Many plants are associated with Easter and the passion of Jesus Christ, although nobody really knows what sort of wood the cross was made of, or what plant was used to make the crown of thorns. In our segment Peter Valder looked at two South American plants that were...
Many people make the mistake of trying to grow the Australian native bauera, or dog rose, in ordinary garden positions. Don explained that in the wild these plants thrive in boggy situations, so the trick is to plant them at the edge of a pond, with a thin layer of...
According to legend, four-leaf clovers are incredibly lucky and they help you to see the fairies in your garden. One leaf for fame and one leaf for health, one leaf for a faithful lover and one leaf for wealth! If you’ve had trouble finding a four-leaf clover,...
Plant selection is very important if you want a low maintenance garden. Some plants are high maintenance nightmares. At the top of the list is lawn, which needs regular mowing, fertilising and edging (paving is a much better low maintenance choice). Azaleas need...
There are many new forms of Geraldton wax available, which are hardier than the species and vary in height, flower colour and flower size. Don looked at a beautiful new variety called ‘Dancing Queen’. Plant details Common name: ‘Dancing Queen’...
Agave If you want bold, architectural plants in your garden, Peter Valder thinks that it’s hard to go past agaves. This fascinating group of perennial succulents occurs naturally in southern USA and Mexico. There are over 300 species, and many have dramatic,...
English daisies are trouble free and easy to grow, which is why they have been garden favourites since the early 16th century. Long ago they were given the name ‘day’s eye’, because the flowers close at dusk and open again at dawn. ‘Day’s...
Don looked at Eremophila nivea, an emu bush with silvery stems and leaves, and purple tubular flowers in spring and summer. This attractive, upright shrub grows to around 2m (6′) tall and 1.5m (5′) wide. Although perfectly adapted to survive in the drier...
Many people have been disappointed by Australian native plants in the past, but there is enormous potential to create superb gardens with natives. Don met nurseryman and author, George Lullfitz, who used spectacular Western Australian natives to demonstrate that you...
Don looked at a new variety of hardenbergia called Bushy Blue. Plant details Common name: Bushy Blue Botanic name: Hardenbergia violacea ‘Bushy Blue’ Description: Developed from a selected seedling of the native climber Hardenbergia violacea, Bushy Blue is...