and gets some shade in summer and grows very well. Fruits a lot but can get attacked by fruitfly. Fruits produced in colder weather are very sweet and juicy and has much better flavour than those produced in summer.

pomegranate (Seedling) ^6/10

Comments: -

It was on a Bunnings throw-out table and I couldn't resist! I stuck it straight into the ground and have poured my washing-machine run-off onto it. I've never had a plant thrive so much! It started at 20cm high and about 30cm wide ... in 4 months it was 1.5m high, about 2m wide and covered in fruit and flowers. I have hacked it back to about 80cm tall to encourage bushyness and a bit of strength (it was weedy). Nothing seems to worry it! Unfortunately I've only tried the fruit 'unripe' ... I think it has potential but might need to leave it on the plant longer!

Plant appears to retain its leaves and flower year-round on about half the branches, but looses leaves on the other half! It is looking very lush with minimal water in the middle of summer. I don't think the fruit tastes the best - but these plants are tough, and can survive mistreatment in very poor WA soil and harsh WA sun.

Next time, I'm investing in a non-seedling to get the superior fruit, but the plants are fantastic (even if the fruit is very seedy and not that exciting in the taste department). They are only watered every few weeks and are in the worst possible location - tough as old boots.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 2 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

None

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Comments

Thanks for the link ... I'm wondering if I should try grafting a 'wonderful' and getting slightly better fruit.

Lemonade Tree

Comments: -

Planted in a raised bed and pruned to a standard shape the tree seems to be coping with WA soils and summers. It is flowering like crazy and I am pinching the flowers off because it is very young - but clearly very keen to grow and fruit. The leaves are going yellow - so I have tried epsom salts to provide extra magnesium. I've also added some trace elements (including iron). It is healthy but it just doesn't seem happy or as bushy as the orange tree. Additional water is helping.

I re-dug the plant, replaced the local soil and replanted to provide better nutrition. This has helped, but the tree almost looks as if it is being attached by something as som tips are dying and leaves appear to be trying to grow back ... but no inspection has revealed any pest. It has only grown 50cm since planting.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

none

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Comments

I tried this tree as well and it was stunted so I gave up after 3 years and turned it into mulch!

Orange - Valencia

Comments: -

Planted in a raised bed and pruned as a standard the older leaves often look a little dull, I've piled poo around it and added specialised fertiliser ... but it just seems a bit lack-luster. Hopefully it will soon obtain the zest for life. It is flowering - but doesn't seem to put on loads of lush new growth.

Approximately 2 months after the poo episode and some extra loving ... this plant is covered in flowers and new growth. I think WA soil (even improved) just does not have the nutrients many plants require and additional compost etc is requried

This plant suffered in summer with only a small amount of watering. I've sinced discovered that WA citrus need approximately 6 litres of water per day per square metre of canopy and the orange has responded very well to an almost 7-fold increase in water! It is still very prone to disease and struggles after a few hot days, but it is going to make it.

In June 2011 I transplanted this tree into better soil. So far the transplant has gone well with no apparent stress.

It hasn't flowered that much in the summer of 2012 - lot of green leaves. Come autumn I think I'll re-improve the soil (pig poo?) I've mulched with sweet straw.

Planted: 2010

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

none

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Dwarf Avocado - Wurtz (A) (Grafted)

Comments: -

Initially purchased with the intent of spending its life in a pot I've decided to pull up some pavers and set it free in the ground! It is going in a slender bed with improved soil (most of it is compost, soil improver and cow poo), and is protected from the worst of the WA summer suns. Fingers crossed that it will make loads of babies with the Fuerte friend I purchased! It is planted about 1.5m from the Fuerte. I'm hoping the Wurtz will grow to be about 2m x 2m

Its leaves have lost a lot of their green so I have added some trace elements (iron and zinc) and new growth appears to be greener. Within weeks new leaves are emerging with the standard red/copper colour which I hope indicates that whatever was missing is back! Now a few months later it has grown about 50cm and is a solid little shrub. The outside leaves get scorched on hot days and the plant will drop older leaves if it has water stress (must remember to water a bit more often) but nutrients and water are resulting in a tough little avocado.

In August 2011 it is flowering like crazy (the leaves are going brown again and being replaced by new leaves - it doesn't look the best but the plant seems happy). By October 2011 the tree has lost all its old leaves and is covered in rich lush new growth.

