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 EDITOR’S LETTER

welcome
T
here is something extremely satisfying about hearing
the thrum of bees in the garden. It’s a sound of such
earnest industry it makes me smile. What began as a
low murmur in my backyard has grown into a frantic
crescendo in recent weeks as all the flowering plants – the gums
and lillypillies, viburnum hedges, climbing star jasmine and potted
roses – have budded and started bursting into bloom.
I just love the cavalcade of little critters that appear in the
garden at this time of year – from the ladybirds (did you know
that the collective noun for ladybirds is a ‘loveliness’? How
perfect!) to the noisy rainbow lorikeets that hang upside down,
drunkenly, in the flowering gums. And the sight of a butterfly
never fails to stop me in my tracks. I’m always equally fascinated
and mystified by the sophisticated pollen-seeking radar systems
on board all these little creatures.
This issue, we’re talking about the birds and bees – and all the
other amazing little pollinators that help make the world go round.
Whether your garden is a sprawling acreage or a bustling inner-city Judy Horton’s Planner pages are jam-packed with ideas to keep
balcony, the wonderful thing is we can all play a role in providing you busy (page 79). And if, like me, you are renewing your vow
habitat for these industrious little creatures, contributing in a to start growing more vegies, then turn straight to our Patch
small way to the larger biosphere. For more on pollinators, turn pages by food-growing oracle Phil Dudman, starting on page 63.
to Helen Young’s terrific piece on page 36 – and why not become But remember, gardening should not be merely a list of jobs
a citizen scientist during Pollinator Week, November 12–20? on your to-do list. It needs to be about deriving pleasure, too.
And talking about balconies, never underestimate the potential (See the words of horticulturist and educator Jac Semmler,
of small outdoor spaces. With some clever planning and planting, page 48, and our back-page columnist Michael McCoy, for
they can be wondrous places of layered greenery, blurring the more on the topic of gardening for sheer pleasure.) So make
line between inside and out, and offering a connection with sure you pause, sit back and just ‘be’ with your plants – and
nature at your doorstep. If you have a small space that’s in need listen to that exciting buzz in your garden.
of a makeover, make sure you check out the design ideas in our Until next month, happy gardening.
story on courtyards (page 42).
It’s a busy time in the garden – and not only for the pollinators.
With the temperatures rising, it’s the perfect time to be planting,
editing, pruning, shaping and sprucing up your garden, and Elizabeth Wilson

TO U C H
S TAY I N
PHOTO SIENNA KUTASI

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1300 361 146 SOCIAL MEDIA

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G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 5
 NOVEMBER 2022

CONTENTS 20

For all your top jobs in

the garden this month,
turn to page 79

26
VER
CO COVER STORIES
COMPETITIONS
N THE

20 Take a fresh look at

miniature roses + READER OFFERS
26 Visit a romantic rose garden
PHOTOS ITALO VARDARO, ISTOCK, BRITT SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY

in South Australia’s Riverland 76 Subscribe for a chance

36 Pollinators: tiny garden heroes to win one of six Fiskars
42 Courtyard confidence
Gardening Packs, valued
at $544.55 each
48 Create a garden for
pleasure and practicality 90 Win one of five Koshi
54 See how two neglected bamboo wind chimes,
spaces became thriving each valued at $69.95
community hubs

A chequered swallowtail
58 Hannah’s clever tips for
multi-pot propagation
72 How to grow
65 94 Solve the crossword and
unscramble the word
for a chance to win one
butterfly and blue-banded bee delicious of five Rake Broom Sets,
feast on pentas blooms. For more valued at $119.95 each
sweetcorn
about pollinators, see page 36.
Photo: Erica Siegel

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 7
NOVEMBER
36
24 58
48

68 42
FEATURES 42 Small spaces, big ideas REGULARS
20 Sweet & petite Clever design tricks, planting ideas 11 News For gardeners nationwide
Take a fresh look at miniature roses and sure-fire plants for courtyards 16 Marketplace Plants and books
– they’re perfect for small spaces 48 Creating heartlands 52 At home with Jackie Growing secrets
24 Sings in spring Horticulturist Jac Semmler’s new book for a thriving lawn or patch of green
Try the bird-attracting white and pink explores her heart-centred approach 63 In the patch

ANNA HUTCHCROFT, SARAH PANNELL, GAP PHOTOS/BRENT WILSON

myrtle in your garden this spring to gardening and her favourite blooms • Timed tasks for your edible garden
26 A fine romance 54 Ripe for renewal • Sow & plant chart for November
PHOTOS ANGUS STEWART, ERICA SIEGEL, NATALIE MENDHAM,

This South Australian garden teeming These communities in regional Victoria • How to control root-knot nematode
with roses, water features and creative have turned two unloved acreages • Tips and tricks for even spacing
plantings sums up a lifetime of love into award-winning public spaces to keep your plants in line
36 Pollinator power 58 Try this! • Does companion planting work?
They perform wonders and come Take plant propagation to the next level • Grow sweetcorn
in all shapes and sizes – not just the and grow more cuttings in less space 79 Action planner Jobs for this month
birds and the bees with Hannah’s easy multi-pot idea 88 Mailbox Your letters, photos
and questions
ABC Gardening Australia magazine acknowledges Aboriginal 92 TV & radio guide Your ABC
and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and 94 Crossword
traditional custodians of the lands where we live and work. 97 The directory
106 The big picture

8 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
Create your own outdoor
sanctuary with Xavier

Available through Interior Designers,

Decorators and selected stockists
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www.xavierfurniture.com.au
OZBREED'S COLOUR
BURST SERIES
EDITOR Elizabeth Wilson
HORTICULTURAL EDITOR AB Bishop

a beautiful explosion ART DIRECTOR Rachel Henderson

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SUBEDITORS Gina Hetherington, Kirsten Wilkins
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ISSN: 1325-1465
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 November
News and happenings
for gardeners and nature
lovers nationwide

PAVING THE WAY

FOR POLLINATORS
There’s a buzz on Melbourne’s streets,
and it’s not coming from a new cafe
opening. It’s the sound of contented
critters traversing the Melbourne
Pollinator Corridor. Linking the 8km
between Port Melbourne’s Westgate
Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens,
the corridor, when complete, will
TEXT SALLY FELDMAN PHOTO LUKE SIMON

comprise 18,000 plants, mostly locally

grown indigenous species, in a series
of 200 garden spaces.
Driven by a community-based group
called The Heart Gardening Project,
and supported by, among others, Royal
Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) and
 where gardeners
Plus so much more.
grow!

CAFE/RESTAURANT • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • HOME INSTALLATIONS

Eden Gardens Sydney Macquarie Park Ph 02 9491 9900 Eden Gardens Brisbane Carseldine Ph 07 3863 9500
eden gardens macquarie park eden gardens carseldine eden_macquariepark eden_carseldine
 NEWS

Westgate Biodiversity: Bili

Nursery & Landcare, this lifeline
for native bees and other pollinators
is springing from street verges, barren
patches of public land, and even neglected
corners of car parks. It has been designed
in consultation with local councils, scientists
and the city’s Traditional Owners, to return
important biodiversity to an increasingly Meanwhile, in south-west Western Australia, local to south-west Western Australia
urbanised environment. residents of Busselton gathered late last made me realise how important it is
Volunteers have already rejuvenated year to plant 500 local native plants along to protect and maintain that amazing
more than 480m2 of unproductive land into part of a 2.1km path at the Buayanyup River biodiversity, and to draw attention to it,”
teeming habitat, and aim to finish by 2024. Drain Reserve. The Pollinator Pathway she says. “The City’s long-term aspiration
“We need more plants, and all the wildlife Project is the brainchild of Carolyn Ryder, is that, by incorporating native plantings
associated with them, in city streets,” says sustainability officer for the City of Busselton. alongside projects such as this shared
Tim Entwisle, director and chief executive A keeper of European honeybees, she was path, the diversity of foliage, forms and
of RBGV and regular GA contributor. “This inspired by a talk by native bee scientist and unique flowers inspires locals to plant them
bold idea is a brilliant way to achieve this.” consultant Dr Kit Prendergast. “To discover in their own gardens, thereby contributing
theheartgardeningproject.com that there are nearly 200 native bee species to creating habitat.” busselton.wa.gov.au
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EMMA CUTTING, PHIL HARGREAVES PHOTOGRAPHER

for trees... a jolly good fellow

Brisbane City Council recently bid a fond farewell to retiring principal
arborist, Keith Foster, after more than half a century of service. Starting
in 1970 as a tree pruner armed with an axe and pruning saw, he has been
responsible for – among countless community schemes – the planting of
more than 15,000 street trees annually in the ’80s and helping the council
plant two million trees by 2012. He led a project to create a residential tree
inventory for Brisbane, allowing monitoring for streetscape planning, and
helped develop Water Smart Street Trees. Perhaps Keith’s most significant
contribution is his work with the Department of Primary Industries, Gold
Coast City Council and Caloundra City Council to find a solution for brown
root rot, the deadly virus that threatens trees near the Brisbane River.
Thanks to Keith and his cohorts’ care and enterprise, Brisbane remains
resplendent with towering figs, paperbarks, eucalypts, jacarandas, kauri
pines and poincianas. Happy retirement, Keith – and so say all of us.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 13
NEWS

A PERFECT BALANCE
The grounds of Wellswood Cottage in
Aldgate, South Australia, have been
nearly 20 years in the making. This
self-described “modern cottage garden”
is home to award-winning landscape
designer Jamie McIlwain and his wife
Sally. It is a meticulously crafted marriage
of abundant perennial plantings, sculptural
clipped shrubs and inventive decorative
features – including a magnificent Wistow
stone wood-fired oven, complete with
built-in insect hotels. Open to the public
November 19–20. opengardensa.org.au

blazing a trail
As vegie prices rise, so does the interest in growing food. Now, the people
of the New South Wales Central Coast can take that interest further on the
Central Coast Edible Garden Trail. On November 19–20, visitors will get to
sticky-beak around patches, from pot-filled balconies to brimming backyards,
and discover organic and permaculture gardening principles. Whether it’s
fossicking through a food forest, getting the buzz on beekeeping or bumping
up biodiversity, there’s lots to do. The event is organised by volunteers keen LOCAL BRANCHES
to engage, educate and encourage people to jump on the sustainability train. Many NSW gardeners, farmers and bush

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPEN GARDENS SA, CLARA’S URBAN MINI FARM ILLUSTRATION ISTOCK
Co-coordinator Sandi Eyles will open her fully accessible garden, inspired by regenerators want to plant native species
her late mother, Sonja, whose love for gardening didn’t abate after an accident endemic to their area, but they have little
left her with a spinal cord injury. “I still feel Mum around me in the garden, information about what to plant. Now,
even though she doesn’t answer my gardening questions. I know she’d help is at hand, with an innovative app
have loved sharing her garden with the trail visitors.” Purchase tickets at called Trees Near Me NSW. The app’s
humanitix.com, and visit facebook.com/CentralCoastEdibleGardenTrail data is drawn from the BioNet database,
which is the result of years of tree
mapping and classification by scientists
at the NSW Department of Planning
and Environment. The app is for
anyone interested in the environmental
history of their area and wanting to
help restore its biodiversity and natural
landscapes. Simply tap in your location,
and discover what’s growing and what
would have thrived before land clearing
and urbanisation. Then just search for
a nursery that supplies the native plants
you want and you’ll be on the path to
landscape restoration. Download the
free app from your app store, or use the
website version treesnearme.app GA
 Seasol.
A better way
to grow…

And grow.

And grow.

To help your fruit & vegies grow

bigger & juicier, don’t forget this
PowerFeed dynamic duo.

www.seasol.com.au
seasol_international
Seasol
 EW
N

HELF
ES

PLANTS
H
ON T
Dark foliage Hydrangeas
A selection of new releases
to add to your garden

Commonly known as
the Italian frying pepper,
Capsicum ‘Cubanelle’
is embraced by cooks
for its mild flavour and
sweetness – even
when green, which
is when the fruit is
traditionally picked.
The plant grows to
about 45cm high and
wide, with profuse
thin-skinned conical
fruit up to 15cm long. It
grows in most areas, provided it gets a regular watering
TEXT AB BISHOP, SALLY FELDMAN

and at least six hours of sun. Add these peppers raw to

salads, or try them fried whole in a hot pan with a little
Available NOW at all olive oil and salt to aid caramelisation, then serve with
a generous scattering of shaved or grated parmesan. Or
leading Garden Centres split them lengthways, remove the seeds and bake in the
Visit our website for the entire oven until just tender. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic
ATP-1280-22

vinegar and serve with grilled meat or fish. Delizioso!

range of Anthony Tesselaar Plants diggers.com.au

www.tesselaar.com
 MARKETPLACE

As La Niña looks set to bring another summer

of flooding rains for large parts of northern and
eastern Australia, the Sunrise Posy Collection is
one way to bring a ray of sunshine to your garden
and home. The collection combines individual seed
packets of sunflower ‘Van Gogh’, calendula ‘Green
Heart Orange’, orange Californian poppy and dill.
Planted en masse or scattered among contrasting
plants, they’ll create a palette of sunny colour that’s
worthy of the great Vincent himself. Leave them in
the garden to look good and attract pollinators, or
cut them for a posy or the vase. Make the most of
the dill by drying the seeds for cooking and pickling,
and adding the leaves, flowers and pollen to a salad.
diggers.com.au

Masses of semi-double velvety red

blooms cover the compact, upright
bush rose ‘Cayenne’ from spring
into autumn. Growing to 1m tall and
70cm wide, with dense foliage from
ground level, ‘Cayenne’ is a versatile
plant. Consider growing it in a large
terracotta pot, or plant a row to make
a floriferous hedge that looks good
all year and attracts the bees. This
Floribunda has a five-star in-house
health rating, is suitable for growing
in semi-shade or full sun and was
awarded the Silver Medal at the 2021
National Rose Trial Garden Awards.
Available potted at selected nurseries The always-popular native hibiscus
and garden centres and online. Alyogyne ‘West Coast Gem’ now
treloarroses.com.au has a bit of friendly competition.
Meet A. ‘Eastcoast Gem’, its more
compact cousin. This fast-growing
shrub has lustrous, intensely purple
flowers through most of the year,
with the main flush from spring to
autumn. It’s fairly low maintenance,
adapting well to semi-shade and full
sun, and thriving in most well-drained
soils, both inland and in coastal areas. It will even tolerate brief dry periods and light
frosts and is happy to be pruned to maintain its shape. Growing 0.5m–1.2m high
and 1.5m wide, this gem is ideal planted as a garden border, or in an area requiring
moderately dense coverage. Best of all, the purple flowers are total pollinator magnets.
magikplants.com.au

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 17
MARKETPLACE

SHELF
E

BOOKS
ON TH

BLOOM
Lauren Camilleri & Sophia Kaplan
Smith Street Books
This beautifully illustrated book, subtitled
Flowering plants for indoors + balconies, is an inspirational guide to growing gorgeous
house plants. Authors Lauren and Sophia, co-founders of online site Leaf Supply, offer KOALA
tips on plant selection, styling and arrangement. There’s also practical advice on the Danielle Clode
best light, soil and care requirements for plants, when to plant them and when they Black Inc.
bloom. The book includes more than 60 plant profiles, and interviews with three We love our koalas, but what do we
plant lovers, showing how they have filled their homes with flowering beauties. really know about them? They can
be affectionate in captivity and seek
human assistance when needing
WHY DO BIRDS DO THAT? water or other care, but they can also
Dr Gráinne Cleary be feisty. Photogenic and featured
Allen & Unwin in children’s books, they are loved
The behaviours, survival skills and diets of birds worldwide, yet they’re plagued with
have long been a source of fascination for nature diseases, eat a diet of toxic leaves, and
enthusiasts. In this book, wildlife ecologist Dr Gráinne are known to be lacking in intelligence.
Cleary answers more than 50 often-asked questions Biologist and natural history author
about birds. Why do they sing in the morning? Why Danielle Clode tells the story of koalas,
do birds have three eyelids? Why do we see so few from their ancestral history to the
dead birds? You’ll find all the relevant information disastrous effects of colonisation,
in this book. You’ll also discover the answers to the conservation successes of the
perplexing questions about specific species, such 1920s, and the impacts of the recent
as why flamingos stand on one leg, why ibises eat devastating bushfires. She presents
rubbish and why starlings form murmurations. myth-busting facts and ideas on how
we can ensure the koala’s survival.

