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Palms and ferns are often associated with tropical climates but ‘Burke’s Backyard’ recently looked at some palms and ferns which can grow in colder areas. Palms for cool climates Dwarf sugar palm (Arenga engleri): A small growing, clump-forming palm...
Peter Valder recently visited the garden of Merry Garth at Mount Wilson, NSW and found snowdrops and snowflakes in bloom in the middle of winter. The true snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is a cold climate plant and is sometimes confused with snowflake (Leucojum aestivum)...
Imagine someone turning up with a living Tyrannosaurus Rex. Peter Valder discussed how this has happened more than once during the last century. The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) was known through its fossils to have existed up to 225 million years ago...
According to legend, the Souvenir de la Malmaison rose was given to Napoleon by the Empress Josephine to bring him back safely from war. It was claimed to resemble Napoleon’s hat and was also carried by French soldiers in the Battle of Waterloo to protect them....
A wonderful plant that is probably not very well known is the Evergreen Dogwood. Most Dogwoods are deciduous but the Evergreen variety is long flowering and has leaves all year round; a beautiful tree in the garden. Plant details Common name: Evergreen Dogwood or...
Flies are often thought of as insects that are a nuisance and carry diseases. Some flies also play an important role in the pollination of certain plants. Densey Clyne looked at the confidence tricks which some plants play on unsuspecting flies. Carrion flower...
With its large white flowers during autumn and early winter, gordonia is a tree that stands out. Gordonias will grow almost anywhere in Australia except in frost areas in mountainous zones. Common name: Gordonia or fried egg plant. Botanic name:Gordonia axillaris ....
The Sturt’s Desert pea is a well-known Australian native flower that is the state floral emblem for South Australia. Although much admired these plants are notoriously hard to grow outside their natural desert environment as they are prone to fungal diseases and...
The rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum) is the most dangerous plant in Australia. It is classified as a noxious weed in New South Wales and South Australia and those growing the plant in these states can be fined up to $2000. If you live in other states and have a...
Deciduous magnolias produce their spectacular winter and early spring blooms on naked branches. Although expensive plants to buy they are longlived, slow growing trees which bring a stunning display to your garden each year. Colours range from port wine through...