Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to us here at Plant Tiles:
Do you have stockists?
If you are in NSW, ACT, QLD & SA you can order directly through us or your local nursery. Please see our contact page here.
If you happen to be in Victoria, you can still explore our tile selection through the following authorised distributors, despite the current quarantine restrictions.
Trade & Retail
Bulleen Art & Garden
Phone: | (03) 8850 3030 |
Address: | 6 Manningham Road West, Bulleen, Victoria 3105 |
Website: | https://www.baag.com.au |
Email: | nursery@baag.com.au |
The Mangrove Tree
Phone: | 0400 884 172 |
Address: | 2740 South Gippsland Hwy, Tooradin, Victoria 3980 |
Website: | https://www.themangrovetree.com.au |
Email: | info@themangrovetree.com.au |
Note: | Retail will be available in 2024 |
Trade only
Tall Trees
Phone: | (03) 59830166 |
Address: | 37 Bittern-Dromana Rd, Balnarring Victoria 3926 |
Website: | https://www.talltrees.com.au |
Email: | info@talltrees.com.au |
How can Plant Tiles save me money?
Plant Tiles are not only the perfect solution for how to landscape a small area easily and quickly, they also represent great value compared to buying pots. Let’s do the math.
As each Tile measures 330mm x 330mm, you would require nine x 110mm pots at $9 each to cover the same area as just one Plant Tile. That equates to $81.00 in pots to cover the same area as just one $27.00 Plant Tile. No digging, no waiting for the plants to grow together and simply cut them to shape as required.
Normally, to plant out an area with ground cover plants, you would need to purchase multiple pots. Next, you have to dig multiple holes, plant out the potted plants then wait for them to grow together.
We have taken the time to do the growing for you!
Use Plant Tiles for instant ground cover at less than half the cost of pots!
You may like to see how easy it is to install our Plant Tiles by watching our video at Installation – Plant Tiles Australia
How much do the Plant Tiles cost?
Each Plant Tile is sized at 330mm x 330mm. The prices listed below apply to direct orders with us and are per tile, inclusive of GST. Delivery charges are determined based on the quantity of Tiles ordered and the delivery postcode.
Please be aware that pricing at local stockists may differ.
Dichondra repens — $29.00
Thymus Serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’ AKA Dwarf Thyme — $32.00
Viola hederacea (banksii) AKA Native violets – $32.00
Pratia Pedunculata AKA Pratia White Star Creeper — $32.00
Dichondra Tiny AKA Dichondra parvulus — $32.00
Zoysia tenuifolia AKA No Mow Grass — $33.00
Our Plant Tiles not only provide an instant ‘wow’ factor to your landscaping or garden but also offer great value. Each tile measures 330mm x 330mm, covering a significant area with just one tile. To achieve the same coverage using 100mm pots, you’d need over ten pots costing between $6 and $8 each.
With Plant Tiles, there’s no need for digging or waiting for plants to grow together. Simply cut them to your desired shape for immediate total coverage.
To see how easy it is to install our Plant Tiles, watch our instructional video at www.planttiles.com.au/about-us/installation
How can I achieve a no mow lawn?
Living no mow lawns are possible, and are a trending garden idea for low maintenance gardens! Zoysia tenuifolia and Dichondra repens are both hardy ground covers that make excellent no mow lawns as they handle moderate traffic, however Pratia pedunculata can be a spectacular expanse of small, white star flowers for an area that is more decorative rather than functional.
A larger area can be laid with Plant Tiles for instant ground cover, but that may not be in the budget for some people. It is possible to reduce the capital outlay when establishing large areas of ground cover, I suggest the following method.
Firstly, after purchasing our Tiles, cut each Tile into smaller squares or plugs measuring 110mm x 110mm. You can do this with shears or large scissors. As each Tile measures 330mm x 330mm, you would attain 9 such pieces from each Tile.
When you plant, plant a plug, then leave a gap on the ground, then plant another plug, then leave another gap on the ground, then plant another plug and so on & so on. Plant in a checker board pattern as per the attached photograph.
Of course, it is possible to cut the Tiles into smaller plugs of 55mm x 55mm of which you would attain 36 such plugs from each Tile then plant in the manner described.
There are many factors that influence the speed of growth to cover the gaps in-between each square planted:
• The time of year in which you plant is critical as some varieties will stop growing as the soil temperature drops during the cooler months.
