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ABC

TV GREAT
PUBLIC
January 2019 GARDENS
TO VISIT THIS
SUMMER
ENGLISH
LAVENDER
Heel cuttings
step-by-step
PERENNIAL
GREENS FOR
THE PATCH
How to
prune a
pawpaw
let there be
LOTUS
EASY-GROW PLANTS
ONLY $7.20
FOR POTS & PONDS
01

9 312966 128997

plus
L
GARDENER'S WAR ON WASTE – HOW TO REDUCE,
REUSE & RECYCLE + TIPS FOR TERRIFIC COMPOST
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EDITOR’S LETTER

welc e ne of the things


does is spark a sense of urgency in the
tory

reader. Suddenly, there’s no time to be


lost in planting, pruning, feeding, dividing
or whatever the topic of the story was. That’s how I felt
reading Arno King’s story on growing lotus.
First was the snippet that lotuses are not related to
waterlilies. Who knew? Then the revelation that not only
are lotuses very beautiful, they’re easy to grow, they’re
suitable for my climate, and they’re happy in pots – a vital
piece of information, as I am not in the market for pond
building! And I was particularly taken with the detail that
in pots, it needs a substrate of garden soil, not potting
mix, which may have had something to do with the sense
of urgency, as I’ve been trying to ‘hide’ an overflow of
garden mix in beds all over the place, so my garden now
resembles a ride at Coney Island, with all the up down,
up down terrain… Anyway, by the end of the story, I was
thinking, why aren’t I growing some lotuses? Get me a
pot, get me some plants, let’s get this thing happening…!
I also found sustenance in the English lavender story
(page 14), even though there’s no chance of growing it at
my place, and the ‘war on waste’ story is chock-a-block
with ideas and inspiration. But my favourite story this
month is Tim Entwisle’s piece on Fibonacci numbers,
and the way they pop up in plant structures, as well as
manmade structures, where we respond intuitively to
the numbers in the sequence. You know that thing about
planting in threes or fives? That’s all about Fibonacci.
Your hugely enjoyable maths lesson is on page 46.
Me, I’m off to research large pots for lotuses, and
I hope this issue prompts you to do something to get
your own gardening year off to a cracking start.

TOUC
IN
PHOTOS JENNIFER SOO, ISTOCK

H
S TAY

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1300 361 146 SOCIAL MEDIA


EMAIL yoursay@gardeningaustralia.com.au facebook.com/
ABCGardeningAustraliamagazine
MAGAZINE EDITORIAL (02) 9901 6325
@gardeningaustraliamag
TV SHOW (03) 8646 2875

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A JANUARY 2019 3
LET’S DO LUNCH

Join us in Sydney fr a special


READER LUNCH
Bring in the birds, bees and butterflies!

T
his year’s lunch promises to be
every bit as fun and informative
WHERE & WHEN
VENUE Le Montage, 38 Frazer St, Lilyfield, NSW
as the last one, but on a special
DATE Tuesday, February 5, 11.30am for 12.30pm
theme: gardening for wildlife.
lunch and talks, and finish at 3–4pm
How can you provide habitat and food
COST $99* includes sparkling wine on arrival,
for bees, birds and butterflies? Enjoy
and three-course lunch with wine and beverages
inspirational talks and demonstrations
TRANSPORT parking on site, or 10-minute
from Gardening Australia presenters
walk from Leichhardt North light rail station
Costa Georgiadis and Sophie Thomson,
ENQUIRIES Alora Edwards (02) 9901 6101
as well as our horticultural editor
* booking fee may apply
Phil Dudman, and AB Bishop, a regular
contributor to the magazine and author
of the book Habitat. Don’t miss out –
book your tickets now to secure your
seat at this special event. MAGAZINE

BOOK NOW!
Visit the website
gardeningaustralia.com.au
and follow the prompts.
Be quick – tickets
are limited!

EVENT SPONSORS
PHOTO ISTOCK
JANUARY 2019

CONTENTS
41
For all your top jobs in
the garden this month,
turn to page 58

EC
OVER COVER STORIES
H 14 English lavender COMPETITIONS +
ON T

18 Let there be lotus: easy-grow EVENTS + OFFERS


plants for pots & ponds
4 Join us for a reader lunch
28 Gardener’s war on waste: in Sydney with special
how to reduce, reuse guests Costa and Sophie
and recycle
56 Subscribe for your chance
37 Tips for terrific compost to win a Hoselink Water
41 10 great public gardens Wise Starter Kit and
to visit this summer sprinkler, worth $56.40
66 Heel cuttings step-by-step 81 Win 1 of 4 Neta 15m
71 How to prune Retractable Hose Reels,
a pawpaw valued at $129.99 each
74 Perennial 84 Solve the crossword this
he lotus lower is revered in cultures across month and go in the draw
the world, and is a beautiful, easy-care water greens for
plant suitable for many parts of Australia. the patch to win 1 of 2 Fiskars tool
For growing advice, turn to page 18. packs, worth $670 each
Photo: iStock

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A JANUARY 2019 5
JANUARY

28 18
76

37 50
FEATURES 24 The shape of things REGULARS
14 English beauty A small Sydney coastal block with 8 Marketplace Products, plants, books
How and where to grow English quirky features, including a swale 12 Calendar What’s on in January
lavender, with its gorgeous sprays 28 Waste not, want not 54 At home with Jackie The smells of
of fragrant purple blooms Great ways to do your bit to reduce summer that captivate Jackie French
18 Walking on water the amount of plastic and other 58 Action planner What to do in your
Discover the delights of lotus plants, waste going into our environment garden in January
how they differ from waterlilies and 37 Compost – make it great 69 In the patch
what they require to thrive Expert advice and practical tips for • Plant brussels sprouts
creating your own top compost • Pick watermelon
41 Great public gardens to • Step-by-step for pruning pawpaw
see this summer • Grow mint in pots

70 Our guide to visiting some of the


country’s best green spaces
46 Nature by numbers
How the Fibonacci sequence of
numbers occurs naturally in many
• Need a helping hand?
• Guide to growing perennial greens
for a reliable summer harvest
76 Backyard visitors
78 Mailbox Your letters, photos, questions
plants and can be used in design 83 TV & radio guide Your ABC
50 The gardener’s bucket list: 84 Crossword
Lambley Gardens & Nursery 87 The directory
96 Annual index 2018 98 The big picture

6 JANUARY 2019 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
JUST

We are Australia’s most popular garden magazine and


…and support he Diggers Foundation $79
for 2 Y E ARs
club, created to help our members to achieve gardening
success. Our members are inspired by visiting three of
Australia’s inest summer gardens with espalier orchards
and subtropical food borders full of heirloom produce.
We trial and grow more food plants and summer perennials
than any other grower. We can show you how to grow
heirloom vegetables, space-saving subtropical fruit trees
and rare edibles like capers and wasabi, all delicious
varieties, full of ibre and free of nasty chemicals.
Eight magazines a year
Innovative, informative and provocative ideas about how
to become self-suicient in a tiny urban environment
or rural country property, whether your garden is in
subtropical Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Sydney or Hobart.
Eight free packets of seeds
he vegetable parterre at Heronswood, Dromana
Members receive four packets of seed in spring and autumn.

Over 40 heirloom tomatoes Over 30 different berries Biggest citrus range

“Just 5 hours gardening a week is all it takes to grow your tomatoes, avocados, citrus and
lowers, if you follow the advice from our best-selling books, including Diggers 40 Years of the
Best Garden Ideas” says founder of he Diggers Club, Clive Blazey. “Grow heirloom fruit
and vegetables organically – our varieties are full of ibre, never tasteless or bland like
supermarket produce. All plants are sent directly to your door from our mail order nursery.”
3 easy ways to join! Call 03 5984 7900, visit diggers.com.au/jan19 or use this coupon!

SAVE $10 Membership options


WHEN YOU
Name _______________________________________
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JOIN Two year (save $39.00) $79.00 Address _____________________________________
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The Diggers Foundation Expiry Signature ______________________

Code: PG01
E SHELF
H This month’s pick of the
ON T

PLANTS bunch at garden centres,


online and in bookshops

The glorious ballerina tutu-like flowers


of the eucalypts and their near relatives
the bloodwoods (Corymbia spp.) are
iconic Australian plants that give a sense
of place to our gardens. Most eucalypts
and bloodwoods are grown from seed,
so the flowers’ timing, colour and size
varies. The grafted forms produce the
best flowers. Appearing again now in
nurseries, Corymbia ‘Summer Red’ is
grafted from a selected form of Albany
red-flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia),

Hakeas are small, evergreen flowering full sun and well-drained soil. The range
Australian trees that suit home gardens. includes Hakea ‘Intensity’ (above)
Many forms grow to 5m tall and wide, with vibrant pink blooms, red pokers
and their nectar-filled flowers attract (H. bucculenta) (below left), featuring
birds in late winter and spring. very fine leaves and reddish-pink flowers,
This new range of Western Australian and grass-leaf hakea (H. francisiana)
hakeas are grafted onto phytophthora- (below), which produces beautiful
resistant rootstock to ensure longevity. pink flowers. Not currently available
which grows 3–5m tall and up to 4m They feature bottlebrush-like blooms that in Western Australia or Tasmania.
wide. It has a slightly weeping habit are 10–15cm long, and prefer a spot with botanixplantsupply.com.au
and big, glossy, dark green gum leaves
with a light green reverse. New growth
is reddish and appears in the warmer
months. Mass terminal displays of hot
pink to red flowers, each 2cm across,
appear some time between November
and March, with spot flowering at other
times. It prefers a position in full sun
with extra watering during the warm
months until the plant is established.
plantrite.com.au

8 JANUARY 2019 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
MARKETPLACE

The rare white form of the pink


Chinese foxglove, white Chinese
foxglove (Rehmannia elata alba),
likes a moist, well-drained spot with
light shade. It grows about 30cm tall
and 50cm wide in an acid to neutral
soil, and flowers from summer to
late autumn. Once established, it
will tolerate fairly dry conditions.
lynnsrareplants.com.au

Gisele is a series of improved phlox bred for heat tolerance, with large
flower clusters and a branched growth habit, making it ideal for beds,
containers and landscape planting. Available in light pink, white, hot
pink and purple, it grows 25–30cm tall and 35–45cm wide in a sunny
to semi-shade position, flowering through summer, autumn and spring.
ballaustralia.com

Podophyllum ‘Spotty Dotty’ is an unusual


herbaceous perennial with huge hexagonal, Agapanthus may be common but
umbrella-like foliage up to 40cm wide that few plants are as tough, waterwise
grows on stems to 60cm in early spring. and beautiful in full flower, especially
Leaves are spotted with chocolate-maroon when mass planted in a garden bed.
markings that change to dark green with age. Agapanthus ‘Indigo Dreams’ is a
In spring, pendulous blood-red flowers up to new sterile herbaceous variety with
5cm long hang in umbels beneath the foliage. prolific deep indigo-purple flowers.
TEXT DERYN THORPE

Flowers are sometimes followed by green Plant in a position with full sun.
apple-like ornamental fruit. Plants need Foliage grows to about 30–40cm
a moist, shady position and rich soil, and tall and 40–50cm wide with flower
grow 40–45cm tall and 45–60cm wide. spikes that reach about 1m tall.
antiqueperennials.com antiqueperennials.com

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A JANUARY 2019 9
The Antique Brass Planter
from Satara is made from
brass-coated steel and is a
contemporary style designed
EDITOR Jenny Baldwin for indoor plants. The round
HORTICULTURAL EDITOR Phil Dudman
ART DIRECTOR Rachel Henderson planter is 28cm wide and
CHIEF SUBEDITOR Kate Barber
SUBEDITOR Gina Hetherington 28cm deep and sits in a stand
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Carole Gridley
HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT Deryn Thorpe
that is either 42cm or 52cm
ABC TV HOST Costa Georgiadis
tall. There is also a range of
PRESENTERS Josh Byrne, Tino Carnevale, round and square planters
Jerry Coleby-Williams, Jane Edmanson,
Millie Ross, Clarence Slockee, Sophie Thomson available in white or black
CONTRIBUTORS in varying heights.
Steve Ball, AB Bishop, Marianne Cannon, Leonard Cronin,
Tim Entwisle, Jackie French, Robert Frith/Acorn Photo, Judy Horton, satara.com.au
Arno King, Michael McCoy, Cheryl Orsini, Wendy Pritchard,
Martyn Robinson, Jennifer Stackhouse, Karen Shaw,
Angus Stewart, Elizabeth Swane, Brent Wilson

NATIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER


Anabel Tweedale, atweedale@nextmedia.com.au Phone (02) 9901 6371 SHELF
DIRECTORIES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
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HE

PRODUCTS
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Annya Azzopardi, aazzopardi@nextmedia.com.au Phone (02) 9901 6320
PRODUCTION MANAGER Peter Ryman
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EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ABC TV Gill Lomas


SERIES PRODUCER ABC TV Chris Paterson
MANAGER PUBLISHING AND LICENSING,
ABC COMMERCIAL Lisa Hunter
BRAND MANAGER ABC MAGAZINES Jenni Powell

SUBSCRIPTION SALES AND ENQUIRIES The stainless steel Garden Hook from CutAbove Tools is ideal for
1300 361 146, gardeningaustralia.com.au
planting, cultivating garden beds, loosening soil and removing weeds.
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
yoursay@gardeningaustralia.com.au When attached to a Clip-on Handle, available in short (29.5cm) or
Phone (02) 9901 6325 long (extends to 1.1m)
NEXT MEDIA PTY LTD sizes, it makes pruning
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EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN David Gardiner as you can use the hook
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MARKETPLACE
SHEL
HE F
T

BOOKS
ON

THE FARM COMMUNITY


Emma & Tom Lane
Hardie Grant Books
Buying and moving to a small
farm, the authors swapped
AUSTRALIAN DREAMSCAPES: THE ART OF
fast-paced jobs and big-city
PLANTING IN GARDENS INSPIRED BY NATURE
lives for a rural environment,
Claire Takacs
a simpler life and a greater
Hardie Grant Books
connection with community.
Renowned photographer Claire Takacs’ exquisite Based on their principles of
photos profiling 22 gardens in diverse Australian ‘grow, cook, share, connect’,
landscapes are a mesmerising display of light-filled they created The Farm at
vibrant colours and textures in settings ranging from Byron Bay, which is principally
lush and green to semi-arid. Stories written by the a working farm and a community
gardens’ owners or designers are interwoven among the images and outline their motivation, of small businesses, including
struggles and triumphs in creating beautiful, abundant and biodiverse gardens. The focus is a restaurant. The authors’ story,
on more naturalistic approaches to design and planting, creating visually appealing gardens and stories of people in their
that are in sync with their environs and without excessive use of resources, such as water. community, are interspersed
with illustrations. Tips for living
more sustainably, in urban or
THE COMPLETE GUIDE rural environments, are also
TO AUSTRALIAN BIRDS included, as are step-by-step
George Adams projects and recipes.
Viking Australia
A must for bird lovers and
anyone interested in wildife,
this is a comprehensive and
contemporary guide. Included
are all wild birds recorded on
the mainland, in Tasmania
and on offshore continental
islands and oceans. Each entry
comprises several images taken
DIGGERS: 40 YEARS OF
PHOTO MARTIN CANNON TEXT DERYN THORPE, MARIANNE CANNON, CAROLE GRIDLEY

in the wild, with clear and concise information on common


THE BEST GARDEN IDEAS
and scientific names, size, description, behaviour, preferred
he Diggers Club
habitat, feeding habits, voice, status and breeding details.
As part of The Diggers Club’s
40th anniversary celebration,
this book combines their best
gardening ideas, plants, seed ROOT NURTURE GROW: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO
preservation projects, a bit PROPAGATING AND SHARING HOUSEPLANTS
of history, future plans and Rose Ray & Caro Langton
stories about gardeners Quadrille
sharing their passion and Propagating is an easy and less expensive way to enjoy and
expertise amassed over the expand an indoor plant collection. This book is a useful reference
years since The Diggers for both experienced and novice growers, with instructions on
Club was founded by Clive how to take cuttings, cultivate runners and offsets, divide plants
and Penny Blazey in 1978. at the roots and grow brand new root systems in the air. Also
Included in the 160 pages included is advice on recycling, reducing waste and pruning
is a large section entitled methods that produce no waste, and recipes for homemade
All About Tomatoes, as well rooting medium. The authors encourage giving or swapping
as the Diggers’ seed and newly grown plants with friends and family, and offer tips and
perennial catalogues. ideas for DIY projects to better display your house plants.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 11
ON IN
’S
W H AT

JANUARY
Your guide to garden shows and events
around the country this month

VICTORIA
Until Mar 31st Moonlight Cinema
Tues–Sun 7pm (films starts approx. 8.45pm). Central
Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne
Gardens, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra. $20. Advanced
screenings, new releases, family films and cult classics.
Food, drinks and alcohol available, or bring your own.
Program, tickets and information at moonlight.com.au

Dec 27th–Apr 22nd Blue Lotus Water Garden


10am–5pm. 2628 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction.
(03) 5967 2061. $18. Lotus flowers and tropical
blooms spread over more than 5ha of landscaped
grounds. Lakes, fountains, and plant exhibits to
see, including the must-see Amazon waterlily.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
All month Kings Park Guided Walks
Daily 10–11.30am, noon–1.30pm, 2–3.30pm. Meet
opposite Aspects of Kings Park Gallery Shop, Kings Park
and Botanic Garden, Fraser Ave, Kings Park. (08) 9480
3600. Free. Wander among Western Australia’s native
flora on ‘Treasures of the Botanic Garden’, or discover
Kings Park’s history, memorials, monuments and exotic
trees on the ‘Stories of People and Plants’ guided walk.

12 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
NEW SOUTH WALES
All month Clyde River Berry Farm
10am–5pm. Lot 22, River Rd, Mogood. (02) 4478 1057. $2.
Pick your own strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.
Check website for directions. clyderiverberryfarm.com.au

4th Garden Night-life


8–9.30pm. Woolloomooloo Gate, the Royal Botanic Garden
Sydney, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney. (02) 9231 8111. $39.
Tour the garden looking for brush-tailed possums, microbats,
flying foxes, tawny frogmouths and the elusive powerful owl.

8th Greenwell Point Kids Fishing Workshop


10am–2pm. Greenwell Point Rd, Greenwell Point. 0438 245
190. $40. Fishing lessons for 8–14-year-olds. Kids take home
rod, reel, tackle box and more. Must book. Also other locations.

