Fabulous sweet peas with their delicate perfume and frilly, colourful blooms do best in a sunny, well-sheltered position in well-drained soil that has ideally had plenty of organic compost dug into it.

The pH level should be around 6.5.

Dampen the soil well the day prior to planting the seeds two centimetres deep, leaving 15 to 20 centimetres between them in a saucer-shaped depression.

Do not water again as sweet peas do not like a wet soil during the germination period.

When the seedlings are seven to ten centimetres high, pinch out the tips to induce the formation of side shoots.

These develop more vigorously than the original stem which often becomes spindly.

When the plants are sturdy, thin them out to about 30 centimetres apart.

Pick the flowers as they open to encourage the production of more blooms as when left unpicked, flowering will cease to form seeded pods.

The tall to medium varieties of sweet peas are splendid for covering walls and fences but the seed needs to be sown at least 30 centimetres from the support base.

The dwarf forms can be grown in the open garden among shrubs or herbaceous plants as a colourful background screening or planted in containers.

When grown on tepees or up poles they quickly hide the supports and give an excellent shrubbery effect.

They also make healthier growth when there is plenty of light and air around them.

Nothing brightens a room nor warms the heart more than a bouquet of these adorable plants.

The landscape value of our native flora is well known and with most nurseries now stocking a good selection there is no reason why more cannot be grown in our gardens.

We have a vast range of native perennials suitable for the open garden in full sun, shaded spots, under trees or for bog and water gardens.

Many can be grown in pots or hanging baskets and there is an enormous range of native groundcovers which can be used to good effect in many parts of the garden.

Our native perennials are found in diverse habitats and localities from deep rain forests to open woodlands and heathlands.

Some are native to our Tasmanian alpine areas, while others come from floodplains, creeks and river banks.

Aquatic plants inhabit permanent wet, swampy areas or freshwater lakes, thus, their natural soil types vary considerably from clay to loams and sandy clays and even pure sandy gravel.

The soil pH is more critical for growing our native plants than for most exotic plants.

Native perennials mainly prefer a neutral or slightly acidic pH.

When preparing a site it is beneficial to incorporate into the soil some well-rotted organic matter.

Coarse sand can also be added to improve drainage and to lighten the soil.

Nurseries and local native plant societies are great sources of information on the culture of our native flora and plants that will grow successfully in your area.

Diary

March 7: North West Lilium Society, Penguin Baptist Centre, Ironcliffe Road, 1pm.

March 17: Australian Native Plant Society, Max Fry Hall, Gorge Road, Launceston, 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.

March 18: Launceston Horticultural Society meeting, Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston, 8pm. Visitors welcome. Visit: www.launcestonhorticultural.org.au

March 21: Annual Tasmanian Cactus & Succulent Exhibition, Australian Italian Club, 414 Westbury Road Prospect, 10am-3pm. Sales, raffle, light refreshments. Entry $2, proceeds to StGiles gardening project. Enquiries John Stuart 0418 316 152.