PLANTS: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Zena Cumpston, Michael-Shawn Fletcher & Lesley Head
Thames & Hudson Australia
For millennia, Australia’s Aboriginal and series offers a deeper understanding of
Torres Strait Islander people have looked the expertise and ingenuity of Indigenous
to plants as a vital form of sustenance and a Australians. Combining insights and stories
TEXT CAROLE GRIDLEY

versatile building material. This book explores
this intrinsic relationship. It’s the fifth book
in the First Knowledges series, edited by
Margo Neale, senior Indigenous curator
at the National Museum of Australia. The
from Indigenous and non-Indigenous authors
and editors, this book highlights the deep
cultural significance of plants and how
engaging with traditional ideas could foster
a more sustainable future for our planet.
 of home, online or by mail.
At Tesselaar we only supply 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.
ORDER YOUR
FREE
Mail order gardening at its best.
357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan, Vic 3795. Ph: 1300 428 527 Fax: 03 9737 7798 Email: info@tesselaar.net.au
We send seven seasonal, full colour, free
catalogues each year. We also offer additional
online specials and limited release rare plants.
Our friendly staff are always happy to help out
with your garden questions. All our products are
accompanied by detailed growing instructions
and tips to help you along your way to creating
the most beautiful garden for your home.
SIGN UP NOW
CALL 1300 428 527
OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.tesselaar.net.au
PLANTS
sweet & petite
With their classic good looks and suitability for small spaces, miniature
roses deserve serious consideration, writes JUDY HORTON
M
iniature roses seem to flow in
and out of fashion, but with the
current trend towards more
people living in apartments and
having smaller gardens, I’d wager that
they’re on the cusp of a major comeback.
Small roses of uncertain origin were
long grown as cottage plants in European
gardens, well before American nurseryman
Robert Pyle took a tiny plant home from
the Netherlands in the early 20th century.
Propagated and then registered as ‘Tom
Thumb’, it created a sensation, and set off
a Dutch-American breeding collaboration
that continued until World War II.
After the war, miniature roses were
brought back into favour by Ralph Moore,
another American, who, in rose circles,
is universally recognised as ‘the father of
the miniature rose’. Intriguingly, one of his
keenest adherents, Dee Bennett, was an
Australian who married an American sailor
and became a keen rose grower in her new
Californian home. When Dee purchased
some mini roses from Ralph in 1971, she
discovered her horticultural destiny. Ralph
encouraged her to take up hybridising, and
a number of her minis are still available.
small wonders
Miniature roses are long-blooming dwarf
roses with small flowers (usually up to 5cm
across), foliage and growth all in proportion.
The classification can be a little loose, with
heights ranging up to 1m, but these days,
the taller growing varieties are generally
20 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
described as minifloras, as they fall
between a miniature and a Floribunda
in size. Internationally, some very tiny
roses are called micro-minis or teacup
roses, but these terms don’t seem to
have become established in Australia.
Another common descriptor is patio rose,
because miniature roses do particularly
well in pots – in fact, this is probably where
they are most widely used. Some, such
as ‘The Fairy’ (right), with its sprawling
habit, can be grown as groundcovers.
There are also climbing miniatures that
reach up to 2m or more and grow well
on pillars and small trellises.
Blooms of miniature and miniflora roses
come in all shapes. Some are open-faced
or single, others are fully double and
classically formal. Some have a slight
perfume, but fragrance is not a common
feature, and as these roses are farther
from the nose than bush roses, it’s probably
less important. Mini standards, where the
rose is grown as a tree on a short trunk,
can be effective in a landscape.
care & maintenance
The general rules for rose care – sun,
good drainage and regular fertilising and
pruning – apply to miniature roses. They
can be grown in most parts of Australia,
although in the tropics, the humidity makes
it more difficult. For pots, use a good
premium-quality potting mix and watch
that the pot doesn’t get too hot in the sun.
Before filling, line the inside of the pot with
sheets of newspaper or bubble wrap to
insulate the roots. Fertilise mini roses
with controlled or slow-release pellets;
avoid salty granular rose foods. Pruning
miniatures can be challenging – I prune
mine with a pair of sharp scissors. One
appealing feature of minis is that they
grow happily from cuttings.
Water in the morning, ideally at the base
of the plant. Miniatures are impacted by
the same pests and diseases that trouble
full-sized roses and, because they’re often
grown under cover, they’re more likely
to be attacked by tiny mites. Look for
discoloured leaves and fine webbing,
and apply a potassium soap if needed.
looking forward
Miniature rose breeding continues in the
21st century, with breeders striving for their
version of perfection. For the last 20 years,
well-known German rose grower Kordes
has aimed to reduce its dependence on
PHOTOS ISTOCK, COURTESY OF WAGNER’S ROSE NURSERY
pesticides in developing its Lilliputs range.
The famous French house of Meilland
has bred ‘Zepeti’, which it claims has high
disease resistance. Australian rose breeders
such as Richard Walsh and Ruth Griffiths
are breeding minis that can be used in
vases. Paul Hains has developed roses
that thrive in subtropical climates.
Miniature roses, with their dainty size
and wide colour range, are irresistibly
fascinating. Be aware, though, you might
get ‘hooked’ – and I don’t mean just by
their thorns. They can be addictive.
PLANTS

JUDY’S
top picks
E
‘Zepeti’
This spring 2022 release is one for those who like
their roses brightly coloured. ‘Zepeti’ has vivid red
semi-double blooms that are about 4cm across. It’s
highly disease resistant and flowers for much of the
year. With upright growth to about 40cm and a width
of 30cm, ‘Zepeti’ is ideal for a mini hedge or border.

‘Holy Toledo’
The beautifully shaped mini roses of ‘Holy Toledo’ bloom
in perfect proportion to its leaves. They open in a clear
orange and fade to a soft apricot. They do have a faint
fragrance, but it’s the warm colour that gives this rose
its special appeal. Small, neat growth makes it great
for window boxes or front-of-border placement.

‘Irresistible’
I had to choose at least one of breeder Dee Bennett’s
minis, and ‘Irresistible’ is a true legacy rose that was
released after Dee’s death in 1989. Its perfectly shaped
creamy-white blooms have faint pink centres and an
attractive spicy fragrance. Dee would be proud that it
is still so widely grown in her birth country.

‘Snow Kiss’
This new release from the Kordes Lilliput range has
white loosely formed double blooms that are slightly
larger than a classic miniature. With a maximum height
of 40cm, ‘Snow Kiss’ is perfect for pots. It won the
award for Best Miniature or Mini Flora at the 2020
National Rose Trial Garden Awards of Australia.

‘Baby Boomer’
Bred by Frank Benardella, a much-awarded hybridiser
who achieved fame in the rose world by consistently
developing miniature roses with a classic Hybrid Tea
form. The fragrant pink blooms of ‘Baby Boomer’ appear
continuously through the warmer months on a bush
60–90cm tall, which is ideal for pots or as a border.

‘Chameleon’
This aptly named miniature rose, bred by Australian
Eric Welsh in 1995, has achieved considerable success
since its release. It’s a winner in a pot due to the blooms’
remarkable colour change, which gives the plant a
rainbow appearance as the flowers mature. This effect
is multiplied when the rose is planted en masse. GA

LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM

‘Zepeti’; ‘Holy Toledo’; and ‘Irresistible’.
RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM
‘Snow Kiss’; ‘Baby Boomer’; and ‘Chameleon’.
PHOTOS CORPORATE ROSES, ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK, GAP PHOTOS/NOVA PHOTO GRAPHIK, MELANIE TRIMPER, COURTESY OF WAGNER’S ROSE NURSERY

we
1 5 0 d ays o f f l o r
colour your home inside and out
Magical colour transformations! Flowers start from
pink or blue through to red and then a deep burgundy.

Scan code to discover more about

‘Magical Revolution’. Or visit
pma.com.au/magicalrevolution
 singsspinring
PLANTS
A versatile shrub with pretty bird-attracting
flowers, white (or pink!) myrtle is a reliable
performer that deserves a place in gardens and
even large pots, writes ANGUS STEWART
E
very Australian gardener is
familiar with the Eucalyptus
family (Myrtaceae) in its many
incarnations, which includes
hundreds of garden-worthy eucalypts,
bottlebrushes (Callistemon), paperbarks
(Melaleuca) and tea-trees (Leptospermum).
For those who want to dig deeper into
this iconic family, there is another
wonderful, lesser known group from
south-west Western Australia: the
genus Hypocalymma. The white myrtle
(H. angustifolium) is the most commonly
available species in the genus, but there
are many other attractive species that
aren’t so widely known, perhaps because
they don’t have catchy common names.
a spring show
The main attraction of hypocalymmas in
the garden is their prolific display of spring
blooms combined with a compact, shrubby
growth habit. They also make excellent cut
flowers, which is also a great way to keep
them even more compact. The foliage is
full of essential oils that give a pleasant
aroma when the leaves are crushed, and
their nectar-producing flowers attract a
variety of insect and small bird pollinators,
helping you create a biodiverse habitat.
Undoubtedly, the best known of the
genus is H. angustifolium, which has an
array of common names, including white
or pink myrtle (there are different colour
24 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
s
forms) and the Noongar names koodgeed
or kudjidi. Like all species of Hypocalymma,
it occurs in the wild only in the south-west
of Western Australia and is generally found
on gravelly soils with good drainage among
eucalypt woodlands. It can withstand light
frost, but dislikes wet and humid conditions
in the hotter months of the year, making it
a marginal proposition in locations such
as Sydney or Brisbane.
The white myrtle makes an outstanding
foreground shrub given its compact ball-like
shape, and it works well in large pots that
can be moved around. The small fluffy
flowers and their mass display blend well
with a wide array of garden plants, both
native and exotic, and its ability to attract
wildlife makes it especially suitable for an opportunity to select either a white or pink
informal ‘habitat’ garden mixed with pink form, with ‘Coconut Ice’ being a particularly
kangaroo paw and other pastel-flowered strong pink form with white ‘highlights’. It’s
plants such as tea-tree and Geraldton wax. available from specialist native nurseries.
With its small linear leaves and ability to To maximise your chances of success
regenerate after pruning, it makes a good with white myrtle, good soil preparation is
low-growing hedge or topiary subject. especially important if the drainage is less
H. angustifolium is relatively free of pest than ideal. Dig a hole at least three times
and disease problems, with root-rotting bigger than the root ball, and if you strike
fungi being the biggest threat, especially clay, a couple of handfuls of gypsum will
when drainage is poor or during periods help loosen the subsoil. Another approach
of high humidity and prolonged rainfall. is to create a mound of either soil or a soil
A dose of anti-rot fungicide during those mix, or grow in a large container. Water the
times can be a good preventive or curative plant in well and keep an eye on it for the
measure, especially if you notice your plant first few weeks, as it may need extra water
starting to look ‘off colour’. The natural in dry conditions, but once established, it’s
variation in flower colour provides the a waterwise plant. Cut it back straight after

CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN
White – or pink – myrtle (H. angustifolium);
the main attraction of the white myrtle is
its gorgeous display of spring flowers; Swan
River myrtle (H. robustum); yellow-flowered
golden myrtle (H. xanthopetalum).
PHOTOS AB BISHOP, ANGUS STEWART, RODGER ELLIOT
flowering and give it a once-a-year feed
and water at the same time. While it’s not
particularly sensitive to phosphorus, it is
worth considering a specialist native plant
fertiliser if you have sensitive species such
as banksias and grevilleas planted nearby.
There are several other hypocalymmas
that are worth a go as they all thrive under
similar conditions and maintenance. The
golden myrtle (H. xanthopetalum), the only
yellow-flowered species, has attractive
AUSSIE
NATIVE
at a glance
common name
white or pink myrtle
botanic name
small dark green Hypocalymma angustifolium
leaves that contrast
plant type
beautifully with the flowers, small shrub
especially when used as a cut flower. The 1–1.5m
Swan River myrtle (H. robustum) features
1m
vibrant pink flowers on erect shrubby
full sun to semi-shade
growth, making it ideal as a cut flower
and feature plant, and it also has a slight autumn or spring
perfume that is an additional bonus for the early to mid-spring
vase. For something completely different,
the species H. cordifolium from the south
coast of Western Australia has given rise
to a rather unusual variegated cultivar.
‘Golden Veil’ has brightly contrasting green
and yellow foliage that can be used for
year-round colour contrast to lift the mood
in semi-shaded areas of the garden. GA suitable
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 25
GARDEN

a fine
romance
Teenage sweethearts Brad and Lorna
have spent a lifetime creating their
home and nurturing a beautiful garden
that they share with the community
words JENNY BALDWIN
photography ITALO VARDARO

ABOVE & MAIN Brad and Lorna Taylor take a seat to read their
old love letters; the garden’s show-stopping ‘Pinkie’ rose arbour.
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 27
GARDEN

S
eventeen-year-old Lorna was being “a bit naughty”.
She was only allowed to borrow her dad’s ute once
a week and she wasn’t supposed to drive very far
from her home town of Paringa, in South Australia’s
Riverland district, on traditional Meru lands. But on this day,
she had driven with her younger sister half an hour west
to the town of Barmera.
“We went into a shop to get a milkshake,” says Lorna.
“These boys were sitting on the pavement outside, whistling
and carrying on. When we came out, we ignored them, got
into the ute and backed out. But as we started to drive off,
we heard a strange noise. They’d put stones in our hub caps!”
Embarrassed, the girls made as fast an exit as they could.
But among those annoying teenage boys was one she would
eventually come to know quite well: Brad Taylor. After running
into each other at a Christmas party and other occasions, Lorna
came out of the picture theatre one night to find Brad waiting
for her. And as Lorna says, it all went from there…
They courted for a few years, writing to each other almost
every night until Brad came to live in Paringa. By the age of 21,
they’d married, bought an acre and a half (0.6ha) of land and
were building a house. When they moved in, creating a garden
was a priority: the climate was very hot in summer and very cold
in winter, and they had no verandahs and only one tree standing.
First into the ground was a jacaranda and a walnut tree.
They also planted apricots so they could dry the fruit and sell
it to the local fruit company for a bit of extra income. And, of
course, there were roses. Not only was Brad a big fan – when
he met Lorna he was actually working in a nursery budding
roses – but the climate is made for them. This is a premium
grape-growing region, and where grapes thrive, roses do too.
The original roses included the Hybrid Teas ‘Fragrant Cloud’
(orange-red), ‘Spek’s Yellow’ (golden yellow), ‘John F. Kennedy’
(white), ‘Queen Elizabeth’ (pink) and ‘Peace’ (pale yellow with
pink edges). A huge array of other plants were added over
time, from succulents and geraniums to lavenders, daisies
and many other bedding favourites.
Nearly 60 years on, the jacaranda stands tall and graceful
beside the house, throwing welcome shade across the

