In the Garden

Flannel Flowers In January 1901, six states joined together to form the Commonwealth of Australia. As part of the celebrations to mark the Centenary of Federation, each state and territory has a floral emblem to use in special displays, bouquets and in plantings...

Gardenias are native to Eastern Asia (China, Taiwan and Japan). They are attractive, low maintenance shrubs with large, creamy white flowers and glossy green leaves. The flowers have an exquisite perfume that pervades surrounding areas and creates a magical, romantic...

Peter Valder has always been very fond of green flowering plants, so he decided to put together a list of his favourites for anyone else who might like to give them a try. Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii This euphorbia has erect stems, blue green leaves and green...

Grevillea ‘Cooroora Cascade’ Don looked at ‘Cooroora Cascade’, a low growing sport of Grevillea ‘Golden Lyre’. ‘Golden Lyre’ is hybrid between G. ‘Honey Gem’ and the species G. formosa. It grows about 2-3m...

Grevillea leptobotrys Don looked at a form of Grevillea leptobotrys, a low growing native shrub with lovely mauve-pink flowers. Plant details Common name: none Botanic name: Grevillea leptobotrys Description: A low growing and sprawling Australian native shrub with...

Clivia in Deep Shade Don discovered a clivia growing underneath a camellia in a shady part of a garden. Although this plant probably doesn’t flower very well in such a dark position, it still looks lush and healthy. Clivias (Clivia miniata) are being more widely...

Cordylines in Hawaii Last year the Burke’s Backyard team visited Hawaii, and filmed some spectacular foliage plants which the locals call ti. In Australia we know them as cordylines. The starchy roots (or rhizomes) of these plants were highly valued as food by...