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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...
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...
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 ‘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...
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...
What do you do when you’ve forgotten the mosquito repellant? Or maybe you’re suffering from sunburn and need a solution to calm your skin? Help is at hand, says Jackie French, if you grow Aloe vera. Aloe vera is a succulent which has many medicinal uses,...
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’...