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT

An old wagon is filled with echeveria, with Rosa ‘Simply Magic’
in the foreground and the ‘Pinkie’ rose arbour as a backdrop;
the couple does grow some vegies, too, but these globe artichokes
are grown for ornamental value; the resident ducks; painted
bicycles positioned around the garden are a fun element.
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 29
GARDEN
 APRICOT TREES
HAVE MADE WAY
FOR A BEAUTIFUL
MEADOW OF
ANNUALS.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 31
 “I LOVE YELLOW IN
THE GARDEN. I THINK
IT’S A REALLY HAPPY
SORT OF COLOUR.”

backyard in summer. The walnut is still going, but seems to

be in decline. The apricot trees served them well for many
years, but they’ve made way now for a beautiful meadow of
sweet peas, hollyhocks, statice, Queen Anne’s lace and other
annuals that pop up year after year. A newer apricot tree
– ornamental only – provides pretty blossom in late winter,
while camellias flower in unison. A maple and golden elm
offer seasonal foliage colour, as well as summer shade.
Some of the original roses are still thriving, but countless
others have been added over time. There are magnificent
specimens everywhere: a tall bank of creamy white ‘Sally
Holmes’ forms a bright backdrop for a deep flower bed at
the side of the house; a climbing ‘Gold Bunny’ screens the
water tanks; and ‘Crepuscule’ pretties up a brown shed.
The show stopper in the front garden would have to be
the arbour of climbing ‘Pinkie’ on the pathway to the house.
Grown on a frame made of old railway sleepers and poly pipe,
this nearly thornless rose flowers repeatedly through the year.
Two large beds of the coral pink ‘Simply Magic’ flank the path
at the entrance to the arbour, the tableau completed by an
old wagon topped with an echeveria species running wild.
Water here is strictly rationed. They’re on town water for
the house, but for the garden, each home has an allocation.
Lorna and Brad can pump water from the Murray River to
water their garden for three hours at a time, twice a week.
They’re constantly adding organic matter to the soil, and the
roses get the same nourishment as everything else: manure
from the ducks and chooks, as well as a lot of pelletised
slow-release fertiliser and blood and bone. The roses are fed
as they’re putting on new leaves after their winter prune. To
time the pruning, they have a simple method. “We watch the
town gardens and when they start pruning, we start pruning.
Everybody wants their roses to bloom during the Rose and

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT

The swimming pool has been transformed into a pond containing
fish and waterlilies, and surrounded by lots of self-sowing flowers;
Lorna loves to paint objects for the garden, from a wishing well to
bicycles; yellow roses and blue floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum)
make for a pretty planting; Lorna loves a bit of yellow, which is clear
from the touches of the colour that feature throughout the garden.
 GARDEN
GARDEN

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 33
GARDEN
CARING FOR
CUT ROSES
Lorna’s tips for getting the
most from roses in a vase
Pick them early in the
morning or late at night
Don’t pick them on days
when the weather is hot
Choose blooms that
haven’t quite opened yet
De-thorn them and put
them straight into water
Re-cut the stems when
you arrange them and each
time you change the water
Change the water in the
vase every couple of days
If you want to float your
roses in a bowl of water,
cut the stem right under
the base of the blooms
34 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
THIS IS A PREMIUM
GRAPE-GROWING
REGION, AND WHERE
GRAPES THRIVE,
ROSES DO TOO.
Garden Festival,” says Lorna. (The Riverland Rose and Garden
Festival runs for 10 days every October. Brad and Lorna are on
the committee and have been volunteering for years, opening
their garden as part of the program.)
There are quirky elements in Lorna and Brad’s garden, too,
like the brightly painted bicycles, which are positioned around
the property. Lorna enjoys giving things a lick of paint – she
has painted a table and chairs and a wishing well yellow. “I love
yellow in the garden. I think it’s a really happy sort of colour.”
They grow a few vegies, but the globe artichokes are purely
for their ornamental value. The bathtub outside the greenhouse
is both a radish patch and a worm farm – and the worms are
farmed for fishing bait, not worm wee. They do, however, use
chook poo to make a dilute fertiliser tea.
The chooks and ducks have separate digs – the duck house
is more like a palace – and the ducks have also taken command
of the pond originally installed to grow waterlilies. “We started
with only two ducks,” says Lorna. “One went missing – we
thought she must have been taken by a fox. Then one day she
came out from under a camellia… with 13 ducklings in tow.”
Lorna and Brad had four ‘ducklings’ of their own and the
pool was a great asset while the kids were young. But once
they’d moved out, it was time to turn it into something else.
They brought in a huge amount of soil to make the bottom of
the pool level – one end had been 3m deep – and placed a
plastic liner on top. Then they filled up the new giant pond with
water, fish and waterlilies, and planted up the edges with
pansies, dianthus, daisies and lots of self-sowers.
Brad and Lorna hope to stay in their home for as long as
possible, and will probably subdivide the land to halve their
share. “We don’t want to leave our home,” Lorna says. “It was
a lovely place for the kids growing up, and we always had lots
of kids here. The grandkids enjoy it now… and while Brad and
I fight about everything, it has been a lot of fun!” GA
CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT
This verdant bed is packed with roses, such as the white Shrub rose
‘Sally Holmes’ and a pink ‘Manou Meilland’, along with lavender,
irises and agapanthus (deadheaded before they seed); the couple’s
love for roses – mixed with the perfect climate – means their garden
is full of these gorgeous blooms; a barrow planted with deep pink
roses, Queen Anne’s lace and licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare).
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 35
pollinator power
They may be small in size, but pollinators play a huge role
in the biosphere, and our world would be unrecognisable
without them. Here, HELEN YOUNG pays homage
to pollinators and their wondrous work
 NATURE

T
he euphemism ‘the birds and
the bees’ has long been used to
explain to children how babies
are made. In plant reproduction,
it is indeed the birds and the bees, as well
as many other insects and other animals,
that are responsible for pollination, one
of the most essential processes on the
planet. So let’s have the discussion we
need to have about plant sex.

what is pollination?
Pollination happens when pollen, the plant
equivalent of male sperm, is delivered to
the receptive female parts of a flower.
Successful pollination causes fertilisation
and the production of seeds to make the
next generation of plants. Because it is
sexual reproduction, seeds contain genes
from both parents, which are expressed
in the offspring. Pollination thus drives
biodiversity, which is so critical to the
survival of our planet.
For gardeners, the desire for fruit
production is what makes pollination
important. Countless gardeners continue
to ask why their zucchini or passionfruit or
feijoa flowered but failed to produce fruit.
The answer is that fertilisation (not to be
confused with fertilising, which is applying
nutrients to plants) did not take place.
Fruit protects the plant’s seeds and also
plays a role in seed dispersal. For example,
berries attract animals that eat them and
PHOTOS SHUTTERSTOCK, ERICA SIEGEL
OPPOSITE & ABOVE
Many flowers attract the Australian painted
lady butterfly, but remember to grow plants
for the caterpillars to eat, too; the European
honeybee is Australia's most common bee.
which leads to the ovary). Wind is one of
the simplest means, used by plants such
as grasses, conifers and many deciduous
trees. Corn, wheat and rice are examples of
staple food plants that are wind pollinated.
These plants produce vast quantities of very
fine, light pollen that floats on the wind –
sometimes for hundreds of kilometres.
It’s also why they are the main culprits
the output of 87 of the leading food crops
worldwide, amounting to an estimated
35 per cent of the world’s crop production,
according to a 2006 study. These include
vegetable, fruit, nut, spice and edible oil
crops, as well as those grown for fibres,
animal fodder and biofuels. A 2013 study
showed that in more than 40 crops that
are grown worldwide, wild pollinators
improved pollination efficiency, doubling
the fruit set from European honeybees.
Curiously, not all fruit is the result of
pollination. Banana and pineapple plants
develop fruit without fertilisation taking

subsequently spread the seeds in their
droppings – a ready supply of nutrients –
far from the mother plant. Mangrove fruit
floats to new destinations where its seeds
can germinate, while burrs that stick to
clothing or fur also get carried afar.
Plants use a wide range of strategies to
get pollen from a flower’s male organ (the
stamen) to the female organ (the stigma,
for causing asthma and hayfever.
Most other plants are pollinated by
animals, including birds, bats, marsupials,
primates and insects of all types. These
are what we call wild pollinators. A 2011
study estimated that 85 per cent of all
flowering plants benefit from pollination
by animals, mostly insects. Critically in
agriculture, animal pollinators increase
place; they don’t have viable seeds, so the
plants must be propagated vegetatively
(by cuttings or tissue culture).
pollinator rewards
Plants can’t move about to meet potential
partners, so they use a fascinating variety
of means to attract pollinators that do their
mating work for them; usually a reward.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 37
 Many plants are generalists, producing
large, brightly coloured flowers that attract
a wide range of pollinators, including birds.
Lured by the promise of nectar to drink
and pollen to eat, they get a dose of pollen
stuck to them at the same time, which they
then spread to the next flower they visit.
Other plants, including some orchids,
have evolved so highly that only one
species can pollinate their specialised
flowers. The largest animal pollinators are
nectar-drinking lemurs in Madagascar,
who open the flowers of traveler’s palm CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE
(Ravenala madagascariensis) with their Birds, such as this New Holland honeyeater, are
fingers and thrust their furry snouts inside. attracted to brightly coloured flowers; a yellow
hairy flower wasp; the common green bottle fly;
a monarch butterfly; a clerid beetle on smoke
animal attraction bush; native stingless bees are proving useful
Flowers often use colour or ultraviolet for crop pollination; lizards, like this northern
spiny-tailed gecko, are also great pollinators;
markings on their petals to visually guide flying foxes can carry pollen long distances.
insect pollinators – like runway landing
lights. Birds are generally attracted to
bright colours, and some are sensitive
to ultraviolet; bees can also see into the
ultraviolet spectrum and are especially
attracted to blue, purple, yellow and
white. Butterflies are attracted to pink,
yellow, purple, red and white flowers,
particularly tiny, tubular clusters.
Night-flowering plants usually have
pale or white blooms that almost glow
in the faintest light, but they can also
use scent to lure the moths and bats
that pollinate them. Some flowers such
as the corpse flower (Amorphophallus
titanum) smell putrid, like rotting flesh,
to attract carrion insects. Bees and
butterflies prefer sweet scents.
Orchids are famously seductive
deceivers. About a third of them use
sophisticated sexual trickery to attract
their pollinating insects, mostly wasps.
The flowers emit a scent that mimics
the sex pheromones of receptive female
wasps, and they even look like them.
Hapless males attempt to mate with
the blooms, transferring pollen as they
repeatedly fall for the same trick.

who are the pollinators?
European honeybees used to get all the
attention when we talked about pollination.
However, we’re now learning about the
importance of wild insect pollinators,
including native bees, butterflies, moths,
flies, wasps, ants and beetles.
BEES
European honeybees forage up to
5km from the hive, but they don’t fly if
temperatures are below about 13°C. It’s
thought that they pollinate about a third of
all crops worldwide, and some crops, such
as apples, almonds, avocados, mangoes
and blueberries, are heavily reliant on
hives being transported into the orchards
during flowering periods to do the critical
pollination work. No pollination, no crop.
Supplying the tens of thousands of hives
needed for this across Australia is a very
important business. Sadly, honeybees
are under threat worldwide from Colony
Collapse Disorder, pesticide poisoning and
the serious pest varroa mite (see page 41).
There are more than 20,000 wild bee
species globally and we have about 2000
species in Australia. They tend to be very
efficient pollinators and, like European
honeybees, collect nectar and pollen. The
majority are solitary, but some form hives,
notably the Tetragonula and Austroplebeia
stingless bees, which produce honey, but
PHOTOS ISTOCK, ERICA SIEGEL, LUKE SIMON, SHUTTERSTOCK
nothing like the quantities of honeybees.
They are, however, proving valuable for
crop pollination, and are used in macadamia
and blueberry farms and studied for other
crops such as strawberries. But they are
limited to temperatures above 18°C and
generally stay within 500m of the hive.
NON-BEE INSECT POLLINATORS
Dr Romina Rader, Associate Professor in
Community Ecology at the University of New
England, recently led an international review
of studies on non-bee crop pollinators.
It showed that the most frequent flower
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
NATURE
visitors include six different families of
flies, two of beetles, four of butterflies and
moths, plus ants and wasps. She points
out that these wild pollinators can work at
times and in weather that bees are unable
to, and they can also carry pollen greater
distances. Among more than 7000 species
of flies in Australia are hover flies (their
larvae are known predators of aphids), and
their less attractive relatives, blowflies and
house flies. Nectar-feeding hairy blowflies
are surprisingly good pollinators and are
being used by Australian growers of celery
and onion seeds. Trials are also under way
with them and other fly species to pollinate
mangoes, avocados and blueberries. In
agriculture, flies have exciting potential as
an alternative to honeybees, as they can be
readily mass-reared and they don’t sting.
Wasps are less efficient pollinators
because they tend not to be covered in the
fuzzy hairs that pollen sticks to; however,
our native paper wasps and potter wasps
do pollinate flowers as they feed on nectar.
Some wasps do have highly specialised
relationships with some species of figs and
orchids, being their exclusive pollinators.
Beetles are most attracted to green or
white flowers but fly limited distances.
Ants are less commonly pollinators –
their presence in flowers can actually
deter beneficial pollinators – but one
native they do pollinate is smoke bush
(Conospermum) in Western Australia.
OTHER ANIMALS
Non-insect pollinators include birds, and
bats, of which we have nearly 80 species,
but it’s the nine species of flying foxes that
pollinate plants, not the microbats, which
eat insects. These nocturnal pollinators
can carry pollen long distances. Lizards,
including skinks and geckos, transfer
pollen that sticks to their scales as they lap
up nectar, and other marsupials, such as
antechinus and possums that pollinate
banksias, are also on the list.
N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 39
NATURE

how to attract pollinators

To build a pollinator-friendly garden, grow
a diverse range of plants that offer various
flower colours, shapes and blooming times.
Shrubs offer masses of flowers, but for
the widest range of pollinators, grow plants
of different heights that interconnect (see
‘Best pollinator plants’, below right, for a
few examples). The plants can be native
or exotic, ideally with at least four types
blooming at any time. Butterflies and bees
prefer flowers in sunny locations that
are protected from wind, with clumps of
the same plant together. Single flowers
(one ring of petals around an open centre)
make it easy for bees to access pollen on
the exposed stamens. By comparison,
‘doubles’ that have multi-layered, tightly
packed petals are harder to get at and are
sometimes sterile, producing no pollen and
little nectar. The flowers of leafy vegies
and herbs – if you let them form - are
excellent for attracting beneficial insects.
And it’s not just about the flowers.
Putting out shallow, pebble-filled dishes of
water in dry times helps insects survive;
butterflies like mud puddles for moisture
and nutrients. Butterflies also need specific
plants for their caterpillars to feed on. Try
to provide various pollinators with habitats
that offer vital food and nesting resources,
such as grasses, bee ‘hotels’ and leaf litter.
Most importantly, stop using pesticides.
Systemic products containing imidacloprid
(such as Confidor and BugKilla) that work
from inside the plants still show traces in
pollen and nectar months later. Even milder
pesticides and fungicides can affect bees
and other insects, so look for registered
organic products. If you must spray, do it
when there are no beneficials around. GA
BEST POLLINATOR PLANTS
Tall layer Lavenders
Banksias Salvias
For more ideas on bee-friendly gardens,
Bottlebrush (Callistemon) Sweet bursaria (Bursaria spinosa)
search the Australian Government site
Citrus Low layer
agrifutures.com.au for the free PDF
Eucalypts Groundcover grevilleas
Bee Friendly: A planting guide for
Tea-tree (Leptospermum) Herbs: sweet basil, oregano, thyme
European honeybees and Australian
Medium layer Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
native pollinators by Mark Leech. The
Butterfly bush (Buddleja) Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)
book The Bee Friendly Garden by Doug
– non-weedy varieties Sweet Alice (Alyssum)
Purdie is also an excellent resource.

