Standard Roses Roses are probably the world’s most popular plants, which is not surprising when you consider that they come in a fantastic range of colours, shapes and forms, and many have beautiful perfumes. The way roses are being used in gardens has changed...
For a long time succulents have been unfashionable and considered to be almost bad taste, but they are now back in a big way! They’re colourful, easy care and well suited to living in pots or troughs. When planted in some of the beautiful pots that are now...
Sweet Peas February, March and April are the best months to plant sweet peas in all Australian climates, but traditionally Australians sow their sweet pea seeds on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). Plant details Common name: Sweet pea Botanic name: Lathyrus odoratus...
Virginia Creeper The common name of Virginia Creeper was originally applied to the North American climber Parthenocissus quinquefolia. It was later also given to the closely related P. tricuspidata, which is a native of China and Japan. The Asian species is often seen...
Not all Australian native plants are worth growing. Don looked at a lovely native tree which has become a weed. Plant details Common names: Native daphne, sweet pittosporum, mock orange, native laurel Botanic name: Pittosporum undulatum Description: A tall shrub or...
Golden Candles This Central and South American native is a close relative of the shrimp, or prawn plant (Justicia spp). It is grown mainly for its bright yellow bracts, rather than for its insignificant white flowers. Golden Candles is very climate sensitive, and is...
Grevillea ‘Billy Bonkers’ ‘Billy Bonkers’ is one of a spectacular range of new hybrid grevilleas produced by Richard Tomkin at Changers Green Nursery in Queensland. It is a cross between the dwarf, spreading Grevillea nana subsp. abbreviata and...
Fourteen months ago Don created a grevillea garden using crushed sandstone rubble in raised mounds 1.5-2m (5-6′) high. All the plants have grown at such an incredible rate that you’d think the garden was at least ten years old. In this same area late last...
Grevillea lanigera ‘Mt Tamboritha Form’ This plant is a densely foliaged, dwarf, spreading form of the woolly grevillea (Grevillea lanigera). It is sold as “Compacta”, “Prostrate” or “Mt Tamboritha Form”, even...
Gymea lilies are spectacular Australian native plants with large, compact heads of nectar filled red flowers atop tall, thick stems. Most Australian natives resent being transplanted, but Gymea lilies can be dug up, moved and planted bare rooted. Don looked at a...