12th–29th Mayfield Garden Summer Festival


9am–3pm. Mayfield Garden, 530 Mayfield Rd, Oberon.
(02) 6336 3131. $25. Beautiful garden, rowboats on the lake,
seasonal farm-to-table menu, scavenger hunt, plants for sale.

QUEENSLAND
18th–20th Ginger Flower and Food Festival
9am–5pm. The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina.
(07) 5447 8431. Free. Showcasing a range of ornamental
gingers and heliconias, which will be available for sale.

TASMANIA
Every Saturday Harvest Launceston Farmers’ Market
8.30am–12.30pm. 71 Cimitiere St, Launceston. 0417 352 780.
Free. About 70 stalls include seasonal produce and local meats.

11th–13th Cygnet Folk Festival


Various venues in Cygnet. 0457 566 556. Various ticket prices.
Celebration of folk and world music, dance, food and culture.
Songwriting competition. Camp sites. cygnetfolkfestival.org

12th–13th Lilium, Rose and Summer Flowers Show


Sat 1–5pm, Sun 10am–3.45pm. Claremont Memorial Hall, cnr
Main Rd & Bilton St, Claremont. 0429 811 968. $2. Liliums,
roses, summer flowers, trade table and children’s exhibits.

tell us about your event


Email shows@gardeningaustralia.com.au
Post to Shows, Gardening Australia, nextmedia,
Locked Bag 5555, St Leonards NSW 1590
PHOTO ISTOCK

Include the date, event name, opening times,


address, phone number, entry fee and description.
Deadline for April issue: January 14, 2019
PLANTS

PHOTO ISTOCK

14 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
English
BEAUTYValued for its perfume and oil, as well as
those glorious shades of blue, English
lavender illuminates the summer garden,
says JENNIFER STACKHOUSE

D
uring a summer family holiday front of a low picket fence. In summer,
to Tasmania when my children, it is vibrant with stems of lavender-blue
Rowan and Eleanor, were in flowers that are fragrant and filled with
primary school, I was bowled busy bees. European honeybees and
over by the flowers. So, apparently, were bumblebees forage among the flowers,
the kids. While we were all wandering which are also a favourite of butterflies
along Arthur Circus, a historic precinct and other insects. When the flowers
in Battery Point in Hobart, they were have all finished, we clip the hedge to
transfixed by one of the gardens and remove the spent stems. In winter, it is
started pulling on my hands. No, they a neatly clipped grey hedge that turns
didn’t want to head back, they wanted grey-green with spring growth.
to give me gardening advice. As well as using lavender as a hedge,
“Mum,” they said, pointing to lavender, or planting it to soften a fence or wall or
“you need to grow this at home – it is so to edge a path, it also looks beautiful in
beautiful.” They had to be stopped from a cottage garden, especially when it’s
picking the flowers. Like me, they loved combined with roses and iris.
everything lavender had to offer, from its
beauty to its fragrance, and all the bees. GROWING TIPS
At that stage, home was at Kurrajong English lavender (L. angustifolia) needs
in the Blue Mountains, north-west of a combination of sunshine, well-drained
Sydney. Even there, away from the coast, soil and low humidity to thrive. It is native
English lavender isn’t the easiest of plants to the Mediterranean region so it detests
to grow, so instead I planted winter- and poor drainage and humidity. Wet and
spring-flowering lavenders, including humid summers inevitably lead to root
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and rot, dieback and rapid decline. English
varieties of Italian lavender (L. stoechas), lavender grows well across southern
as they cope well with humid conditions. Australia where the summers are dry,
Their display was lovely but never quite and in elevated regions, including the
captured the fragrance and beauty of Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
the English lavender we admired on In less than optimum climates, grow
that lovely Tassie holiday. English lavender in a terracotta pot with
It wasn’t until we moved to Tasmania generous drainage holes in the base,
that I was able to carry out the kids’ using well-drained potting mix. Place
gardening advice. We now have a lovely the container in a spot with good air
English lavender hedge that grows in circulation and plenty of sunshine.
PLANTS

Although lavender is fairly unfussy about English lavender is a neat shrub that perfume and oil, and even as an edible
soil type, adding a handful of lime before grows 60–90cm high and up to 1.2m plant. There are several large, commercial
planting into acidic soils can assist growth. wide. Its flower spires of tiny flowers lavender farms in southern Australia
Use an inorganic mulch of gravel around are shimmering lavender blue. Varieties (see box, right) and these are the places
lavender and keep it free of weeds. include dwarf forms and those with pink where you can truly appreciate the beauty

PHOTOS ISTOCK, LEIGH CLAPP, GAP PHOTOS, BRIDESTOWE LAVENDER ESTATE


The final factor for a healthy lavender flowers and nearly every blue and purple. of lavender on a grand scale, if you visit
bush is careful pruning. Lavenders do ‘Munstead’ is a dwarf variety that’s often in summer before the harvest begins.
not respond to hard pruning. A light grown to edge a garden bed or a low wall, Australia’s oldest commercial lavender
trimming and shaping after flowering or as part of a traditional knot garden. It farm is Bridestowe Lavender Estate in
in late summer or early autumn keeps has a naturally compact habit and grows to north-east Tasmania. The business was
plants vigorous and youthful. Never prune about 30–60cm high. This is a plant with established in 1921 by London perfumer
back to old wood as it will not reshoot. pedigree that was introduced by esteemed CK Denny, who brought seeds here from
Even with the best care, lavender is English garden designer, horticulturist and the southern French Alps. He viewed the
not a forever plant. As the bush ages, writer Gertrude Jekyll in 1916. climate of north-east Tasmania as similar
it gradually declines, developing hard, ‘Loddon Blue’ is another compact variety to that of Provence, which is the ultimate
grey wood that may become gnarled, so grown for its deep purple-blue flowers. It lavender-growing region in France.
be ruthless and remove straggly plants. reaches about 50cm tall. ‘Rosea’ has pink Peak viewing for English lavender in
Replant with young, vigorous specimens, flowers on a bush 60–90cm high. flower is early to mid January, although
which will quickly grow to replace their lavender farms are often open year-round
predecessors. Lavender grows readily LAVENDER FARMS and may feature other species that flower
from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in As well as being very popular among in winter and spring. Check when the
autumn or soft tip cuttings taken in spring, home gardeners, lavender is also grown harvest is planned so you can time your
so you can grow your own replacements. commercially for the production of its visit to see the best flowers. GA

16 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
at a glance
common name
English lavender
botanic name
Lavandula angustifolia
plant type
evergreen shrub
60–90cm
1–1.2m
full sun
year-round
summer

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT


A perfect cottage garden plant; light trimming after
lowering keeps lavender healthy; containers provide
perfect drainage; burgundy sanguisorba bobbles suitable
contrast beautifully with lavender; bee having a feast.

Where to see lavender


Balingup Lavender Farm Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm
157 Nannup Rd, Balingup, 350 Hepburn-Newstead Rd,
Western Australia. 0455 435 347, Shepherds Flat, Victoria.
lavenderbalingup.com.au (03) 5476 4393, lavandula.com.au
Bridestowe Lavender Estate Lyndoch Lavender Farm Cnr
296 Gillespies Rd, Nabowla, Hoffnungsthal and Tweedies Gully Rds,
Tasmania. (03) 6352 8182, Lyndoch, South Australia. (08) 8524
bridestowelavender.com.au 4538, lyndochlavenderfarm.com.au
Crystal Brook Lavender Farm Port Arthur Lavender 6555
257 Tyrl Tyrl Rd, Laggan, New Port Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur,
South Wales. (02) 4843 3333, Tasmania. (03) 6250 3058;
lavenderatlaggan.com.au portarthurlavender.com.au

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 17
Walking on
These symbols of spiritual enlightenment
ofer an architectural beauty and heavenly
fragrance that few plants can match.
ARNO KING explains how to grow
lotuses in ponds and pots

18 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
PLANTS

R
egarded as the most iconic for lotuses are quite unrelated to Flowers appear during the warmer
flower in the world, the lotus waterlilies, and taxonomically they are months, and there is profuse production
is renowned as a symbol of more closely aligned to members of the of flowers as the plant surges into
spiritual enlightenment, divine protea family, in the order of Proteales. growth. This is cause for celebration
perfection and beauty, realisation of inner in many cultures. Each flower lasts
potential, purity, immortality and rebirth. enchanting qualities 2–3 days, closing each night.
Some lotuses are native to Australia Scholars have long noted how these The acclaimed perfume changes
and are featured widely in advertising plants, which are found along the still throughout the day. In the morning
for our tropical north, and all plant parts margins of lakes and ponds, grow with it has spicy overtones of cinnamon
are edible. Yet despite their popularity their roots in the stinking mud, and rise and is loved by tiny beetles, but by the
in literature, imagery and perfumery, above the water to the light, producing afternoon it is pure lotus, an exquisite
many Australians confuse lotuses with beautifully perfumed flowers. perfume with hints of rose, which is
PHOTO BLUE LOTUS WATER GARDEN

waterlilies, and fewer people grow them I love the architectural qualities of the alluring to both humans and bees.
in their gardens. I hope to convert you! leaves. They are a pale bluish-green, Flowers vary immensely and many
Everyone has room for at least one lotus resemble green, upturned umbrellas and cultivars are grown in Australia.
plant in their garden or on a terrace. sway in the lightest breeze or clatter in
Lotuses and waterlilies grow in water, the rain. Children are fascinated by the A mass of lotus blooms (Nelumbo
worship the sun and have large, round way water droplets roll around on them ‘Perry Slocum’) standing tall
leaves, but the resemblance ends there, like beads of mercury. above dinner plate-sized leaves.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 19
PLANTS

at a glance
common names
sacred lotus,
American lotus
botanic names
Nelumbo nucifera,
N. lutea
plant type
aquatic herbaceous
perennial
15cm–1.5m
30cm–3m
full sun
spring, as
growth emerges
summer and autumn

suitable

These are principally cultivars of the die down for only 1–2 months (some
sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), but a varieties maintain one or two leaves).
few cultivars of American lotus (N. lutea) However, in cooler climates in southern
are also grown. Flowers range in colour parts of Australia, the plant may remain
from the purist white through to cream, dormant for many months. In the tropics,
yellow, apricot, pink and the deepest plants die down but may retain a few
crimson red. There are also cultivars floating leaves before surging into
with bicoloured petals. I love the white growth with the warming weather.
cultivars with pink tips, or flowers
combining pale yellows and apricots. growing tips
Flowers may be single, semi-double Lotuses grow well in lakes and ponds,
or double, with some appearing to have but also in pots that are filled with water,
hundreds of petals. The blooms vary with a substrate at their base. After
in character, as some have pointed or working for many years in South-East
pinched petal tips while others bear Asia, I’m a sucker for growing lotuses in
broad and rounded petals. pots, and always keep my eyes peeled
PHOTOS ARNO KING, KIM WOODS RABBIDGE

As the weather cools, plant growth for large pots – 80cm x 80cm or larger,
slows and the leaves start to die off. with drainage holes that can be readily
In my Brisbane garden, the plants grow plugged. There is a wonderful range of
and flower well into winter, and they small and medium-sized lotus cultivars
that thrive in these pots. There are also
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT tiny lotus cultivars, called rice bowl lotuses,
Pink petals of Nelumbo ‘Red River’ darken to which do well in much smaller pots.
red on the edges; beautiful double-lowered
In a pot or pond, lotuses need a substrate
N. ‘Roseum Plena’; N. ‘Xiao Bi Tai’ suits
small pots; the petals of N. ‘Paleface’ have to grow on – garden soil, particularly a
darker tips; the pretty N. ‘Pink Bowl’. clay loam, is ideal. Potting mixes or

20 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
TOP CULTIVARS
Lotuses have a wide natural distribution,
Time you tried
from warm temperate climates to equatorial
zones, so it is important to grow climatically
appropriate plants. Speak to local growers
a plant-based
about the best cultivars to grow in your
area. Here are some of my favourite
cultivars, all of which do well in pots.
‘Momo Botan’ A small cultivar with
approach?
double crimson-pink flowers (warm
temperate to tropical areas)
‘Paleface’ A large cultivar with white,
crimson-tipped blooms (warm temperate
to subtropical areas)
‘Pink Bowl’ A small cultivar with
semi-double, soft pink flowers in profusion
(warm temperate to subtropical areas) Arthrem® is a plant-based
‘Red River’ A medium-sized native from
Townsville, with rich pink, single flowers complementary medicine
(warm temperate to tropical areas) that may help relieve joint
‘Xiao Bi Tai’ (also known as ‘Little White
Dragon’ and ‘Bowl Lotus White’) A tiny O@HMƏ@MCƏRSHɑMDRRƏ@RRNBH@SDCƏ
cultivar with small leaves but medium-sized
double white flowers in profusion. Suited
with mild osteoarthritis.
to small containers, and evergreen in my
subtropical climate (warm temperate to
tropical areas) Try Arthrem® today.

Available in NSW pharmacies,


Terry White Chemmart and
online at arthrem.com

CHC73166-1018
Always read the label. Use only as directed.
If symptoms persist, see your doctor/
healthcare professional.

a m
PLANTS

FROM LEFT
he large, bluish-green lotus leaves look
like upturned umbrellas; a beautiful lotus
bud about to burst into bloom.

landscape soils are not suitable as they the growing season and then carefully in a sheet of newspaper or paper towel,
foul the water. I try to have at least 20cm place the potted plant in your pond or plunge it into the substrate and cover. You
soil depth, but this can be reduced for pot, which will be filled with water and will see the response within days. I have
smaller cultivars. I also put a few tiny have a substrate layer at its base. Place also had great success spraying the leaves
fish – generally paradise fish – in each the potted plant in a depression, level with diluted fish emulsion. While beads
pot to avoid mosquitoes. with the surrounding substrate, so the of water don’t penetrate the leaves, fish
Lotus plants grow from white stolons stolons can head off horizontally and emulsion is absorbed when sprayed
(horizontal stems) that weave their way root into the surrounding substrate. lightly. Plants in ponds require less
across the substrate surface and are If you obtain bare-rooted plants, be regular feeding than those in pots. GA
anchored by roots growing at their nodes extremely careful and do not cover the
(leaf joints). In more temperate varieties, growing tips with soil or damage them
these stolons become swollen tubers that in any way. Your plants may be a little
survive the winter cold, and resemble slow at first, but once they become
a string of sausages. Tropical forms, established, they will grow vigorously. where
however, including our own native lotus, Lotus plants are very responsive to toBUY
generally remain as slender stolons. food. If they are fed with small quantities
The stolons and new growth are quite twice monthly, they flower profusely and Ring ahead to check opening
brittle and they are readily damaged when produce rich bluish-green leaves. Plants times and availability of plants.
transplanting. To minimise damage, it is seem to prefer organic fertilisers, and
best to purchase vigorous potted plants pelletised chicken manure is popular Austral Watergardens
directly from the nursery at the start of with growers. Wrap a handful of pellets (02) 9985 7370
australwatergardens.com.au
PHOTOS ISTOCK, AUSCAPE/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP

Blue Lotus Water Garden


(03) 5967 2061
EATING LOTUS bluelotusfarm.com.au
You may have already eaten lotus ‘roots’ if you enjoy Asian cuisine. These are Suncoast Water Gardens
not true roots but the swollen stems or stolons of the temperate forms. Sliced into (07) 5494 8234
discs, they have distinctive round holes. They are crisp, slightly sweet and fragrant, suncoastaustralia.com
and are often deep-fried, stir-fried, pickled, stuffed or served floating in soups. Wallis Creek Watergarden
The thin, stringy stolons of the tropical types are often steamed and (02) 4938 0230
served in salads or soups, particularly in Vietnam. walliscreekwatergarden.com.au
Lotus seeds are used in a range of recipes, including Water Garden Paradise
moon cakes, noodles and lotus paste. The flower petals (02) 9727 2622
may be used as a garnish or a tea, and leaves are used watergardenparadise.com.au
for wrapping and steaming food and as plates.

22 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
The art of
clever watering
Passionate gardeners know that, on any given day,
somewhere in the garden, there is a plant that would
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Passion for Life


GARDENS

hape
E
H
T

S
OF THING
This coastal garden in Sydney’s eastern suburbs
contains cute and quirky ideas for a small space,
as well as a rather unusual landscaping feature
words WENDY PRITCHARD photography BRENT WILSON

A
pot containing gold-painted it with earth was comparatively easy.
toy dinosaurs at the front door Basically, there is a ‘curve’ and an ‘egg’
says it all: here lives a young – both 3D forms that ‘make’ the entire
family, and one that isn’t afraid space. They transform the small space
to do things their way. Owned by Patrick into something that can appear to stretch
Franklyn and his wife Dawn Piebenga, outwards both to its boundary and to the
this relatively small garden in Sydney’s sky. I also find it a massive over-spend
eastern suburbs has everything the family and sort of extravagant to build retaining
needs: chickens, a fairy garden, herbs walls when earth – formed, shaped, and
and vegetables, a trampoline and even a sculpted – often does the job.”
balance beam. The children, Finn, 10, and Perhaps another factor here is that
Maaike, 7, have plenty of space to play on Patrick won a World Masters in sand
the robust, durable lawn. sculpting in 2002 and, as he says, one
But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill flat thing you learn from carving sand is…
lawn. This lawn has a swale – a shallow how to carve earth!
channel with gently sloping sides – that To emphasise the curve and add height,
runs in a graceful sweeping curve across Patrick has topped the swale with a box
the width of the backyard. Dug out by hedge, which is also used elsewhere in the
hand, with the help of builders, shovels garden. The swale separates the garden
and wheelbarrows, it is now maintained into two distinct areas – the upper area
by Patrick, who uses a cordless whipper with a chicken coop, trampoline and
snipper to keep it in shape. garden bed, and the lower lawn area.
A qualified landscape architect, Patrick
says the inspiration for the swale came RIGHT
from the work of American minimalist It’s a mixture of hard and soft lines in the
backyard, where mirrors and pots lank the
sculptor Richard Serra. “I’ve always deining feature – a curved swale topped
admired the way he can push a curve with buxus – while painted dinosaurs in
of steel into a space,” he says. “Doing pots (above) stake out the front door.

