2022 10 01GardeningAustralia

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Jackie French Hannah Moloney

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EDITOR’S LETTER
welcome
I
love an early morning walk – and I always check out the
gardens in my neighbourhood while I’m at it. My walking
route is usually dictated by local botanical landmarks that
give me little moments of joy. I start along the street arched
by old plane trees, and take a detour down the cul-de-sac where
the verge gardens burst with gourmet vegies. I love the heritage
house on the corner with the wizened but laden orchard trees,
and I’ll always cross the road to admire the garden of ornamental
grasses, returning past the vacant lot, which has been converted
into a community garden.
If I’m lucky, I’ll find a pre-loved or surplus plant needing an
owner: most recently, there were pots of young avocado trees
on offer, accompanied by a sign reading ‘free to a good home’
written in a child’s handwriting. One of my favourite hanging
plants at my back door – a rhipsalis – was a hand-me-down
I found on a local verge.
Plants and gardens can be a great point of connection
between people. Whenever I’m in my front garden tending to rhododendrons), to help expand your planting repertoire.
our little urban jungle, it’s amazing how many people will stop Spoiler alert: if you think you know sunflowers, think again.
to chat. It’s a nice way to maintain neighbourly networks while On a surface level, our lives would be far less colourful
also attending to some garden maintenance – and that’s been and fragrant without flowers. We appreciate them for their
especially important in the past couple of years. beauty, but they possess many other, more nuanced and
Our story on Melbourne plantsman Steven Wells and his potent powers. Read more about this in Tim Entwisle’s lovely
neighbours explores this sense of connection. Dedicated gardener piece (page 56), in which he delves into the complex world of
Steven lives next door to kindred spirits Brit and Caleb – and flowers and reveals a cast of diverse characters delivering the
their shared love of plants and gardening has played a key role performances of a lifetime. And for a joyous floral display, turn
in forging their friendships as well as maintaining a sense of to the story on Tassie plant whisperers, Gay and Laurie Clark,
wellbeing in all their lives. The neighbours have created very whose gorgeous garden is filled with scent, wonder and
different gardens, but each is a bespoke, atmospheric, restorative beauty, rich and rare (page 36).
space that is expressive of the talents of its inhabitants. Check Until next issue, happy gardening.
out Jenny Baldwin’s story on this trio (page 44).
This is our flower issue, and our plant experts have profiled an
interesting range of flowering beauties, some familiar (sunflowers)
and some not-so-familiar (armerias, native mint bush and vireya Elizabeth Wilson
TO U C H
S TAY I N
PHOTO SIENNA KUTASI
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G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A O C T O B E R 2 02 2 5
OCTOBER 2022
18
CONTENTS
For all your top jobs in
the garden this month,
turn to page 82
36
VER
CO COVER STORIES
COMPETITIONS
N THE
18 Sunflowers
25 Native mint bush + READER OFFERS
28 Tropical rhododendrons
O
80 Subscribe now to receive

32 Armerias
a bonus diary or calendar,
36 Tassie garden valued at $19.99 each
44 Garden therapy
94 Win one of six Fiskars
PHOTOS CHRIS CRERAR, ISTOCK, FIONA WALSH
56 The secret life of flowers

62 Saluting survivor plants
Xact Weed Pullers,
valued at $84.95 each
64 Make a worm tower
74 Grow your own peanuts 96 Solve the crossword
76 Protect your spring vegies for a chance to win one
82 50+ ways to help your garden of seven Shields Weed
This dreamy ‘Charles Austin’ Burners with a 2m hose,
rose blooms in a gorgeous worth $185 each
Tassie garden that’s filled with
colour all year (see page 36).
Photo: Chris Crerar
OCTOBER
25 44
60
56
32 64
FEATURES 36 Flowering passion REGULARS
18 Sunkissed Roses and rare treasures abound in 11 News For gardeners nationwide
Big, bold and cheery, sunflowers add this cottage-style Tasmanian garden 14 Marketplace Plants and books
PHOTOS ALISON UBELS/FARMGATE NATIVES, COURTESY OF PIRSA, VIRGINIA CUMMINS,

vibrant colour to the summer garden 44 The feeling is mutual 62 At home with Jackie Never-say-die
25 Mighty mints Meet the neighbours who have plants that are tough and beautiful
Discover the delights of native mint bonded over their shared belief in 69 In the patch
bushes, with their delicate spring the restorative powers of gardening • Plant a mulberry tree
ISTOCK, PLANTS MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA, NATALIE MENDHAM

