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Don received a letter from Research Scientist, Dr Dugald Close, who is associated with the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Production Forestry, at the University of Tasmania. In the letter, Dr Close explains why leaves colour reddish shades in autumn, and...
Don showed a pelargonium that had outgrown the available space and nourishment in its pot. He explained why it is necessary to repot plants every few years, and demonstrated potting techniques using a large yucca (Yucca elephantipes). Don’s tips Repot any plants...
Don looked at a row of sasanqua camellias growing in a very narrow garden bed alongside a busy road. Because space was so limited, the camellias had been espaliered against the brick wall. Espaliering means training a tree or shrub to grow against a flat surface....
Don looked at a row of murrayas (Murraya paniculata) that had died back through the winter. This problem was caused by frost chilling the leaves down, stopping them functioning properly and leaving them susceptible to sunburn next morning. The parts of the bushes...
Don and the Burke’s Backyard team travelled west of Sydney to Bilpin, in the Blue Mountains. There they met Greg Bailey, the owner of ‘Springside Gallery’, who showed them around his beautiful 4 hectare (8 acre) garden. Don was amazed at how lush and...
Growing Carnivorous Plants Don visited specialist plant grower and author, David Banks. David demonstrated how easy it is to set up a bog area in a sunny part of your garden, where you can grow a mixed collection of carnivorous plants. Plants featured in our segment:...
When hedges such as camellias or lilly pillies are in active growth during the warmer months of the year, Don recommends pruning every 4 weeks or so. Regular light ‘haircuts’ keep hedges tidy and prevent them getting out of hand. If you wait too long...
Don looked at a spectacular red-flowering variety of bougainvillea called ‘Scarlett O’Hara’. This particular plant had been pruned back hard on one side and as a result it had produced lots of rampant, thorny growth. The unpruned side was covered in...
An irrigation system is an integral part of a low maintenance garden. Instead of being a slave to your garden, you can set up systems to water your lawn, flowerbeds, vegies and even your pots. You can put each one on a timer, so you won’t even have to remember...
Don showed how to make the most of bromeliads by planting them into stylish, dramatic pots. The fabulous sculptural beauty of bromeliads is at its best when they’re dressed up and looking great, and the good news is that these plants are easy to grow. Wide and...