One of the best garden shrubs is the diosma. It grows as a round tidy plant with masses of pink flowers in late winter and spring. It will grow in all but the most tropical and humid parts of Australia. Plant details Common name: Diosma but also known as confetti bush...
In the Garden
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Dwarf Oleander
Dwarf Oleander There are few plants which grow almost everywhere in Australia. The humble oleander (Nerium oleander), is such a plant and it is also one of the most useful of all garden plants. If pruned correctly the oleander can be a magnificent plant, its dense...
Early Spring Flowering Plants
Early Spring Flowering Plants The Burke’s Backyard Spring Special features the following plants. Rhododendron ‘Christmas Cheer’ Rhododendrons are one of the world’s most beautiful cold climate flowering plants. There are between 800 and 900...
Cool Climate Palms and Ferns
Cool Climate Palms and Ferns 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...
Bedding Plants – New Releases
With autumn upon us it is time to look out for some annuals (also referred to as bedding plants) which will provide outstanding colour during winter and early spring. Don recently came across two new varieties of popular winter flowering plants, cineraria and pansy....
Euphorbia leucocephala
Euphorbia leucocephala ‘Snow Flake’ Snow Flake is an interesting plant from Central America which puts on a terrific display of creamy white bracts during autumn and winter. Related to Poinsettia, Euphorbia leucocephala ‘Snow Flake’ is a...
Best Azaleas
Azaleas are among the most popular and best flowering shrubs in the world. They grow well in most areas of Australia, from Brisbane to Perth and south and are a feature of many spring gardens. There are thousands of varieties of azaleas most of them very beautiful and...

Best Climbing Plants
[metaslider id=31345] Climbing plants are among the most useful plants in the garden. Deciduous climbers are great for growing over pergolas to create summer shade but allow the winter sun through. Evergreen climbers are great for growing over a fence, providing...
Best Perfumed Roses
Best perfume 1. ‘Double Delight’ (two tone cream and crimson) 2. ‘Friesia’ (yellow) 3. ‘Rod Stillman’ (violet-pink) 4. ‘Papa Meilland’ (dark red) 5. ‘Fragrant Cloud’ (brick red) 6. ‘Jardins de...
Bambino Bougainvilleas
Bougainvilleas are among the most colourful and the most spectacular flowering plants. However they can be rampant climbers that can take over the garden, choking trees. The answer for the average size garden lies in dwarf bougainvilleas. They can be used in the...