40 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 Varroa mite
Until recently, Australia was the world’s
only bee-keeping country that was free
of varroa mite (Varroa destructor). This
serious pest weakens and eventually
kills colonies of bees by feeding on
the larvae and pupae, as well as adult
bees, like a tick. It also spreads various
diseases that harm European honeybees.
Varroa was detected near Newcastle,
NSW, in June this year, triggering a
well-prepared strategic response.
At the time of writing, there were 99
infected premises detected, including
two outside the original area, near
Gunnedah and Coffs Harbour, the help them by wiping out
result of infected hives being moved. the feral honeybees that
Thousands of hives have had to be they compete with), viruses spread
destroyed and there’s currently a ban by the mites can harm them.
on moving hives in NSW without a Work is under way to develop a
permit while contact tracing continues. world-first, hormone-based pesticide
If the outbreak spreads around that is safe for the bees but fatal to the
Australia, it will devastate European mite. The joint project between Hort
honeybee populations, with huge Innovation and the University of Sydney
impacts for farmers and gardeners who is investigating molecules that interfere
grow fruit and vegetables. It’s feared with the reproduction, development and
that pollination by these honeybees behaviour of varroa mite and a similar
could be reduced by 90–100 per cent. pest, small hive beetle.
Although this pest doesn’t target Australian honeybee keepers are
native bees (and could inadvertently encouraged to check hives regularly
for varroa mite and call the Exotic Plant
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Pest Hotline (1800 084 881) if they
A pollinator-friendly garden; crop pollination
by European honeybees could disappear suspect its presence. Gardeners can
completely if the varroa mite outbreak play a role, too, by examining foraging
spreads further around Australia; thousands honeybees for the 1mm brown mite.
of hives have had to be destroyed in an effort
to control the outbreak; a varroa mite sits on For more information on varroa mite,
a European honeybee and feeds like a tick. visit outbreak.gov.au

AUSTRALIAN POLLINATOR WEEK NOVEMBER 12–20

PHOTOS GETTY IMAGES, ISTOCK

Aiming to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and help support them, this
week of events includes picnics, garden competitions, workshops, webinars – even a
bee-inspired ‘Waggle Dance’ challenge! Go to australianpollinatorweek.org.au for event
information across the country or to donate. Or head to wildpollinatorcount.com to get
involved with a citizen science project and count wild pollinators in your area.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 41
IDEAS
small spaces,
big ideas
Courtyard gardens can be small in scale but still
deliver huge rewards, proving you don’t need a vast space
to create a fabulous landscape, writes ROGER FOX
THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE
This courtyard garden ticks all the boxes with a
feature urn, varied foliage and spillover plants;
fill your retreat with plants on every surface, from
gaps between pavers to walls and vertical spaces.
42 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
S
ome of the loveliest garden
spaces you could ever see are
courtyards. Their restrained scale
and room-like dimensions open
up all sorts of design possibilities, where
every detail can shine, and plants, pots and
decorative touches come together to create
the perfect scene. They’re living proof that
small things can produce enormous joy.
Courtyards vary in their size, of course,
but even the tiniest of them can be made
into a sweet sanctuary that will satisfy
your gardening urges while offering a
perfect retreat – minus the lawnmowing!
When it comes to planting in pots, think
big: one large pot is better than a cluster
of small containers. And think about filling
vertical spaces with hanging and draping
plants wherever possible.
GRAND DESIGNS
When designing a courtyard, the very first
thing to consider is what combination of
sun and shade the space receives, as this
will guide all of your plant choices. They
are usually enclosed spaces, with walls
or fences on three or four sides, and
PHOTOS GAP PHOTOS/BRENT WILSON
conditions ranging from semi-shaded to
fully shaded, so plants need to be chosen
accordingly. If you’re lucky, you’ll also
enjoy a sunny aspect, such as that along
a north- or east-facing wall, and these
zones can be used for growing favourite
flowers, or even vegetables and herbs.
Remember too that, in most cases, a
courtyard garden forms the main view
 tip
A great first step to designing
a courtyard is to take photos of the
main views, print them out on A4
paper, then sketch in your must-have
features – it might be a small tree in
the far corner, a climber to green
up a bare wall, or a large urn
to create a focal point when
viewed from the
house.
from your house, so strive to create a
scene that you love looking at – a verdant
sanctuary to draw you outside.

layout
Conventional courtyard layouts place the
garden beds along the perimeters, and
this works well for most designs, offering
a touch of formality to the scene. But if
you want to relax the look a little, consider
curving the line of one of the garden beds,
or removing a few pavers so that some of
your plantings can ‘bulge out’ and soften
the outline. If your starting point is built-in
raised garden beds running around the
boundaries of the space, then these can
be softened by grouping large pots around
the perimeter, which will introduce some
colourful punctuation points.

flooring
A prime visual element in most courtyards
is paving, so before you start any other
landscaping, get this area sorted to
your satisfaction. If you plan to change
the pavers, do this first, as it’s difficult
and messy to do once your garden is
established. Remember that even old and
mouldy paving can be cleaned up to look
like new with some high-pressure water
cleaning. You may find that what’s already
there can be made to look just fine. And
there’s another option too: timber decking
can also be readily installed over the top
of an existing concrete or paving base.
(Tip: unless you’re a savvy carpenter, this
is a job best left to the experts.)

living
Courtyards are for people just as much
as plants – they’re an extension of your
home. So, make sure you factor in space
for activities such as eating, relaxing and
entertaining when you’re designing the
layout. If the space is large enough, why
not include a permanent dining setting so
you can enjoy year-round al fresco eating?

44 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 IDEAS

SPACE SAVING TIPS

Fitting everything you need into
a courtyard space requires some
clever planning, but there are many
space-saving solutions out there.
Attach a retractable hose unit
to an inconspicuous section of
wall so you won’t have tangled
hoses cluttering the ground.
Seek out a garden bench that
features underneath storage – it’s
a handy spot for keeping gardening
essentials such as hand tools, pots
and fertilisers.
Install a retractable washing line,
which can be pulled into service
when you need it, but is out of
sight the rest of the time.
An attractive shed (right) or
outdoor cupboard (providing you
have a suitable covered spot) is
handy to store things like outdoor
cushions, candles and other
accoutrements for outdoor living.
Use the overhead space too –
string wires from wall to wall
PHOTOS ALAMY, GAP PHOTOS/ELKE BORKOWSKI, GAP PHOTOS/BRENT WILSON, GAP PHOTOS/MATTEO CARASSALE

and suspend hanging baskets

or candle holders.

For smaller spaces, folding, lightweight CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN

cafe furniture is a great option, allowing
you to clear the space when you need to.
Also consider the option of having built-in
benches installed. These not only save
space, but can also be designed to
incorporate useful storage underneath.
A tiled mosaic patio is surrounded by a ‘wild’
garden of perennials and grasses; a cute shed
or outdoor cupboard is great for storage; a
feature pot of dwarf papyrus sits by a simple
seating area and bespoke benches; don't limit
vegie growing to garden beds – try thyme
between pavers and runner beans, rosemary,
and salad greens for looks as well as picking!

decorating which allows the rich greens of the

Just as with decorating an interior space,
courtyards offer the chance to create
a ‘room’ filled with the things you love.
Top of the essentials list are glazed pots,
which can be used to introduce a colour
scheme while also highlighting favourite
plants. Add clusters of pots in earthy
textures like terracotta or stone planted
with flowers, herbs and succulents.
Consider the background colour of your
outdoor room too – painting the walls or
fences a dark shade (deep charcoal, for
example) will make them visually recede,
plant foliage to shine in contrast.
Walls can be decoratively dressed, too,
with everything from ornamental screens
and wall pots, to lattice panels and outdoor
mirrors – the latter are brilliant to increase
the sense of space. Water features add
sparkle, whether it’s a still water bowl or
a trickling fountain (check out some of the
solar-powered designs available). String
lights overhead, hang lanterns from trees,
paint a feature wall or highlight a sculpture
among the greenery. Be creative and
indulge in the things you love.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 45
PLANT IT OUT!
You can indulge almost all of your plant
passions in a courtyard space – just on
a smaller scale. Plan your landscape in
layers, starting perhaps with a small
feature tree (these look great in large tubs
too), then filling in with shrubs, perennials,
groundcovers and climbing plants for
greening the vertical surfaces. Pots and
tubs are essential, adding highlights to
the scene while also softening the effects
of the hard paving. They also allow you to
refresh the look from season to season
by swapping over your pot subjects.
Before you buy any plants, work out the
ratio of sun and shade that each side of
the courtyard receives and choose your
species accordingly. That way, you’ll avoid
wasting time and money on plants that
won’t thrive in their chosen spot.

THIS PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT shrubs & perennials

A dwarf Japanese maple with pots of colourful
impatiens; well-trained climbers create a lush
backdrop to an outdoor dining space.
OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP
Stack old crates to make niches for potted
herbs – perfect for a courtyard near the
kitchen; native frangipani; bougainvillea;
Pachysandra terminalis; Rhaphiolepsis indica.
trees
Compact deciduous trees, such as small
crabapples (Malus spp.) and Japanese
maples (Acer palmatum), look pretty in
courtyards and obligingly drop their leaves
in time to let the winter sun through. Both
can be pruned to suit the space. Grafted
standard trees (often sold as ‘mop tops’)
also work well in small spaces, while for
something evergreen, consider the Chilean
myrtle (Luma apiculata) and smaller forms
of lillypilly like Syzygium ‘Hinterland Gold'.
To fill the middle levels of the garden, go
for plants that are happy in semi-shade.
Camellias, Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis
indica), buxus, nandina and clivia are all
great options. Blue sage (Eranthemum
pulchellum) is a pretty shade-loving shrub,
with clusters of sky-blue flowers in spring.
Add a little foliage structure to the scene
too, with plants such as arthropodium or
Brazilian walking iris (Neomarica gracilis),
both of which offer narrow strappy leaves
as well as seasonal flowers. For a delightful
native shrub, consider the heart-leafed
flame pea (Chorizema cordatum), which
bears two-toned spring blooms.
groundcovers
Low-level plantings play an extra special
role in courtyards, softening the line where

46 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 IDEAS

EDIBLE COURTYARDS
Even within the confines of a courtyard, you can enjoy
growing a few edible plants by cleverly using the sun and
space available. North-facing walls are ideal for vertical
gardens, where you can grow a variety of leafy greens
and herbs in multiple planting pockets. Potted vegetables
are a great option too, giving you the flexibility to shift
the containers around as the sun moves – consider leafy
crops like silverbeet, lettuce, Asian greens and herbs, as
well as cherry tomatoes and blueberries. For something
even easier to maintain, compact wicking beds offer the
advantage of built-in water reservoirs, so they’re super
convenient. Potted fruit trees are another edible option
for a sunny courtyard – think dwarf lemons, cumquats
and dwarf apples – while a passionfruit vine will offer
both privacy and a summer harvest. If you want to take
your self sufficiency to the next level, think about adding
in a small worm farm, so you can convert kitchen and
garden waste into rich soil food.
PHOTOS AB BISHOP, ALAMY, ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

garden bed edging meets paving – they
are the ‘spillover’ plants. Among the many
great options are mondo grass, native
violets, liriope, Plectranthus oertendahlii
and Japanese spurge (Pachysandra
terminalis). If you live in a warm coastal
climate, check out the indoor plant section
of your nursery – plants like arrowhead
(Syngonium spp.) and aluminum plant
(Pilea spp.) both offer great shade-tolerant
groundcover options. Versatile kidney
weed (Dichondra repens) readily fills cracks
between pavers, spills over container edges
or can even become a unique lawn, while
a lesser known creeping native, Austral
bugle (Ajuga australis) has purple flower
spikes and handles tricky spots with ease.
climbing plants
The original space-savers of the garden,
climbing plants are essential ingredients
in courtyards. Use them to soften bare
masonry walls or clamber over frames
placed to obscure unwanted views. While
a few climbing plants have self-clinging
suckers (notably, Boston ivy), most will
need support in the form of lattice, metal
mesh or guide wires. Some of the best
shade-tolerant species to consider are
pandorea, hardenbergia and Chinese star
jasmine, but if you have a sunnier aspect,
consider bougainvillea, banksia rose and
mandevilla among many others. GA

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 47
GARDENS

creating
hear lands
heartlands
T
here is no right way to garden.
It is a personal pursuit of pleasure.
Take a peek into the garden of horticulturist and
All gardens are worthy and educator JAC SEMMLER, a self-confessed ‘maximalist’
wondrous. As we garden through
small heartbreaks and great wonder, whose new book celebrates the pleasure of gardening
watching plants thrive and decline through
the seasons, we are in partnership with
and profiles her favourite super bloomers
ourselves and nature. photography SARAH PANNELL
Gardens are personal places. They
are cultivated from something within you.
Nurture your own personal heartland –
a space in which to create your own
expression of beauty. Do you want a
garden that blooms throughout the year in
your favourite colour? Do it. Do you want
to grow flowers whose scent reminds you
of past pleasures? Do it. Growing gardens
which connect you to different places and
past homes? Do it. Any starting point is a
creative gateway. Find your way in. Seek
out the plants that will meet your desires.
The women in my family – my beautiful
grandmothers and their mothers before
them – grew gardens of resilient flowers
in harsh climates. They grew what they
loved and what flourished. Their gardens
were their heartlands. For them, it wasn’t
an exercise in fashion – it was
unique and heartfelt.
I am a maximalist: maximum
plants and maximum beauty.
Plants are so darn fascinating LEFT & ABOVE much joy by sharing plants with friends,
and meet the needs of my Jac Semmler; Jac’s family and community. With a bit of
own ‘heartland’ of
hands, heart and intellect. nostalgic favourites consideration and experimentation you
Happiness for me is when includes Shirley can find brilliant plants for all parts of
every corner of the garden poppy ‘Pandora’ and the garden in all climates. It is a process
Salvia ‘Caradonna’.
is packed with plants and of bringing plants together to provide
OPPOSITE
I am totally surrounded Burgundy dahlias, all-season delight.
by foliage and flowers. yellow coreopsis and I like to jam plants together in every
blue delphiniums
My gardening practice is with a backdrop of pocket of my garden. The more I add, the
plant-driven, and I gain so climbing sweet peas. more opportunity there is to observe how

48 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 See more of Jac’s
garden on Friday,
Nov 11 at 7.30pm
on ABC TV

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 49
GARDENS

they grow and relate to one another in an

endless learning process of consideration,
practice, trial and error. It is a home
laboratory, a plant lab filled to the brim
with flowers and foliage.
Nature has taken the reins in parts of
the garden as plants happily self-seed.
Sometimes it feels like I am more of
a curator than a gardener, pulling and
transplanting seedlings and choosing what
will be allowed to rampage and what will
be moved elsewhere.
What shape will this style of gardening
take for you? It could be filling pots with
velvety flannel flowers (Actinotus helianthi)
and delighting in their soft petals, before
carefully collecting their seeds to
share with friends.
Or you might replace your unused lawn
with a glorious explosion of sunflowers,
taking armfuls of these happy blooms to
your loved ones and always having an
abundant display on the table.
It might mean growing the grasses and
wildflowers of the bushland from your
childhood, or establishing a community of
roses that echoes your grandma’s garden, and intentionally tending a plant. Don’t
or allowing nasturtiums (Tropaeolum let ideas on whether you are a ‘gardener’
majus) to run rampant through the garden, hold you back. You can do it. Just start.
trailing up walls and into every corner to I often find myself staring at flowers in
form a verdant and lush jungle. my garden. I meditate on their blooms and
Wild gardens sparkle with a chaotic and settle into their beauty. Pleasure abounds
loose energy that allows me to feel I am and time passes in these simple moments.
at play and that there is unlimited room for Too often gardens are defined as a list
wonder and the unexpected. Some creative of chores. We talk of ‘maintenance’ and
ideas in the garden may not always bloom. ‘management’ of the garden, that gardens
Like all gardeners, I have killed plants on take a lot of work, with seasonal jobs to
my gardening journey. But with so many do. But the practice of cultivating beauty
plants in play there are more moments of goes beyond duty. In finding your heart
glory than failure. in your garden, it may no longer be work.
If it is ‘too much work’ and not enjoyable
pleasure and practicality or satisfying, perhaps change how you This is an edited extract from
The act of gardening is the fruition of are gardening. How can you enjoy the Super Bloom: A field guide to
design, ideas and curiosity. It is both pleasure of gardening first and foremost? flowers for every gardener, by
practical and a creative expression. It’s There is a deep-seated joy to be found as Jac Semmler, photography
about growing and tending now what will you tend your pleasure garden. Trends will by Sarah Pannell, $90,
bloom in the seasons to come. It is simply come and go but pleasure is endless. GA Thames & Hudson.

