Don showed how classy creeping figs can look when used in a formal garden design. The figs were trained to fill recesses in a masonry wall, so that they formed perfect green rectangular shapes. The fig rectangles provided a wonderful backdrop for clipped box hedges...
This week’s Plant of the Week is the white potato creeper. A member of the Solanaceae or nightshade family, it is a classic, widely used plant in Australian gardens that perhaps should be used even more. Plant details Common name: White potato creeper, potato...
Don looked at two climbers that will give sunshine in winter and shade in summer, as well as fabulous autumn colour. Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) A vigorous, self-clinging deciduous climber, which adheres firmly to slightly rough surfaces by means of...
Muehlenbeckia Paula O’Hara planted a climber (Muehlenbeckia complexa) on an ugly, cyclone wire fence. In just 12 months the vine had almost covered the fence, and in three years she had an ‘instant’ hedge! The only problem is that muehlenbeckia is...
Sweet Peas in Pot Don showed how easy it is to pot up some dwarf sweet peas for an impressive result. Sweet pea seeds are traditionally sown on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), but in cool climates they can be sown in August and September. At this time of year...
There is one climber which, when it flowers, seems to attract more interest than just about any other. It’s commonly known as the orange trumpet creeper or Pyrostegia venusta. Common name: Orange trumpet creeper or venusta vine (Queensland name). Botanic name:...
Wonga-wonga Vine The Wonga-wonga vine, (Pandorea pandorana), is a fast-growing Australian native climbing plant. It can be found in eastern Australia from Queensland to Tasmania growing vigorously over tall trees. It is also a spectacular garden plant. Details Common...
The genus Billardiera is named in honour of the French botanist La Billardiere, and includes about twenty species of handsome climbing plants. Don looked at a member of the group called Billardiera ringens, a moderately vigorous twiner with glorious orange/yellow...
Boston ivy is one of about ten species from North America and Asia belonging to the genus Parthenocissus. It is not actually an ivy but a member of the Vitaceae, or grape family. It’s a particularly good climber for covering large walls or fences, with the added...
Climbers Climbing plants are excellent for covering or decorating walls, fences, pergolas, arches and arbours. They are also very good screening plants in areas where trees and shrubs are too large. Don looked at a typical range of climbers available right now at...