NOT everyone heading to the coast in summer is a beach lover, but looks forward to other forms of relaxation.

One alternative is the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens, five kilometres south of Batemans Bay, which holds the greatest collection of native plants from the Shoalhaven area from near Nowra in the north to Bega in the south.

The lakes and streams are a special feature with hides from which a wide variety of birds, especially the water birds, can be observed.

There is a never ending floral display, depending on the season, providing interest to all native flora lovers with guided walks from the visitors centre. The Children’s Walk offers kids the chance to learn about the animals that inhabit the gardens.

There are colourful signs plus full-size sculptures of the various animals with the chance of seeing them live.

Lucky visitors may see the giant goannas throwing dirt high in the air as they dig for rodents. If frightened, the goannas race up the nearest tree and are almost impossible to see with their camouflaged bodies against the eucalyptus bark.

Plus there’s the children’s playground, where some of the equipment is exclusive to the gardens, with the slippery dips that disappear into the “jungle”. Alongside this is a covered area with free gas barbecues.

Entry to the gardens and parking is free. The gardens are open 10am-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday and open every day during public and NSW school holidays. And the Mogo Zoo is just a few kilometres down the road.

More information at erbg.com.au

However, pot plants will not and will need a relative or friend to give them a water at least once a week, plus fill the bird bath. The smaller the pot, the more frequent will be the watering, not forgetting any hanging gardens.

I mulch around the top of all pot plants with pea or cane straw to reduce evaporation. If the pots can be easily moved, place them in shade, under the eaves or in a carport or gazebo, out of the direct sun.

I suggest indoor plants, if small enough, are placed in the bath or laundry tub with a few centimetres of water. It is a good idea to put an old towel in the bottom of the bath under the pots to prevent scratching.

If you have a veggie garden, obviously it will need at least that weekly watering. Tell your watering friends if veggies are ripening to help themselves rather than seeing them go to waste. It may be a further incentive to look after your garden.

UNLESS you are putting in new plants, mainly in the veggie garden, there is no point feeding during mid-summer. Most plants put on little or no growth over the summer period and start their autumn growth about March/April. For new planting, water in with Maxicrop Seaweed Plant Nutrient to promote root growth

QUOTE: “If you grow contented plants you will find peace in your garden.”

–Beth Chatto, renowned English gardener