50 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 ABOVE
Tomatoes mingle with
Chantilly snapdragons,
Salvia ‘A methyst’,
Agastache ‘Apricot
Sprite’ and Scabiosa
‘Fama Blue’ in this
corner of Jac’s garden.
LEFT
A ‘colourful mess’ of
burgundy dahlias,
blue delphiniums and
yellow coreopsis mixed
with flowering carrots.
OPPOSITE
Lovely Californian
poppies (Eschscholzia
californica) grow on
Jac’s verge with bright
yellow billy buttons
(Pycnosorus globosus)
and delicate purple
digger’s speedwell
(Veronica perfoliata).

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 51
a pocket of
green If conditions allow, a small area
of lawn can be a lovely thing,
but there are many alternatives
to grass that will create a patch of green,
says JACKIE FRENCH
 AT HOME WITH JACKIE

A
fter many decades, I have
finally found the secrets to
having a lawn that is green,
even in the worst extremes
of drought and bushfire winds. No, not
artificial grass. It’s hot to sit on, sours the
soil and contributes to the plastic waste
contaminating the world. Instead...
Keep it small. Keep games of cricket
for the park and put up a basketball hoop
or play ball games against the wall instead.
You really don’t need much greenery to
sprawl on or for kids to play on – especially
if you also have at least one tree for them
to climb. Low-growing ornamentals like
nepeta, cat thyme, lawn thyme, sedums,
prostrate rosemary, camellias, grevilleas
and groundcover roses – and a thousand
other choices – require less water than
grass and no mowing, but you can still small amount of water can do. The water ABOVE
look out over greenery. A small lawn also from the cup I brush my teeth with was Raise lawnmower blades to keep weeds at
bay and avoid bald patches of lawn; consider
means you only need a push lawnmower enough to keep our geraniums blooming grass alternatives, such as lawn thyme (top);
– no noise and excellent exercise. through the drought. But when water is hellebores (inset) are perfect for shady areas.
Suit the grass species to your area. plentiful, use it lavishly to flush out the
Ask for recommendations at your garden remnants of soap, toothpaste and the like. each relocation; and make a path out of
centre. If they say “eh?” try another one. Set mower blades to a high setting. pavers for the feet or paws to walk on.
Mix your species. The tiny ‘lawn’ out Always. Mowing on a low setting can leave Be realistic. Some spots are just too
the front of our house (I don’t count the bald patches that fill with lanky weeds. A shady for grass – try violets or hellebores.
native turf beyond, where the wildlife feed light haircut means your grass won’t need Other places are too hot, dry and exposed
– we don’t plant it or tend it) does include to use water or nutrients to grow more. for grass to survive – instead, consider
a few different grass species, such as Mow often. Frequent high mowing landscaping roses or any low-growing
kangaroo grass and couch. It also has gotu chops off the heads of the weeds. Weeds groundcover that thrives in your area.
kola, clover, native violets, lawn daisies, do not like this. Eventually, they’ll die. Your local council may well have a list.
dichondra, moss and many others. Some Top-dress. Sadly this doesn’t mean Be ultra-realistic. In areas of extreme
dominate in a cool, wet season, others when ordering a new wardrobe to match the bushfire risk, go for gravel or pebbles
it’s hot and dry, but all are good at staying roses, but instead sprinkling good soil or, that won’t burn, with a pond or two filled
dormant until the conditions are right. best of all, compost lightly over your lawn with green reeds or rushes and waterlilies
Feed your lawn at least once a year – every spring or early summer. Water well for the scent of water and greenery.
more if you cart away your grass clippings. and it will soon be absorbed, feeding the Enjoy it! The scent of just-watered
Water as infrequently as possible, grass and helping to keep the soil aerated. grass in the evening after a hot day will
but deeply when it’s hot to encourage deep Practise ‘lawn darning’. If there are relax you more than a holiday to Hawaii.
roots. When water is scarce, however, a bare patches where the dog has decided The perfume of just-cut lawn should be
very small amount of water will keep your to use it as his personal loo, or if there is cherished – leave time to admire it with a
PHOTOS ISTOCK

grass green, if not lush. A bucket a day a path worn by human or wombat feet, fix long glass of something cold and an even
caught in your shower is enough to keep it. Sprinkle some soil then lawn seed onto longer spell sitting with your feet up or lying
a small lawn and the shrubs around it bare patches; gently encourage the dog in the shade of a tree. A lawn is a lovely
green. Never underestimate what a very to use the lemon tree, with a treat after thing – and small really is beautiful. GA

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 53
SUSTAINABILITY
ripe
for renewal
Two communities in regional Victoria have turned
unloved acreage into flourishing public spaces – and
won awards for their efforts, writes SALLY FELDMAN
EUROA ARBORETUM
These former sheep paddocks have
been slowly restored to create a place
of learning, growth and recreation
The prestigious Premier’s Sustainability
Awards, an annual awards program held in
Victoria, showcased an extraordinary range
of initiatives this year. Among them was the
Euroa Arboretum, which took out the title
of Community Champion in the Thriving
Environment category. It also received one
54 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
of the highest honours of the ceremony,
the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award.
It’s a shining example of what can be
achieved by dedicated volunteers working
hand in hand with Traditional Owners. What
was once 27ha of weed-infested, degraded
former sheep paddocks (and a VicRoads
depot while the Hume Freeway bypass was
being constructed) has been restored over
20-odd years to its pre-colonial state as
a thriving grassy woodland ecosystem.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT
Euroa Arboretum’s grassy woodland is
thriving as a result of restoration work;
old trees provide homes for wildlife; the
wetlands area; red-anther wallaby grass.
The first task was to learn from the
Taungurung Traditional Owners how to
manage the site, working with them to
control the weeds. Also, volunteers used a
century-old Furphy spike roller (found by PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE PROTHERO, EUROA ARBORETUM
executive officer, Cathy Olive) to recreate
the pitted soil environment caused by the
native animals that originally inhabited the
landscape, so seeds could be dispersed
more effectively. “The spiker has been
superseded by a more modern aerator,”
says Cathy, “but it was very effective.”
Scraping and disturbing the topsoil,
compounded with weed suppression, also
helped to germinate ancient pea species
such as Euroa guinea flower, which had
long been dormant in the seedbank. “We
could be seeing plants that may have been
subsumed for 100 years,” says Cathy.
 Other plants were added by hand and
through seeding – some 60 species of
daisies, grasses, lilies and peas – slowly
returning the grassland to its original
diversity and structure. With them came
fauna, including an increasing number of
diamond firetail finches, eastern bearded
dragons, skinks and all manner of insects
and other reptiles. Nest boxes and old
trees have now become home to sugar
gliders and squirrel gliders.
Euroa Arboretum has also become an
educational hub and meeting place for the
community, with Bush Kinder groups of
five-year-olds collecting seeds or looking
for animal prints, and gardening clubs and
Landcare groups helping to harvest seed April to November, selling about 60,000
and sow the grasslands. The collaboration indigenous plants, from grasses and
between the land’s Taungurung custodians sedges to trees, for revegetation across
and volunteers ensures the grassland’s the region – expanding the horizons of
restoration will be managed and expanded this invaluable enterprise into the future.
long term. The plant nursery is open from euroaarboretum.com.au
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 55
SUSTAINABILITY
WARRNAMBOOL COMMUNITY GARDEN
A disused sandstone quarry is being
transformed into a natural amphitheatre
for community events and activities
About 400km south-east of Euroa, the
good folk of the Warrnambool Community
Garden (WCG) have won the title of
Community Champion in the Sustainable
Places and Destinations category of the
Premier’s Sustainability Awards.
Launched in 2007, the WCG was already
a hive of activity, with produce gardens,
market stalls and workshops offering
anything from crocheting to growing and
using native plants and bush food. However,
about a third of the 6ha site had long been
56 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
unsafe, unloved and unusable – a disused
sandstone quarry, which had shut down
operations in 1962 and been abandoned
to its vermin and weed-infested fate.
About five years ago, WCG members
hatched a plan to convert the quarry,
using its existing shape and dimensions,
into a grassed amphitheatre – a public
event space for use by members and
the broader Warrnambool community.
Financed initially by a ‘Pick My Project’
grant, work started on the first phase
in 2019, with significant infrastructure
upgrades required, including installing
power to allow for prospective outdoor
concerts and other events. With the
major works well under way and the ‘floor’
of the amphitheatre cleared and levelled,
the members rallied together between
lockdowns through 2020 and 2021 to
start the revegetation of the quarry walls.
Gradually, the teardrop-shaped site
is being transformed into a magnificent
1600m2 grassed amphitheatre, while the
soon-to-be-started second stage of the
project will result in a water-resource
educational exhibit in the narrow gully that
forms the ‘point’ of the teardrop. Two of
the amphitheatre’s steep walls are being
planted out with predominantly native
vegetation to create habitat and food for
wildlife, while another has been cleared
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Members of the Warrnambool Community Garden working
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PHOTOS C0URTESY OF WARRNAMBOOL COMMUNITY GARDEN

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IDEAS

special

t s!
series

TRY hi
R

Growing cuttings in a ‘multi-pot’ takes

plant propagation to the next level, says
HANNAH MOLONEY, and your
garden and friends will reap the rewards

A
s someone with a big ‘plant
habit’, I regard propagation
as one of my best friends. It’s
easy and free, and has saved
me thousands of dollars over the years.
Like I said – I have a big plant habit!
I learned this nifty multi-pot propagation
method many years ago and I love it! It’s
so darn compact and it’s also a brilliant
way to grow hundreds of plants with
maximum space efficiency and ease.
It’s particularly useful for hardwood
cuttings, which are taken from deciduous
or evergreen shrubs usually in winter or
spring. The wood is generally second-year
wood and doesn’t bend easily.
Not all the cuttings will survive, but you
won’t even notice, because most of them
will. If you know other gardeners with a
big plant habit, give them the gift of a
multi-pot filled with cuttings! So, friends,
go forth and propagate – may it bring you
all the joy (and plants) you need.
STEP-BY-STEP
MAKE A MULTI-POT
YOU WILL NEED:
hardwood cuttings
coir peat and propagation sand
plastic pots of varying sizes
PHOTOS NATALIE MENDHAM

The multi-pot approach is a winner, as it honey

means you can lovingly jam lots of pots pencil
into a tiny space and, importantly, harvest wire, or a wire coat hanger,
them easily by removing the pots to access straightened and cut in half
each cutting. I often have one or two pots plastic bag and string
on the go, with around 50 plants in each.

58 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
IDEAS

1 TAKE some hardwood cuttings from

the plants you want to propagate, making
them 15–20cm long. With this length, you
1 will have at least five nodes, which is
where the future roots will sprout from –
the more nodes the better! Here, I’m taking
cuttings from Salvia mexicana ‘Limelight’
(above), golden sage (S. aurea), and good
old rosemary (top left).
2 CREATE a suitable potting mix. I use
a 50:50 mix of coir peat and propagation
sand, which ensures good drainage and
moisture retention. Cuttings at this stage
require hardly any nutrients, so there’s
4
no need to add compost.
3 CHOOSE your pots – you’ll need three. 4 PLACE a smaller pot in the largest pot.
Ensure that there is at least a 3cm gap Add potting mix beneath it so the rims line
between each one when they are stacked up. Repeat the process with the next pot.
2 inside each other, as this is where you’ll
plant your cuttings.
5 FILL the gaps between the pots and the
innermost pot with potting mix.

3 5

60 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 6 REMOVE most of the foliage on each
6 cutting, leaving a small amount at the top
to photosynthesise (drink in the sun).
7 DIP the bottoms of the cuttings into
honey. Honey has antibacterial and
anti-fungal properties, protecting the
cuttings from pathogens (the bad bugs).
8 MAKE holes in the potting mix with
a pencil, and insert one cutting per hole.
You can fit lots of cuttings into one pot,
spacing them 3–5cm apart.
9 BEND two lengths of wire, each about
50cm long, to form the frame of a mini
hothouse (an old coat hanger works well).
Insert each end just inside the edge of the
largest pot – it’ll hold itself nicely there.
7 10 WATER all the cuttings.
10
8 9 11 PLACE a recycled plastic bag over the
wire frame, secure it with string and place
the plants in a sunny position. If you see
condensation inside the plastic bag, there’s
no need to water. Once that disappears,
remove the bag, give the cuttings a good
drink and replace the bag. Now we wait...