flowers and fragrant foliage 56 What is a flower? • Sow & plant chart for October
28 Flare for drama Take a look at the complex, diverse • Your problem solved: Why are
These tropical vireya rhododenrons and brilliant inner workings of flowers my vegies and herbs bolting?
put on a spectacular floral show 60 No fly zone • Grow produce in pots
32 Dream believers Get the lowdown on fruit fly and how • What I’ve learnt about peanuts
Once thought to be just pretty to control this devastating pest • Tips for fighting pests in the patch
perennials, award-winning armerias 64 Try this! 82 Action planner Jobs for this month
are now the stars of the show Make a worm tower with Hannah 92 Mailbox Your letters, photos
and questions
ABC Gardening Australia magazine acknowledges Aboriginal 96 Crossword
and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and 98 TV & radio guide Your ABC
traditional custodians of the lands where we live and work. 99 The directory
106 The big picture
8 O C T O B E R 2 02 2 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A
Seasol.
A better way
to grow…
And grow.
And grow!
For a lush, healthy lawn,

don’t forget the Seasol.
The Aussie made fertiliser &
health treatment, all in one.
www.seasol.com.au seasol_international Seasol

w
Ne
EDITOR Elizabeth Wilson

HORTICULTURAL EDITOR AB Bishop
ART DIRECTOR Rachel Henderson
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sally Feldman
CHIEF SUBEDITOR Sofia Charalambous
SUBEDITORS Gina Hetherington, Kirsten Wilkins
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Carole Gridley
DIGITAL EDITOR Karen Burge
ABC TV HOST Costa Georgiadis

PRESENTERS Josh Byrne, Tino Carnevale, Jerry Coleby-Williams,
Jane Edmanson, Millie Ross, Clarence Slockee, Sophie Thomson
CONTRIBUTORS
Jenny Baldwin, Steve Ball, Chris Crerar, Virginia Cummins,
Phil Dudman, Tim Entwisle, Steve Falcioni, Jackie French, Cathy Holt,
Judy Horton, Michael McCoy, Natalie Mendham, Hannah Moloney,
Martyn Robinson, Jennifer Stackhouse, Deryn Thorpe
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ATP-1267-21
range of Anthony Tesselaar Plants
www.tesselaar.com
October
News and happenings for gardeners
and nature lovers nationwide
ROOMS WITH A VIEW

Landscape designer Sandra McMahon will unlock the
TEXT SALLY FELDMAN PHOTO SANDRA MCMAHON
garden ‘rooms’ of Woodcote (pictured), her property

in Kilsyth, outer Melbourne, on October 29–30.
Various unfolding ‘landscapes’ on the 0.2ha block
– from native plantings in the front garden, through
a Japanese-inspired space, to a ‘woodland’, small
orchard and more – are linked by a pebble stream
leading to a billabong. It’s a showcase of structural
planting and holistic, sustainable principles – don’t
miss it. To book, visit opengardensvictoria.org.au
NEWS
stranger than fiction

Dr Ann Jones has a knack for
weaving science and nature
into enthralling, educational
tales. Her podcast, What
the Duck?!, takes listeners
on aural expeditions into the
curious, compelling and often crazy
wonders of the natural world. Bird-eating
centipedes? The sexcapades of Murray
crayfish? Find these and more at abc.net.
au/radionational/programs/what-the-duck
get smart
©ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT, ISTOCK, ARTWORK SPEAKING OF DEAD (HIDDEN, 2016) BY ADAM GALEA
PHOTOS STAMP IMAGES ©AUSTRALIA POST AND REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION, COIN IMAGES
with Costa
The shores of Lake
THE FAME OF THE ROSE Macquarie, in New South
Fresh off the press at Australia Post Wales’ Hunter Region, will be
comes this collection of stamps a hive of activity September 23–25,
celebrating Australian-bred roses. when the Living Smart Festival returns to
Cultivated to suit local growing conditions, many of these roses Speers Point Park after a two-year Covid
have been bred by amateur rose growers, including perhaps the hiatus. Star attraction is ABC Gardening
most famous, Alister Clark, who released more than 120 over Australia’s Costa, helping to celebrate
the course of his life. His Hybrid Tea ‘Lorraine Lee’ (1924) was sustainability and inclusivity in all its
recently inducted into the Australian Bred Rose Hall of Fame. forms. This year, the festivities include
Also featured are the much-awarded Floribunda rose ‘Dusky Moon’ Friday night’s Feast for the Senses 2022,
(2020), bred by Richard and Ruth Walsh in New South Wales, and a celebration of ethically grown, locally
the Floribunda rose ‘Lady of Australia’, bred in Victoria by Bruce sourced ingredients; Saturday’s Living
Brundrett and the first Australian rose to win ‘best overall rose’ at the Smart Festival, all about sustainability; and
National Rose Trial Garden in 2018 (among other accolades). Sunday’s free event, the Living Together
Last, but by no means least, is ‘Governor Marie Bashir’ (2015), Festival, with its theme of inclusivity and
bred in Queensland by Paul Hains and named in honour of the first multiculturalism. For more information,
female governor of New South Wales, who was also a patron of that head to livingsmartfestival.com.au
state’s Rose Society. Released for sale on September 13, the stamps
can be found at your local Post Office for the cost of a... local stamp!
Mothball the wombat turns 20

