Prime item for gardeners

By Glen Atwell
A NEW gardening product that will be distributed from a business in Officer is set to not only revolutionise the watersaving industry, but the gardens surrounding Parliament House in Canberra.
The product is not a pump, sprinkler or water tank, but a new top dressing called AquaSaver and it is about to hit the shelves after two years in development.
Richard Parker from Ausganics in Officer will distribute the product in nurseries and gardening centres across Victoria.
Mr Parker’s fatherinlaw and managing director of Ausganics Ken Pagden pioneered AquaSaver, a product that he says will save water and keep keen gardeners sane during times of drought.
“It is a complete solution to so many gardening problems.
“The base is made from ricehull ash, which we discovered was a terrific natural water saving medium,” Mr Pagden said.
The base was mixed with coal ash, seaweed content and a dash of cow manure, combining to create an efficient top dressing, he said.
“The seaweed restricts disease, and the cow manure starts the breaking down process.
“It provides a thermal barrier for the plant, it is light in colour, reflecting light and heat and is too rough for slugs and snails,” Mr Pagden said.
Having lost about 4000 trees during extreme drought conditions over the last few years, Parliament House requested AquaSaver be used to help maintain its gardens.
“The product is also being used at sports stadiums in Perth and Newcastle,” Mr Pagden said.
He said the product was rich in silica and retained water very well, making it attractive to those looking after sports ovals and just the ordinary suburban green thumb.
Ausganics is in Station Street, Officer and Mr Parker said the product would be available to the public very soon.
“We are in the process of getting it into the market, it is competitively priced and will be available at market stands and in nurseries soon,” he said.