Don visited Mount Annan Botanic Garden, where spring is in full swing with massed displays of spectacular, native daisies from Western Australia. There are a number of everlasting species growing in the annual beds at the bottom of the Terrace Garden, including pink and white forms of rosy everlastings (Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea) and the golden or showy everlasting (Schoenia filifolia subsp. subulifolia).
Grow your own wildflowers
Everlasting or paper daisies are ideal for rockeries, borders, tubs and window boxes. They prefer a light, sandy soil in an open, sunny position.
Sow seed in autumn for a spring display. Before sowing, prepare the soil by removing all weeds and forking over the ground lightly. Use one packet of seeds per square metre. To broadcast the seeds evenly, mix with sand or a coarse potting mix. Mix well then scatter over your prepared area. Water in gently and keep moist during germination (2-3 weeks). Once the daisies reach about 100mm tall, taper off the watering. Fertilise lightly when plants are established.
Further information
Our segment was filmed at:
Mount Annan Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Drive, Narellan, NSW, 2567. Phone: (02) 4648 2477.
Everlasting (paper daisy) seeds are on sale at the Mount Annan Botanic Garden Shop. They cost $3.95 per packet.
Yates sell Pink Paper Daisy seeds Australia-wide. Yates seeds are stocked by most major nurseries.