24 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 25
GARDENS

OTHER IDEAS princely sum of $25. The pot was dragged


A series of mirrors collected from council through the house on a piece of carpet
clean-ups are strategically mounted on the before being carefully positioned and
timber paling fence. Positioned in such a painted black to match the other pots. A
way as to bring light into the garden and pair of vintage Australian-designed black
to trick the eye into thinking the garden is wire chairs complete the space.
bigger than it actually is, they’re a cheap All of the pots are round, which is
and elegant solution for a small backyard. deliberate. Patrick explains, “The round
On the northern side of the property is pots work with the triangular courtyard,
a no-fuss garden, screened at the fence the curved buxus hedge and triangular
line by Viburnum odoratissimum, and garden wedge at the back to minimise the
planted out with rue (Ruta graveolens), sharp edges and give maximum ‘tolerance’
cherry pie (Heliotropium arborescens), of different space shapes.”
crinum lily, curry plant (Helichrysum This attention to the way the elements
italicum), and a lemon tree. work together creates a garden that is, in
A side garden creates a seamless Patrick’s words, a mixture of calm, simple,
flow from the interior of the house to the messy and something of a respite from
exterior. The minimalist space is paved the hustle and bustle of the busy beachside
with a concrete slab, and has a couple area nearby. For the kids, it’s all about the
of key features – a timber log displaying chickens and trampoline; for the grown-ups,
shells collected from the nearby beach, it’s a place to rest, relax and create. GA
and grey and black cylindrical pots planted
with no-nonsense succulents, placed in RIGHT
groups so as not to clutter the space. All the pots are deliberately round and
painted black to allow the plants to shine.
But the real wow factor comes from a Pictured, left to right, are a medley of
huge jade plant (Crassula ovata) in a retro succulents, a large jade plant, a smaller jade
cast cement pot, bought online for the plant, and yellow stonecrop (Sedum spp.).

26 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
TOP TO BOTTOM
he garden has proved perfect
for Finn and Maaike, with the
balance beam, the trampoline,
and what their dad calls “mini
delights to roll down or climb up”;
spare vertical space is used for
little succulents in recycled cans;
Patrick says their inward-looking,
“kind of messy” style of garden
suits their needs, and is small
enough to not get out of control.

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT


he strategically placed mirrors were all
salvaged from council clean-ups, and the
balance beam is enjoyed by garden users
of all ages, from Finn (pictured) to the
adults, and even the chooks.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 27
E
want not
The most recent instalment of the
ABC’s War on Waste campaign
focused attention on plastics and the
damage they do to our environment.
ELIZABETH SWANE brings you a
host of ways to reduce, re-use and
recycle plastic and other garden waste
PRACTICAL

U CA
YO

N
WHAT
T
he ABC’s War on Waste program

DO T O
created a buzz around reducing Contact local
household waste and plastics. H EL P schools, community
But there are things we can do gardens or garden clubs
in the garden, as well, where all is not as to ask if they can re-use pots, or
green as it seems! Gardeners go through offer them on sites such as The
a fair whack of plastic pots and labels, bags Freecycle Network (freecycle.org)
of mix, and so on, and it’s good to know rather than putting them into your
what can be recycled, and how to do it. council recycling bin.
Here are a swag of ideas and inspiration Cut the base out of pots and
to help you recycle or re-use garden pots, sink them halfway into the ground
potting mix bags, tools, kitchen scraps and to form a collar around young
other everyday items, as well as loads of seedlings as a barrier against
practical information and resources. snails or scratching chooks.
Instead of throwing plant labels
POTS & LABELS away, secure them with garden
When you purchase new plants for the twine on a low outer branch of SOFT PLASTIC POTTING
garden, what should you do with the your plant, as a reminder of its MIX & MULCH BAGS
plastic pot and label after putting your needs, or store them in a file Gardeners can use a lot of these bags, so
plant in the ground? The good news is that or garden diary for reference. it’s great that they can be recycled. Check
all nursery pots with the recycling number REDcycle (redcycle.net.au) or Planet Ark’s
5 on the bottom, and most plant labels, are Recycling Near You (recyclingnearyou.
recyclable. Some nurseries offer collection collection and recycling systems vary from com.au) for locations of REDcycle bins,
points where you can return clean pots to council to council, and it’s not a reliable which are used to collect clean soft
be ground up and recycled by the plastic way to ensure your pots will have another plastics for recycling.
manufacturers into new pots. You can put life. Ask your council if it has a designated
U CA
them in your recycling bin, however collection point for plastic plant pots. YO
N
WHAT
PHOTOS ISTOCK, GAP PHOTOS/MAXINE ADCOCK, GAP PHOTOS/JULIA BOULTON

DO T O

CLOCKWISE Re-use bags to


FROM MAIN H EL P line the sides (not the
Plastic bottle planters; ase) of outdoor pots
re-using a bag to grow as a layer of insulation against
plants; most pots can
be recycled; store labels heat and water loss, especially
for future reference. through porous unglazed pots.
Line hanging baskets with used
bags to insulate the potting mix and
reduce moisture loss. Poke a few
holes in the base for drainage.
Grow a crop of potatoes, herbs
or tomatoes in a used bag.
Buy potting mix or mulch in bulk
from landscape suppliers instead
of bagged products, and have it
delivered or collect it. If it’s too
much, split it with neighbours.

R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 29
PRACTICAL

CARDBOARD
If you have more cardboard than will fit in
your council recycling bin, ask your local
council for the location of collection points,
or search on Planet Ark’s Recycling Near
You website (recyclingnearyou.com.au)
for convenient drop-off locations.
U CA
YO

N
WHAT

DO T O
Heavy-duty
H EL P cardboard packing RIGHT
oxes can be used as Cardboard boxes
a weed suppressant to smother can be lattened,
weeds or repurpose grassed areas laid over weeds and
into garden beds. Place a single topped with mulch
(inset), as a way to
cardboard layer over the area, deal with large areas
overlapping the edges by 5cm, of annual weeds
then wet it down and cover with and weed seeds.
a 50mm layer of straw mulch.
Without light, the weeds will die.
Re-use cardboard toilet rolls
as degradable seedling pots. Poke
a little newspaper or paper towel
Reader tips
in the base, fill with potting mix, We’ve received some terrific
then stand in a container or group recycling ideas from our readers.
GARDEN TOOLS
and tie together with twine for We hope these inspire you to
Cheaply manufactured garden tools won’t
stability. Dampen mix before come up with other ways of
last long and can end up as expensive
sowing seeds. Plant out when re-using everyday items, rather
landfill waste. To avoid this, invest in
seedlings are 5–10cm high. than throwing them in the bin.
good quality, well made, durable garden
tools and pruning equipment, which
will last for generations. A 40-year-old
pair of good quality secateurs from my
apprentice nursery days is still going
strong. Good quality tools and pruning
equipment have replaceable parts, such
as blades or handles, and they can be
sharpened. Maintain tools by cleaning and
oiling after use, and sharpen blades using
a stone or recommended sharpening tool.
U CA
YO
N
WHAT

DO T O

Give young couples Mark Walker from Duns Creek,


H EL P or new home owners a NSW has re-used PET plastic bottle
ift of quality secateurs, caps as pot feet under small and
a good garden fork or a sturdy medium-sized patio pots to elevate
digging spade for their garden. the pots, which improves drainage.
Search garage sales for sturdy He says they’re surprisingly strong
second-hand garden equipment and durable. What a great idea! They
that you can re-use. could also go under indoor plants,
When downsizing, donate your FROM TOP LEFT inside the decorative container, to
excess garden tools to a school Give unwanted tools to a school garden raise them up a few centimetres so
so the children can use them; toilet rolls
garden or community garden. make great containers for seedlings, and the roots don’t become waterlogged.
they break down in the ground.

30 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
investing in a better world

Julie Mellor from Young, NSW has turned waste into


art, creating these striking, shiny spheres. They were
made by wiring ring-pull can lids to wire hanging basket
frames, and they are seen here hanging from her
beautiful Chinese pistachio tree.

Michael Scarborough from Fairy Hill, NSW has used


providing investment
CUTTLE, ROBERT FRITH/ACORN PHOTO
PHOTOS ISTOCK, GAP PHOTOS/SARAH

2L sauce bottles with squeeze sauce bottle tops as


containers for liquid fertilisers so he can pour out
the right amount without portfolios and financial advice
it spilling. He uses
different-coloured tops
for over 30 years
to identify different
products. No more ethicalinvestments.com.au
drips! Make sure you 03 9853 0995
label the containers.

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ABN 38 004 531 800 AFS Licence 222 690
FERTILISERS & SPRAYS
Liquid fertilisers act quickly and are taken
up by the roots and foliage of plants. It’s
best to avoid single-use or ready-to-use
plastic trigger-spray packs as much as
possible, as they are more expensive and
wasteful if they can’t be refilled. Instead,
purchase concentrates and dilute them
in good quality reusable sprayers. Look
for the Plastics Identification Code on
the bottom of fertiliser containers to see
if they can be recycled. Bottles with the
numbers 2 and 5 can go into the kerbside
recycling bin in most council areas, but
it’s always best to check with your
local council to be sure. Give the
bottles a rinse first. Dispose of
used chemical containers or
older unlabelled chemicals
appropriately through your
local council chemical
collection points.
U CA
YO
U CA

N
WHAT
YO KITCHEN

DO T O
N
WHAT

SCRAPS Locate your compost


DO T O

Purchase Recycling kitchen H EL P bin in an open, sunny


H EL P liquid fertiliser scraps via composting o partly shaded position.
s concentrates, and or a worm farm is the most Worm farms need a dry, shaded
mix with water into a watering effective way to reduce up to half your spot to keep the worms happy.
can, reusable hose-end sprayer household waste, which would otherwise If you don’t have room to recycle
or reusable quality spray bottle. end up in landfill. Composting not only scraps, connect with neighbours
Wash and re-use sprayers, helps to improve our environment, it also who have compost bins, worm
using a separate, clearly labelled creates a valuable resource from waste to farms or chooks and share your
container for herbicide sprays. use in our gardens. The type of compost organic waste, or find someone
Use organic or organic-based bin or worm farm you choose will depend local on the ShareWaste website
controls over chemical sprays. on your site and your preference. See our (sharewaste.com).
Buy granular fertiliser in large detailed guide to compost on page 37.
sizes and re-use the plastic drums
or buckets (including the lids) as CLOCKWISE
FROM TOP
containers for kitchen waste that
Spray bottles can be
is destined for the compost, or re-used for liquids
use them to store smaller items. such as fertiliser and
Repurpose a fertiliser bucket by pest sprays, but need
punching a hole in the lid and using to be clearly labelled;
tyres are fun for kids,
it as a garden twine dispenser.
or can be i lled with
Grow a diverse range of flowers plants; turn kitchen
and plants in your garden to attract scraps into rich
beneficial insects and encourage compost; attract
predators. Consider using good beneicial insects
to help manage
bugs for pest control.
garden pests.
Learn to observe your garden
to identify any potential pests
and diseases early, and manually
remove as soon as they appear.

32 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
PRACTICAL

LANDSCAPE & GARDEN


PRODUCTS
You can easily make a difference to the
environment by using products made from
recycled materials when landscaping your
garden and decorating your outdoor space.

more
REC YCLING
Plastic drink bottles These make
ideal mini greenhouses for cuttings
or seedlings. Cut off tops or bottom
then place over the pot (above).
U CA Broken pots Arrange small
YO
N

pieces (above) on the surface of


WHAT

DO T O

Look for stepping potting mix to create a decorative


H EL P pads made from moisture-holding mulch in planters
ecycled rubber tyres. Prunings Re-use off-cuts from
Choose eco-friendly decking pruning deciduous trees or bambo
materials that are made from to make a teepee (right) for climbi
recycled wood and waste products plants such as beans or peas.
and don’t require any painting, Polystyrene boxes Use to make
staining or oiling. worm farms or mini greenhouses
Check out garden edging that for raising seedlings (below), or
is made from recycled plastic. break up and use it to fill the base
Buy durable outdoor rugs that of a large display pot to reduce the
are made from recycled plastics, potting mix needed to fill it. Cover
which are readily available. with old shadecloth or geofabric,
Save yourself the trouble of then fill with potting mix.
recycling plastic pots by using
biodegradable pots made from
AUSCAPE/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP

paper, cardboard or coir.


Purchase premium quality
PHOTOS ISTOCK, GAP PHOTOS,

hoses, and consider upgrading


to long-lasting brass fittings for
taps and hose fittings when the
old plastic ones break.
Consider purchasing a robotic,
solar-powered lawn mower.
Bathtub Convert an old bathtub
into a worm farm, or fill it with potting
mix or garden soil and use it to grow
vegies or flowers (right).
Plastic sauce bottles Transform
a 2L plastic sauce bottle into a handy
garden scoop by cutting out the base
into a scoop shape (leave the cap on).
Fish tank Grow edible water plants
such as water chestnut or watercress
in an unused fish tank.
Plastic bread tags Use these to
secure pest exclusion bags on fruit.
Containers Almost any container can
be repurposed as a plant pot (below).
Drill a few drainage holes in the base
before filling with potting mix GA

Resources
Planet Ark’s Recycling Near
You, recyclingnearyou.com.au
Soft plastic recycling,
redcycle.net.au
ABC War on Waste: abc.net.au/
ourfocus/waronwaste
Australasian Biological Control,
goodbugs.org.au
The Garden Clubs of Australia,
gardenclubs.org.au
ShareWaste, sharewaste.com
The Freecycle Network,
freecycle.org

34 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
PRACTICAL

STEP-BY-STEP
TURN SOMETHING OLD INTO SOMETHING NEW
Salvage an old pallet, and create this across the frame. Nail or screw them
slim-line shelving. This is a neat way to securely in place to create shelves,
1 store and display small pots and tools. then turn the pallet upside down.
3 PAINT exposed surfaces with one
1 FIND a warehouse or transport depot or two coats of exterior acrylic paint.
that has lightweight pine pallets destined 4 LINE the inside of the shelves with
for the scrap heap. You need 1 x pallet, hessian or black plastic, and use the
3 x deck boards sourced from another small nails to secure it in position.
pallet, galvanised coach or batten screws, 5 ATTACH your pallet frame firmly to
small nails, hessian or black plastic, and a wall using the coach or batten screws.
a selection of potted plants. Add nails to hang tools. If you’re not
2 STAND the pallet up against a wall, confident with this step, ask a carpenter
then measure and cut the spare deck or handy friend for help. Arrange your
boards to cover the holes in the blocks plants and tools, then admire your work!

4
PHOTOS ISTOCK, GAP PHOTOS

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 35
70

Recycle your kitchen


scraps at home!

www.tumbleweed.com.au

70
Worm Blanket Worm Farm &
Compost Conditioner
PRACTICAL

COMPOST
make it great
The single best way to
reduce your waste and
give something back to
the soil in the process,
is to make compost.
ELIZABETH SWANE
explains how to do it

T
he best way to dispose of your
organic waste is to compost it.
Companies have been busy
developing composting systems
to suit even the tiniest space, so there is
no excuse to continue throwing food and
other organics into the garbage bin. Here
are a number of different ways to compost.

HOT COMPOSTING
With the potential to convert your waste
into compost in just 6–8 weeks, this is one
of the quickest methods. In a hot compost
pile, optimum temperatures of 40–60°C
are maintained within the pile for several
weeks, which is also enough to break
down weed seeds and disease pathogens.
The heat is generated by microbes
breaking down the materials. To create
this level of heat, you need to have a cubic
metre or more of organic materials. These
are piled up and moistened in layers all
in one go in a compost bay or on open
PHOTO GAP PHOTOS/JOHN SWITHINBANK

ground. To monitor the heat, which builds


up quickly, use a compost thermometer.
Maintain the temperature by turning and
aerating the pile with a garden fork when
the temperature drops below 45°C. This
also helps to move materials on the outer
edges into the centre where they are
more likely to break down. You may need
to turn the heap two or three times over
its life, so give it some muscle!

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 37
PRACTICAL

COLD COMPOSTING
This is typically the method that most
people practise at home. Materials are
constantly added as they become available.
It doesn’t generate the heat of a hot
compost system, so it takes longer and
it won’t break down most seeds and
pathogens. Therefore, avoid adding
weed seeds or diseased plants.
An open compost bin is ideal for
containing the materials and they are
cheap to build from recycled timber or
chicken wire and metal fencing posts
(star pickets). Vermin can be an issue,
and if so, don’t add kitchen scraps to the
pile. Put these into a trench or benchtop
system (see Other Methods) or add
them to a worm farm. Turning the heap
regularly will speed up the breakdown.
Plastic compost bins with an open base
are a tidy option and easy to install as
you just need to sit them on the ground.
Investing in a corkscrew-style compost
turner is worthwhile as aerating the
contents inside the bin with a garden fork
is awkward. Keep it by the bin and give
it a twirl once a week. Once the bin is full,
the materials will take 3–6 months to

4 steps to TOP COMPOST


1 GET YOUR BLEND RIGHT lawn clippings, wood chips, 3 AERATE YOUR PILE extra water, squeeze a handful.
Compost piles need a balance wood shavings and shredded The microbes that break down It should feel just moist not
of high nitrogen (greens) and cardboard or paper. Generally, organic matter need air. When dripping wet. Covering the pile
high carbon (brown) materials a brown to green ratio of 4:1 your heap starts to slump, turn with cardboard or a hessian
to break down efficiently. (by volume) is recommended. over the pile with a garden fork sack will help hold moisture in,
Greens include kitchen scraps, To maintain a good balance, to aerate it. You can also insert too. If you have days of heavy
fresh lawn clippings, weeds, add some browns every time a long piece of PVC pipe with rain, it’s worth covering with
garden trimmings, coffee you add your greens. holes drilled in the side to help a tarp to stop it getting too wet.
grounds, tea leaves and cow, 2 CHOP UP MATERIALS draw air deep into the pile. A compost pile with a lot of
sheep, horse, goat or poultry Chopping or chipping materials 4 MANAGE MOISTURE green material may also be
manure (never add dog or cat into small pieces increases their Microbes need moisture, too, too wet. If that’s the case, mix
droppings). Brown materials surface area, so it’s easier for but not too much. To test through some additional brown
include straw, dry leaves, dry microbes to break them down. whether your compost needs materials to regain balance.