• Larger areas will require an above ground sprinkler irrigation system as you cannot let the plant dry out, or the plant dies. When first planted, Zoysia tenuifolia, Dichondra repens, and Pratia pedunculata will first set root, then send out runners to cover the ground. If the runner finds moist soil, it will set root, and continue growing. If it finds dry hard soil, growth slows. If not rectified, growth will stop completely.
• The most important factor determining rate of growth is the preparation of the soil into which you plant. See our FAQ on soil preparation here.
What Preparatory work is needed before laying Plant Tiles?
The preparation required before laying our Plant Tiles or any plant for that matter is, without doubt, the most important factor determining the success (health of the plants) of your project in the long term.
It is possible, to simply lay the Tiles on the ground has done a little bit of leveling and just water them diligently, but I would not recommend that practice.
I believe that the key to success, as in most pursuits, is good preparation. There are many varying soil types in Australia, the majority of which have a common negative in that they compact over time and go hard in the absence of water.
Ideally, I would advocate laying our Plant Tiles on a garden bed of fine composted bark, similar to a potting mix, and as much as the topography of the site and budget will allow. Such mixes are available in bulk from most landscape yards.
Here’s why. If one was to lay the Plant Tiles on hard ground, it is going to be very difficult, if not impossible, to get the water, nutrients and oxygen to penetrate the ground. Additionally, the roots of the plant will not be able to penetrate the hardness of the ground. The plant may survive whilst you continue to apply water but it will not be able to sustain itself in periods of extended dry. The result will be a shallow rooted thirsty plant that will be reliant on you applying water frequently.
If however, the Plant Tile was laid on a 100 to 200mm deep garden bed of fine composted bark, the emerging roots would easily penetrate the friable media which would not compact over time. The elements required for optimum growth, water, nutrients and oxygen would also penetrate easily promoting deeper rooting of the plant.
It is imperative to the health of the plant, especially in our hot and dry climate, to be rooted as deeply as is possible so that in periods of extended dry, the plant has a large underground reservoir from which to draw water. When preparing the site for planting, incorporate some water crystals into the media so as to increase the water holding capacity of the bed.
I realise that the idea of replacing 100 to 200mm of soil with a quality media is a big ask, sometimes too big. But the principle of providing a friable media that does not compact into which the plant can set root is critical. Remove as much as possible, then incorporate the media into your existing soil as deeply as possible. Just remember that the bed will subside slightly over time as the particles settle and the organic matter breaks down, so allow for that.
If the soil on your site steadfastly refuses to grow anything, then it might be time for a soil test. They are not that expensive and identifying serious problems or deficiencies at the outset may save you a lot of money and plants.
What size are the Plant Tiles?
All the Plant Tiles are the one size measuring 330mm x 330mm square with the media just 22mm deep. This measures 0.1089square metres in area.
How many 100mm pots would I need to cover the same area as just one Plant Tile?
One x 100mm pot covers 0.01square metres. 10 x 100mm pots covers 0.1square metres so each Plant Tile covers in excess of 10 x 100mm pots.
How should I lay the Plant Tiles – cutting, fertiliser, firming down, watering
You can see how easy it is to install our Plant Tiles by watching our video at www.planttiles.com.au/about-us/installation
What varieties can I walk on?
All the varieties can be cut into strips to put between paving stones. That way some weight is taken on the paver and some on the plants. The two varieties that we would recommend to more traffic are Zoysia tenuifolia and Dichondra repens. Both of these make lovely alternative lawns.
What varieties are best between paving stones?
All the varieties can be cut into strips to put between paving stones. That way some weight is taken on the paver and some on the plants.
How often do I need to water them?
Plant Tiles should be treated just like any other plants. How much water is required will be determined by the environment as well as the variety of plants:
– Time of the year. The plants will generally require more water in the Summer rather than the Winter.
– Depth of soil/media into which the Plant Tiles can grow roots. The deeper the available space for the roots to grow the better as this will act as a reservoir to keep water and nutrients. We recommend a minimum of 120mm.
– Type of soil/media used under the Plant Tiles. Ideally, all plants would like a loose friable media/soil full of organic material into which they can set root as deeply as possible. A growing media that has a high level of organic material incorporated through it would not compact, thus allowing the roots of the plants to penetrate deeply to source the water and nutrients required. I would recommend incorporating fine composted organic material into your existing soils to a minimum depth of 100mm, ideally deeper, 200mm if it is possible. Depending on what your existing soils are like, a 50/50 blend of soil and fine composted organic material would minimise future compaction. I would also advocate incorporating water crystals into the media so as to increase the size of the reservoir from which the plant can draw the water it requires.
