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EDITOR’S LETTER
TOUC
IN
PHOTOS JENNIFER SOO, ISTOCK
H
S TAY
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A JANUARY 2019 3
LET’S DO LUNCH
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
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
6 JANUARY 2019 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
JUST
“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!
Code: PG01
E SHELF
H This month’s pick of the
ON T
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
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
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
PRODUCTS
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Annya Azzopardi, aazzopardi@nextmedia.com.au Phone (02) 9901 6320
PRODUCTION MANAGER Peter Ryman
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SUBSCRIPTION SALES AND ENQUIRIES The stainless steel Garden Hook from CutAbove Tools is ideal for
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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
MANAGING DIRECTOR Hamish Bayliss
COMPANY SECRETARY Bruce Duncan to bring the branches
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MARKETPLACE
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BOOKS
ON
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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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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
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.
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
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
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
N
WHAT
YO KITCHEN
DO T O
N
WHAT
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
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
DO T O
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
AS
DIoVf dirt OST
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AS LI
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TH UNN 18
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18
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or until
17
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.
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.).
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
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
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ARDEN
More than 50 jobs to do in your action planner
YOUR
PLANNER
TOP JOB
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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plants that are sometimes difficult or ZDWHULQJOHVVWLPHXQWDQJOLQJ
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Information from some of our advertisers about their products
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
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!
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.
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
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
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
where
toBUY
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daleysfruit.com.au
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(03) 5984 7900, diggers.com.au
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(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
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
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
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
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
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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
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
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
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
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
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seven tools in this prize pack,
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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
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A T S U M A
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107
O S S T O S T A D A
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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 91
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Attaches to
a standard
rill
cordless d
cut & keep index January to December 2018
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,
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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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