1 2 3 4

38 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
break down. Having two or more bins allows you to continue
piling in materials while the other batches are decomposing.
Bin sizes start at 150L (for smaller gardens), 220L (family
Celebrating
of four), or 400L (round or flat-pack). Some feature a handy
flap so you can dig out compost at the base as it breaks down. YEARS
20 YeArs
OTHER METHODS
Compost tumblers can be rotated, which makes aerating
Sprinkler
easy. Sealed containers hold the heat, speeding up the
breakdown process. All materials must be added in one go.
Trench composting is done directly in-ground, where
worms and microbes break down materials. Dig a trench
30–40cm deep where you want to enrich soil, drop in your
organic materials, then cover with soil. The materials are
buried deeply, so you can plant straightaway. Visit abc.net.
au/gardening/factsheets/compost-trench/10213610 to see Waters a LARGE area up to 15 metre diameter.
Tino Carnevale creating a compost trench. Average flow rate of 10 LPM.
Benchtop compost bins are an option for recycling food 5HPRYDEOHͤOWHUIRUGDPRUULYHUZDWHUXVH
scraps indoors. As scraps are added, they are sprinkled Able to run multiple sprinklers from the same tap.
with a special mix of bacteria and fungi which break down PRESSURE P.S.I 5 10 15 20 25 30 40
materials without producing unpleasant odours. A liquid APPROX DIAMETER
6.2 12 13.8 14.5 14.8 15 16
by-product can be diluted and used as fertiliser and the IN METRES

microbe-rich solids buried in the garden. GA USAGE L.P.M 4.1 6 7.3 9.1 10 10.7 13

CLOCKWISE Sprinkler
FROM LEFT
Benchtop compost
bins are handy for
food scraps that may
attract vermin outside;
aerating compost in a
sealed tumbler is easy,
and breakdown is fast;
open compost bins are
cheap to build so you
can have multiple bins
at various stages.

Waters a SMALL area up to 8 metre diameter.


Average flow rate of 4 LPM.
Purpose shaped base for roof cooling.
5HPRYDEOHͤOWHUIRUGDPRUULYHUZDWHUXVH
ROBERT FRITH/ACORN PHOTO, MAZE PRODUCTS
PHOTOS CRAIG WALL, ISTOCK, PHIL DUDMAN,

Able to run multiple sprinklers from the same tap.


SIZE OF 1.5MM 2.0MM WITHOUT
1.25MM DISC 1.75MM DISC
DISC USED DISC DISC DISC
WATERING 1.5M 2.5M 3.5M 4.5M EFFECTIVE
DIAMETER TO 3.0M TO 4.0M TO 5.0M TO 6.0M UP TO 8M
APPROX.
2.5 3.0 3.5 4.5 6.5
LITRES/MIN

Available from AGnVET, AIRR, Bunnings, CRT, Dahlsens,


Elders, Home Hardware, Landmark, Mitre 10, Plants Plus,
Pursehouse Rural, Thrifty Link, Total Eden, True Value and
Tuckers. Or ask your local Hardware or Rural Retail Store.

facebook.com/Wobble-Tee-Sprinklers
T. 02 4975 3222 | www.wobble-tee.com.au
Robin and Scott McLay – Passionate Home Gardeners
It started with a love of gardening from their grandparents and continued with growing cuttings
in glass jars at boarding school. For the last 10 years Robin and Scott have grown a very special
acreage garden where every plant has its place. Robin says “It’s where we go to relax, I pick flowers
for our house and Scott harvests fruit and vegies to eat” and in every season they delight in what
their garden shows off. With Winnie the dog by his side Scott declares “We don’t plant anything
without using Rocky Point’s Active 8 and Rocky Point Lucerne Mulch is another favourite for the
Have an interesting garden? Roses and the vegie garden”. For the last 10 years they’ve owned Brookfield Garden Centre in
Brisbane. While exploring the rest of their garden and hearing their grow story we were convinced
Share your grow story
the garden centre was a great plan to support their passion. This is Robin and Scott’s grow story.
@RockyPointAU
However you grow, keep growing with Rocky Point.
SPECIAL PLACES

Great
PUBLIC
GARDENS
to see this
summer
With their green expanses,
unusual trees, climate-controlled
hothouses, plant pavilions, special
collections and beautifully curated
displays, Australia’s public gardens
are an obvious place to stop and
stretch the legs or spend a chunk
of hours during a roadtrip or
summer holiday. KAREN SHAW
stops of at some of the best

illustrations CHERYL ORSINI

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 41
Adelaide Botanic Garden, SA
What’s not to love about this peaceful 50ha oasis located in
the heart of the city? It is beautifully laid out and there is lots
to see. Stroll through the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion, which
houses a favourite of mine – the world’s largest waterlily,
Victoria amazonica from South America, with its floating
leaves that look like giant dinner plates and measure up to
2m in diameter. Water plants shine in the gardens in summer.
The pink sacred lotus will be in full, splendid bloom. There’s
nothing more beautiful than a pond of these graceful flowers,
which evokes memories of trips to Asia. One visit here and
you could be transported to sipping cocktails in the tropics.
botanicgardens.sa.gov.au, (08) 8222 9311

Olive Pink Botanic Garden, NT


There’s something unique about this
wonderful collection of arid plants, which
were so adored by the garden’s founder,
Olive Pink. Gazetted in 1952, today this
16ha garden in Alice Springs stays true
to its purpose of giving visitors a site to
learn about desert species. Don’t expect
lush and green, but what is so good about
this place is how it feels like everything
is planted in just the right spot. Regulars
enjoy keeping an eye on the resident
western bowerbird’s collection of all
sorts of things, including bones and Cairns Botanic Gardens, Qld
shells. Start early and beat the heat. Tropical plants are the heroes here,
opbg.com.au, (08) 8952 2154 and there are impressive collections of
orchids, bamboos and fruit trees as well
as spectacular butterflies. But what’s even
better is taking the walking trails through
neighbouring Mount Whitfield Conservation
Park. For out-of-town adventurers, the Red
Arrow circuit walk rambles through eucalypt
forests and peaks with fabulous views over
Cairns. Get up early to share the track with
local wildlife such as brush turkeys and
curlews. The wet season is the best time
to visit this tropical paradise because this
is when all the plants really come to life.
I enjoy getting up early to see these
landscapes at their spectacular best.
cairns.qld.gov.au/cbg, (07) 4032 6650

42 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
PLACES
Kings Park and Botanic Garden, WA
An institution for family outings, this is a kids’ paradise with terrific
playgrounds throughout the garden, and awesome displays of natives.
A truly remarkable specimen worth seeing is the giant boab (Adansonia
gregorii), which has been named Gija Jumulu. Weighing in at 36 tonnes,
with a trunk 2.5m in diameter, it was transported more than 3200km
from Warmun in the Kimberley by truck a decade ago. The tree is
now growing well in the heart of the garden and locals love how it
has adapted to its new home and landscape. About 750 years old,
it gives city folk a taste of how life feels in the bush, and gives us
all a reality check about the longevity and importance of our plants.
bgpa.wa.gov.au, (08) 9480 3600

Ju Raku En Japanese Garden,


Toowoomba, Qld
This garden, for me, is like a work of art.
Aptly named (Ju Raku En roughly means
‘to enjoy peace and tranquillity in a public
place’), the garden is situated in the grounds
of the University of Southern Queensland.
It’s so tranquil and peaceful. Designed by
Professor Kinsaku Nakane, of Kyoto, it
features many elements such as carefully
placed rocks, a dry garden of raked gravel
and clipped plants. The designer’s sage
advice, to view a Japanese garden “with
a detached gaze, without preconceptions
and in a state of total receptivity” is also
very appealing. For me, this is the essence
of what visiting gardens is all about.
usq.edu.au/about-usq/locations/
Toowoomba, (07) 4631 2627

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 43
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria,
Cranbourne Gardens, Vic
This garden is a surprise package. Featuring
clever design, there’s much to enjoy as paths
link an unfolding narrative that explores our
nation’s wild landscapes. The real hero of this
garden for me is the eucalypt. Nothing says
Aussie summer like this iconic tree, and there
are plenty to get to know, scattered throughout
this vast garden. For an intense experience,
take the Eucalypt Walk – smell the pungent
peppermints, keep your eyes peeled for
scribbly patterns on the tree trunks, and be
sure to feel the textured bark. You’ll come
away with a new appreciation of this species.
rbg.vic.gov.au/visit-cranbourne,
(03) 5990 2200

Wollongong Botanic Garden, NSW


For decades, this garden has been a great oasis for families
and garden lovers, but Wollongong residents have been
holding it as a closely guarded secret. Get lost exploring the
many well-thought-out collections and beautifully planted
gardens. What I love most is that you can take a tour through
the landscape. Daytime tours, nocturnal ramblings and tours
that help you feel like you’re stepping back in time often fill
quickly. Bring your sense of adventure to see the night-time
activity of resident tawny frogmouths
going about their business. Another
much-loved tour featuring
Sir Joseph Banks brings
local history to life.
wollongong.nsw.gov.
au/botanicgarden,
Wendy’s Secret Garden, NSW (02) 4227 7667
It’s easy to forget you’re in busy Sydney when roaming
through this pleasurable garden in Lavender Bay, which has
been created by Wendy Whiteley with passion, love and skill.
Meander the myriad pathways, showcasing an eclectic mix
of plants, many of which are mass-planted. Don’t forget to look
up and see the intricate and delicate tree foliage against the sky.
Take time to really bathe in nature here. Friendly kookaburras
even stand to attention for photographs, and their happy laugh
always brings a smile. I love catching glimpses of iconic Sydney
landmarks from the higher vantage points. The interesting pieces
of sculpture adds an extra layer of creativity to this garden.
wendyssecretgarden.org.au, info@wendyssecretgarden.org.au

44 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
SPECIAL PLACES

more gardens to visit


SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Pangarinda Botanic Garden coorong.
sa.gov.au/pangarinda, 0409 282 477
Australian Arid Lands Botanic
Garden aalbg.sa.gov.au, (08) 8641 9116

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Araluen Botanic Park araluen
botanicpark.com.au, (08) 9234 2200

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Alice Springs Desert Park
alicespringsdesertpark.com.au,
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Tas (08) 8951 8788
With a 200-year history, this garden has a fond place in my heart. George Brown Darwin Botanic
It’s where Gardening Australia regularly films its TV show. Once called Gardens nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves,
Pete’s Patch, the Tasmanian Community Food Garden is a great place (08) 8999 4418
to see organic production at its best. There’s always something fruiting
or ready to pick. Smaller than I imagined from the TV, it boasts great QUEENSLAND
take-home ideas. I love visiting because it reminds me of the importance Roma Street Parkland
of growing organic produce. It’s so inspiring. I just want to go home and visitbrisbane.com.au/roma-street-
get out my garden fork. From January, look out for the impressive range parkland-and-spring-hill, (07) 3403 8888
of heritage tomatoes, which look so good you want to taste them. Brisbane Botanic Gardens
gardens.rtbg.tas.gov.au, (03) 6166 0451 Mt Coot-tha brisbane.qld.gov.au/
facilities-recreation, (07) 3403 2535
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
goldcoast.qld.gov.au/thegoldcoast/botanical
-gardens-24658.html, (07) 5581 6984

NEW SOUTH WALES


The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au, (02) 9231 8111
The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Mount Tomah bluemountainsbotanic
garden.com.au, (02) 4567 3000
The Australian Botanic Garden
Mount Annan australianbotanicgarden.
com.au, (02) 4634 7900

ACT
Australian National Botanic Gardens
anbg.gov.au/gardens, (02) 6250 9588

VICTORIA
Cactus Country
cactuscountry.com.au, 0427 745 271
The National Arboretum, ACT Blue Lotus Water Garden (opens Dec
I love trees. On occasion, I even like to hug them because it makes me 27), bluelotusfarm.com.au, (03) 5967 2061
feel better. While this extraordinary collection may not be on your radar, Geelong Botanic Gardens
it should be. Highlights include the 2604-strong plantation of cork oaks, friendsgbg.org.au, (03) 5272 4379
some of which are a century old. As well as 31 threatened species, the
arboretum grows trees from Armenia, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, to TASMANIA
name a few. Before visiting, though, check the website for fire warnings. Inverawe Native Gardens
nationalarboretum.act.gov.au, (02) 6207 8484 inverawe.com.au, (03) 6267 2020
CURIOSITIES

Nature by
numbers The Fibonacci sequence is a mathematical
pattern that seems to crop up frequently in
nature, as well as in architecture and garden
design. TIM ENTWISLE studies the figures

W
hat’s the connection with one breeding pair so the next aloe or echeveria, or in a head of
between swirling spirals number is also one (zero + one), then Romanesco broccoli. If you count the
of seed in a sunflower two (one + one), and we are off! number of spirals, more often than not
head, the off-kilter These are called Fibonacci numbers, it will be a number from that series.
symmetry of pine cones, and our and they seem to pop up all the time in The reason for the pattern is rather
fondness for odd-numbered plantings? nature, architecture and art. As does the prosaic. The most competitive and
Maybe none, as it turns out, but we can golden ratio, also known as the divine efficient place for a new leaf is to be
track our obsession to finding one back proportion or phi, which is what you get offset by 137.5 or 222.5 degrees to the
to at least the 13th century, to accountant when you divide a Fibonacci number last leaf, rather than directly adjacent or
and mathematician Leonardo of Pisa. by the one before it (see overpage). opposite. This results in as many leaves
Fibonacci (as he was nicknamed a few Look at the seeds in a sunflower head as possible accessing full sunlight. Over
centuries later) loved a good conundrum, or the scales on a pine cone and you will time, this offset creates spirals of leaves,
including the number of rabbits you might see they are arranged in rows that spiral and in the most efficient packing there
expect from a single breeding pair. As out from the middle or apex. There is is often a Fibonacci number of them.
we know in Australia, it doesn’t take long a clockwise spiral and an anticlockwise In architecture, the design of the
for a few bunnies to become a plague, spiral. If you count the number of spirals Acropolis of Athens or the Parthenon
but our friend from Pisa was interested in each direction it is often a Fibonacci in Rome are sometimes said to be
in the detail of what happens next. number. The number of spirals in the indebted to the golden ratio. In the
By Fibonacci’s reckoning, the first opposite direction is usually the Fibonacci case of the Acropolis, the dimensions
couple of rabbits will beget two more number before or after the other one. don’t quite match up and I gather there
pairs, followed by 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 and so You can also find Fibonacci numbers, is no evidence the original design took
PHOTO ALAMY

on. The ‘so on’ is the sum of the two or rough approximations to them, in that proportion into account. Whereas
previous numbers: the series starts a rosette succulent such as an agave, Renaissance buildings, such as the

46 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
CURIOSITIES

Laurentian Library in Florence and the like three and five when planting groups of Close enough?
Notre-Dame de Paris, do have design trees. However, two and eight are in the The majority of sunflower heads
elements based on the golden ratio, sequence and a coppice of two or eight have 34, 55 or 89 seed spirals
as have some Renaissance gardens. trees is unlikely to form a pleasing outcome. in one direction, all of which
In design generally, an odd number of On the other hand, a mix of shrubs that are Fibonacci numbers (0, 1, 1,
something is considered more attractive reach 8m mixed with some that reach 5m 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89…).
than an even number if we want a relaxed – both Fibonacci numbers – is a planning Almost 20 per cent, though, have
and informal feel. In small gardens, this tool used by some landscapers. something in between, with some
means we tend to use Fibonacci numbers The golden ratio is sometimes used matching numbers from series
in gardening as well. A rectangular bed starting with different numbers,
with proportions approaching 1:1.6, say such as Lucas (2, 1, 3, 4, 7, 11,
THE GOLDEN RATIO 5m wide and 8m long, will look ‘about 18, 29, 47, 76, 123…), named
Divide any Fibonacci number right’ to most people. Of course, if you after Édouard Lucas, who coined
by the one before it and you get have a long, narrow garden or a curvy the name Fibonacci numbers,
an approximation of the golden space you’ll have to either break it up F4 (3, 1, 4, 5, 9, 14, 23, 37,
ratio, 1.6180339887498948420…, into little golden ratio units or create 60, 97…) and double Fibonacci
a number that continues on forever something with a different aesthetic. (0, 2, 2, 4, 6, 10, 16, 26, 42, 68…).
with no discernible pattern. (This The Fibonacci number and the golden A few other variations have
is called an ‘irrational number’.) ratio may well provide for an intrinsically been noted, such as a Fibonacci
The quotient oscillates above and beautiful object or collection of objects, number plus or minus one, but
below this number as you progress but in most cases other practicalities and that stretches the analogy too far.
along the series, and the larger other equally attractive proportions prevail. It is sometimes stated that the
the pair of Fibonacci numbers, In nature, Leonardo of Pisa’s calculations number of petals in a flower or
the closer the approximation. didn’t actually work in the rabbit burrow flower head is also a Fibonacci
So, for example, 55 divided by – he failed to allow for more than two number, again citing sunflower
PHOTOS ISTOCK

34 is 1.617647…, an accurate offspring for a start – and they are only as an exemplar. Yet, in a study
representation of the golden ratio a rough approximation in flower and of 1000 sunflower flower heads,
to two or three decimal places. plant geometry. Still, the mathematics just over a third had 21 and the
remains a beautiful thing. GA rest anything between 12 and 31.

48 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
Growing Australian gardens
for over 70 years.
At Tesselaar we only send plants that are
garden worthy, plants that we have trialled
and tested to ensure they meet our high
standards and yours. We are so sure of
our products, we offer a full money back
guarantee on everything we sell. We search
far and wide to find the best plants for your
garden, then we package them with care
so they arrive safely at your door, no matter
where you live in Australia.

We send seven seasonal, full colour, free


catalogues each year. We also offer
additional online specials and limited
release rare plants. Our friendly staff are
always happy to help out with your garden
questions. All our products are accompanied
by detailed growing instructions and tips to
help you along your way to creating the most
beautiful garden for your home.

