Swainsonas are amongst some of the most interesting of the pea flowered plants that are native to Australia. Peter Valder looks at a rare species from central Queensland. Plant details Common name: Swainsona Botanic name: Swainsona sejuncta Climate: Swainsonas will...
Sydney International Airport is one of the most difficult areas in Australia for plants to grow because the plants have to survive the aviation gas and fuel emissions, pollution from the nearby cars and salt air from Botany Bay. There is much to learn from the area,...
There are a number of Australian native orchids which are flowering in the later months of winter and early spring. In the bushland surrounding his home Don Burke came across some Trim Greenhood orchids (Pterostylis concinna) which are tiny green orchids that can go...
Tuberous begonias (Begonia Tuberhybrida Hybrids) are among the most spectacular of all begonias but they are also the most difficult to grow. But, if you don’t mind a challenge (these plants are definitely hobbyist plants), the results can be very rewarding....
In recent years some of the most exciting new plants to become available in Australia are the dwarf lilly pillies. A close relative of these plants is Uromyrtus ‘Weeping Beauty’ which has a spreading weeping habit. Plant Details Common Name: Uromyrtus...
The winner of the Bedding Plants of Australia’s Flower of the Year for 1998 is Waltzing Petunia. Petunias are the most popular flowering annuals in Australia and are suitable to plant now and will flower well into the new year. Plant details Common name:...
Michelias are one of the best ever flowering trees. New smaller growing varieties are now available. Details Common name: Michelia Botanic name: Michelia doltsopa ‘Scented Pearl’ and Michelia doltsopa x M. figo ‘Mixed Up Miss’. The genus name...
Peter Valder recently visited the garden of Merry Garth at Mount Wilson, NSW and found snowdrops and snowflakes in bloom in the middle of winter. The true snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is a cold climate plant and is sometimes confused with snowflake (Leucojum aestivum)...
According to legend, the Souvenir de la Malmaison rose was given to Napoleon by the Empress Josephine to bring him back safely from war. It was claimed to resemble Napoleon’s hat and was also carried by French soldiers in the Battle of Waterloo to protect them....
Flies are often thought of as insects that are a nuisance and carry diseases. Some flies also play an important role in the pollination of certain plants. Densey Clyne looked at the confidence tricks which some plants play on unsuspecting flies. Carrion flower...