A FEW weeks ago I ran a photo of my wire cage designed to keep possums off the strawberries.

Visiting Anthony and Samantha Bond’s garden at Wamboin, I was impressed with their vegetable garden. Illustrated here, this simple structure will keep marauding birds from raiding berry fruit and vegetables alike. If you are serious about growing your own veggies, this is a worthwhile and economical investment. One indicator of what to plant when in the vegetable garden is to visit a local garden centre and see what’s on sale.

“Mediterranean Kitchen Garden” by Mariano Bueno (Thames and Hudson) is such a book.

The author is Spanish and the book has been perfectly translated into English. Does a Spanish book on gardening have relevance here? The answer is a definite yes from the similarity of climate for a start. Their use of drip irrigation for example is described and illustrated exactly as we recommend here. Garden layout, soils, pest control are all discussed in clear concise detail ideal for those just starting to grow one’s own vegetables. The latter half of the book discusses the various veggies in detail, all of which we grow here. One needs to add six months to the planting guide for the southern hemisphere. I recommend this book as the perfect gift.

LAWNS have been dramatically reduced or eliminated altogether with years of drought and water restrictions. Many folk just gave up altogether. When the drought broke last year, our lawn – with no watering for seven years – bounced back and now I am mowing at least once a week with several catchers full to go on the compost heap.

However, the scourge of all lawns is the lawn grub that quietly chews on the roots. The first warning is when there is suddenly bare patches, by that time it is too late. There are many treatments commercially available so long as you remember to apply these at the right time.

If you happen to be away at the right spray time, the lawn you have worked hard to re-establish can be lost. Next week I will go into more detail on lawns and how to let someone else worry about your lawn grubs.

THE Friends of the Botanic Gardens’ Great Spring Plant Sale will be held from 8.30am-11am on Saturday, November 19. The early bird catches the best plants. Bring your own bags/boxes. The list of plants available can be seen at www.friendsanbg.org.au in the “what we do” section under “Growing Friends”.

PAT Wright promises a challenging talk at the Botanic Gardens Theatrette at 12.30pm, Thursday, November 24, with the question “Who is the smarter, animals or plants?”. An entertaining free talk, all welcome.

THE Geranium and Fuchsia Society’s Annual Show will be held on Saturday, November 19 at St James Uniting Church Hall, Curtin, 9.30am-4pm. Admission $2. Plants, cuttings, books and the society’s 2012 calender will be for sale.