Mulch - is it really a fire risk?

I've just spent a lovely autumn morning with my girls spreading wheelbarrow, after wheelbarrow, of decayed tree-lopper mulch around the large established trees and shrubs in our front garden.  We also took time to remulch the areas around newer plantings and generally enjoy being in our bush garden.

Whilst doing this, a tradie was working on a new car parking area next door and my girls couldn't resist in engaging him in conversation.  They frankly never stop talking, so I'm glad they found a new target for their endless questions!

The tradie had watched me carting wheelbarrows full of mulch around for about 30 minutes before he said: "You do realise mulch is a fire risk here?"

[sigh]

Why are plants in botanic gardens so healthy compared to mine?

One of the things that I can't reiterate enough to the home gardener is the importance of using mulch.

When we visit a botanic garden and marvel at the health and vigour of the plants there, we often wonder what it is that they do that makes them so healthy in comparison to our home garden.  Is it a special kind of chemical fertiliser?  Do they use a brand of pesticide that you've not tried?  Is it that they water a lot more than you do?

In truth, the answer to those questions is generally no.  Most botanic gardens work as closely with nature as they can, which means avoiding chemicals.  They also try to avoid watering whenever possible, because on such a large scale the costs do not bare thinking of.

So, what is the secret?

Simple: mulch.

Next time you visit a botanic garden, or indeed any kind of organised garden (check out those at Melbourne, Healesville and Werribee zoo's too!), take time to have a look underneath the plants and ask a guide about their mulch.

Mulch your home garden and soon it will be as healthy as the best botanic garden around :)