Rhapis Palms are great as indoor plants and like most good indoor plants they come from a sub-tropical to tropical rainforest in south-east China where there isn’t much natural light. There are two sorts of Rhapis palms suitable for indoor living. Plant details...
The Golden Robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’) was a vogue tree in Australian gardens and landscapes during the 1980s and is still popular today. It is widely used as a street tree, particularly in polluted areas and, because of its small size and...
To create harmony in your garden it is important to match the colours of your plants with those of the surrounding hard structures such as the walls of your house, paving and the like. Plant colour comes mainly from the colour of the leaves (which may vary throughout...
Camellia reticulata, introduced in Australia 30 years ago, is less commonly known in the camellia family. Yet as the largest flowering of the entire camellia group, it is spectacular. Reticulata refers to the strong veining or reticulated pattern in the leaves. Plant...
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 growing, clump-forming palm...
The rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum) is the most dangerous plant in Australia. It is classified as a noxious weed in New South Wales and South Australia and those growing the plant in these states can be fined up to $2000. If you live in other states and have a...
Imagine someone turning up with a living Tyrannosaurus Rex. Peter Valder discussed how this has happened more than once during the last century. The Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) was known through its fossils to have existed up to 225 million years ago...
A wonderful plant that is probably not very well known is the Evergreen Dogwood. Most Dogwoods are deciduous but the Evergreen variety is long flowering and has leaves all year round; a beautiful tree in the garden. Plant details Common name: Evergreen Dogwood or...
With its large white flowers during autumn and early winter, gordonia is a tree that stands out. Gordonias will grow almost anywhere in Australia except in frost areas in mountainous zones. Common name: Gordonia or fried egg plant. Botanic name:Gordonia axillaris ....
Deciduous magnolias produce their spectacular winter and early spring blooms on naked branches. Although expensive plants to buy they are longlived, slow growing trees which bring a stunning display to your garden each year. Colours range from port wine through...