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Don showed an evergreen magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) in flower. The evergreen magnolia, or Bull Bay magnolia as it is commonly known, grows to around 20m (60′) in cultivation. It has dark, glossy green leaves with a rusty reverse, and large white, lemon...
Autumn foliage plants are a great investment around the home. They provide shade in summer, put on a fabulous colour display in autumn, then lose their leaves allowing the warming, winter sun to shine through. Now is the perfect time to go for a walk or a drive, and...
Don received a letter from Mrs Eileen Fourro, who was surprised and amazed when she harvested her potato crop. All the potatoes were normal, except for one gigantic spud shaped like a pig’s head. It seemed to have two big ears, two eyes and a long snout!
Hydrangeas were discovered in Japanese forests by early European explorers, who took plants back to Europe and used them to develop the hydrangeas we know and love today. Japanese grower/breeder Hiroshi Ebihara decided to import ‘European’ hydrangeas back...
One of the best known of all garden flowers: the common marigold. Plant details Common name: English or pot marigold Botanic name: Calendula officinalis cvs Description: Annual plant with pale green leaves, a bushy habit and single or double flowers. Tall and dwarf...
These elegant, South African natives are amongst Peter Valder’s favourite bulbs. They are hardy, easy to grow and they add a splash of colour to otherwise drab, autumn gardens. Peter particularly likes the white Nerine flexuosa ‘Alba’, but there are...
Most people are familiar with edible ginger (Zingiber officinale), but it is only one of hundreds of members of the Zingiberaceae, or ginger family. Many are used in the garden rather than the kitchen, and these are called ornamental gingers. This group of plants is...
Teena Crawford is co-host of radio program ‘Smart Gardening’ on Melbourne’s 3AW. Two years ago she planted her front yard with Liriope muscari as a lawn substitute. On the day Burke’s Backyard visited, Teena’s ‘lawn’ was in...
Peter Valder thinks that this dramatic, South African native should be planted more often. Plant details Common name: Honey bush, touch-me-not Botanic name: Melianthus major Description: Evergreen perennial shrub with a height and spread of around 3m (10′). It...
In recent years, ornamental pear trees have been very popular in Australian gardens. A favourite in cool climate areas is the beautiful Manchurian pear (Pyrus ussuriensis), with its heart-shaped leaves, scented white flowers and spectacular autumn colour. However, the...