Hi SeaChange, we have a similar problem with our garden. We have been on this block for over 20 years, we are about 3.5km from the beach, in our soil description it is Quindalup dunne. Over the years we have added tonnes of sheep, cow manure, acid mulches and whatever I could lay my hands on. Our soil has changed from pure, white beach sand to nice smelling soil. However, I still cannot grow many acid loving plants. The problem is that the roots get out from the improved areas and when they hit pure sand the plants start to suffer. I am afraid the same happens with your tallows and crepe myrtles. You have two choices: keep improving the soil or plant trees that love lime. Have you seen the last segment on Gardening Australia with the Fremantle garden? I think that going with nature gives you much better results than trying the change it to suit your choice of plants.

Like you we are on the Quindalup dune sandy soil - and I thought the Bassendean sand was bad!! Unfortunately, when researching suitable trees, it is often difficult to find information regarding the pH best suited - rather they refere to sandy & free draining or heavy soil. As the trees are still growing well, we will continue to trying to improve the soil with the worm poo and mulch. The are on our north side and provide shade during summer for fuschias etc. We chose them specifically because they were deciduous! In winter the area is shaded by the east-west boundary fence. Many thanks for your help.

Hi Seachange, me again, I know how you feel I love your choice of trees, I had them too but I am afraid I was not patient enough so I lost them long ago. We have been on this block for the last 20 years and in places we have improved the soil to beaut black humus but my roses still suffer, some die, others improve. I add sheep manure twice a year, put mulch and home made compost around the plants. We shred all the green material from the garden and heep it up to make more compost and this goes back into the soil. I also collect seaweed from Sorrento (in winter on the northern side there are mountains of it). So really it is a never ending story :-). Keep at it and have fun.