Tulip tree
An audience member asked Don about her tulip tree, which is 15 years old and has never flowered.
Tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) are closely related to magnolias. These large, deciduous trees are native to North America. They have long stemmed, 4-lobed leaves that look as if their ends have been neatly trimmed off with scissors. The tulip-like flowers are greenish-yellow with orange bases and numerous stamens.
Don thought that the tree may be stressed, as his own tulip tree flowered within 5 years. He suggested giving it a good soaking once a week in dry periods (water restrictions permitting), along with an application of complete fertiliser with trace elements, such as rose or citrus food.
Choughs
A lady asked Don if there was any way to stop choughs scratching up the garden. About 50 choughs were visiting her garden on a regular basis and driving her mad.
The White-winged Chough (Corcorax melanorhamphos) is a big, gregarious black bird often mistaken for a crow or currawong. It has a curved beak, red eye and a large white wing patch, which is most obvious in flight. Choughs call with a mournful, descending whistle, or when alarmed, harsh grating clicks. They are found in east and southeast mainland Australia.
Someone in the audience suggested using an orchard gun, not to kill the birds but just to scare them away. It is illegal to shoot native birds. Contact the Wildlife Society for more information on how best to deal with problem birds. Firearms can be used in rural areas to frighten birds. Contact your local Firearms Registry to obtain a firearms licence.