Burgundy Maple To create harmony in your garden it is important to match the colours of your plants with those of the surrounding hard structures such as the walls of your house, paving and the...
Buying Big Palms Palm trees evoke memories of relaxing holidays, secluded tropical beaches and cool, moist rainforests. The good news is that you can instantly create a restful oasis in your own garden: just buy a mature palm,...
Camellia reticulata Camellia reticulata, introduced in Australia 30 years ago, is less commonly known in the camellia family. Yet as the largest flowering of the entire camellia group, it is spectacular. Reticulata refers to the strong veining or reticulated...
CasuarinasIf you like Australian native plants, and particularly if you like attracting native birds to your backyard, then she oaks are plants well worth considering for your garden. She oaks come in a variety of sizes - from ground...
Chinese ElmsAll elm trees have a simple identifying feature: the leaf bases are one-sided, or asymmetrical. Don picked a leaf from a Chinese weeping elm and examined its base. One side was wedge-shaped (cuneate) and the...
Chinese Tallow TreeThis tree is native to southern China, where a substantial industry once revolved around the harvesting and processing of its waxy seeds. They were thrown into boiling water to remove the wax, which was skimmed off and...
Cool Climate Palms and FernsPalms and ferns are often associated with tropical climates but 'Burke's Backyard' recently looked at some palms and ferns which can grow in colder areas.Palms for cool climatesDwarf sugar palm (Arenga engleri): A small growing, clump-forming...
Cool Climate Palms and Ferns Palms and ferns are often associated with tropical climates but 'Burke's Backyard' recently looked at some palms and ferns which can grow in colder areas. Palms for cool climates ...
Cornelian CherryAlthough the flower display of Cornus mas, the cornelian cherry, is not as spectacular as some of its popular relatives, Peter Valder thinks this species is...
Crepe MyrtleCrepe myrtles are among the world's best flowering trees. They are native to eastern Asia and are hardy in most parts of Australia. Don looked at an exciting new range of crepe myrtle hybrids which reach different heights...
Don Burke's story, his own stunnning native garden, plus expert advice and tips
DVDS
Sit back and travel the world with Don and get to know the locals, too.
Native violets
This pretty little native groundcover thrives in moist shaded spots, and can be a good easy-care lawn substitute in low-traffic, shaded spots. Click here for more