Roses have made a come back in Australian gardens as people discover the versatility, beauty and perfume of roses. Mid winter is rose planting time so here is the Burke’s Backyard guide to some of those easy-to-grow cottage and climbing roses. 1:...
Don looked at Yellow Buttons, an Australian native plant that thrives on neglect. Plant details Common name: Yellow buttons Botanic name: Chrysocephalum apiculatum (sold as Helichrysum ramosissimum) Description: A variable species, but usually seen as a small,...
The vanilla plant is a perennial vine from Mexico and Central America, which climbs to around 15 metres and supports itself by means of aerial roots. It has fleshy, bright green leaves varying in length from eight to 25cm. Large, fragrant yellow-green flowers are...
Don looked at some of the plants that produce their perfume through the summer months. Perfume adds atmosphere and a wonderful feeling of romance to any garden. The next time you visit your local nursery, think about buying some fragrant plants. STAR...
Don thinks that today’s gardens, particularly in Australia, are the best they’ve ever been. They are better to entertain in and better to live in, although they can be a bit ‘blokey’. Many designs feature straight lines and geometry, giving...
Don chose a classic groundcover as this week’s Plant of the Week. Plant details Common name: Australian native violet Botanic name: Viola hederacea Description: A creeping, evergreen perennial from eastern Australia and the Western Pacific Islands. It grows to...
You’d expect to find this lovely, old-fashioned plant in a garden where pixies and elves dance at night. It is found naturally growing near water in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Plant details Common name: Leopard plant Botanic name: Farfugium japonicum or...
The Bedding Plants Australia Flower of the Year 2004 is the Simba™ Marigold. This hardy, waterwise annual is a mix of four flower colours: yellow, red, tangerine and a yellow and red bi-colour. The compact plants grow to around 30cm (12″) tall and have a good...
Like most of the flame peas, Chorizema cordatum is endemic to the south west of Western Australia. Plant details Common name: Desert or flame pea Botanic name: Chorizema cordatum Description: Small, erect or scrambling shrub to 1m (3′) high. The leaves are...
As well as producing brightly coloured, cheerful flowers, nasturtiums are ideal plants for a child’s first garden. The seeds are large and easily handled by little fingers, and the plants are easy to grow. Toddlers who tire of admiring the flowers and decide to...