Steven McLean avatar

About Steven McLean

I am an educator and passionate gardener and traveler. Throughout my adult life, gardening has been my passion, therapy, drive and source of purpose. Even as a child I had an intrinsic interest in plants and a desire to understand what makes them grow.I distinctly remember the moment this began - my family was on one of our regular road trips from Hervey Bay; Australia. We were driving past a field of sugar cane. Dad pulled the car over and we cut a couple of sugar cane stems and brought them home for a treat. To be honest, I didn’t really like the taste, but I did want to try and grow it; and that is exactly what I did. It was then that my fascination, interest and passion for gardening and understanding plants began.Fast forward a few years and I studied biological sciences and began what would be a 36 year career as a Biology educator. From this, I don’t only love gardening, but I also love helping others learn about gardening. I am also always looking for new ways to develop my own gardening knowledge. I like to think I am truly a life-long learner.Fundamental to my beliefs about education is that learning is often best done as a part of a community - learning from others, and helping others to learn. It is this type of community that I hope iCultivate will be for its members - a community of gardeners, keen to share their gardening knowledge and wanting to learn about new ways to garden - a community built on the love of gardening.
A hydroponic salad table using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) offers a soil-free way to grow salad greens conveniently at home. It's compact, efficient, and low maintenance, making it ideal for beginners. With minimal setup and quick harvest times, it provides a rewarding gardening experience while conserving water and space.
Gardening connects Australians to their local ecosystems, with the Bleeding Heart Tree (Homalanthus populifolius) exemplifying this bond. This resilient, fast-growing tree offers vibrant foliage, low maintenance, and attracts native wildlife. Its adaptability makes it suitable for diverse gardens, fostering inclusivity while enhancing both beauty and ecological value.
Lomandra is a resilient, low-maintenance native Australian plant ideal for home gardens, offering structure and beauty without extensive care. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various environments, supporting local biodiversity and conservation. With minimal watering needs and a safe foliage variety, Lomandra is perfect for all gardeners, including those with limited mobility.
Watering can be one of the most rewarding parts of gardening - and one of...
Gardening can adapt to different energy levels and physical limitations. Engaging in light tasks such as deadheading flowers, pruning lightly, maintaining tools, and gentle weeding allows individuals to support both their garden's health and their wellbeing. Accessible gardening practices ensure that everyone can continue nurturing their plants without overexertion, promoting a sustainable and enjoyable experience.
Insect houses enhance home gardens by providing shelter for beneficial insects such as native bees, lady beetles, and lacewings, which aid in pollination and pest control. Easy to install and maintain, they contribute to a balanced ecosystem. Ideal for various garden sizes, they promote sustainable gardening practices with minimal effort.
Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is an annual legume praised for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, enhancing soil health and suppressing weeds. Beneficial in vineyards and gardens, it attracts pollinators and pest-controlling insects, while acting as a living mulch. It promotes sustainable practices, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and supporting biodiversity.
The Port Wine Magnolia (Michelia figo), also known as Banana Shrub, is a fragrant evergreen plant ideal for gardens of all sizes. This guide covers its growing conditions, care tips, and creative uses, emphasizing its compact nature, aromatic flowers, and low maintenance. It's perfect for beginners and enhances outdoor spaces year-round.
Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) are evergreen shrubs valued for their glossy foliage and fragrant white flowers. They thrive in warm, humid environments with acidic, well-draining soil, require consistent moisture, and are often used in gardens and containers. Regular care includes pruning, fertilizing, and protecting from cold conditions.
Grevilleas, native to Australia, are cherished for their flowers and ability to attract wildlife. Regular pruning enhances their growth, shape, and flowering. Best practices include pruning after flowering, light trims year-round, and avoiding harsh cuts. Hard pruning is a last resort for rejuvenation. Proper care post-pruning ensures thriving plants and blooms.