SIGN UP NOW, CALL 1300 428 527


FOR YOUR FREE TESSELAAR
CATALOGUE OR VISIT
www.tesselaar.net.au

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357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan, Vic 3795. Ph: 1300 428 527 Fax: 03 9737 7798 Email: info@tesselaar.net.au
TRAVEL

The spectacular display


of flowers and foliage at
Lambley includes carefully
selected rare plants from
around the world, writes
AB BISHOP

A
pproaching Lambley Gardens
& Nursery, you may question
your navigation skills – all
around you are flat paddocks,
curious cows and sheep, with nary a
world-class garden to be seen. Finally, a
sign indicates your successful arrival, and
so begins your understanding of why this
garden in regional Victoria is so revered.
Entrance is via a long, gravel driveway
flanked by an avenue of flowering cherries
(Prunus serrulata ‘Mt Fuji’) underplanted
with agapanthus. There’s still little hint of
the visual feast beyond dense European
privet hedges (Ligustrum vulgare) that
the
defend against blasting winds, define
various garden rooms, and provide a
simple backdrop for what is essentially
a series of exquisite living paintings.
Lambley was devised, designed and
created by plantsman David Glenn and
artist Criss Canning. They purchased
bucket list
the 16ha old potato farm in 1991, restoring
a dilapidated farmhouse and developing a
garden using discerning combinations of
frost- and drought-hardy plant varieties.

PHOTOS DERYN THORPE, AB BISHOP, LAMBLEY GARDENS & NURSERY


Adjacent to the house, a woodland
garden surrounding a tree-dotted lawn
showcases hellebores, irises and bluebells.
In the walled front garden, a mature maple,
daphnes and abundant gladioli, salvias,
roses and lilies signal the seasons with
dynamic displays. “I love the coming and
going of foliage and flowers; I don’t want a
static garden,” says David, who maintained
his very first garden at eight years of age.

LEFT
Lambley owner David Glenn in the woodland
garden, where guided guests can delight in
the seasonal displays of granny’s bonnets
(Aquilegia spp.), hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
and bluebells (Hyacinthoides spp.).

50 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G ARDENING AUS TR ALIA


CLOCKWISE
FROM MAIN
A pergola covered
with trumpet vine
(Campsis radicans),
framed by wigwams
of Clematis ‘Golden
Tiara’; blue Echinops
bannaticus contrasts
with yellow Achillea
LAMBLEY GARDENS ‘Coronation Gold’;
the organic vegie
& NURSERY patch; beehives with
blue Rosmarinus
in Ascot, Victoria oicinalis ‘Mozart’
in the foreground.

To develop a beautiful and sustainable


garden, David has collected seed legally
from countries with a similar climate to
Lambley’s. Plants from as far afield as
southern Europe, Morocco, Greece, Syria,
Turkey, Palestine, Israel, Afghanistan,
Kurdistan, California, Arizona, Mexico, Chile,
South Africa and China (among others)
are trialled for five years in surrounding
paddocks to ascertain their worthiness
for inclusion in the display gardens. “They
should be long-flowering, easily grown,
with appealing proportions,” says David.
Throughout the year, thousands of
judiciously selected beauties flaunt their
seasonal glory. Winter visitors delight
in sweet and cheery daffodils, aconites
and snowdrops, while spring brings
lilacs, clematis and so many tulips you’ll
think you’ve fallen into a rainbow.

G ARDENING AUS TR ALIA J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 51


TRAVEL

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT


Olives provide a uniform structure against the
ever-changing foliage and lower combinations
in the garden; a mass planting of the beautiful
red-lowering Tulipa eichleri; a view through an
arbor reveals a border brimming with lowers.

Summer and autumn showcase myriad


botanical possibilities of what gardeners
WHILE YOU ARE THERE
can achieve in a hot, dry summer climate Ballarat Botanical Gardens
with frosty winters and blustery winds. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn at this
No more excuses for shabby gardens! 40ha cool-climate garden located
Meandering, camera at the ready, you along Lake Wendouree’s western
discover the large organic vegetable and edge, about a 20-minute drive from
flower-cutting garden, with elements Lambley Gardens. Seasonal displays
purposefully echoing Monet’s garden feature year-round in the large,
at Giverny (see the February issue for contemporary conservatory.
more on that). It inspires with its ballaratbotanicalgardens.com.au
orderliness and mass plantings.
A rarely irrigated ‘dry garden’ is a Talbot Farmers’ Market
masterclass in plant positioning and On the third Sunday of every month,
contrast. Within what is essentially the streets of this picturesque, historic
a 20m x 50m flower bed, mature olive gold mining town, about 20 minutes
trees become silvery exclamation marks north of Lambley, close to traffic, and
juxtaposed against a cacophony of NEED TO KNOW it transforms into a lively market with
colour. Native birds dart everywhere. Lambley Gardens & Nursery is located more than 80 stalls. Enter the Barrow
PHOTOS AB BISHOP, LAMBLEY GARDENS & NURSERY

Inspired visitors may purchase at 395 Lesters Road, Ascot, Victoria. Raffle, purchase seedlings, chooks or
seed, bulbs or seedlings of Lambley’s The garden is open from 9am to 5pm a goat, or stock up on artisan cheese,
ornamental and produce plants onsite or every day except Christmas Day. seasonal fruit and vegies, bread,
via mail order. Two of the many plants Guided group tours are available by gourmet oils and other produce.
David has bred that are popular worldwide arrangement; groups coming through talbotfarmersmarket.org.au
are Agastache ‘Sweet Lili’ (named after by themselves should flag their visit The Amazing Mill Markets
his granddaughter) and Euphorbia x beforehand. Note, there is no cafe The whole family will love exploring
martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’, which was onsite, but urn hot water is available Ballarat’s wondrous maze of antiques,
recognised with an Award of Garden on request for BYO tea and coffee. vintage furniture and clothes, home
Merit from the UK’s Royal Horticultural furnishings, books, jewellery, coins,
Society in 2015. I challenge anybody to For more details, visit posters, and records.
walk away empty-handed! GA lambley.com.au millmarkets.com.au/ballarat

52 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G ARDENING AUS TR ALIA


AT HOME WITH JACKIE

The sweet
scents
of summer shrub. It loses its leaves during winter in
JACKIE FRENCH reflects on cooler areas but can keep them nearly all
all the enticing aromas that waft winter in subtropical regions. It grows up
to 2m high and even wider but can be kept
through the windows of her home well trimmed. It prefers full sun, though it
tolerates semi-shade in hot areas. In very
in the hot summer months cold areas it needs to be protected from
heavy frost for the first year, but after

S
ummer is the scent of hot the few fruits that really do become that it is sturdier and will survive anything
soil, ripe tomatoes and gently more delicious chilled. We grow them from a blanket of snow to a four-year
fermenting peaches. But it also on the highest, sunniest part of the hill, drought. Our bush is about 30 years
has some of the coolest scents which means their scent floats into our old and the trunk is wonderfully twisted
of all. Heat makes scented volatile oils bedroom and we wake up craving slices and aged looking.
evaporate. Suddenly, the whole house of melon (there are many worse ways Lemon verbena tea is probably my
is filled with perfume. to begin breakfast). favourite herbal tea to drink. I often use
My study fills with rose and spice Melons are a surprisingly suitable crop it as a base for all sorts of other teas,
from the ‘Souvenir de la Malmaison’ to grow in a drought – I’ve seen self-sown adding a few peppermint leaves or other
rose growing up the pergola, or a whiff ones grow on sand banks. Watermelons flavourings. The leaves can also be added
of curry bush with the aroma of the best were domesticated in the Kalahari Desert to equal parts of ordinary tea leaves for
vindaloo, though don’t try eating its leaves because they grow in arid climates, contain a lemon-scented tea, and it can be drunk
as they’ll be bitter rather than tasting of so much sweet liquid and provide their black or with milk and sugar, or frozen in
curry. Just let the scent stimulate your own spill-proof container for long journeys. iceblocks to add to cool drinks on hot days.
tastebuds as you devour a hot curry that The living room is filled with the smell And the kitchen? It smells lemony, too
will cool you down as you perspire lightly of lemon – not from the lemon trees or – the genuine kind, as the summer lemons
in response to the chilli and spices. the lemon-scented gum, which is a nice, are turned into the best lemon cordial in
Then there is the scent of ripening small, neat backyard tree with a magical the world (see recipe, right). Make a big
watermelons and rockmelons. We only haze of lemon about it, especially before batch and drink it with many iceblocks,
grow the mini ones as they are the and immediately after rain. Our lemon a sprig of mint, and often. And the world
only ones sure to mature in our short scent comes from the lemon verbena will feel cool again, no matter what the
growing season. Melons are one of on the bank – a graceful, narrow-leafed temperature outside. GA

54 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
Melons are one of
the few fruits that
really do become more
delicious chilled

WORLD’S BEST
LEMON CORDIAL
I was given this recipe by an elderly
neighbour. I drank three glasses and
would have drunk more if I hadn’t
already looked greedy. It’s fruity, not
too sweet and is the most refreshing
drink I know on a hot summer’s day.
2 cups lemon juice
3 cups sugar
6 cups water
6 tsp citric acid
6 tsp tartaric acid

1. Place everything in a saucepan


and boil for five minutes.
2. Bottle while still hot, then seal and
keep in a cool place for up to three
weeks. Throw out the cordial if it
ferments or turns cloudy
3. Splash a few table
into a glass and add
and cold water (or s
water). Or make a bi
jug, or two or three.
It’ll all be drunk.
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monh in he
RY
UA
J AN

ARDEN
More than 50 jobs to do in your action planner
YOUR
PLANNER

I t’s time to...


Fork over mulch layers to prevent
them developing a water-repellent crust
Add colour to the summer garden
with a crepe myrtle (left). Look for one
of the new Indian Summer varieties,
which are mildew resistant.
Pick flowers for vases in the early
morning, plunging them immediately into
a bucket of cool water to help them last
Plant columbine seedlings in moist,
well-drained soil in a semi-shaded spot

TOP JOB

KEEP YOUR GARDEN ALIVE


WHILE YOU’RE ON HOLIDAYS
Heading off on a summer holiday?
No-one wants to come home to dead
plants, so make a plan to ensure the
garden (and house plants) survive your
absence. If you don’t have a garden
carer or house-sitter who can come
in regularly while you’re away, there
are many other things you can do.
Keep birdbaths (above) topped up Potted plants are at the most risk of
with fresh water and clean out any drying out, so move as many as you
algae or fallen leaves, sticks and flowers can into the shade and group them
Stay indoors in the middle of hot days closely together, or sink their bases
and garden in the morning or evening into the soil in a shaded garden bed.
Trim topiaries, and tie in new shoots on Punch a couple of holes in the lids of
climbers growing on frames or trellises empty PET bottles, fill with water and automatic water timers, but see if you
Feed the lawn with either a slow- freeze. Just before you leave, up-end can arrange for someone to check them
release or organic-based food as these one or two frozen bottles around the while you’re away. Tie ribbons around
will be less likely to burn the grass sides of pots or vulnerable plants. As the stems of plants that have recently
Pinch out any flowers that form on the water melts, it will slowly seep in. been planted, to signify that they need
coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) Mow the lawn before you go and closer attention to watering.
TEXT JUDY HORTON PHOTOS ISTOCK

and they will continue weed it as much as possible. If you’re To help indoor plants survive your
to produce their away longer than a week or so, arrange absence, cover the bottom of the bath
beautiful and for a friend or mowing service to run with some old towels and sit all your
colourful leaves over it again to keep it tidy. house plants on top (above). Water the
Deadhead Give your garden beds a thorough pots well and run water in the bath
agapanthus (right) soaking and cover them with a fresh until the towels are saturated. Then
to prevent their layer of mulch (above) after you’ve pull out the plug, so the plants are
seeds spreading watered. Think about installing left sitting on the moist towels.
into bushland

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 59
TOP JOB
MAKE SOME GARDENING RESOLUTIONS
While you’re making New Year’s
resolutions for yourself, why don’t
you make some for your garden, too?
Here are a few suggestions:
Resolve to grow something from
seed for the flower or vegie garden
Add lemony plants Sharpen your secateurs (right) and
to your garden place them near the door so you use
Citrus is the best-known source of lemon them every time you go outside
flavouring and fragrance, but there are Attract pollinators by planting
many other lemony plants to consider yellow- and blue-flowering plants
growing in your garden. Re-pot anything that’s been in
If space is tight, how about a pot of a container for more than five years
lemon balm (Melissa officinalis, above). Visit some inspiring open gardens
This is a member of the mint family and close to home, or plan a trip to see
is evergreen in warm climates but will some further afield Pot up a few herbs (below) and
die down in areas that have cold winters. Give the kids a vegie plot of their place them close to the kitchen
The native lemon-scented tea-tree own to grow a few edibles Start an open compost bin
Leptospermum petersonii will grow into a Plant more drought-tolerant natives (see page 37) for kitchen waste
small tree to about 5m but can be clipped Aim to spend at least 15 minutes Keep your garden plans simple
to make a tangy-smelling hedge. Lemon working in the garden every day for the best chance of success!
myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is an

upright-growing tree from coastal


Queensland that has clusters of small,
creamy-white summer blooms. It’s
said to be the greatest natural source
of citral oil, which is also called lemonal.
If you don’t have enough room for
a tree, try the shrubby lemon verbena
(Aloysia citriodora, above) with its 2m-tall
sprays topped with mauve-white flowers.
The blooms are so attractive to pollinators
that the plant is sometimes christened
‘beebrush’. It can get untidy and needs to
be clipped often which means, fortunately,
that you get to enjoy the lovely lemon
Top tip Help pollinate
corn by shaking
fragrance at the same time. the pollen from the tassels at the
As an added bonus, leaves from any of top of the plant onto the silky
these lemony plants can also be steeped
to make a soothing, lemon-flavoured tea.
ends of the developing cobs.

60 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
YOUR
PLANNER

Do it now
Recycle your discarded cut Christmas Mist-spray any plants located on
tree by ‘planting’ it in the garden and verandahs and porches to keep up their
using it as a support for a bird feeder humidity levels on scorching hot days
Pinch back pelargoniums, and inspect Trim fuchsias lightly, saving some of
them for fungal diseases, such as rust the pieces for propagating new plants
Start building up and preparing beds Check and adjust water timers (below)
for autumn bulb plantings to suit the weather and temperature
Sow seeds of winter- and spring-
flowering annuals, such as poppies and
pansies, into pots and place in a cool spot
Install a fountain (left); the sound
of running water can help you feel
cooler on hot summer days
Pull out weeds, remove and bin any
flowers and seeds, and throw the weed
bodies into the compost
Add a touch of purple to the garden
by planting maroon-leafed forms of
berberis, smoke bush or Chinese fringe
flower (Loropetalum chinense)

Grasshoppers sow & plant… IN JANUARY


These insects don’t discriminate Watch basil
beans
OOOOO
OOO
out
– they’ll munch their way through
just about any plant and are hard beetroot OO OO
to catch. Try going on a grasshopper brussels sprouts OO
hunt in the early morning, while capsicum/chilli OOOO
they’re still a bit sleepy. Set up grasshopper traps carrot  OO
near target plants by floating pieces of yellow plastic caulilower O OO
(they seem to be attracted to the colour) in shallow cucumber OOOO
containers of water. Encourage birds in your garden, eggplant OOOO 
and let chooks roam free to gobble up any they find. leek OOO KEY
lettuce OOOO
tropical O
melon OO
okra O O subtropical O
pumpkin OO arid/semi-arid O
PHOTOS ISTOCK, CRAIG WALL, ROBERT FRITH/ACORN PHOTO

radish  OOOO warm temperate O


rocket OOOO cold temperate O
spring onion OO
squash/zucchini OOO
sweetcorn OOOO
sweet potato O 
tomato OOO

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 61
YOUR
PLANNER

Edible garden
Put in new crops of sweetcorn
and mini squash, and keep them
growing with regular liquid feeding
Store almost-ripe lemons in
sawdust or dry sand where they
will keep for many weeks
Give citrus trees an application
of trace element mixture, following

Pest the packet directions


Pick up fallen fruit and seal it in

alert a plastic bag to prevent spread of


disease and pests such as fruit fly
Lift sweet potato shoots so they
don’t put down roots everywhere
De-scale your garden Look out for and say thanks to Bag developing figs to keep the
Many scale insects breed in summer, any helpful ladybirds eating powdery birds and other pests away (right)
and this is a good time, while the young mildew from the leaves of cucurbit Rig up supports for heavily laden
ones are moving about, to get on top of relatives, such as pumpkins branches of peaches, plums and
scale problems. Small numbers of scale Harvest zucchini (above) when any other summer fruit
pests can be scrubbed off with an old they are just past finger length as Plant cape gooseberries for an
toothbrush dipped in soapy water, but that’s when they’re at their best easy crop that will happily self-seed
larger infestations may need to be
treated with a specific scale product
or a horticultural oil. Once the scale
insects have gone, any sooty mould TOP JOB
will gradually disappear.

Lily caterpillars
These black caterpillars with white and
yellow markings attack strappy-leafed
plants such as agapanthus, crinum,
hippeastrum, clivia and other lily
relatives in the warm months. Tiny
grubs start grazing on the top surface
of the leaves but eventually eat their
way down to devour the entire clump.
They feed at night, so go out after dark
with a torch to pick off and squash the
grubs. If the problem is severe, spray
with an organic caterpillar control.

62 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
Garden & Lawn
Sprinklers
2

CARE FOR ROSES


Most roses take a bit of a rest in summer after their
major spring efforts, but they’ll still be producing some
flowers. By picking these regularly to enjoy indoors,
you’ll prevent the formation of unwanted rosehips that
take energy from the plant and delay repeat flowering.
In mid to late summer, give long-blooming roses
an all-over prune, removing dead or diseased sections
and cutting back the remaining healthy growth by about
one-third. This helps you get on top of common fungal
problems, such as black spot (left) and stimulates lots
of fresh new growth on which blooms will form. After
pruning, fertilise, water well and mulch to prepare your
roses for a beautiful autumn display.
PHOTOS ISTOCK, NATURE PRODUCTION/AUSCAPE, ALAMY

Sap-sucking mites thrive in hot, dry summer conditions


and they love attacking roses. Two-spotted mites (left) Our sprinklers are
suck the goodness out from the undersides of the leaves, suitable for small,
causing discolouration, spotting and, in severe cases, medium or large
the formation of a film of fine webbing over the leaves. garden or lawn areas.
Major mite attacks can be controlled by commercially Find the right watering
available predatory mites but, if you get in early, you solution with Neta.
can try treating with an insecticidal soap or a rose spray
that’s registered for mite control. Watering over and Covered by a 2 year
under the leaves can also discourage mites but may No Break Guarantee.
lead to more fungal problems. Available at

www.netagarden.com.au
YOUR
PLANNER

In he tropics
Gather and chop up fallen or storm-
damaged material and add it to compost
Check potted plants growing under
cover to see if they require watering
Sprout seeds, such as mung beans,
alfalfa or chick peas, on the kitchen
windowsill, and add them to salads
Replace any plants that have been
washed out by summer rains
Feed avocados after harvest with
organic-based citrus or rose food and
sprinkle some gypsum to replace calcium
that’s been leached out of the soil
Set the blades very high when
mowing lawns so the longer grass
protects the soil during downpours
Hunt for caterpillars every few days
to make sure precious plants aren’t being
demolished by these chomping insects
Remove ripe fruit from makrut
and prune the tree after harvest
Sow climbing snake beans (below)
next to a support such as a trellis
Put indoor plants out in the rain
to wash their leaves clean, but bring
them back in before the sun comes
out and the foliage gets burnt

TOP JOB TIDY THE GARDEN SHED


How long is it since you tidied your The next step is to freshen up
shed? The start of a new year is a the shed. Sweep out and clean the
good time to give a shed a fresh start. interior, patch any holes, wash walls,
Begin by totally emptying the shed lubricate door hinges and repaint if
and making some hard decisions you need to. Install new shelving and
about what you really do and don’t hanging racks for tools. When it’s
need. Old tools can be re-purposed time to re-stock, start by putting the
or given away to a local community things you use most often next to
garden. Do you have old tins of the entrance. Store chemicals on a
paint, oil and out-of-date garden high shelf or in a locked cupboard
chemicals? Check with your local out of the reach of children. Place
council as most provide special fertilisers away from sources of
arrangements for disposal. moisture such as damp walls.

