Peter's Territory tips for the garden

Meet Peter from Austec Irrigation.

Moving here with his family in 1963, we think it’s safe to say he’s a true blue Territorian!   Having been in the industry now for 30 years there isn’t much Peter hasn’t seen.

“I originally wanted to be a farmer but was unable to afford a farm. Instead, I loaded a mower into my Holden ute and started mowing lawns before opening the first Austec store next to my parent’s supermarket on Bagot Road.”

With his Holden ute days in the past and the mower semi-retired, Peter now specialises in domestic landscaping and turf irrigation.

Get to know more about the man behind the mower:

What is your favourite part about what you do?

My favourite part about my job is turning on an irrigation system for the first time and watching it operate properly.

What is your favourite plant and why?

My favourite plant is the Cuban Royal Palm as they stand defiant even in the face of cyclones.

What is your best tip for a water efficient garden in the dry season?

I would recommend thick mulch with heavy foliage during the dry season.

What is your best tip for a water efficient garden in the build up?

My best tip for a water efficient garden in the build-up would be to use an organic fertiliser dug into the ground.

What is your best tip for the garden in the wet season?

Turn the irrigation off, let the rain do its job and start pruning!

What do you like most about living in Darwin?

I have always said that Darwin is a nice dot on the map somewhere between Sydney and Singapore.

Fun fact?

I slept through Cyclone Tracey in my family home on Cavenagh Street.

If you weren’t being an expert irrigator what would you be doing?

Writing books and exploring the NT.

Name one item on your bucket list?

I hope to one day get my books published!