A media or soil with the right structure and with an appropriate quantity of organic matter, will not only hold the water the plant requires in reserve, it will also improve the drainage around the roots of the plant. A soil with the right structure, will be dry(ish) and dry soil will inhibit spore germination reducing the chance of the plant being attacked by fungal disease.
Preparing a bed as I have described can be quite a job, physically and financially which is probably why it is rarely undertaken but the reality is, the better the preparation, the better the result.
The organic material to which I refer is fine composted bark similar to a potting mix which is available in bulk from most landscape yards. Ensure that the mix does not contain too much sand or soil as it is the organic material that you require and it must be composted material otherwise it will draw nitrogen as it composts in the ground, which will deprive the plant of nutrient. One further warning, ensure the organic mix has no nutgrass which can be expensive to eradicate.
The following link to a Victorian government website provides some good advice on soil structure. http://vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/soilhealth_soil_structure
– Length of time since planting the Plant Tiles. Initially, the roots of the Plant Tiles are reliant on the small amount of media in which they have been growing in the trays. Thus, regular, small waterings are required to keep the roots moist. Depending on the media/soil used, the roots will quickly establish growing down into the media so more water and nutrients will be available for the roots. You may have to gently lift a corner of a Plant Tile to ascertain the depth of the roots and the amount of water available.
– Amount of sun/shade. The more sun the area receives, the more quickly the area will dry out.
– Cold/hot weather. Plants generally need more watering in hot weather as the heat dries out the growing soil/media. Plants don’t tend to grow as much in cold weather and often don’t require as much water.
– Nearby trees. Trees pull moisture and nutrient out of the soil and one of the consequences is that, having drawn all the water required/available, the soil is left dry and hard. So hard that at times, it is difficult to get the roots, in this case a ground cover, to penetrate the soil where they can source the water and nutrient required.
Large trees can draw water for a long way and ensuring the soil structure beneath the Plant Tiles, or for any garden plant for that matter, contains adequate organic matter (which won’t compact down as much) will significantly assist in reduction of water and nutrient required for good growth.
How much sun/shade to they need?
This will depend on the variety. All the varieties will need a minimum of one hour of sunlight except Thyme which prefers a minimum of 6 hours of sun daily.
Zoysia and Dichondra are happy in full sun as well as the Thyme. The growth habit of Dichondra repens will change depending on how much sun and traffic it receives. In full sun and moderate traffic, the leaves will be smaller in size like a pinky fingernail and hug the ground. In shady areas the plant goes looking for more light so the stems will be longer (up to 75mm) and the leaf will be larger – a bit bigger than a thumb nail. The larger leaf assists in maximising surface area for photosynthesis.
Corsican mint is happier in part sun areas as it can be sunburnt at temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius.
Which varieties are good for children?
As far as we know, none of the varieties cause allergies. Some of the varieties, such as Corsican Mint, Thyme and even Dichondra are listed as herbs and are edible.
Child Care Centres that have used our Plant Tiles of Dichondra repens report that the children love walking and rolling on the cool leaves. Best of all, they don’t get itchy afterwards as can occur after rolling on grass lawns.
How does dog urine affect the Plant Tiles?
We are not experts in this field. An informative article on this topic can be found at www.mypetwarehouse.com.au/my-pet-blog/pet-care/dog/5-ways-to-stop-dog-urine-killing-grass
Can I put the Plant Tiles directly onto my balcony?
The Plant Tiles are grown in just 22mm of media which is fine in a protected, or carefully managed, nursery situation. Eventually though, the roots of the Plant Tiles need more media and we suggest a minimum depth of 100mm, preferably more. Putting media directly onto a tiled balcony may not be in accordance with the building’s body corporate rules and drainage will most likely be an issue.
Preferably use a large container pot that will allow drainage and confinement of the media.
What is the smallest amount of Plant Tiles that I can order?
The minimum order is for one carton. The number of Plant Tiles per carton varies with the variety. Generally, we are able to pack 10 Plant Tiles into a carton with the other varieties generally being 8 Plant Tiles per carton.