64 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
Care for your living
Christmas tree
Once the festivities are over, a bit of
TLC will ensure your potted Christmas
tree is still alive next year. Initially, move
the tree outside into a shady spot, then
gradually re-acclimatise it to more sun
over coming weeks. Re-pot the tree, if
needed. Give the plant a post-Christmas
treat by applying some slow-release
fertiliser, liquid seaweed and soil wetter.
Trim lightly if required, but avoid cutting
back into bare wood. Water whenever
the mix starts to dry out, and turn the
pot every couple of weeks so that the
plant gets light on all sides.

Harvest your
rainwater
Drought is an ever-present threat
in Australia, and gardeners are
particularly aware of its effects.
Rainwater harvesting, which means
collecting and storing rainwater, is
a growing industry with more than
five million tanks now spread around
all states. Most state governments
are legislating or offering incentives
for the inclusion of water storage
tanks in new and some existing Modern gutter protection systems keep
homes and buildings. gutters clean of debris and enable easy
The old iconic corrugated iron tank water collection. There are a number

Take action
propped up on tree trunks has been of websites that outline the pluses and
superseded by a sophisticated range minuses of the various options.
of water storage options. These range Don’t forget, too, there are some
Ivy and climbing from massive steel storage containers simple things you can do in the garden
fig will both turn into to slim-line polyethylene tanks that to make the most of any rainwater.
come in a galaxy of colours and fit Dig drains to carry water to parts of
monsters if you let snugly under the overhanging eaves, the garden where it’s most needed.
them mature, so prune to soft bladders that can hold up to Create swales (water-gathering
them often to keep about 20,000L and are designed depressions) on sloping ground, or
them in their restrained to go under the house or deck. They cut and fill to create terraces so you
are all used to gather rainwater from can capture and store moisture in
juvenile stage. the roof and direct it into the tank. the soil that would otherwise run off.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 65
YOUR
PLANNER

STEP-BY-STEP
the centre, and insert the cutting. Gently
TAKE HEEL CUTTINGS OF DAPHNE water it in. Move the pot to the shade,
Summer is the perfect time to propagate 2 REMOVE all the lower leaves, keeping then cover it with a cut-off plastic bottle
daphne. TINO CARNEVALE demonstrates just one or two pairs at the top. If any of to create a mini-greenhouse. The cover
how to take heel cuttings and pot them up the remaining leaves are large, you can will help to stop the cutting drying out.
trim them in half. This will help to reduce Check on the mix every couple of days
1 LOOK for plant material at the tips of the moisture loss from the cutting. to see if it needs more water. It should
branches that is healthy and free of pests 3 TRIM OFF any rough edges from the take about two months for roots to form
or disease. This is new spring growth that heel with a sharp knife then use secateurs and for new growth to start appearing
has hardened off a little. It’s often called to shorten the length to about 15mm long. at the top. Give the rooted cutting a little
‘semi-ripe’ – it’s firm at the base but still 4 DIP the heel into honey. This simple fertiliser and pot it on to a larger container
a little soft at the tips. Choose a side shoot step helps to protect the cut surface when it outgrows the current one. As the
and, holding it firmly at the base, carefully from any harmful bacteria. cutting grows, gradually move it into a
pull it down so that it comes away with a 5 FILL a small pot with moist propagation brighter position to harden it off in
‘heel’ or sliver of bark from the main stem. mix. Use a pencil or stick to make a hole in preparation for planting.

1 2

3 4 5

PHOTOS FIONA WALSH, ISTOCK

66 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
Ready
to roll
Other plants to
strike this way *$5'(1$ZDOOPRXQWHGKRVHER[HVR˿HUHDV\DQG
Heel cuttings are used to propagate FRQYHQLHQWUROOXSZLWKQREHQGLQJ6SHQGPRUHWLPH
plants that are sometimes difficult or ZDWHULQJOHVVWLPHXQWDQJOLQJ
slow to root. The sliver of bark and
woody stem at the base helps to protect
GARDENA Wall-Mounted Hose Box
the cutting from rot, contains useful 25m Roll-up Automatic
growth hormones and helps prevent :LWKDVKRUWWXJRQWKHKRVH
sap from se the lock is deactivated and an
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68 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
PATCH
IN THE
PHOTOS ISTOCK, PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATSKY

Horticultural editor and devoted food grower


PHIL DUDMAN shows you what to plant,
pick and tend in the edible garden this month

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 69
IN THE PATCH

PLANT
it NOW
BRUSSELS
SPROUTS
It feels strange to be thinking about sowing and
planting such a quintessential cool-season crop
when temperatures are soaring, but that’s just
what you need to do. Most varieties of brussels
sprouts require 5–7 months of growing time to
produce a good crop. Seed can be sown as early
as mid-December with the aim of getting seedlings
in the ground by late January or February.
This isn’t a crop that can be grown anywhere.
These little gems of the cabbage family are pretty
much restricted to temperate areas and places
that have cold winters – in fact, a good frost
brings on the best flavour.
Sow into moistened seed-raising mix in punnets
and keep in a cool, bright spot. If you leave your run
too late, look for established seedlings at your local
garden centre. Prick out seedlings shortly after
germination and pot them up individually in small
containers of potting mix with a little slow-release
fertiliser added. Find a spot that gets a few hours
of morning sun to grow them on until you’re ready
to plant out. Often the greatest challenge is finding
a space to put them in the ground when the patch
is full of tomatoes, zucchinis and other summer
vegies. What a great reason to build another bed!

PICK it NOW WATERMELON


The only thing better than a sweet and juicy watermelon in summer
is chomping into one that you’ve grown yourself. You don’t want to
pick them too early though. Cutting open a melon that hasn’t quite
ripened will surely dampen your spirits… speaking from personal
experience. So how do you tell when a melon is ready to be plucked
from the vine? There are a few indicators. The first is that the little
curly tendril on the stem closest to the fruit should be completely
brown and dried up. Pick up the fruit when it gets to this stage and
give it a thump with the palm of your hand. If it makes a hollow
sound, it’s definitely ready for picking. The skin of the melon offers
another clue. The colour will become dull and the underside that’s
been lying on the ground will take on a slightly yellow hue.

70 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
3

STEP-BY-STEP
1
HOW TO
PRUNE PAWPAW
Cutting back established pawpaw trees
when they become too tall encourages
multiple trunks that produce fruit at a
more reachable height. PHIL DUDMAN
demonstrates how this is done

1 PRUNE the tall, heavy trunk in small, 3 CONTINUE working your way down
easy-to-handle sections. Make the first cut the stem, cutting off small sections.
PHOTOS ISTOCK, PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATSKY

on the underside of the trunk (or opposite 4 MAKE your final cut fairly low down
side if it’s perfectly vertical). Use a ladder on the trunk – as low as knee height.
or pole saw to increase your reach. New fruiting shoots will form from the
2 2 FOLLOW UP by making a top cut section of trunk that is below the cut.
slightly higher than the undercut. The 5 COVER the exposed cut with an old
pruned section will snap and fall cleanly tin, ice-cream container or cut-off 2L
directly below as you cut. If you need milk container. This helps to keep rain
to protect plants below, stop cutting from going into the hollow stem. The
before the snap, break it off by hand cut will eventually callus over the hole,
and then place it where you want it. after which the cover can be removed.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 71
IN THE PATCH

CROPS
Moisture management is a key to
keeping potted mint productive. It hates
drying out and normally needs watering
daily in summer. A saucer under the pot
to catch run-off is of great benefit in hot
weather. The plant will soak up the excess

IN POTS
moisture during the day, but don’t leave
it sitting in water in cool weather or the
roots may rot. Feeding with liquid fertiliser
every 1–2 weeks will keep plants healthy
and encourage lots of fresh growth.
The only real downside to all this rapid
development is that the plants quickly fill
MINT
There are good reasons for growing mint benefits from being in full sun, so you
their container, which means they’ll need
re-potting. Simply take out the plant, cut
in a container, even if you have plenty of can move your pot around to capture the stems back hard, chop off the bottom
spare ground. For one, most mints are optimal seasonal conditions. half of the root ball and plant it back in the
quite invasive, with stems that travel far A 30cm pot is just right for growing same pot with fresh mix. If it’s particularly
and wide, dropping roots wherever they mint as it provides enough space for crowded, divide it up into smaller chunks.
go. Plant one in the garden and before you the roots to develop, and it’s not too It sounds brutal, but mint can handle it,
know it you have enough mint to supply big and heavy to move around. Mint and it bounces back beautifully. If you
the local greengrocer on a regular basis. loves compost so add some to your can’t live without your mint, it pays to
Another reason is position. Mint prefers potting mix – a 50:50 blend is good have a second pot on the go to provide
a bit of shade during the hotter months, – and toss in a couple of handfuls you with fresh leaves while the other
but when the weather cools down it of coir peat to hold moisture. recovers from its surgical procedure.

PHOTOS GAP PHOTOS/MARTIN HUGHES-JONES, PHIL DUDMAN

72 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
For every kind
of gardener
helping
HAND Tips for tackling this
month’s problems

SHELTER YOUR VEGIES


If you’re getting fried in the hot summer sun, spare a thought
for your vegies! While most summer favourites like plenty
of light, when temperatures get above 30°C, full sun is a bit
full on. Everything wilts, lettuces lay flat and turn to mush,
c
and tomatoes and capsicums are severely scalded. Erecting
temporary shade structures over heat-sensitive crops eases
NO
the impact of direct sun while cooling surrounding air and
reducing moisture loss. Frames can be a simple tunnel of
T ,
wire mesh over a row of lettuces or a combination of timber
stakes, bamboo poles and poly pipe over an entire bed. Cover
ZINIO & GOOGLE PLAY
with shadecloth, orchard netting or pest-exclusion netting.
The shade rating should be no more than 30 per cent, or
plants can become weak and leggy. For tomato plants,
remove the cover when conditions aren’t extreme to
maintain air circulation and reduce fungal issues.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
FRUIT TREE COVER
Sensitive young fruit trees can be severely damaged by leaf ABCGardening
and stem scald, so drive in a couple of stakes nearby and be @gardeningaustraliamag
Australiamagazine
prepared to cover trees with cloth when temperatures soar.
Established trees that have developed a leafy canopy are
generally okay and should recover from minor heat damage. Apple, the Apple logo and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in
the US and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
Perenial
GREENS
To guarantee a steady supply of fresh leaves for the kitchen through summer,
PHIL DUDMAN suggests growing these beauties, which won’t wilt in the heat

T
he heat of summer can be tough 3. KANGKONG 6. LEBANESE CRESS
on leafy vegetables such as Asian (Ipomoea aquatica) (Apium nodiflorum)
greens, lettuce, and silverbeet, This fast-growing creeper, also known as Stems and leaves are edible, tasting like
particularly in the north, where Chinese water spinach, loves being wet. a cross between watercress and parsley.
tropical downpours and humidity cause all Can be invasive so best in big pots. Block Great in salads, sandwiches and soups.
sorts of disease problems. To get through drainage holes and fill water to just above Attractive, spreading, fern-like plant but
these trying periods, it pays to grow some soil level. Fertilise regularly for lots of can be invasive so grow in a pot or saucer.
heat-hardy perennial greens. These plants shoots and leaves. Excellent in stir-fries. Grows readily from divisions. Hard to kill
produce a bounty of nutritious leaves in Grows all year in tropics. Dies back in but give it some shade in hot weather, and
the warmer months with minimal effort, winter elsewhere, but normally reshoots. feed and water well for greater production.
so you’ll never be without greens to add 0.4m 2m Plants die back in winter in cooler areas.
to salads, smoothies, soups, casseroles, full sun, semi-shade, shade 0.25m 1m
stir-fries, pies and quiches. full sun, semi-shade
4. OKINAWA SPINACH
1. BRAZILIAN SPINACH (Gynura crepioides) 7. WARRIGAL GREENS
(Alternanthera sissoo) An attractive low-growing, mat-forming (Tetragonia tetragonioides)
Small, round, crinkled leaves have a mild perennial native to Indonesia. Leaves are This native groundcover, also called New
flavour and crunch when raw. Great in deep green on top and purple underneath, Zealand spinach or Botany Bay greens,
salads or cooked dishes. Plants form low, and are succulent with a mild flavour. Use was the first Aussie bush tucker cultivated
compact mound and make an attractive young leaves and stems raw in salads and and eaten abroad. Fleshy leaves are high
border. Good in pots, if kept moist, and smoothies. Larger, older leaves are best in oxalic acid* and are best steamed or
easy to propagate from cuttings. Dies back cooked but can be slimy if overcooked. In blanched before eating or cooking further.
in winter in warm temperate areas, but cold areas, grow in a container and move Demands good drainage and is tolerant
normally reshoots in spring. Year-round to a protected spot in winter. of drought and light frost. Suited to warm
harvest in tropics and subtropics. 0.7m 1.5m temperate, arid and subtropical areas.
30cm 60cm full sun, semi-shade 0.5m 0.5–2m
full sun, semi-shade full sun, semi-shade, shade
5. MALABAR OR CEYLON SPINACH
PHOTOS ALAMY, ISTOCK, GREEN HARVEST, PHIL DUDMAN

2. AIBIKA (Basella alba, green-stemmed, 8. SURINAM SPINACH


(Abelmoschus manihot syn. and B. rubra, red-stemmed) (Talinum triangulare)
Hibiscus manihot) Attractive, fast-growing vine with edible Bright green, fleshy leaves and pink, edible
Also called hibiscus spinach. Widely grown leaves and stems. New shoots are best flowers. Raw leaves have crunchy texture
in South-East Asia. It prefers tropics and to eat and resemble silverbeet flavour and slightly tangy taste. High in oxalic acid*
subtropics but can be treated as a summer when lightly steamed. Mucilaginous when so limit intake, particularly raw. Handles wet
annual in cooler areas. Regular trimming, overcooked, so toss in at end of recipes. and dry conditions. Great in pots, especially
feeding and watering produces abundance Perennial in tropics; warm-season annual in cool areas, where it needs some winter
of young leafy shoots, which are the best elsewhere. Collect seed for sowing the protection. Strikes easily from cuttings and
to eat. Leaves are mucilaginous, so have following spring. Provide solid support self-seeds readily, so thin out unwanted
a slightly slimy feel in the mouth. frame to climb, and cut back when too big. plants and don’t allow it to escape.
1–3m 1–2m 2m 1–2m 50–70cm 50cm
full sun, semi-shade full sun, semi-shade full sun, semi-shade

74 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
1 2 PLANTS

9. CRANBERRY HIBISCUS
(Hibiscus acetosella)
Deep burgundy, lobed leaves and
pretty pink hibiscus flowers make this
fast-growing shrub an attractive choice
for gardens. Native to tropical areas, it
is sensitive to cold but can be grown
as a warm-season annual south of the
subtropics. Responds well to regular
3 4 pruning when watered and fed well.
The leaves retain their colour when
cooked. They have a slightly sour
taste, are mucilaginous, and high
in oxalic acid* so it’s best to only
use them sparingly.
1–2m 1–1.5m
full sun, semi-shade

10. MUSHROOM PLANT


(Rungia klossii)
As the name of this
perennial suggests
5 6 stems taste a little
They make a great
and stir-fries. The p
Papua New Guinea
for growing in mos
will tolerate light fro
easily from cuttings
be used to create a
border. Tolerates d
and is well suited to
in containers.
50–70cm 60
full sun, s
7 8
*Plants that are hig
best eaten cooked t
People who suffer from kidney disor
gout and rheumatoid arthritis shoul
avoid or limit intake of these plants.

where
toBUY
Green Harvest
9 10 1800 681 014, greenharvest.com
Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery
daleysfruit.com.au
The Diggers Club
(03) 5984 7900, diggers.com.au
Mudbrick Cottage Herb Farm
(07) 5530 3253, herbcottage.com

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 75
N
DE
GAR

GUESTS
& PESTS Wattlebirds are welcome in
the garden, with their playful
nature and pollination skills,
says LEONARD CRONIN

T
his time of year wouldn’t be the koels who try to sneak into an unattended that soak up the nectar like a sponge.
same without our wattlebirds. nest to lay their own egg, while predators Wattlebirds are in fact more efficient
These playful and friendly such as falcons, ravens, snakes and cats pollinators of long-tubed grevillea
honeyeaters often keep me are always looking for an opportunity to flowers than honeybees.
company by the pool. Bold as brass, snatch eggs or nestlings. Despite these Wattlebirds occur naturally in heaths,
unfazed by my presence, a family of four pressures, wattlebirds survive by breeding forests and woodlands, and despite
fly to their perch on a nearby branch two or three times a year when conditions the clearing of vast areas for forestry,
and take turns swooping over the water, are suitable, giving them a good chance agriculture and human habitation, have
snatching a drink or catching insects. of raising at least two young – enough managed to survive by moving into urban
The young have well and truly fledged to maintain a viable population. areas. They find food and shelter in parks
by now but hang out with their parents, We have little wattlebirds in our garden, and gardens. By planting nectar-producing
perhaps improving their insect-hawking but many of you will be familiar with the trees and shrubs, providing clean water
skills or learning a few new feeding larger, noisier and more aggressive red and keeping pets under control, you’ll
tricks. When not sallying after flying food, wattlebird, distinguished by small, red, have wattlebirds seek out your garden,
they feast on our lone banksia or grove fleshy wattles on each side of the neck. helping to keep bugs at bay and fertilising
of grevilleas, swinging off branches, As with other honeyeaters, they feed flowers while providing entertainment.
hanging upside down and chasing other mostly on nectar, obtained predominantly That’s definitely a win-win situation.
birds from their favourite food trees. from banksias, grevilleas, callistemons
Raising a brood is not easy. Wattlebirds and eucalypts. Probing deep into flowers, Len gardens in the Northern
have to fend off pallid cuckoos and Pacific their long tongue is tipped with bristles Rivers, New South Wales