11

After four weeks or so, check if the cuttings

have set roots by removing the smallest
pot – you should be able to see the next
layer’s cuttings and some of their roots.
PHOTOS NATALIE MENDHAM

To harvest the cuttings, separate the

pots and use a butter knife to gently ease
the cuttings apart. Pot them up into larger
pots to establish more roots, or straight into
their forever home in your garden bed. GA
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 IN
THE
PATCH
with PHIL DUDMAN

inside...
65 ACTION Task
s for
the time-poor gard
ener
+ sow & plant ch
art
67 PESTS How to
fight
root-knot nematod
e
68 HACKS Tips a
nd tricks
for even plant spac
ing
71 MY THS Does
companion
planting really work
?
72 GROW Sweetc
orn
PHOTO ISTOCK

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 63
 PATCH ACTION

Whether you have 15 minutes

or an hour to spare, these timed
tasks from PHIL DUDMAN will help you keep
SOW & PLANT NOW
on top of things in your productive garden asian greens ●● ●●
basil ●●●●●
if you have … beans (french, climbing)
beans (snake)
●●●
●● ●
FEED YOUR CITRUS Citrus trees are arguably the hardest beetroot ●●
15
MINS
working plants on the planet! No sooner have you harvested one
crop, than they push out a flush of flowers for the next one. Once
broccoli ●●
the new season’s fruit is set, citrus will be calling out for a little help cabbage ●●
in the form of feed. So give the root zone a good soaking – from the trunk to capsicum/chilli ●●●●●
just beyond canopy – sprinkle some citrus and fruit tree fertiliser over the area carrot ●●●
(according to product directions) and water in well. chives ●●
choko ●● ●
PLANT SWEET POTATO Sweet potato is easy to grow over
coriander ●●
30
MINS
the warmer months. It’s a trailing vine and all you need is a few
cuttings to get started. If you know someone with a crop, ask them cucumber ●●●●●
for some cutting material, or get hold of your favourite sweet potato eggplant ●●●●●
variety and plant it upright in a pot – it will quickly shoot out lots of leafy stems. ginger ●●●●
This crop likes a deep soil for the tubers to develop unimpeded, so mound your kale ●●
soil in planting rows, or pile compost on the surface, and plant your cuttings in kohlrabi ●●
that. The tubers will develop where roots form.
leek ●●●
SET UP SOME SHADE FOR HEAT-SENSITIVE VEGIES lettuce ●●●●
melon
60 From tender lettuces to fruiting capsicum, many vegies suffer in ●●●●
MINS extreme heat. Make simple frames over your vulnerable crops, then okra ●●●●●
when temperatures soar, toss over some shadecloth or an old sheet parsnip ●●
to protect them. For low-growing plants, use poly pipe or PVC conduit to make potato ●●●
arches. For taller ones, knock in 2–3 stakes around each plant, or make a simple
pumpkin ●●●●●
tent frame by spacing uprights along a row to support a horizontal rod at the top.
radish ●●●●
rocket ●●●
rosella ●●●●
silverbeet ●●
spring onion ●●●●
sweetcorn ●●●●●
sweet potato ●●●●
tomato ●●●●●
zucchini/squash ●●●●
PHOTOS JESSIE PRINCE, ISTOCK

KEY
tropical ●
subtropical ●
arid/semi-arid ●
warm temperate ●
cold temperate ●

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 65
Stay safe this tick season
Freeze it. Don’t squeeze it.
✓ Removes ticks quickly in one piece
✓ Effective self-treatment
✓ Easy to use
✓ No assembly required

Available in Pharmacies
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

KNOT okay!
Root-knot nematode can seriously damage
crops before you even know they’re there
I
f your plants are displaying symptoms
such as stunting, wilting and yellowing,
it’s possible they’ve been infected by
root-knot nematodes. Tomato plants
are the most common victims, but these
pests can also affect beans, eggplant,
capsicum, carrot, cucumber, pumpkin,
celery and lettuce, as well as passionfruit,
peach, pawpaw, kiwifruit and banana.
TEXT PHIL DUDMAN PHOTOS SHUTTERSTOCK, ALAMY
Also known as eel worms, root-knot
nematodes are microscopic worm-like
insects that live in the soil and burrow
into the roots of susceptible plants. This
intrusion causes the tissue surrounding
the insects to swell and form knobbly
galls. Several generations of nematodes
can breed within a short time, causing
galls to expand to 1cm wide. Eventually,
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
PATCH PESTS
the ability of the roots to draw up moisture
and nutrients is hindered, and production
comes to a halt.
If you suspect your plants have been
affected by nematodes, dig up some roots
and inspect them for galls. If it’s a positive
diagnosis, try the following to reduce
nematode problems in the future.
Remove all affected roots and destroy
the plants by burning them or placing
them in a rubbish bin. There will be large
numbers of nematodes in the roots, so
you’ll be removing much of the problem.
Avoid growing other susceptible crops
in that patch of soil for two or more years.
Consider resting the bed completely for
a year. This starves the nematodes
and reduces their population.
Keep beds free of weeds. Many
weeds are hosts for nematodes.
Add compost to the soil. This will
boost microbial activity and increase
the populations of beneficial organisms
that feed on root-knot nematodes. Sandy
soils are particularly prone to nematode
problems and these will benefit from
regular, generous applications of both
compost and organic fertiliser.
Grow green manure crops such as
legumes, vetch and oats to increase organic
matter. The act of digging it in also disturbs
and kills nematodes. Densely sown crops
of mustard dug into the soil have been
shown to be effective for ‘biofumigation’. As
the crop rots, it releases chemicals that kill
nematodes. French marigolds have a similar
effect. While growing, their roots produce
a chemical that inhibits the hatching of
nematode eggs, which is why many
gardeners grow them among tomatoes.
MAIN & INSET
Galls on the roots of wilting plants indicate a
root-knot nematode problem; a microscopic
look at the larva penetrating a plant’s root.
N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 67
 LINE ’EM UP
Want to maximise your planting space in the patch?
1
Growing vegies in evenly spaced lines isn’t everyone’s
cup of tea, but it does allow you to grow more in
one place. Here are four methods for keeping
your crops on the straight and narrow
STRINGLINE
1 PLUNGE a short stake into
MUFFIN TIN prepared soil at each end
1 PRESS a muffin tin firmly into
of your proposed row.
prepared soil to make an imprint.
2 MOVE the tin across the bed, and
make a line of regularly spaced 1
muffin tin impressions. The imprints
create a multitude of options for
sowing seed or planting seedlings
of a range of vegetables, depending
on their recommended spacing. For
example, you could place a radish or
spring onion in each cup, or a beetroot
in every second cup, creating diagonal
lines down the rows. Play around with
it and see what you come up with.

2 2

2 RUN a stringline
between the stakes,
securing it to each end
and pulling tightly as you go.
3 DRAG a trowel or a similar
tool through the soil to create
a channel, using the stringline
as a guide. Sow seed into the
channel, spacing it according
to what’s recommended for 3
the vegies you’re growing.

68 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 PATCH HACKS

2
DOWEL
1 PLACE a length of dowel (25mm
or so in diameter) on the surface of
your soil in the spot where you want
a row of seeds to grow.
2 PRESS down firmly on the dowel.
1 The imprint left behind makes a nice
straight drill, ready for sowing seed.

MEASURING STICK
1 GRAB an old tomato stake or similar
length of timber, then measure and cut
it to the general length of your rows.

2 LINE UP a measuring tape next to

TEXT PHIL DUDMAN PHOTOS ANNA HUTCHCROFT

the stake and use a permanent marker

to mark the desired plant spacings
along the length of the timber. If you
like, flip the stake and create different
2 spacings on the remaining edges to suit
a range of crops you’d like to grow.
3 LAY the measuring stick on the
surface of your prepared soil and use
a dibbler to make holes at each of the
marks. This is suitable for planting out
seedlings or sowing seed.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 69

There are many things to consider in the vegie patch, but worrying
about who is planted next to whom shouldn’t be one of them
A
lot has been written about
companion planting. The theory
is that when you grow certain
plants together, at least one of
them will benefit from enhanced growth,
TEXT PHIL DUDMAN PHOTO GAP PHOTOS/NICOLA STOCKEN
better flavour, prevention of pests, or some
other gain. These are considered good
companions. According to the principles,
there are bad companions, too – plants that
shouldn’t be grown together, because one
typically prevents the other from thriving.
The age-old question is: does companion
planting work? Well, sometimes it does, but
other times it doesn’t. If you sow a climbing
bean next to a corn plant so that it rambles
up the stalk, that’s a clear-cut benefit. When
you grow marigolds among tomatoes, you
can reduce nematode problems – it’s been
MYTH
or
FACT?
scientifically proven (see page 67 for more).
But the common claim that planting basil
among your tomatoes increases yield,
repels pests and improves tomato flavour
is a furphy (although you can’t deny that
these two make good companions on the
plate). I’ve also read that you shouldn’t
plant members of the onion family with
peas or brassicas, because onions release
substances that reduce the growth of
those two crops. This is simply a myth.
I’ve grown these combinations plenty of
times without any issues.
Plant carrots with cucumbers, but not
with celery... Grow your lettuces next to
strawberries, but don’t place them in the
company of parsley... I’ve heard so many
weird and wonderful rules in the world of
G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
PATCH MYTHS
companion planting, it’s enough to do your
head in – and very few of them are based
on any reliable evidence. I’ve met new
gardeners who have made spreadsheets
in a desperate attempt to navigate their
way through and get the combinations
‘right’. Add on the rules of crop rotation
and they soon become completely stifled!
Companion planting is often perceived
as the solution to gardening issues. If you
want to grow healthy crops, you can’t beat
good gardening practices, nurturing soil,
encouraging biodiversity, raising healthy
plants and monitoring plants regularly for
potential problems. Nevertheless, if you’re
curious, I encourage you to experiment
with different plant combinations. You
might just discover something that works!
N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 71
sweet
corn-ucopia
Fresh picked, home-grown cobs are far
sweeter and juicier than store-bought.
PHIL DUDMAN gives the lowdown
on how to reap a great harvest
 PATCH GROW

PRESERVING
YOUR HARVEST
The easiest way to preserve your
excess is to either bag and freeze

G
whole cobs (no need to blanch them)
rowing sweetcorn is one of the or to remove the kernels first. Use a
warm season’s true joys. Not just knife to carefully remove the first
for the sweet, succulent harvest row (lengthways), then rub off
– that goes without saying – but the rest of the kernels with
for the pleasure of producing such a bold your thumb.
bunch of plants. I look forward to it every
summer. What other crop do you know
that shoots out of the ground with such
gusto and towers over you within a matter
of months? The more attention you give
corn, the bigger and better it gets.

getting started
Sweetcorn likes warm to hot conditions.
Spring to early summer is the best time to
sow in most areas, but in the tropics and
warmest subtropical areas, you can pretty
much grow it year round. It needs plenty
of sun, with protection from strong winds,
and the soil must be rich and well drained.
Without adequate nutrition, the plants and
cobs will be stunted, so give the soil all
you’ve got. That means plenty of compost
or well-rotted manure, and a generous
application of blood and bone or pelletised
chicken manure. Mound the soil in rows if
drainage needs improving. Sweetcorn also
demands lots of water, so if your tanks are
low or you’re on restrictions with no rain
about, consider growing it another time.
Seedlings are readily available, but corn
at a glance
seed germinates easily, and you need common name
at least 20 plants for a decent crop, so LEFT & ABOVE sweetcorn
I reckon buying seed is the best option. The goal: full cobs of juicy home-grown corn;
to ensure good pollination, you’ll need to botanic name
The viability of corn seed is limited, so if plant at least three rows of corn. Zea mays
you have an old packet that you’ve had for
1–2m
more than a year, buy a fresh packet to a minimum of three rows – a single row
full sun
avoid disappointment. When direct sowing, won’t cut it. Corn must be planted in blocks
plant two seeds per hole (4–5cm deep). to achieve good pollination, so that cobs spring to early summer;
Thin out the second seedling and use it to end up full of delicious kernels, not patchy. year round in the tropics
fill gaps. Water seed in well, and let the soil 11–14 weeks
dry out before re-wetting – corn seed is care & harvest
PHOTOS ISTOCK, PHIL DUDMAN

prone to rotting when it’s too wet. If there’s
rain about, start seed in multicell punnets
(see our easy steps on page 75), which can
be moved undercover when it’s wet. It will
take 7–10 days for corn seed to germinate.
In the ground, space plants 20–25cm
apart in rows 50–60cm apart and plant
Gradually increase the depth of watering
as the crop develops, and cover the soil
with a thick layer of straw mulch to keep
the roots moist. When plants reach 50cm
high, hill the soil and add compost around
their base. This encourages more roots to
suitable
develop, which improves plant stability

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 73
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 PATCH GROW

and also increases nutrient and water
uptake. After about six weeks, apply
some more fertiliser along the rows
(these plants are hungry!) and give
plants a weekly application of diluted
seaweed extract and fish emulsion.
Before too long, flowers will appear.
When pollen sheds from the male flowers
(tassels) at the top, it will drift down to
pollinate the female flowers (ears) below.
Each silk at the tip of each ear needs
to receive pollen to form a kernel. On
average, there are 800 kernels per cob.
When the silks turn brown, it’s time to
see if your cobs are ready for harvesting.
Peel back some of the protective husk and
pierce a single kernel with your thumbnail.
If it releases a milky liquid, the cobs are
ready. If it’s clear, they need more time.
If it’s dry, you’ve left the cobs on too long
and the kernels are past their best.
To harvest those juicy cobs, remove
them with a twist and a sharp movement
downwards, then eat them without delay.
Delicious! They’ll also store in the fridge
for a week or so. GA
PESTS
Corn earworm is the most common
pest. This caterpillar feeds on the
ripening kernels, starting at the tip
and working its way down. One
simple control is to give the tips of
developing cobs a regular squeeze
to squash any pests. You can also
spray Dipel (Bacillus thuringiensis)
one or two weeks after silks appear,
with a follow-up 10 days later.

STEP-BY-STEP
START CORN
IN PUNNETS
If you don’t have space to sow seed in
your patch, or wet weather is threatening
to rot your seed, sow corn in punnets
and plant it out later. Here’s how.

4
PHOTOS ANNA HUTCHCROFT, ISTOCK

1
1 FILL multicell punnets with seed-raising
mix, and sow one corn seed per cell. 5
2 PLACE punnets in a sunny spot and
keep moist. Shoots will appear in 7–10 3
days. Continue watering and feed once
a week with liquid fertiliser. When seedlings
2 are 7–10cm tall, they are ready to plant out.
3 LOOSEN soil with a garden fork, spread
fertiliser on the surface and top with a 5cm
layer of compost. Till it all into the top layer
of soil or just rake it level.
4 USE a large stick or rake handle to mark
rows and make planting holes for seedlings.
5 DROP seedlings into the holes and gently
press the soil to bed them in. Water well.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 75
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 YOUR
PLANNER

LAWN,
MORE
LESS
pollinators
With this year’s celebration of Australian Pollinator Week on
November 12–20, one practical and effective way to encourage
native and introduced pollinators to move into your garden is by
expanding existing garden beds or replacing lawn areas with
new beds. Plant a mix of flowering annuals, perennials, shrubs
and ornamental grasses. These will attract a number of insects
and small birds to your garden. Include some small rocks, hollow
logs and shallow, cat-protected, pebble-filled water bowls, and
you’ll be on your way to creating a pollinator haven. Leave a few
bare patches of soil for ground-nesting pollinators and install
an insect hotel (below) as a pollinator-attracting centrepiece.

a month in the
NOVE
M
BER

GARDEN
PHOTO GAP PHOTOS/GARY SMITH

More than 50 seasonal jobs to do

words by JUDY HORTON
Passion
Powered by GARDENA
GARDENA’s battery range has all your garden chores
covered. Take care of your plants, hedges, trees and
lawns, and keep your garden and patio neat and tidy.
One battery runs the mower, lawn trimmer, pruner,
hedge trimmer, pressure washer and blower.
Battery garden equipment that gives you the freedom
to create.
Now that’s clever gardening!
 YOUR
PLANNER

It’s time to...

