Burke’s Backyard visited the garden belonging to Otto Fauser in the Dandenongs, Victoria where he has created a Bavarian inspired alpine garden. There are crocuses and irises covering the hillsides of the garden including a number of miniature and rare varieties that are difficult for the average home gardener to grow.
There are several thousand bulbs with a wide variety growing in this alpine garden:
Alpine bulbs are generally available when dormant, in summer, between January and March.
Otto Fauser obtains his bulbs from many places including the following: Glenbrook Bulbs, 28 Russell Road, Claremont, TAS, 7011. (There is no phone number).
Hillview Rare Plants, 400 Huon Road, South Hobart, TAS, 7004. Phone: (03) 6224 0770.
Woodbank Nursery, 2040 Huon Road, Longley, TAS, 7150. Phone: (03) 6239 6452.
Bryan H. Tonkin, ‘Sylvan Vale’, Olinda Creek Road, Kalorama, VIC, 3766. Phone: (03) 9728 1295.
These nurseries will mail order bulbs Australia wide. For plant lists and catalogues contact the nurseries in November/December.
For information on joining an alpine plant group contact:
The Secretary
Ferny Creek Horticultural Society Inc.
PO Box 172
Ferny Creek, VIC, 3786