76 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
BACKYARD VISITORS

a sticky end
Some flowers will go to extreme
lengths to become pollinated,
says MARTYN ROBINSON

S
ummer is the season to see waterlilies and lotuses. They’re
gorgeous plants but they do employ some rather underhanded tricks
to get themselves pollinated. On a waterlily’s first day of flowering,
the receptive female stigmas in the centre are surrounded by a
‘fence’ of as-yet-immature male anthers on the end of stalks called stamens.
The pollinating insect finds this centre hard to escape as the stamens bend
inward, making the insect fall back in. The centre is full of a clear liquid with
properties a bit like detergent so the insect sinks to the bottom and any pollen
on it does as well, pollinating the flower.
While some insects manage to climb out, many of them drown. At the end
of the day, the flower closes on the drowned or trapped pollinators, and when
it opens the next day its pollen is ready for insects to carry to other flowers.
By now, the anthers have folded over the lethal centre parts so it is safe
for insects to visit and then fly off to pollinate another flower where, sadly,
they might meet a less-than-pretty death.
Lotuses also imprison some of their pollinators. On the first day, the blooms
partially open and scent is released. The stigmas are sticky and ready to receive
pollen but the anthers are as yet inactive. Insects, especially flower-feeding
beetles, climb into the flowers to feed but can’t easily get out.
When night falls, the flower closes and traps them inside. It then raises its
temperature so the insects continue to climb all over the inside of the flower
– if their body temperature drops too low they will just sleep. Meanwhile, any
pollen from other lotuses they’ve visited sticks to the stigmas. The next day,
the flower produces pollen and opens completely so the insects can feed and
fly off, hopefully to get trapped in another newly opened lotus. GA

Martyn gardens mainly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches


PHOTOS ALAMY, ISTOCK

Have you found something interesting in your


ǁĂƩůĞďŝƌĚ WHAT
ON
garden? Send us a photo and Martyn will ID
it. Email yoursay@gardeningaustralia.com.au
Anthochaera spp. EARTH?
with ‘Creature’ in the subject line.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 77
MAILBOX

I have two ‘Silver


attractive blue-green foliage with yellow Princess’ gums. Is the
tubular blooms in winter. There are a few pale pink colour rare? I grew
prostrate grevilleas worth considering, the trees from seed.
and Grevillea ‘Poorinda Royal Mantle’ Robyn Boynton, Ardlethan, NSW
(above left) is probably the best of ANGUS STEWART SAYS
these. It’s a very dense groundcover with Eucalyptus caesia ‘Silver Princess’
IS THERE ANYTHING attractive toothed leaves, coppery-red is a naturally occurring form of a
new growth and red toothbrush flowers in Western Australian species found
OTHER THAN GRASS
spring. Adenanthos cuneatus ‘Coral Carpet’ in the inland areas of south-west
THAT I CAN USE TO is another native to check out. Its foliage is Western Australia. It has much
KEEP DOWN DRY, DUSTY, beautifully textured, and is reminiscent of larger flowers than other forms
SANDY SOIL ON MY VERGE? coral. The new growth starts out red and of this species. It is normally
Ann Purcell, Ettalong, NSW then fades to green along the many stems, propagated by seed, as that is
creating a remarkably colourful effect. the most economical way to
DERYN THORPE SAYS There are Do keep in mind, while these spreading propagate it commercially. This
a number of good turf alternatives you alternatives are drought-hardy and pretty, does, however, lead to some
could consider for this situation. Creeping they grow a little taller than your average genetic variability in the resulting
boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium, above strip of mown grass and only take minimal seedlings, and your lovely pink
right) is an extremely tough native plant foot traffic. Good old turf is always the form is the sort of variation that
that copes well with hot, dry, exposed most reliable plant choice where people typically results. It is unlikely to
conditions. A low, dense spreader that need to walk regularly, or, for a no-mowing come true to that type if you
suppresses weeds, it features very fine, option, you could create a permanent grow it from seed, but it could
green leaves (there is also a purple-leafed pathway of pavers or large stepping pads be propagated by grafting.
form) and white or pink flowers that are and surround them with one or more of
attractive to birds and butterflies. the groundcovers suggested.
Equally tough in dry, sandy soils is Also, while many councils are happy
Eremophila glabra ‘Roseworthy’, with to have lawn substitutes on verges, most
its small bright-green leaves and pretty have regulations concerning the height of
orange-red blooms that the birds love. plants, and adequate and safe access for
‘Blue Horizon’ is another low-growing, pedestrians, so follow this up with your
dense form of E. glabra and features local council before making any decisions.

78 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
write and win!
Got something to say? Share your thoughts, ask a
Fairy question, slip us a tip and show us your best shots.
garden The pick of the crop each month wins a six-month
subscription to ABC Gardening Australia magazine
My grandson (current subscriptions will be extended).
Jayden found a
huge piece of bark
in the local park.
He used it to plant yoursay@gardeningaustralia.com.au (letters)
experts@gardeningaustralia.com.au (questions)
some succulents then
gave it to me, and Your Say, Gardening Australia, nextmedia,
I have made it into Locked Bag 5555, St Leonards NSW 1590
a fairy garden.
Joan Irlam, FACEBOOK
Wynn Vale, SA facebook.com/ABCGardeningAustraliamagazine

INSTAGRAM
@gardeningaustraliamag
#gardeningaustraliamag

Len Marshall from


I BOUGHT THIS ARGYRANTHEMUM Hoppers Crossing
MORE THAN A MONTH AGO BUT IT’S in Victoria has
NOT GROWING AND THE NEW FLOWERS won a six-month
subscription for this
LOOK DRY AND UNHEALTHY. I AM WATERING photo of his seasonal
EVERY DAY AND USING FERTILISER EVERY pot (below). He created
1–2 WEEKS. WHAT it after being inspired
AM I DOING by a September story.
What a lovely display!
WRONG?
Dana Marenco, via Facebook
PHIL DUDMAN SAYS
This looks like it may be a
spent flower that has started
to rot. Best thing to do is go
over the plant and pick off
any material that looks like
what you are holding. This
type of regular maintenance
will keep your plant looking
clean and healthy, and stimulate the formation of fresh flower buds.
Fortunately, it looks like you will have plenty of good-looking flowers
and buds left behind. Many modern argyranthemum varieties
are quite compact, so it’s not surprising that it doesn’t look
like it has grown much in the last month, and plants Pretty pot
often need that time to settle in. You could step back After reading your
from watering now. Aim for twice a week for the next excellent ‘Seasonal Pot’
two weeks, then once a week. Once established, it article in the September
PHOTOS ALAMY, ISTOCK

only needs watering in particularly dry conditions. issue, I took your advice
When you water, aim the water at the ground and and updated our front pot.
try to keep moisture off the foliage and flower buds. Len Marshall,
I suspect you are using a liquid fertiliser. You could Hoppers Crossing, Vic
reduce your applications to once every 2–3 weeks.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 79
MAILBOX

Your Insta posts


Clockwise from below a_life_of_green snapped a rainbow lorikeet
perched above her yellow kangaroo paw, while d.a.joy shared this
macro shot of a red flowering gum about to burst into bloom.
bridgyjb says this is her favourite spot in her North Central Victoria
garden right now, with these ranunculi and snapdragon beauties,
while garden_with_lee has harvested some pretty purple crops.

his bush grows wild next to a


walkway to the beach near my
home. he lowers keep well in a
vase and look very pretty too. We would
love to grow it in our garden. Please can
you identify it, and is it a native?
Christel Fritze, Dundowran Beach, Qld

PHIL DUDMAN SAYS This plant with pretty


pink flowers enclosed by green-veined white bracts
is commonly called white shrimp plant or squirrel’s
tail (Justicia betonica). It is native to southern Africa
and the Indian subcontinent. Unfortunately, it seeds
readily and has become a serious and widespread
weed in coastal districts north of northern New
South Wales, so we don’t recommend growing it.

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY HIBISCUS.


WHAT IS IT AND HOW CAN I TREAT IT?
Carol Jensen, via Facebook
PHIL DUDMAN SAYS
Take the snail out of mail This damage is caused by
a microscopic insect called
Snails love eating mail in my letterbox. Here’s how to erinose mite. Some hibiscus
cut them off at the pass! You need about ½ cup of finely are more susceptible to
crushed eggshells. To make these, wash 2–3 dozen attack than others. The best
eggshells on the inside to remove traces of egg white, thing to do is prune off and
then allow them to dry in the oven while it’s still hot after destroy all infected growth
baking. Put the eggshells into a sturdy snap-lock bag and then spray new foliage with
whack with a rolling pin to finely crush them. A mortar a miticide such as wettable
and pestle will work, too. Coat a flat piece of cardboard sulfur. These mites, which
with a strong clear adhesive and apply your crushed are sap-sucking insects, are
eggshells to the glue, making sure to add extra shell grit most interested in the fresh,
PHOTOS ISTOCK

as you go, until it is completely covered. Then stick the young, sappy foliage, so
cardboard to the underside of the letterbox, avoiding be prepared to spray new
the drainage holes. That’s it, job done. Bye-bye snails!  growth when it appears,
Karen Buchanan, via email to minimise damage.

80 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
EASY & SAFE WATERING
Neta’s new Retractable Hose Reel comes
with a 15m or 25m hose, 12mm ittings

win
and an 8-pattern spray gun.
Features include reliable
coiling, safe auto-retract,
and the option to stop
the hose anywhere. It 1 of 4
comes with a three-year
no-break guarantee and RETRACTABLE
is available at Mitre 10 or
Home Timber & Hardware.
HOSE REELS
each worth
$129.99
NEXTMEDIA LEVEL 6, 207 PACIFIC HWY, ST LEONARDS NSW 2065. TOTAL PRIZE POOL VALUE $519.96 (INC GST). THE JUDGES’ DECISION IS FINAL AND NO CORRESPONDENCE

Nature child
COMPETITION OPEN TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY. STARTS 10/12/18 AT 00:01 (AEDT) AND CLOSES 13/1/19 AT 23:59 (AEDT). ENTRIES JUDGED ON 14/1/19 AT 2PM AT

My almost two-year-old loves picking flowers so,


WILL BE ENTERED INTO. FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS AT GARDENINGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU. PRIZES SENT TO THE POSTAL ADDRESS PROVIDED ON THE ENTRY FORM.

needless to say, our pansy garden is quite bare!


Cassandra Dunn, Strathpine, Qld

We have four Neta 15m Retractable Hose Reels to give


away, worth $129.99 each. To enter, tell us in 25 words or
less what you think about when watering the garden. Write
your name, street address, contact number and entry on the
back of an envelope and send by January 13 to Neta Hose
Reel, Gardening Australia, nextmedia, Locked Bag 5555,
St Leonards NSW 1590, or email comp@gardeningaustralia.
com.au with ‘Hose reel’ in the subject line.

I keep digging up
My star jasmine has stopped flowering in the last these fungus-like
couple of years. My husband has been pruning it into growths in my vegie
a neat hedge. It looks great, but I miss the flowers
atch. What are they?
and the aroma of their sweet smell on a hot summer’s anne Fowler, Harcourt, Vic
night. The plant keeps bearing new growth of leaves
only. Our neighbours’ star jasmine has been flowering MARTYN ROBINSON
profusely each year, although it has never been pruned. SAYS This is called cup
Please tell me what I am doing wrong.  fungus, and it has relatives
Christina Byron, via email that are usually found on the
surface. Due to its unusual
DERYN THORPE SAYS I think you have already way of life, and the fact that
realised that the continual pruning of your jasmine is relatively few fungus specialists in Australia have had anything
preventing it from flowering. The best time to prune a to do with fungi that weren’t important agriculturally, this
star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is right after species has been named twice. It was named Hydnoplicata
flowering, which usually occurs from mid-spring though convoluta in 1896, then forgotten about before being re-named
to summer. Prune in early autumn to tidy up the plant Peziza whitei in 1954. Its original name was recently reinstated.
and stimulate new growth so you get lots of those beautiful As a result, information is available under both names. It should
perfumed flowers in the following spring and summer. not cause any problems in the garden, other than surprising you
when you dig it up. I wouldn’t recommend eating it though!

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 81
MAILBOX

backyard retreat
My ‘she shed’ is my oasis of calm. Lovingly converted from a commercial
gazebo, my backyard retreat among the gum trees has colourful vintage
glass windows and an arrogant pink witch weather vane astride the
roof, matching the pink front door. Inside, succulents are my hero pieces,
while garden paraphernalia, foraged finds and salvaged family pieces
are displayed alongside whimsical mementos and memories of my life
experiences. Inside my shed, I pot, rearrange, dream, read, entertain, and
plan for my next little project. This summer will see us attempting to finish
the entry decking and a recycled brick path connecting the pretty vintage
gate to the house.
I can’t wait to join
the kangaroos that
visit our garden
and get started.
Denise Brown,
Donvale, Vic

We’re receiving
great pics and s some
to
about your she ries

I love my Here are two ‘s ds.


he
that are decked sheds’
and loved by wo out

SHED
We’ll feature m men.
an
over coming m y more
onths.

Tell us about
YOUR SHED…
Do you have a special shed? Rose-covered,
rustic or ramshackle... or perhaps a Shed of
Good Intentions that has turned into a Shed
of Shame? Whether your shed is high-end or
humble, we would love to see it. Send us a
high-resolution photo and tell us, in 100 words
or less, what makes your shed special. We’ll
publish our favourites in future issues of the
magazine. Email yoursay@gardeningaustralia.
place for reflection com.au with ‘My Shed’ in the subject line,
Thought I would send you this pic of my ‘she shed’, which is a new or post to My Shed, Gardening Australia,
addition to my garden. I am quite proud of my shed, as I painted nextmedia, Locked Bag 5555, St Leonards
and lined it myself. At the end of a long day working in my garden, NSW 1590. Include your name, street address,
I pull up a chair at its entrance, sit and reflect. email and daytime phone number.
Joanne Talay, Brookield, Qld

82 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
GARDENING ON YOUR

radio For details of programs on your


local ABC station, call 139 994
or visit abc.net.au/local

ACT SA
ABC Radio Canberra ABC Radio Adelaide; 639 ABC
Saturday 8.30am North & West; 1485 ABC Eyre
Peninsula & West Coast;
NSW ABC South East SA
ABC Radio Sydney Saturday 8.30am
Saturday 9am 1062 ABC Riverland;
ABC Radio Central Coast 999 ABC Broken Hill
Saturday 9am Saturday 9am
Gardening Australia ABC Central West Statewide; ABC Radio Adelaide;
resumes Feb 1, 2019 Saturday 8.30am 639 ABC North & West; 1485

TV and don’t miss the


97.3 ABC Illawarra ABC Eyre Peninsula & West
Saturday 8.30am Coast; ABC South East SA;
Birthday Special on
ABC Mid North Coast; ABC 1062 ABC Riverland; 999 ABC
Feb 15, 2019 Cofs Coast Broken Hill
Saturday 9.30am Sunday 10.30am
WELCOME TO A NEW 1233 ABC Newcastle
YEAR OF GARDENING! Saturday 9am TAS
It’s Christmas and we are excited about family ABC New England North West ABC Radio Hobart; ABC
time, holiday projects and summer gardening. Saturday 8.30am, Thursday 9.30am Northern Tasmania
We’re also looking forward to an amazing 2019, ABC North Coast Saturday 9am, Peter Cundall
as Gardening Australia celebrates its 30th year of Saturday 8.30am and Chris Wisbey
bringing gorgeous gardens, inspiring people and
ABC Riverina
great ideas to gardeners right across the country.
Wednesday 10.30am, VIC
Saturday 8.30am ABC Radio Melbourne;
We have some super-exciting plans in store in ABC South East ABC Victoria
our 90-minute Birthday Special, including looking Wednesday 10am, Saturday 9am Saturday 9.30am
back at the way we were – embarrassing hair ABC Western Plains 91.1 ABC Central Victoria
styles included – as well as how the Aussie garden Thursday 9.35am fortnightly, Thursday 7.35am
has evolved, some standout plants from over the Saturday 8.30am 100.7 ABC Gippsland
decades, and a few unforgettable TV moments. Monday 10am
We’ll also show you exactly how an episode of NT 594 AM ABC Western
Gardening Australia is made (above), and meet ABC Radio Darwin Victoria
up with past presenters. And, of course, it wouldn’t Saturday 9am Monday 9.40am
be a birthday episode without a party and cake!
783 AM ABC Alice Springs; 107.9 ABC Ballarat
106.1 ABC Tennant Creek Wednesday 10.20am fortnightly
So much to look forward to in the New Year. In
Saturday 8.30am ABC Goulburn Murray
the meantime, if you missed the Christmas special Tuesday 9.40am
(see below), catch up on ABC iview, and we’ll see QLD ABC Southwest Victoria;
you when the show resumes on Friday, February 1. ABC Radio Brisbane 1602 AM Warrnambool;
Saturday 6am 94.1 FM Hamilton; 96.9 FM
THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ABC Southern Queensland Horsham


BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PHOTO POPPY JACKSON

December 21 Saturday 9am Thursday 7.35am


Meet our 2018 Gardener of the Year. Also, Costa 630 ABC North Queensland
and Millie build a cubby planted with climbers, Tino Friday 10am WA
shows how to keep plants alive during the holidays,
ABC Tropical North; ABC ABC Radio Perth; ABC Great
Capricornia; ABC Wide Southern; ABC South West;
Sophie frames succulents, Jerry makes the most
Bay; ABC North West Qld; ABC Goldields Esperance;
of summer rain, Clarence visits author and artist ABC Western Qld ABC Kimberley; ABC North
Norman Lindsay’s garden, Jane suggests Aussie Friday 10am West; ABC Midwest and
Christmas trees, Josh makes seed bonbons, and ABC Far North Wheatbelt Wednesday 3.30pm,
a craftswoman creates creatures from seed pods. Friday 10am, Saturday 8.30am Saturday 9.05am