Tip-prune new growth on formal
hedges and topiaries to retain their
neat outlines (above)
Leave the lawn to grow a little
longer, so the blades shade the soil

TOP JOB create a HERB WHEEL

Traditionally, a herb bed was commonly
made by laying a cartwheel on prepared
soil. This was an easy and attractive way
to keep different types of herbs separate.
Old cartwheels are harder to come by
these days, but you can create a similar
look by laying stones, bricks or short
pieces of timber in a cartwheel pattern.
Prepare the soil well before you start
by digging in some mature compost.
Choose a sunny spot in the garden for
your herb wheel – most herbs prefer sun
and good drainage – and group them
according to their growing requirements.
Some herbs, such as basil and parsley,
need more water than, say, thyme
and sage, so they should be planted in
separate segments of the wheel with
like-minded neighbours. Avoid planting
thuggish invaders such as mint; instead,
plant them in containers.
Fertilise herbs with liquid plant food or
slow-release pellets during the growing
periods and watch for weed incursions.
One great positive of creating a herb
wheel is that individual herbs can be
replaced and replanted as required
without spoiling the overall effect.
and stand up to the coming heat
Fertilise indoor plants with
slow-release pellets, and remember
to water them more frequently as
the weather warms up
Prune spring-blooming roses such
as banksias, Gallicas, Damasks and
Centifolias, thinning crowded growth
and removing old canes at the base
Plant petunias in pots and sunny
spots in the garden where they’ll
provide months of cheerful colour
Visit your local garden centre
in cool-climate areas to select lilac
varieties while they are in bloom
Feed and mulch hibiscus, roses and
gardenias to keep them growing well
Lift and store your spring bulbs

pest CODLING MOTH IN APPLES

if you need the space to plant some
summer-blooming varieties

alert
Give spring-flowering natives a
This fruit-boring caterpillar is the most serious pest of apples, light prune, such as long-leafed wax
pears and other cool-climate fruit trees. The grubs burrow into flower (Philotheca myoporoides), mint
the fruit and emerge when fully fed to pupate under the bark or bush (Prostanthera spp.) and boronia
in other hidey-holes. Commercial traps are available, and Get back into the habit of putting on
homemade lures can be made using vinegar, water and your hat, sunscreen and long sleeves
molasses, or one of myriad recipes you can find online.
PHOTOS ALAMY, FIONA WALSH, ISTOCK

before going out to the garden

To trap migrating caterpillars, wrap some corrugated
cardboard bands around the trunk and check them every
few days. Or you could staple a paper
bag over each piece of fruit while they
are small. It’s tedious, but it works. For
Tino’s tips on dealing with this pest,
visit abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets
and search for ‘codling moth’.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 81
 propagate
TOP JOB

PERENNIALS

Do it now
Check pot plants and re-pot any
that are root bound or no longer
absorbing water
Plant trees, shrubs and climbers
to give them time to establish before
Multiply your favourite soft-wooded perennials such as dianthus (above), salvia,
persistently hot weather arrives
daisies, agastache and lamb’s ears by taking cuttings from new growth. Get
Protect new dahlia growth from
some small pots ready, filled with moist potting or seed-raising mix, then take
snail and slug attacks by slipping
healthy tip cuttings about 10cm long and remove all but the top few leaves. Dip
either a cardboard or plastic tube
each base into propagating hormone powder or gel, then create one hole per
over the base of the plant
pot with a pencil, and insert each cutting. Water gently and move into a bright
Walk around the garden every
but shaded spot. If possible, cover each pot with a plastic bag or bottle to retain
morning to spot and remove weed
moisture. In a month or so, give the plants a tug to see if they’ve developed roots;
seedlings as they emerge
once they have, transplant into a larger pot or garden bed, or give them away.
Give native orchids a sprinkling
of organic or controlled-release
pellets after flowering finishes
Watch out for the caterpillars that
will appear now that the weather is
warmer, and remove them by hand
MULCH
for summer
before they can do much damage
Shorten long, whippy stems on Mulching appears on job lists again and
LUKE SIMON, SHUTTERSTOCK, VIRGINIA CUMMINS
PHOTOS ISTOCK, GAP PHOTOS/JACQUI DRACUP,

both wisteria and jasmine again. Why? Because most mulches

Prepare the garden for bushfire are made from organic material that
season by cleaning gutters, mowing breaks down over time, causing the
long grass, removing debris and mulch to get thinner and thinner. This
collecting leaf litter means it can no longer do the critically
Prune spring-blooming shrubs as important summer job of keeping soil
desired, for looks or size, once they moist and cool. Hence, spring is the
have finished their flowering period time to top up mulch layers before
Finish sowing or turfing new the arrival of very hot or wet weather.
lawns before it gets too hot Before mulching, always water well
and do any required fertilising.

82 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 YOUR
PLANNER

LOOKING
FOR THE
VEGIE SOW &
PLANT CHART?
Turn to
page 65

SOW & PLANT NOW

CLOCKWISE ageratum ●●●●●
FROM TOP LEFT
Salvia; daisies; alyssum ●●●●
agastache; and amaranthus ●●●●
lamb’s ears.
bedding begonia ●●●●
californian poppy ●●●●●
celosia ●●●●●
coleus ●●●●●
cosmos ●●●●
dianthus ●●●
everlasting daisy ●●●
gerbera ●●●●
globe amaranth ●●●●●
gypsophila ●●●
impatiens ●●●●●
kangaroo paw ●●●
marigold ●●●●●
nasturtium ●●●
petunia ●●●●
phlox ●●●●
portulaca

watch
●●●●
BORERS IN WATTLES salvia ●●●●●
Inspect wattles regularly for signs of

out
snapdragon ●●●
borer attack. Borers are the grubs sunflower ●●●●●
of moths or beetles (such as the jewel
torenia ●●●●●
beetle, right) that eat beneath the
bark and can weaken or ringbark trees. verbena ●●●●
Look for holes covered with chewed zinnia ●●●●●
plant material. Clear debris and try
pruning affected branches, or skewer KEY
pests in their holes using a strong piece tropical ●
of wire. Fertilise the tree with a native subtropical ●
plant food and clear competing grass arid/semi-arid ●
from the base. Be aware, though, that warm temperate ●
many wattle varieties are short-lived. cold temperate ●

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 83
 TOP JOB

service your
LAWNMOWER
Now that we’re heading into lawn season, it’s a good
idea to give your mower a spring-clean. Before you
start, disconnect the spark plug so the motor won’t

Edibles
accidentally start. Tip your mower onto its side with
the air filter facing up, or tip it backwards onto its
handles. Wash or brush off soil and old grass from
the underside and the grass catcher. Sharpen the
Grow dwarf marigolds (above) blades, or replace them, if required. Spray lubricant
near tomatoes to deter root-spoiling into the moving parts and wipe off any excess. If you
nematodes, especially in sandy soils are confident, go a bit further and change the oil.
Plant warm season vegetables If you’re unsure about doing any of this yourself,
– tomatoes, cucurbits, pumpkins and take your mower to a local service person and let
sweetcorn – and give them fortnightly the experts get it into summer shape for you.
feeds to keep them moving along
Inspect foliage on cherries, plums,
pears and quinces regularly
to detect and then treat
leaf-skeletonising pear
and cherry slug (left)
Use a small brush
to hand-pollinate
the early flowers
on passionfruit
Keep the water
up to raspberries and
tidy azaleas
The main azalea flower show is over
other berries in your
in most areas, so it’s time to give the
garden during this period of
plants some TLC. Prune to shorten long
critical growth and fruit formation
shoots and remove dead branches and
Rub off blossoms on young (two
twigs. Pluck off and bin any shrivelled
years old or younger) fruit trees,
brown flowers, as they can harbour the
which will help them concentrate
spores of azalea petal blight disease.
their energy on developing good
Sprinkle azalea fertiliser over the root
root and branch structure
area, water in well and follow up with
Liquid-fertilise growing greens
organic mulch. If the leaves were spoilt
every two weeks, alternating this
and discoloured by sap-sucking azalea
with seaweed solution
lacebug in the last growing season, start
Continue to remove strawberry
spraying the undersides of the leaves
runners until after their main harvest,
regularly with water or insecticidal soap.
when you can let a few take root to
If the pest numbers increase, try a few
establish new plants
applications of neem oil, again beneath
Ensure summer-fruiting trees
the leaves where the pests are active.
don’t dry out while they are
Remember, azaleas have very shallow
simultaneously making new growth
roots, so make sure you keep them well
and developing their crops
watered through the hot months.

84 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 YOUR
PLANNER

clean up
winter vegies
Most winter crops are now just fading
memories, so it’s time to clean out
the remains and get the bed ready for
replanting. Dig spent peas and broad
beans back into the ground so their
nitrogen-rich remains can improve
soil fertility. Cut off and bin the roots
of most other spent vegies, then chop
up any of their disease- and pest-free
leaves to go into the compost.
Improve soil structure and goodness
by mixing in some well-aged compost
or old manure and adding (preferably
organic) fertiliser pellets. In acid soil
areas, blend in a handful of dolomite
per square metre. Water well and leave
the bed to settle for a couple of weeks.
PHOTOS ISTOCK, FIONA WALSH

By then it will be ready for a fresh

planting of summer vegies. Reduce
the chance of soilborne problems
carrying over to the next crop by
planting a totally unrelated type of
vegie to follow the previous one.
 make your own
rosewater
Now that most roses are at the peak of their blooming, it’s
easy to make your own refreshing rosewater skin tonic. Start
by picking fully opened roses early in the morning. Carefully
separate the petals and wash them gently in a strainer. Fill a
saucepan with enough distilled water to cover the petals and
simmer for about 15 minutes until most of their colour has
come out into the water. Cool and strain, then store the rosy
liquid in a glass bottle in the refrigerator. Dilute with water to
apply as a cooling skin wash, or pour some in when running
a bath. Because there’s no preservative, it’s best to use your
rosewater within a few weeks.

In the tropics
But that gives you an excuse to
make some more next time your
roses are blooming
in abundance.
Check the condition of established
trees and arrange for the removal of
any problem branches before cyclone
season, making sure you adhere to
local council pruning laws
Prepare holes for wet season tree
planting by clearing grass and weeds,

looking Brachychitons
and digging in compost or manure
Inspect garden ponds daily and use
a net to lift strings of cane toad eggs
(never touch with bare hands) and
leave them to dry in the sun
Collect and sow pawpaw seeds,
good
remembering you’ll need several plants
to guarantee successful pollination
Fertilise potted lotus and waterlilies
by pushing a fertiliser tablet or a tea
bag filled with chicken manure pellets
into the side of the pot
Plant new bananas, making sure
you adhere to local regulations
Pick up fallen mango fruit every
few days and bag, solarise and bin any
that are affected by pests or diseases
Enjoy the spectacular flowering
display from poinciana trees and, if
you have plenty of space, consider
planting one in your own garden
Pick any remaining mulberries,
then prune the trees and use some of
the prunings to propagate more trees
Sow peanuts into bare spots in
the vegie patch, where they’ll maintain
a soil-enriching groundcover right
through the wet season

86 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 YOUR
PLANNER

YEARS
24 YeArs
Sprinkler

Waters a LARGE area up to 15 metre diameter.

Average flow rate of 10 LPM.

Sprinkler

Late spring is the time to look out for blooms on the more
than 30 species of Brachychiton, the mostly Australian genus
of trees that grows naturally in many different parts of the
country. Some of the best known species are the spectacular Waters a SMALL area up to 8 metre diameter.
red-flowering Illawarra flame tree (B. acerifolius), the tough Average flow rate of 4 LPM.
kurrajong (B. populneus) with its varied leaf shapes, the Purpose shaped base for roof cooling.
Queensland bottle tree (B. rupestris) with its swollen trunk,
and the lacebark kurrajong (B. discolor), which produces Sprinkler
large pink bells with felted brown backing. These days,
there are more and more hybrids (such as ‘Jerilderie Red’),
which have been developed for their desirable attributes.
Enjoy brachychitons in the bush, parks and gardens, and
find room to plant one of your own if you can.
PHOTOS BRITT SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK, ISTOCK

CLOCKWISE
FROM FAR LEFT
Brachychiton
acerifolius; Large area - low pressure 9 to 14.5m diameter.
B. populneus;
B. rupestris; and Average flow rate 7LPM.
B. discolor. Designed for domestic, commercial and rural application.

The Wobble-Tee, Clever Drop and RolaRain sprinklers

all have removable filters for dam or river use.
Multiple sprinklers can be run off one tap.
UV stabilised for a long life in the harsh Australian sun.
Available from leading hardware stores and rural retailers.

T h e B es t Sprr i n k l e r s Y ou W i ll E v e r O wn
n!
facebook.com/Wobble-Tee-Sprinklers
T. 02 4975 3222 | www.wobble-tee.com.au

Costa, which was inspired by
Q
his passion for gardening and
I discovered this cluster of
something on my Acacia
cognata. Can you tell me
what they are and if they
will damage the plant?
Loretta Childs, Christmas Hills, Vic
AB BISHOP SAYS This is a cluster of
wattle tick scale, a native sap-sucking insect
that targets various Acacia (wattle) species.
When young they’re light blue-grey in colour,
and they become brown as they age. Like
other types of scale insects, they excrete a
sweet substance known as ‘honeydew’ that
ants are attracted to. They are mobile only at
the ‘crawler’ stage after they hatch. A cluster
this size shouldn’t cause problems with your
acacia and you could leave nature to take
its course. Ladybirds, spiders, native wasps
and small birds all feed on scale. If you want
them gone, you could scrape them away or
prune off the branch.
88 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
MAILBOX
FACE
VALUE
Earlier in the year,
I completed this portrait of
the environment. I thought
your readers may enjoy it.
Ray Duffin, Geelong, Vic
PECULIAR POPPY
My parents have grown colourful poppies for
many years. Their favourite is Springsong, as
the blooms are huge and the colours vibrant.
Mum usually has a vase of these poppies on
a table inside and loves to give bunches away.
This year, a peculiar ‘spider’ poppy appeared
(far right). They are keen to see if the other
buds on the plant will also be spider-like.
Bronwyn Bennett, Wyoming, NSW
Horticultural editor’s note: The ‘spider’ poppy
has a genetic mutation known as fasciation. It’s
not uncommon and can occur when the growing
tip of a flower, leaf, fruit or stem is damaged.
 9-Day Chelsea Flower Show, Cotswolds

write and win!

Share your thoughts, ask a question and show
us your best shots. The pick of the crop each
Betws-y-coed 2

Powis
Castle
& Welsh Gardens in Spring
Bodnant
Garden
Hidcote
Garden
UK

Waddesdon Manor
Hatfield
House & Chelsea
Oxford 2 Garden Flower
month wins a six-month subscription to
Show
Veddw House
London 1
Tortworth 1
ABC Gardening Australia magazine (current Malmesbury Sevenoaks
2 Sissinghurst
Great Dixter
subscriptions will be extended). Note that we
can only respond to letters selected for the page.
Coach
No. of nights stay
BTCW9

Inclusions & Highlights

yoursay@gardeningaustralia.com.au (letters) • Explore Chelsea Flower Show with your Botanical Guide Tracy Foster
experts@gardeningaustralia.com.au (questions) • Eight nights in centrally located hotels, with 14 meals
• Enjoy a pre-visit lecture on the Chelsea Flower Show exhibits
Your Say, Gardening Australia, nextmedia, • Visit Winston Churchill’s magnificent garden Chartwell, as well as the
Locked Bag 5555, St Leonards NSW 1590 Naked Gardeners’ Abbey House Gardens
• Explore the iconic Sissinghurst and Great Dixter gardens
FACEBOOK • Visit the Welsh Gardens of Bodnant, Powis Castle and Plas Brondanw
@ABCGardeningAustraliamagazine • Tour Waddesdon Manor, Hatfield House and Hidcote Manor Garden
• Visit the private gardens of Sir Roy Strong and Veddw House Garden
INSTAGRAM in Wales
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#gardeningaustraliamag 9 Days London Return, 25 May 2023 $9,995* pp, twin share

14-Day Cherry Blossoms, Culture

Bronwyn Bennett of & Sights of Japan
Wyoming, NSW, is the
winner of a six-month
Bullet Train
Coach
No. of nights stay

subscription to ABC
Gardening Australia Yuushien
JAPAN
Tokyo
Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd. ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS Accreditation #A10825. BOT-361.*Terms and conditions apply

magazine for sharing Garden

Matsue 3
2 Kyoto
2

pictures of her Nagato Okayama 2

1 1 Osaka
2 Himeji
parents’ beautiful Hofu
Hiroshima
Miyajima
(and fascinating!) Island

poppies (below).
BTJPC14

Inclusions & Highlights

• 14 days with expert Botanical Guide Dr Toby Musgrave during
cherry blossom season
• Enjoy a Maiko performance during a private dinner in Kyoto, stroll
the Philosopher’s Path and the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Spend time in Ritsurin Park, a 350-year-old garden, as well as the
famous Korakuen Garden
• Visit the iconic Japanese Zen garden, Ryoanji, and see the
Golden Pavilion in spring bloom
• Visit the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima and spend time
sightseeing in Tokyo
• Enjoy a traditional Japanese hotel experience in Nagato

14 Days Osaka to Tokyo, 1 April 2023 $18,995* pp, twin share

2022 & 2023 Brochure

To see Botanica’s complete range of tours and
cruises for 2022 & 2023, order our brochure or
sign up to our newsletter through our website

www.botanica.travel or Call 1300 305 202

 I N
MAILBOX

soothing sounds
Koshi wind chimes are
handcrafted from bamboo
in the foothills of the French
Pyrenees mountains.
Available in four soothing
melodies (Terra, Aqua, Aria
and Ignis), they produce rich,
melodic sounds of high acoustic
quality. You can hear the chimes
being played individually and in
W1 of 5
KOSHI
WIND CHIMES
each valued at
$69.95
We have five Koshi bamboo wind chimes, valued
at $69.95 each, to give away. Plants require the four
elements to grow – earth, water, air and fire. To enter,
tell us in 25 words or less how sound also contributes to
your garden. Write your name, address, phone number and entry
on the back of an envelope and send to Koshi Wind Chimes Competition,

VALUE IS $349.75. ENTRIES JUDGED ON 15/11/22 AT 14:00 (AEDT) AT NEXTMEDIA, LEVEL 8, 205 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, ST LEONARDS NSW 2065. THE JUDGES’ DECISION IS FINAL AND NO CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE ENTERED INTO.
harmonious combinations online

COMPETITION OPEN TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY. STARTS 17/10/22 AT 00:01 (AEDT) AND CLOSES 13/11/22 AT 23:59 (AEDT). FIVE WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A KOSHI WIND CHIME, VALUED AT $69.95. TOTAL PRIZE POOL
Gardening Australia, nextmedia, Locked Bag 5555, St Leonards NSW
at windchimesaustralia.com.au. For 1590, or email comp@gardening australia.com.au with ‘Koshi Wind Chimes

PRIZE SENT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED ON THE ENTRY. FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AT GARDENINGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU. PRIVACY POLICY AVAILABLE AT NEXTMEDIA.COM.AU. PROMOTER IS NEXTMEDIA PTY LTD;
more information, call 1300 362 410. Competition’ in the subject line. Competition closes November 13.

