Don visited Mount Annan Botanic Garden, where spring is in full swing with massed displays of spectacular, native daisies from Western Australia. There are a number of everlasting species growing in the annual beds at the bottom of the Terrace Garden, including pink...
A 9-year-old viewer wrote to Don asking why there are no green flowers. Don
The pincushion hakea (Hakea laurina) is native to Western Australia. It grows to around 6m (20
Lavenders are members of the Lamiaceae, or mint family. These evergreen, aromatic shrubs are native to the Mediterranean region, where they have been used in the perfume industry for centuries. There are around 25 species and most have attractive, grey-green foliage...
Serrurias are evergreen shrubs from South Africa. There are about 55 species and they belong to the Proteaceae, or protea family. Many Australian native plants belong to this same family. Blushing Bride (Serruria florida) In our segment Don looked at Serruria florida,...
Don planted up a hollow log with Australian native rock orchids, to create a fabulous natural effect in the backyard. Hollow logs make great planters. You might have a tree in the garden that has died and fallen over, or if you live on a bush block there may already...
Don demonstrated how good black kangaroo paws can look in a large, glazed pot. The black kangaroo paw (Macropidia fuliginosa) is one of our most spectacular Australian native plants. It has greenish-yellow flowers on long, branching stems, and blue-green, strappy...
Qualup bell (Pimelea physodes) is native to Western Australia. It features drooping flower heads surrounded by large, cream bracts streaked with red. Although it has great potential for cut flowers, this beautiful plant is very hard to grow. Gardeners who live along...
When developing a garden it is important to choose plants that are really reliable. Don looked at one of the classic groundcovers – the Australian native violet (Viola hederacea). A native of eastern Australia and the Western Pacific Islands, this low-growing plant...
The Australian Native Birthflower for June is Payne’s Thryptomene Payne’s thryptomene is an Australian native shrub growing to about 1m (3’) tall. It has an open, pendulous habit and tiny, aromatic leaves. Dainty, pale pink or white flowers are produced along the...