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There are a number of Australian native orchids which flower in the later months of winter and early spring. In the bushland surrounding his home Don came across a Greenhood orchid (Pterostylis concinna) growing amongst some weeds. He successfully replanted it in a...
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....
Japanese Iris These beautiful irises are not as popular in Australia as they deserve to be, probably because they have very particular cultural requirements. However, if you grow them in an acid soil and give them the right amount of water you’ll be rewarded...
Japanese Windflowers Japanese windflowers (Anemone x hybrida) are hardy perennials which grow to about 1m (3′) tall. The flowers come as singles or doubles in a wide range of colours including white, pink and rosy red with golden centres. They die down in...
Brunfelsias are evergreen shrubs from tropical America. There are about 30 species, all with tubular flowers which change colour over successive days. The most popular species in Australian gardens is Brunfelsia pauciflora, commonly called Yesterday, Today and...