This tree still struggles with hot summer days - but extra mulch, and water help. I don't think any fruit set - but it continues to put on volumn and looks healthy.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

None require at this time

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Plum - Gulf Ruby (Grafted)

Comments: -

purchased as a pot-bound throw-out from Bunnings I have teased out its roots and provided much compost. It is low chill so has lost its leaves. I am hoping that Spring will reveal a happier plant. It is going to need to cope with some fierce WA sun in its current location.

leaves and blossom emerged in August 2010. I think it is still a bit grumpy about being pot-bound previously, but it seems to have picked up toward the end of October

The plant has large (still green) fruit attached as of October 2011. I tested one of the fruit in Jan 2012, they are alright but standard plum flavour. I think the plant is missing something as it the leaves just don't have the colour of the other plums. Being planted next to a cement driveway can't help. In autumn I'll seek to improve the soil further. In the meatime I've mulched under the canopy with pinebark

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Santa Rosa

Pest Control:

ladybugs

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Grumichama - Black (Seedling)

Comments: -

I have planted these in the ground near a wall. They get a reasonable amound of indirect light, but are safe from a full blast of Perth summer sun. The soil is a rich sandy loam (70% compost and sheep poo rather than standard WA dust), and they are right next to a tap so I hope I don't forget to water them. With luck I will have a productive grumichama hedge in a few years! I have encouraged their branches to spread wide to create more width than height. They are planted about 1.3m apart. There is plenty of new growth - but I imagine it could be years before I get a hedge. They seem to be enjoying the location as there are considerable new leaves already.

I've put lots of coffee grounds around them, and now when I pull back a bit of the soil it is literally writhing with worms. Coffee is free (I take the grounds from work) and seems to appeal to these plants. 

I've added some trace elements to the soil as one plant is displaying iron deficiencies (but is otherwise quite healthy and green). They clearly like a bit of light, but I'm not sure how much they will like Perth summer sun - maybe the two more shaded plants will enjoy the summer more than their exposed sibling who appears to have grown a bit more during the winter. The veins in the leaves doesn't seem to be improving so I might need to add more elements and fertiliser in December

I've moved the plants into an area that is mostly shade - the plant that was in the shade was thriving, and the one in the sun looked deficient (leaves had almost no colour). I figured it was either genetic, a werid disease ... or just the wrong location. Amazingly ... within a month of being moved out of direct sun (albeit a bright area) the leaves have reacquired a deep green glossy colour! Grumichama clearly do not enjoy full Perth sun.

Jan 2012 - these guys finally seem happy. They need WA shade, a fair amount of water, more acid soil than occurs naturally in Perth, and lots of time (they don't grow that fast).

Planted: 2010

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 3

Sun/Shade: Low Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

none required at this time

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

I would like to take cuttings so that I can improve on the proposed hedge. Is there a good time, or method?

Comments

I also wanted to try these but I know that they are slow growers and I don't have the patience!

plum - amber gold (Grafted)

Comments: -

I needed something tough to survive the location (full Perth summer sun against a reflective metal fence) that would 'match' the other plums I have.

Blossom commenced late August, early September 2010. It only really seems to have taken off late October - maybe next year it will feel more at home.

Plant is still not thriving. Leaves removed June 2011. I'm not sure why it isn't very happy ... it is just taking a long time to feel thoroughly at home.

Jan 2012 - This is NOT an amber gold ... the fruit (half a dozen) are very large (circumference 20cm), heart shaped, green-red on the outside, pink on the inside and SUBLIME. Clearly the wrong lable - but delicious. Not another blood plum either (as I've got these and this fruit is different). The plant took awhile to establish, but is growing well now. Clearly requires more chill than offered by Perth ... but just divine.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Santa Rosa

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

Lady-bugs and removal of any 'bad critters' or sick leaves

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

Grape - Maroo Seedless

Comments: -

This plant is designed to screen the fence (between my orange and lemon) and hopefully provide me with some tasty table grapes. It is supported by some special purpose wires spaced about 40cm apart (against the fence). When it was first planted (early 2010) it was just a stick, but it is already covering the fence quicker than I had hoped. It is quite a bushy plant and I imagine I'll need to give it a decent prune to ensure good shape for years to come. There are even baby grapes on it already (October 2010)!

In Jan 2011 the grape started wilting so I've removed the baby bunches and pruned the branches that are not where I want. It has since re-shoot and I imagine I'll need to prune again in autumn

2011-2012 has been a bad year for grapes - a late rain split the entire crop and there seems to be a 'disease' attacking the plant (leaves go yellow and fall off). But the plant is growing very fast. A second flowering resulted in a few more bunches that were split by rains just after Christmas!

Planted: 2010

Height 1.2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

None required at this time

Comments

Mine grows very well and fruited last year. The flavour was not that great compared with crimson seedless and saltana, both of which also produce very well in my garden in Perth.

grape - thomuscat

Comments: -

The thomuscat is supposed to be a white, seedless grape which is a cross between a sultana and white muscat, but with a strong muscat flavour (yummy ... I hope). It is supposed to mature early to mid-season. I planted it to screen the fence between my lime and orange. It appears to be more interested in growing up rather than out (which is fine). It was just a little stick when I planted it in early 2010. It is planted so that it is near a limestone retaining wall - which seems to keep it happy despite my attempts to acidify the soil in the bed (as there is a lime tree about 1.5 metres from the grape).

the 2011-2012 crop was split by a late rain. The plant otherwise seems very happy and growing like a weed

Planted: 2012

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

Not required at this time

Mandarin - Nules (Clementine) (Grafted)

Comments: -

Included as part of a small citrus hedge (along wiht the Eureka lemon - which has since been moved and replaced with the sublime) this should be maintained as a small bush - and hopefully keep me with sufficient tasty mandarins!)
In Jan 2012 I pruned it once again to keep it low (now about 75cm). It is becoming very bushy.

