Question Time – Glen Innes

© 2024 CTC Productions Pty Limited. All rights reserved. The material presented on this website, may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of CTC Productions.

Japonica camellias

Jenny asked about the best aspect for japonica camellias (Camellia japonica). Japonica camellias like a position in filtered sun, that is, under a lacy canopy of trees where little dots of sunlight are coming through all day. Don suggested to Jenny that she think of camellias as secondary or even tertiary plantings. He said that before he planted the camellias, he would:

prepare a raised camellia bed and dig in large quantities of quality organic matter, such as peat moss
put in some pioneer or nurse plants to give the young camellias protection against strong winds and frost
plant trees with an open canopy to provide permanent protection for the camellias

Chilly goldfish

Joan asked if goldfish in a pond would freeze in the winter. Don said that both goldfish and koi carp come from quite cold areas of the world and they are well adapted to cold conditions. He told Joan that providing the pond is deep enough (at least 450-500mm or 18″), her fish would simply go to the bottom, their metabolism would slow down and they would survive the winter.

Favourite bonsai

Curtis asked Don if he had a favourite sort of bonsai. Don said he like Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) for bonsai, and Japanese maples grow really well in the Glen Innes area. He recommended that Curtis use copper or aluminium wire to wind round the branches and then simply bend them into the desired shape.

Aloe vera

When asked if Aloe vera works, Don said that it has been used medicinally for centuries. Aloe vera has been identified in wall paintings in ancient Egypt, where it was apparently used to treat catarrh. Alexander the Great supposedly used aloes to heal his soldiers