From suit and tie to soil and sky
In 2008, Dan left his air-conditioned corporate job, hanging up his suit and tie for the last time, to follow his passion for plants, permaculture and sustainable productivity.
Now known as the go-to man for ecological landscaping and edible gardens, his favourite part of the job is getting out and meeting new people.
Dan also loves his adopted home of Darwin, especially “its personality”.
“If you imagined all the cities were at a party and you just arrived and started to introduce yourself around, then I reckon you would immediately warm to Darwin,” he says.
“Darwin would come and shake your hand first and start introducing you to its rich cousins, Sydney and Melbourne, and then invite you all fishing.”
Get to know more about our self-proclaimed ‘tree hugger’:
What is your favourite plant and why?
Callitris Intratropica - Darwin's very own Christmas tree. Excellent timber to work with, the natural oils have great health benefits, and it’s highly ornamental, especially with a few lights and baubles.
Best tip for a water efficient garden in the dry season?
If you have kids, then use your bath water to water pot plants. If you’re having a shower, put a laundry bucket in there with you.
Best gardening tip for the build up?
Ah the build-up! It can be raining one door down from you, yet your place is as dry as a bone. Get a rain gauge. If you’re getting 20mm+ a week then you probably don't need your irrigation to come on much at all, other than to keep the pipes clean. Your plants will tell you if they’re thirsty. Take control of your irrigation controller and make seasonal adjustments. This is also a great time for mulching as well as fertilising. Be sure to include some microbial activator as part of your regime.
What is your best tip for the garden in the wet season?
If you haven't mulched and fertilised before the wet starts, then do it ASAP. Take advantage of the rain and get your cuttings to strike or establish some new planting.
Your community tip?
It’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s vital that you put your heart into your garden. It’s not just a motley collection of plants and a lawn that you’re forced to do something about on the weekend. Your garden is a habitat; a small part of a diverse, interconnected ecosystem of suburban homes that shelter and foster life. Your role is as a custodian and guardian of your patch.