Is there a discount for bulk orders?
No. All Plant Tiles have just the one price whether 10 or 1000 are ordered.
Can I leave the Plant Tiles in the trays?
The Plant Tiles are grown in just 22mm of media which is fine in a protected, or carefully managed, nursery situation. Eventually though, the roots of the Plant Tiles need more media and we suggest a minimum depth of 100mm, preferably more.
The Plant Tiles can stay in the trays for a few weeks if they are watered regularly and are placed in fresh air and some sunshine.
How long will the Plant Tiles last?
The varieties grown in Plant Tiles are carefully chosen and are all perennials. This means that they will keep on growing year after year as long as you care for them as you would any regular plants with fertiliser and water.
Do they need fertiliser?
For the Plant Tiles to look their best we recommend that fertilising would be undertaken, just as per any regular plants. Liquid Seasol, which is a foliar (leaf) fertiliser works well and is easily found at most garden centres but there are many other fertilisers that work well also. Use the recommended rate on the container.
How do I order my Plant Tiles?
You can email imagine@planttiles.com.au or phone 0418 797 047 with the number of Plant Tiles you require, the variety and the address for delivery. We can then provide you with a quote for delivery to your door. If accepted, you are provided with an invoice and, after payment is received, your order will be dispatched.
How can I pay for my order of Plant Tiles?
Our bank account details are included on the invoice so you can transfer the funds by direct debit. Having done so, please email us a receipt of the transaction as proof of payment is required prior to dispatch.
How are the Plant Tiles delivered?
The trays in which we propagate are designed to stack on top of each other so that the tray above does not impact on the plants in the tray below. In this manner we are able to pack up to 10 Tiles in a carton, depending on variety, for delivery.
What variety is best for my situation?
The best variety for you will depend on what the area will be used for, the amount of sun/shade, what “look” you prefer, the media/soil onto which the Plant Tiles will be laid, temperate or subtropical zoning etc. For more information for your particular area that you have planned, then please call us on 0418 797 047. You can then discuss your project in more depth and receive advice based on your requirements.
Can I order a mixture of Plant Tiles?
Yes, you can order a mixture of Plant Tiles as long as the minimum order is a full carton which is 8 to 10 Plant Tiles depending on the varieties chosen.
How high does Dichondra repens grow?
The growth habit of Dichondra repens will change depending on how much sun and traffic it receives. In full sun and moderate traffic, the leaves will be smaller in size like a pinky fingernail and hug the ground. They have even been used on Bowling Greens in New Zealand.
In shady areas the plant goes looking for more light so the stems will be longer (up to 75mm) and the leaf will be larger – a bit bigger than a thumb nail. The larger leaf assists in maximising surface area for photosynthesis.
What do I do with the trays I received with the Plant Tiles?
The trays are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again so simply pop the used trays into your recycle bin.
What are the delivery costs?
Delivery charges are determined by the variety chosen, the quantity required and the destination of the consignment. If you provide us with those details we are able to determine the carrier’s charges and provide you with a price that includes delivery to your door.
Can you come and measure up my project and undertake the installation of the Plant Tiles?
In short, no. We grow the Plant Tiles and have them delivered according to your order. If you need more assistance then please contact a landscaper who can undertake this work.
Are all of the varieties pictured in stock all the time?
Unfortunately, no. Generally, we have Zoysia tenuifolia and Dichondra repens available but this can vary depending on recent orders. Please email imagine@planttiles.com.au or phone 0418 797 047 to confirm stock availability.
I noticed that you are in Qld, do you have stockists in other states?
At this stage we do not have other stockists but we regularly deliver to SA, Vic, NSW and ACT. Due to quarantine issues, we cannot deliver to Tas, WA or NT.
As a general guide, deliveries take 2 days to get to Melbourne and overnight Sydney. This can change depending on the day of dispatch, the delivery postcode and, occasionally, carrier issues.
I can’t see a shop front on your website, how can I calculate costs?
We don’t have a shop front as you need to contact us directly on email imagine@planttiles.com.au or phone 0418 797 047 to ensure stock is available, as well as for a calculation of cost and transit time for the carrier to deliver your order.
Where is your nursery situated?
Our growing facility is based at Waterford West in Logan. This is between Brisbane and the Gold Coast in Qld, Australia. You are welcome to pick up orders from the nursery or we can organise delivery to your door.