Download the ABC listen app and listen to live radio


Visit iview.abc.net.au to watch previous
streams of gardening programs across Australia.
episodes of Gardening Australia

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 83
CROSSWORD

take a break!
Put the kettle on – it’s time to relax! Solve our puzzle
for a chance to win a Fiskars PowerGear X tool pack
        
7 across A

  



 

  

 
WINa Fiskars 
11 across B

tool pack 
SEE OPPOSITE

  
108 SOLUTION NEXT MONTH

 

 

 

 

  36 across C

across
1. Vegetation producing a coarse, 29. Relating to plants or the study 6. Multi-stemmed, woody plants (6)
springy lawn (7,5) of plants (7) 8. Having outgrown available space (4-5)
7. Plant with sword-shaped leaves (4) 30. Perennial herb that yields a sedative (8) 9. Protected; dubious (5)
(Picture A) 31. Sash worn with a kimono (3) 12. Genus of wood sorrel and soursob (6)
10. A rhizome (9) 33. European oak yielding elastic wood 16. Descends, slumps (5)
CROSSWORD COMPILED BY STEVE BALL PHOTOS ISTOCK

11. The North American shrub used in cabinetry (7) 18. Genus of the elms (5)
Rhododendron canadense (7) (Picture B) 34. The North American plant 20. Peach or apricot, for example (5,4)
13. Berrigan or … bush (3) Lindera benzoin (9) 22. To-do list (6)
14. Gets back together (8) 35. The holm oak (4) 23. Protein or carbohydrate, for
15. Covered in blackberries, etc (7) 36. Adonis annua or … (9-3) (Picture C) example (8)
16. Reaping implement (6) 26. Mexican and south-western US plant
17. Creeping grass native to east down yielding a rubber substitute (7)
Africa and widely used for lawns (6) 1. Tough protective covering of a tree (4) 27. Kind of whisky (6)
19. Inferior; tasteless (colloq.) (4) 2. Ornate, florid (7) 28. The last syllable of a word (6)
21. Perhaps the first gardener (4) 3. Bitter, aniseed-flavoured liqueur (8) 29. Tree under which the Buddha became
24. Plant of the genus Euphorbia whose 4. The principal city of northern Portugal (6) enlightened (5)
juice was once used as a purgative (6) 5. Tidies or smooths with a long-handled 30. View, prospect (5)
25. Mushroom or mould, for example (6) garden tool (5) 32. Clarified butter (4)

84 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
W I N
1 of 2
Fiskars
tool packs
each worth
WORTH $670 EACH. TOTAL PRIZE VALUE IS $1340. WINNERS DRAWN ON 7/1/2019 AT 14:00 (AEDT) AT 207 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, ST LEONARDS NSW 2065. WINNERS NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE AND IN WRITING. PERMIT NUMBERS NSW LTPM/17/010349, ACT TP 16/02544. FULL
CROSSWORD COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS: OPEN TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY. COMPETITION OPENS 10/12/2018 AT 00:01 (AEDT) AND CLOSES 6/1/2019 AT 23:59 (AEDT). TWO LUCKY WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A FISKARS POWERGEAR X TOOL PACK,

$670
TERMS AND CONDITIONS AVAILABLE AT GARDENINGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU. PRIVACY POLICY AVAILABLE AT NEXTMEDIA.COM.AU. PROMOTER IS NEXTMEDIA PTY LTD; ABN 84 128 805 970; 207 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, ST LEONARDS NSW 2065.

help is at hand
he Fiskars PowerGear X
range, which includes the
seven tools in this prize pack,
has been designed to make
gardening easier. Its patented
technology delivers up to three
times more cutting power than
comparable tools, with no
extra efort from the user.

how to enter
We have two Fiskars PowerGear X prize packs to give away, each
worth $670. Included in each pack are the medium Pruner Bypass,
large Pruner Bypass, Hedge Shear, small Lopper Bypass, large
solution December 2018
crossword
C A R R O T S F C L
Lopper Bypass, Tree Pruner and Telescopic Tree Pruner. To enter, O U R K S P E A R M I N T
unscramble the highlighted letters in the crossword (opposite) and D A N D E L I O N N O M U
email your answer by January 6 to comp@gardeningaustralia.com.au. D I G P A N U C L E U S
Put ‘Handy tools’ in the subject line and include your name, street L O N D O N P R I D E U S
address, email address and daytime phone number. E N Y L L E S O T H O
D A M P R C
A C I D P A D A U K
A L N G N S
P O L L E N T A L C

WINNERS
Neta hose ittings pack (Oct 18) C Bridge, Banks, ACT; J Butler, Warragul, Vic;
O
S
T
E
A T S U M A
N S A
G D
P
A
E

N D R I N G H
R A
M
A M
D Hewison, Mosman Park, WA; C Hrubos, Frankston South, Vic; D Sanders, L I N O C U T O Y T Y O
Ingle Farm, SA. Gardena watering pack (Oct 18) D Carey, Edwardstown, E O A E M A R S H F E R N
S U N S P U R G E O U N I
SA; L Cornege, Arana Hills, Qld; J Jesser, Balgowlah, NSW; M Kowalski,
107

O S S T O S T A D A
Graceville, Qld; R Larmen, Armadale, WA; K Snowden, Woodrising, NSW.
December’s unscrambled word: raindrop

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 85
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To advertise please phone 02 9901 6101 Email: aedwards@nextmedia.com.au

GIFT GUIDE

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88 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
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Attaches to
a standard
rill
cordless d
cut & keep index January to December 2018

This and previous indexes are also available at gardeningaustralia.com.au

PLANTS (edible & ornamental) Echinacea purpurea Jan p18 Natives for tricky spots Feb p42
Acacia cognata cultivars Aug p20 Emu bush: Native wintercress May p63
Acmena smithii Eremophila spp. Sep p26 Orange Mar p58
‘Cherry Surprise’ Feb p45 E. ‘Kalbarri Carpet’ Feb p44 Pansy Jun p16
African violet Jun p32 Feijoa Aug p35 Passionfruit Aug p63
Agave attenuata Apr p23 Fennel Apr p58 Pear Jul p58
Aibika Feb p50 Fig Feb p59 Petrea Oct p26
Air plant (Tillandsia spp.) Jul p22 Fijian fire plant Petunia Nov p20
Almond Mar p57 (Acalypha spp.) Aug p36 Phlox Feb p14
Apples, triploid Aug p63 Firespike Feb p20 Photinia ‘Red Robin’ Aug p36
Avocado Aug p63 Fruit trees, dwarf Jun p58 Pigface May p61
Banksia integrifolia ‘Sentinel’ Feb p45 Ginger Oct p78 Pineapple Dec p74
Banksias, compact Jun p12 Gout plant Aug p18 Plectranthus May p12
Basil Sep p76 Grasses, ornamental Dec p22 Plumbago Aug p37
Bay tree Mar p60 Grevillea ‘Winpara Gold’ Feb p44 Queen of hearts
Beans in pots Oct p80 Griselinia Jan p20 (Homalomena rubescens) May p18
Black sapote Jan p58 Gums, flowering Jan p14 Rangoon creeper
Blueberry May p58 Herbs for shady spots Jan p60 (Quisqualis indica) May p44
Bottlebrush: Hop goodenia Feb p46 Rhubarb Apr p57
(Callistemon spp.) Aug p34 Hydrangea Dec p14 Rondeletia amoena Nov p28
‘Great Balls of Fire’ Feb p43 Iris, winter Jul p18 Roses:
lemon (C. pallidus) Feb p42 Kale May p57 health issues in Nov p64
Broccoli Jul p56 Kangaroo paw Oct p20 how to buy May p26
Bromeliad, imperial Jul p16 King fern Sep p30 Salad greens Jun p56
Bulbs, warm-climate Mar p20 Lemon myrtle Mar p61 Saltbush May p61
Bush foods May p60 Leptospermum Scarlet runner bean Nov p74
Caladium Dec p18 ‘Pink Cascade’ Feb p43 Sea parsley May p60
Calibrachoa x hybrida Nov p20 Lettuce & chicory Jun p56 Silk tassel bush Jul p20
Cape primrose Oct p28 Lillypilly Aug p37 Silverbeet Feb p60
Carrot, history of Aug p52 Lime Jun p55 Solanaceae, sow your Aug p58
Carrots in pots Sep p79 Loquat Sep p60 Southern beech Apr p20
Celery Jan p57 Loropetalum Spiny-headed mat-rush May p63
Cherry (Prunus avium) Aug p62 ‘Plum Gorgeous’ Aug p34 Sprouts & microgreens Jun p28
Chillies in pots Nov p73 Macho fern Stream lily Feb p46
Clematis Jul p38 (Nephrolepis biserrata) Apr p26 Succulents, mini Jun p30
Coastal daisy bush Feb p45 Magnolia, deciduous Aug p14 Sweet peas Sep p21
Coastal rosemary Aug p36 Makrut Mar p61 Sweet potato Dec p70
Coriander Aug p57 Mango Sep p80 Sweet viburnum Aug p35
Corkscrew albuca Melons Aug p62 Telopea
(Albuca spiralis) Feb p18 Midginberry Feb p47 ‘Braidwood Brilliant’ Feb p42
Corn Nov p70 Mint Mar p52 Tomatoes:
Cornflower Apr p18 Mistletoe cactus cold-climate Jul p52
Crabapple May p16 (Rhipsalis spp.) Mar p26 how to plant Oct p78
Cucumber in pots Dec p72 Monstera deliciosa Jan p22 Tulips, species (wild) Mar p14
Culinary leaves, trees with Mar p60 Mountain pepper May p62 Tulip tree Nov p26
Curry leaf tree Mar p61 Murraya paniculata Aug p35 Warrigal greens May p61
Cushion bush Feb p47 Native elderberry May p62 Water ribbon May p61
Daphne Jul p12 Native fuchsia Wax plant Jun p18
Devil’s ivy Feb p22 (Correa reflexa) Feb p45 Zanzibar gem Aug p24
Disease-resistant vegies Nov p76 Native raspberry May p62 Zucchini Oct p82

96 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
ANNUAL INDEX

KNOW-HOW/PRACTICAL propagate by layering Feb p70 Tamil Feasts (Vic) Feb p33
Anti-transpirants Jul p41 propagate succulents Dec p66 The gardener’s bucket list:
Barbecues for small spaces Jan p32 prune espaliered apple May p75 Ayrlies Garden, NZ Nov p54
Biosecurity across borders Dec p50 repair lawn Mar p72 Longwood Gardens, US Oct p58
Bites & stings in the garden Dec p46 re-pot fruit tree Jun p62 Majorelle Garden,
Can’t garden for a year Oct p62 sow and transplant Morocco Dec p54
Citrus solutions Jul p42 sweet peas Sep p24 The Patio Festival, Spain Sep p50
Clematis, how to prune Jul p38 sow asian greens Nov p72
Crop rotation Nov p48 sow capsicum seed Aug p60 WILDLIFE
Crops in pots: strike geranium Apr p69 Australian king parrot Sep p84
beans Oct p80 The seasonal pot: Australian magpie Nov p78
carrots Sep p79 spring lavender Sep p32 Bandy-bandy snake Oct p84
chillies Nov p73 summer, for semi-shade Dec p28 Bees, intelligence of Oct p54
cucumber Dec p72 Trees: Creatures:
Curiosities: signs of disease in Apr p52 living in bromeliads Jul p75
fruit or vegetable? Sep p58 ways to accidentally kill Nov p52 that hibernate Jan p73
watering in the heat Nov p50 Tricky fruits, how to grow Aug p62 Lounge lizards Mar p75
Cuttings, grow plants from Dec p64 Tricky vegies, how to grow Jul p62 Masked lapwing Aug p74
Edging, different types of Sep p43 Weeds, A–Z guide Jan p44 Native bush rat pollinating
Fairy garden, make a Dec p63 Winter, cosy nook for Jul p31 banksias Jun p75
Fertiliser dos & don’ts Mar p41 Noisy friarbird Feb p74
Flower border, beef up the Aug p48 GARDENS, PEOPLE & DESIGN Pacific black duck May p76
Foliage, vases of Jun p50 Antonia McCaskie’s subtropical Pied currawong Jun p74
Foliar feeding Feb p48 garden, Brisbane (Qld) Aug p26 Plant-eating creatures Apr p75
Food, how to grow your own Brenton Roberts’ garden, Swamp wallaby Mar p74
(Gardening Australia team) Apr p35 Mount Lofty Ranges (SA) Apr p46 Wildlife in sheds Oct p85
Food share & crop swap Sep p54 Carl Linnaeus’ legacy,
Fruit, how to dry Feb p62 Uppsala, Sweden Jan p36 INSECTS, PESTS & DISEASES
Grapevine, six uses for a Jan p52 Carnival of Flowers, Borers May p77
Hedges in a hurry Aug p33 Toowoomba (Qld) Aug p38 Christmas beetle Dec p78
Kids and gardening (Costa) Oct p38 Carol Ride’s large native and exotic Common jezebel butterfly Jul p74
Lawn: garden, Melbourne (Vic) Oct p32 Fiery skimmer dragonfly Jan p72
essential guide to Mar p34 Clea Cregan’s tiny garden, Golden orb weaver Apr p74
how to rejuvenate Oct p74 Melbourne (Vic) Jun p22 Insects with unusual
Orchard, how to set up an May p32 Deryn Thorpe’s cottage-style digestive functions Feb p75
Potted garden, create a Jun p42 garden, Perth (WA) May p20 Mites Dec p79
Reader lunch Q&A May p39 Gardener of the Year finalists Nov p30 Native earthworms Nov p79
Rooftop/balcony gardening Jun p36 Gardening Australia magazine Pustulated pyrgomorph
Sheds: reader lunch, Sydney Apr p12 grasshopper Sep p85
small Nov p42 Helen Henningham’s ‘Chetwynd’ Snout moth caterpillar Aug p75
types of Oct p44 garden, Brisbane (Qld) Jul p24
Soils, problems in urban Apr p60 Jane Edmanson’s RECIPES
Spring garden tidy-up Oct p51 favourite trees Feb p38 Almonds Mar p62
Step-by-step: Jurlique Farm (SA) Mar p28 Broccoli Jul p64
blend vegie potting mix Dec p73 Liz & Robin Reid’s sensory Bush foods May p64
divide bromeliad Sep p72 garden, Melbourne (Vic) Apr p28 Celery Jan p62
divide kangaroo paw Oct p24 Marg Fairhall’s popular suburban Coriander Aug p64
grow pineapple from top Dec p77 garden, Devonport (Tas) Sep p36 Figs Feb p64
grow spring onions Oct p81 Peter Nixon’s seaside garden, Kale May p66
how to pick lettuce Sep p78 Forresters Beach (NSW) Jan p25 Lime Jun p64
make a succulent wreath Dec p34 Produce & Fuel nursery’s potted Rhubarb Apr p64
pamper brassicas Jun p73 garden, Sydney (NSW) Jun p42 Rosehips May p49
plant a pot for spring Sep p34 Sandra McMahon’s ‘Woodcote’ Seasonal cake:
plant a pot for summer Dec p28 garden, inspired by Edna fig, grape & ricotta Mar p50
plant a pot of hot flowers Nov p24 Walling, Melbourne (Vic) Feb p24 gluten-free beetroot,
plant eremophila Sep p28 Steve Falcioni’s rooftop chocolate & coconut with
plant French shallots Jul p73 garden, Sydney (NSW) Jun p36 avocado chocolate icing Jun p48

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 97
he big picture
Birdsong and parsley are just two of the familiar
scents, sounds or flavours that can suddenly
catapult MICHAEL McCOY into times past

A
couple of weeks back I sauntered Taste can be equally powerful. I remember
into a nursery, and just metres only a few details of the first time I tasted
through the gate, stumbled into tarragon, but it now grows right outside our
my past. I’d picked up on a flower kitchen door, and when it again passes over
perfume, and if I had to make a graphic my tastebuds, having infused a roast chicken,
representation of the scene it’d be of a timeline I’m not sure if I’m more in the present or back
stretching behind me, highlighted with several in 1991. Parsley is too commonly present in
moments in which I’d previously encountered my past to take me anywhere in particular,
that elusive scent. While it didn’t zoom in on a but when chervil is sampled afresh in my
particular memory, this fraction-of-a-second vegetable garden, my whole chervil-history
experience was awash with feel-goodness can be pinpointed in time and location.
– of happier, cosier, safer times. And then, of course, there’s sound. Many
As this precious, transient moment then gardening Instagrammers post videos with
flittered off into the ether, it left in its wake a birdsong, either deliberately or incidentally,
clarified conviction that one of the superpowers in the background. When you’ve previously
of gardens is that they can provide a rich, encountered that soundscape, however
multi-sensory portal into our past. subconsciously, hearing it again on a device
It’s not just floral perfumes that have can be almost disturbingly disembodying.
this power. Scents from foliage are equally I particularly remember returning, a little
transporting – ask any OS-travelling Aussie reluctantly, to England one May. It was hot,
who happens across a eucalypt. The and in some wakeful moment at about 4am
somewhat acrid exudate from Euphorbia I opened my old sash-window and climbed
characias is likewise history-loaded for me, back into bed. My visually recreated memory
along with the volatile oils that hover around of the moment is of lilac and wisteria scent
cistuses, lavenders and rosemary. The direct oozing through the window with viscous
pleasure of the perfume is almost irrelevant. liquidity, blended with the equally liquid,
PHOTOS ISTOCK

It’s the power of the associated memories. pre-dawn song of a lone blackbird. My
Even soil can do it for me. There’s a rich, visceral response was so loaded with r
peaty smell that lingers around some gardens and wonderful feelings of times past th
that throws me back into a vague place in it almost hurt. In a good way.
my past, and sends my memory googling I’m never quite sure, upon entering
for further detail – for images and locations. my garden or anyone else’s, whether
All I can identify with any certainty is that the balance is going to tip in favour
wherever or whenever I was most acquainted of unearthing my past, harvesting my
with that smell, I was deeply happy. What present or cultivating my future. GA
more should I want to know? Michael blogs at thegardenist.com.au
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