Planted: 2011

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Bay Tree (Seedling) ^8/10

Comments: -

Initially a house mascot after it was discovered on a Bunning's throw-out table and used as a Christmas Tree we were all surprised that the plant survived. It is now in the ground and seems to be establishing itself in the poor WA soil. I provide it with a minor prune when it starts to look like it is getting taller than desired for its location (or I need leaves for cooking). It is very slow growing. I never water it (even in the worst of summer). I never improve the soil ... it is just there and like a wonderful herb keeps on trucking. Sage lives under it and seems to be quite happy too.

Planted: 2009

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

None

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Plum - Mariposa (Grafted)

Comments: -

Still very young. I am hoping I will get some fruit set eventually; despite the warm winters in Perth. Leaves are removed by hand throughout July to encourage the impact of chill hours. Plant broke dormancy late October. There are a few flowers, but not many.

I have removed all the leaves in June 2011. Hopefully there will be fruit next year.

Planted: 2009

Height 2 metres

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Satsuma & Santa Rosa

Pest Control:

ladybugs

Organic Status:Partially Organic

plum - Santa Rosa (Grafted)

Comments: -

Still very young. With luck I will get some fruit set despite only having 300 chill hours. This is my main pollinator for the other plums, so flowers are important, unfortunately there aren't too many! Plant broke dormancy early October

Leaves removed in June 2011. Hopefully there will be sufficient chill for fruit.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Mariposa & Satsuma

Pest Control:

N/A

Organic Status:Partially Organic

apple - golden delicious

Comments: -

It is a great cross pollinator for granny smith and pink lady. It appears quite happy in the WA conditions. Baby fruit are being removed to promote a good root system. In time it is hoped to become party of the 'apple fruit tree hedge' and provide a non-obtrusive screen between us and some neighbours. Loads of flowers and new leaves emerged late October 2010. As of Jan 2011 I've stripped off most of the fruit, but still have a good number remaining. Although some of these fruit have been burnt, they are growing and look healthy (who cares about spots on apples ... they still taste good)

In March 2011 I removed between 1-3kg of fruit off each tree. The sun had burned some apples, but they were quite tasty. I can see these guys eliminating my need for supermarket apples in a few years.

Leaves were removed in June 2011

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

Fruit Harvest: 2 kilograms per Year

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: granny smith & pink lady

Pest Control:

removal of nasty bugs and infected leaves by hand. Beneficial predators are also great (go ladybugs)

Apple - Pink Lady (Grafted)

Comments: -

WA produces some wonderful pink lady apples, so I am hoping that I will be able to produce my own. These apples are part of a 'apple fruit tree hedge' that I hope will one-day actually become a hedge (the trees are about 1.5m apart) and provide a nice screen between ourselves and some neighbours (whose kids seem to be appreciating any apples I forget to remove!)

I've got a few little flowers now in October, loads more emerged late October 2010. As of Jan 2011 I've removed most of the fruit, but there is still about a dozen left per plant. Some burns, splitting and other imperfections ruined about 15% of the apples - but the remainder were very sweet!

Leaves removed in June 2011

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: golden delicious & granny smith

Pest Control:

self and ladybugs (and wasps)

Apple - Granny Smith (Grafted)

Comments: -

Growing quite happily. I am limiting the amount of fruit allowed to set, but the fruit is quite tasty! The time fruit sets does not seem to match when it is cheapest in the shops. Flowers and leaves emerged late October 2010.

As of Jan 2011 Some of the fruit is already the size of a tennis ball ... I imagine they will be huge when mature! Alas, the neighbourhood kids nicked this apple - so I never got to try it.

Apples were tart and tasty. Very little damage from burning or splitting. The plants flower constantly (still flowering in June). Leaves were removed in June 2011 to encourage dormancy.

Fruiting Months March and April

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: golden delicious & pink lady

Pest Control:

self and beneficial predators (any nasties are removed by hand)

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Plum - Satsuma (Grafted)

Comments: -

One plant was lost due to a heat wave, followed by unorthodox pruning in a storm, and then a dog trying to dig it up and eat it. The other plant appears to be thriving, it is covered in buds ready for spring. Leaves emerged late September, not many flowers. I think I'll need to take steps to increase the "chill hours" it feels

Planted: 2009

Height 2 metres

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Mariposa & Santa Rosa

Pest Control:

none required

Organic Status:Partially Organic