Solve a problem, find a plant or look for a design inspiration
Virginia Creeper The common name of Virginia Creeper was originally applied to the North American climber Parthenocissus quinquefolia. It was later also given to the closely related P. tricuspidata, which is a native of China and Japan. The Asian species is often seen...
Not all Australian native plants are worth growing. Don looked at a lovely native tree which has become a weed. Plant details Common names: Native daphne, sweet pittosporum, mock orange, native laurel Botanic name: Pittosporum undulatum Description: A tall shrub or...
Orange Trumpet Creeper The orange trumpet creeper is a South American native which puts on a spectacular display of brilliant orange flowers from winter through to spring. Plant details Common name: Orange trumpet creeper, flame vine Botanic name: Pyrostegia venusta...
Pieris, also known as lily-of-the-valley shrub, is a charming and versatile plant for the cooler zones of Australia. One of the most popular varieties is ‘Christmas Cheer’, a shrub which grows 1-2m (3-6′) tall and has delicate, icing pink flowers. In...
Fourteen months ago Don created a grevillea garden using crushed sandstone rubble in raised mounds 1.5-2m (5-6′) high. All the plants have grown at such an incredible rate that you’d think the garden was at least ten years old. In this same area late last...
Grevillea lanigera ‘Mt Tamboritha Form’ This plant is a densely foliaged, dwarf, spreading form of the woolly grevillea (Grevillea lanigera). It is sold as “Compacta”, “Prostrate” or “Mt Tamboritha Form”, even...
Gymea lilies are spectacular Australian native plants with large, compact heads of nectar filled red flowers atop tall, thick stems. Most Australian natives resent being transplanted, but Gymea lilies can be dug up, moved and planted bare rooted. Don looked at a...
Hebes Hebes are native to the Southern Hemisphere, principally New Zealand. They are mostly evergreen, low growing shrubs to around 1m (3′) tall. They have dense, handsome foliage (sometimes variegated) and attractive flower spikes in colours ranging from white...
Hibiscus Most people think of hibiscus as those lovely tropical looking flowers from the South Pacific that are tucked behind one ear or the other, depending on your availability! In fact several hibiscus species are native to China, and when it comes to...
Few plants equal hippeastrums when it comes to a cheerful, flamboyant display in the garden. They are big, bold and brassy, and they come in a dazzling range of colours. However, many gardeners make the mistake of planting just one hippie, or a few small clumps....