Some plants just drop dead and die and there are others that display an amazing persistence to survive and flourish in the most unusual places. One such tree is a River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) which is growing out from a little crack between the pavement...
One of the most popular Australian native trees is the Broad-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia). The Broad-leaved paperbark is a hardy native plant. However it has a more attractive counterpart, Melaleuca leucadendra, Weeping paperbark. Plant Details Common...
Really good gardeners have one thing in common. They all love having that one plant that you can’t have. The Pride of China (Koelreuteria bipinnata) is a classic example of it and certainly a tree to be proud of. This deciduous tree from China and Taiwan is...
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 ....