Your Insta posts

Clockwise from top left: country_plant_lady loves the fragrance
and colour of ‘Painted Lady’ sweet pea, and raes.a.dozen.daisies
has carrots again after sowing seed anywhere and everywhere to
keep them coming for months and months. thewhisperingbranch
calls these ranunculus blooms “Hello Lovers” because of an iconic
scene in SATC where Carrie, wearing a pink cocktail dress, whispers
to a pair of matching pink ruffled shoes in a shop window... Back
in the real world, allherbsandseedlings is hoping for nice spring
weather so they can take these goodies to the weekend markets!

SITTING PRETTY
ABN 84 128 805 970; 205 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, ST LEONARDS NSW 2065.

We just had to share one of the entries we

received in our recent wildlife book competition…
Living with the Australian bush on our property
boundary gives us endless pleasure, especially
when wildlife visits. This kookaburra has become
very friendly, sitting for ages in our garden, patiently
watching for any movement of a tasty morsel in
whichever area I happen to be working. On this
occasion, I tucked my gardening gloves into the
spade handle before heading inside for lunch.
Kooka flew down from the nearby tree and perched
on the spade, as if it wanted its photo taken!
Jacqui, Twin Waters, Qld

90 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 A can
RO to
S

CK ent

W
Y er o
PO ur
IN sp

IN
T rin
GA g g
RD ard

! EN en
IN com
G pe
PA tit
CK ion.
!
Grow like a Pr o!
The growing power originally reserved for the
pro’s is now available for your home garden with
Coco Pro Professional Potting Mix.

A professional blend of coconut chip and fibres holds

moisture close to the roots for when your plants need it
most! Coco Pro is designed to suit the widest variety of
plants and applications, all in one potting mix.

Get more information at

rockypoint.com.au/coco-pro
 YOURS FOR GARDENING

radio
For more details about coverage
in your area, phone 139 994
or visit reception.abc.net.au

TV
Gardening Australia
NSW
ABC Radio Sydney
Saturday 9am
ABC Radio Central Coast
ABC North West Qld;
ABC Western Qld
Friday 10am
ABC Far North
is on ABC TV every Friday 10am, Saturday 7.30am
Friday at 7.30pm, and Saturday 9am
repeated on Sunday ABC Central West
October 21 at 1.30pm and on Saturday 8.30am ACT
Costa Georgiadis meets a ABC iview. ABC Illawarra ABC Radio Canberra
Saturday 8.30am Saturday 8.30am
backyard grower inspired by
ABC Mid North Coast;
her local botanic garden, Tammy Huynh meets
ABC Coffs Coast SA
collectors at a rare plant fair, Tino Carnevale ABC Radio Adelaide;
Saturday 9.30am, Thursday 9.30am
makes a simple trellis, Josh Byrne learns about ABC North & West;
ABC Newcastle
cultivating plants for cockatoo conservation, Saturday 8.30am ABC Eyre Peninsula;
Millie Ross catches up with neighbours inspired ABC New England North West ABC South East SA
by each other’s gardens, and we meet a couple Saturday 8.30am, Thursday 9.30am Saturday 8.30am
cultivating their relationship and their garden. ABC North Coast ABC Riverland
Saturday 8.30am Saturday 7am
October 28 ABC Riverina ABC Broken Hill
Jane Edmanson tours a patchwork of urban Saturday 8.30am, Tuesday 9.35am Saturday 9am
bushland, Clarence Slockee pots up soft and ABC South East Statewide; ABC Radio
spiky native plants, Sophie Thomson meets Wednesday 10am, Saturday 9am Adelaide; ABC North & West;

PHOTO JIM MCFARLANE THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
a renter growing food with her community, ABC Western Plains ABC Eyre Peninsula; ABC
Jerry Coleby-Williams tours an accessible Thursday 9.35am fortnightly, South East; ABC Riverland;
garden, Millie Ross builds planters out of PVC Saturday 8.30am ABC Broken Hill
pipe, and we meet an author taking inspiration Sunday 11am
from long walks and her love of trees. NT
ABC Darwin & ABC Katherine TAS
November 4 Saturday 9am ABC Radio Hobart;
Costa Georgiadis and Josh Byrne catch up ABC Alice Springs; ABC Northern Tasmania
at a community farm in Fremantle, Millie Ross ABC Tennant Creek Saturday 9am
explores regional properties linking biodiversity, Saturday 8.30am
Jerry Coleby-Williams gets tips to flood-proof VIC
your garden, Jane Edmanson shows how to QLD ABC Radio Melbourne
ABC Radio Brisbane Saturday 9.30am
coppice eucalypts, Hannah Moloney visits some ABC Victoria
Saturday 6am
gardeners sharing a communal patch, and we Monday 9.40am
ABC Gold Coast
meet a collector who takes us into his plant pad. Saturday 9am ABC Southwest Victoria
November 11 ABC Sunshine Coast Thursday 7.20am fortnightly
Millie Ross tours the flower-filled garden of Thursday 10.30am, Saturday 8.30am
a designer, Costa Georgiadis learns how to ABC Southern Queensland WA
Saturday 9am ABC Radio Perth; ABC Great
pick the best citrus, Clarence Slockee visits a Southern; ABC South West;
ABC North Queensland
reserve where weeds are transformed into art, ABC Goldfields Esperance;
Friday 10am
Tammy Huynh sets up a simple hydroponic ABC Tropical North; ABC Kimberley; ABC Pilbara;
system, Sophie Thomson meets a couple with ABC Capricornia; ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt
a cooling garden, and we follow the garden path ABC Wide Bay; Tuesday 2.15pm, Saturday 9.05am
of one of Australia’s most prolific botanists.

Missed an episode of Gardening Australia? Download the ABC listen app and listen to live radio
streams of gardening programs across Australia.
Catch up on ABC iview at any time.

92 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 2023 Calendars and Diaries

Only
$19.99
each
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2023
CALENDAR
a year in the garden

MONTHLY
PLANTING GUID
featuring
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1

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DIA RY
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GARDENING
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diary
2023 Includes monthly planting
calendar guides, planners, what to plant
2023 & gardening tips!

Available from newsagents, bookstores and abcmagazines.com.au

 CROSSWORD

take a break!
Put the kettle on – it’s time to relax! Solve our puzzle to be
in the running to win a Rake Broom Premium Cleaning Set
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 5 across A
10 11

12 13 14

15 16 17

18 19
WIN 20 21
a Rake Broom set
SEE OPPOSITE
10 across B
22 23 24 25
154 SOLUTION NEXT MONTH

26 27 28

29 30

31

32 33 34

35 36
28 down C
across
1. The cultivated hazel Corylus maxima (7) 33. Fragrant species of wild rose, 9. Common 8 down (4)
5. North American plant with showy sweet briar (9) 13. Weak, feeble (5)
flowers (7) (Picture A) 35. Most verdant (7) 15. A brown tone used in photography (5)
10. Tropical tree with trumpet-shaped 36. Draw, lure (7) 17. Colossal, huge (5)
CROSSWORD COMPILED BY STEVE BALL PHOTOS ISTOCK

flowers (9) (Picture B) 19. Plant lasting for more than two years (9)
11. Another term for a pager (7) down 21. Creole or Cajun dish thickened
12. Bloom, blossom (6) 1. South Pacific tourist destination (4) with okra (5)
14. See 3 down 2. Himalayan shrub or small tree with 23. The four divisions of the year (7)
15. A succession of musical notes (5) fragrant pink flowers (7) 25. Genus of poisonous mushrooms (7)
16. One of the 23 down (6) 3 & 14 across Very loud (3,9) 26. Globe, orb (6)
18. Tropical fruit (6) 4. Arctic plain with permanently frozen 27. Barren area (6)
20. Program for a business meeting (6) subsoil (6) 28. Mexican native cultivated for its
22. Motionless, still (2,4) 5. Like a lawn, for example (6) many-coloured flowers (6) (Picture C)
24. Intended, destined (5) 6. Make a hole for a seed (6) 29. Public garden for recreation (4)
29. Controversial pizza topping (9) 7. Upper branches of a large plant (7) 31. Vegetable matter decomposed
30. Polar jacket (6) 8. Creature that lives both on land and in water (4)
32. Underground stem producing roots (7) in water (9) 34. Web (3)

94 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
 W I N
1 of 5
RAKE
BROOM SETS
each worth
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a clean sweep
Made in Germany, the Rake Broom
is fast, effective and easy to use,
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bristles. Cleaning up leaves and

dirt is effortless with the Outdoor
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takes care of dust and pet hair on carpet
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Each Premium Cleaning Set includes:

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For more info, visit rakebroom.com.au

how to enter
We have five Rake Broom Premium Cleaning Sets to give away,
solution October 2022
crossword
each valued at $119.95. To enter, unscramble the highlighted A R M Y W O R M E S C A R G O T
letters in the crossword (opposite) and email your answer to U O H E E B O H
comp@gardeningaustralia.com.au by November 6. Put ‘Rake S E R V E S P E A R A R B O R
T E A E M E L E
Broom Set’ in the subject line, and include your name, street
R E L A T E D M A N G O S U E
address, email and daytime phone number. A L M A Y E N T C
L O O S E M E R I N O
I A N R
A R G Y L E L O N G A N

WINNERS
Forestry Tools garden tool pack (August 22) C Backman,
N
B
U
L
R
A D E S
I M C B A
V
E
R A
E
T H E R
E
S U N U N I T E D E L A Y E D
Eagle Point, Vic; D Hamilton, Moruya, NSW; S Harding, Maleny,
T W S A A A W J
Qld; R L Keen, Eden Valley, SA. Leonard Cronin’s book Wild
A S T E R S P R I G R A I T A
Australian Life (August 22) J Diehm, Norman Gardens, Qld; R O E U I G R C
L Dove, Frankland River, WA; J Griffiths, Twin Waters, Qld;
153

D A R K N E S S F O R E D E C K
B Lobsey, Berowra, NSW; S van Wijk, Werribee, Vic.
October’s unscrambled word: mycelium

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 95
 directory
To advertise, please phone (02) 9901 6371 Email: sales@gardeningaustralia.com.au

GIFT GUIDE

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GIFT GUIDE

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November 2022 -

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98 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A T O A D V E R T I S E , P L E A S E P H O N E (02 ) 9 9 0 1 6 3 7 1
 GARDEN MARKET

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T O A D V E R T I S E , P L E A S E P H O N E (02 ) 9 9 0 1 6 3 7 1 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 99
GARDEN MARKET

Your own indoor garden For more tips and tricks from ABC Gardening
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space and Visit: gardeningaustralia.com.au
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 GARDEN MARKET

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GARDEN MARKET

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102 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A T O A D V E R T I S E , P L E A S E P H O N E (02 ) 9 9 0 1 6 3 7 1
 FINEST NURSERIES

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ADVERTISING PROMOTION
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104 N O V E M B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
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 Granddaughter, I Will Love You Always
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 the i picture When the plants decide it’s party time
in your garden, make sure you enjoy the
spectacle and don’t get too caught up in
your to-do list, writes MICHAEL McCOY

T
his month brings peak gardening joy
in my climate. Annuals, perennials and
spring-flowering shrubs are partying
like crazy, as if this moment is the new
normal, in blissful ignorance of the hot, dry and
fatigue-filled days ahead.
There have been small sparkles of joy for months
now, mostly ushered in by bulbs providing flashes
of passing colour that stop you in your tracks and
leave you grinning from ear to ear. But this often
happens within a restrained background setting
– a pared-back matrix of early season greenery –
making the bulbs look like hyper-animated Irish
dancers on an empty stage.
In November, the floral climax is matched with
perfectly complementary verdancy in an exquisite
balance of spring buoyancy and summer volume.
The flowering is higher off the ground than earlier,
riding a rising tide of luscious foliage and reaching
a point of almost painful poignancy.
Your moment of peak pleasure will be different
to mine. Australia’s climatic range makes for an
infinitely diverse spectrum of garden dreaming,
and of peaks and troughs peculiar to each location.
If you live farther north than my extreme
south-east location, but still temperate, your
peak moment is probably substantially earlier
than mine, with a rather more benign winter
trough and an earlier start to the growth. And
if you’re in the monsoonal tropics, this moment
of perfection is probably six months ahead,
when the wet season is over, the humidity
has dissipated and the dry is yet to dominate.
While November is undoubtedly peak joy
for me, the season into which I invest most of
my planning comes much later in the summer,
when we’re likely to get balmy evenings, and
sitting out at the end of the day is a possibility.
That’s when I time my garden to be at its most
engaging and interesting, but that requires a fair
bit of work to achieve. This moment, right now,
is when it feels easiest – when the garden is
joyously and unselfconsciously responding to
the natural seasonal cycle.
But whenever this moment of seasonal
magic happens for you, identify it and harvest
every second of pleasure it provides. Too often
keen and committed home gardeners find that
their project mindset trumps their pleasure
mindset. It’s an occupational (or should that
be recreational?) hazard, but one to overcome.
You’ve got to take time – maybe even assign
time – to enjoy the rewards of this extraordinary
partnership with nature. Both you and your
garden will be much better for it. GA
Michael blogs at thegardenist.com.au
PHOTOS ISTOCK
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 Lagerstroemia ‘Red Magic’ P The Magic Series®

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The Magic Series® Lagerstroemia are specially grown to be tougher, brighter,
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