2 COSTA GEORGIADIS
What better way to mark Australia Day than with the return of ‘Gardening Australia’, now in a new timeslot. Co-host Georgiadis lays the groundwork. (Starts Fri., Jan. 26, 7.30 PM; ABC)
Do you like the new format?
An hour gives us a whole lot of room to create a mix of stories. [And] I really want to connect families to gardening through the show and the new timeslot is just perfect for this.
What can we plant in the middle of summer?
Fast-growing salad greens. Even if you densely plant a few pots with cos, purple cos, oak, endive, along with some silverbeet and parsley. It’s a little go-to green patch to gather a salad feed every day.
Is there one gardening thing you wish every Australian did?
Planted more local native species in their gardens and on their nature strips. That would bring back the native birds and pollinators, restoring a better flow within our ecosystems. And also I wish everyone would grow something edible at home, even if just in a pot.
How do you keep your beard looking so lush?
It’s a mixture of worm juice mixed with compost and allowed to steep in water. Spraying it onto the beard each morning with an atomiser is like a mineral hydrating bath. But don’t give that one away.
What’s a perfect Australia Day?
A picnic with family and friends. For years we have been having an open invitation picnic from midday until sunset. Roll up when you can, bring what you like. It gets no better.