Wellness Gardening

Fruit & Nuts

Olives are a powerhouse of antioxidants. Monounsaturated oleic acid found both in fruit and olive oil, can lower your risk of heart disease. There are also anti-cancer, anti-aging and bone health benefits from this humble fruit. Olive trees are easy to grow and are particularly well suited to our Mediterranean climate and sandy Perth soils. They also fair superbly in large pots filled with Baileys Premium Potting Mix.

Olive leaf tea can boost immunity and reduce inflammation. This can be easily made at home by harvesting healthy looking leaves. Lay leaves in direct sunlight to dry out, steep in hot water for 10 minutes and enjoy!

Macadamia nuts are superstars among nuts as they contain mainly monounsaturated or good fats and have the lowest protein and carbs of any nut. Their potential benefits include weight loss, improved gut health, and protection against diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease. The trees take a few years to get cropping but make a beautiful ornamental tree in the front or backyard.

Avocados are rich in good fats; help reduce hunger and appear to be helpful in regulating blood sugar. They contain nearly 20 essential health-boosting nutrients including potassium, vitamin E, B vitamins and folic acid.  Avocados grow well in Perth gardens, once you understand what they need. Read more in our blog - How to Grow Avocados in WA

Blueberries are at the top of almost every superfood list, but just about any edible berry is worthy of superfood status. They have been shown to protect against heart disease and cancer, and can also help maintain bone strength, mental health, and healthful blood pressure. Blueberries can be used as a decorative garden plant or grown successfully in pots, and the best time to plant in Perth is late autumn. 

Herbs

Lavender is commonly used for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is also used for depression, dementia and a natural remedy for pain. Many people drink lavender tea to relax, settle their nerves, and aid sleep. A calming cup of lavender tea can be made at home by using fresh or dried buds. You'll need about two teaspoons of lavender buds for every eight-ounce cup of water. Use only one tablespoon for dried flower varieties.

Lavender oil can promote the healing of skin tissue and can work wonders for stressed, damaged or dry skin. This can be made by steeping dry lavender flowers in a carrier oil for up to 2 weeks, allow to infuse, strain and you have your oil!

Lemon Balm is a lemon-scented herb that comes from the same family as mint. Lemon balm can be used for anxiety, stress and insomnia. This citrus-scented, aromatic herb has been used for reducing stress and improving sleep since the Middle Ages.

These herbs and many more are hardy, fast growers and do well in backyards, balconies or even a sunny windowsill. Give them a good home in Baileys Veg & Herb Premium Planting Mix.

Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts boast a long list of health benefits including the prevention of hypertension, osteoarthritis, cancer, allergies, heart disease, diabetes and ulcers. Broccoli seeds can be sprouted quickly in your kitchen and are ready to consume within 3 or 4 days.

Other common sprouts include mung beans, alfalfa and lentils. They're a remarkably healthy food source and idea if you have limited space. Kids also love watching them grow, so they're great for budding young gardeners.