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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...
[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 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...
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...
Most spring-flowering bulbs are practically mug proof as the leaves and flowers are already formed and in the bulb. How well you succeed with bulbs depends on your climate and the types of bulbs you select. Daffodils – There are many colours, shapes and forms...
Cotton Thistle With their architectural shapes and feathery flower heads, thistles are easily recognisable to gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Although native to Europe, Mediterranean and Western Asia, they have found a niche in some gardens where they are grown for...
Many gardeners love searching for those plants which soldier on no matter what. Agapanthus and hydrangea fit into this no-fuss category as does the lesser known Serbian bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana), a ground cover plant. Details Botanical name: Campanula...
An interesting new plant is the dwarf Alstroemeria ‘Peruvian Princess’ which has ruby red flowers with yellow throats. Plant details Common name: Dwarf Alstroemeria Botanic name: Alstroemeria ‘Peruvian Princess’ Description: A compact, dense...
In spring, many gardens are filled with azaleas in colours such as pink, white, mauve or red. However, a wider range of colours can be found in some cool climate gardens. Peter Valder explores several different colours. Colourful Azaleas The ‘Mollis’...
Burke’s Backyard receives letters about confusing flowering plants that have two different coloured flowers on the one bush. For example an azalea may have magenta purple flowers with one branch of whitish flowers with a magenta purple edge. The different...