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the book Diary
of a Wombat by long-time ABC Gardening Australia
magazine contributor Jackie French,
the Royal Australian Mint has
teamed with the Children’s Book
Council of Australia to release a
limited edition 20¢ coin inspired
by Bruce Whatley’s illustrations
of Mothball. Call 1300 652 020
or visit eshop.ramint.gov.au
EYES ON THE SKIES
From October 17 to 23, citizen scientists of all ages can
help celebrate National Bird Week by taking part in a
20-minute survey of their local feathered friends for
the Aussie Bird Count. Join thousands of people who’ll
be heading out to their backyards, balconies, local parks
or favourite green spaces to observe and record what
they see. This fun and extremely valuable initiative is the
brainchild of BirdLife Australia, who’ve made it easy with
an app designed to help you identify the birds you spot.
Sean Dooley, longtime twitcher, educator, writer
and BirdLife Australia spokesperson, explains why the
Aussie Bird Count is important. “So much of our scientific
research prioritises endangered species, so there’s only
a fraction of the resources left to look into how our more
common birds are doing. And those endangered or extinct
birds were common once, too,” he says. “Bird life doesn’t
just start at the gates of national parks. Birds are all
around us in our urban settings, and doing these regular
snapshot surveys is a great way of getting a handle on
what’s happening over time.” It also delivers invaluable
insights into how best we can manage urbanisation to
allow our birds to thrive into the future.
So download the Aussie Bird Count app, and be part
of this great national project. There are fantastic prizes
to be won, too. Visit aussiebirdcount.org.au
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

The historic grounds of Sydney’s Rookwood
Cemetery will be the backdrop for HIDDEN
Rookwood Sculptures, a free annual event
encompassing sculpture, photography and
film. This year’s exhibition showcases work
of community members, from high school
students to Indigenous, LGBTQIA+ and
multicultural artists. From sunrise to sunset,
from September 10 to October 9, wander the
grounds among the artworks and take part in
community-based events and curated tours,
including a horticultural highlights tour on
October 1. hiddeninrookwood.com.au GA
HELF
ES
PLANTS
H
ON T
A selection of new releases
The Adelaide International Rose to add to your garden
and Garden Expo at the Adelaide
Convention Centre
Friday 28 Oct (4pm - 9pm)
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 Oct (9am - 5pm)
$20 per ticket, children under 14 free
For all the details visit the website

wrc22.aomevents.com.au
Tickets on sale now

online through Eventbrite New South Wales’ floral emblem, the waratah,
has long been beloved for its magnificent flowers,
and the new release Telopea speciosissima
‘Enchanted Red’ is no exception. Growing up
PLATINUM SPONSORS to 3m high and 1.5m wide, this shrub produces
TEXT SALLY FELDMAN PHOTO TERRA NOVA NURSERIES
large, tightly packed flower heads (inflorescences)

in a glorious deep scarlet at the end of each stem,
distinguished by the circles of tiny, white-tipped
flowers at their centre. When planted in full
sun or semi-shade in the garden (perhaps as
a jaunty welcome for the entry to your home),
this beautiful Australian native will also attract
GOLD SPONSORS
plenty of interest from local birdlife and bring
other pollinators a-knocking, too. Enjoy in the
garden, or cut the flowering stems to fill a vase
for a long-lasting show indoors.
proteaflora.com.au
MARKETPLACE
Get set for a fragrant and colourful summer garden

with three new lavenders (Lavandula pedunculata
hybrids) in purple, deep pink and creamy white.
From the Lavinnova range, they are all drought
tolerant, repeat flowering and happiest in full sun.
‘The Prince’ (left) lives up to its regal name, with
masses of iridescent purple flowers contrasting
with grey-green foliage. The most compact of the
trio, it reaches 50cm high and 60cm wide, and
would make a gorgeous scented border along a
path. ‘Bubbleberry Ruffles’ (below, inset) is making
waves for the sheer volume of deep pink flowers it
produces over spring and summer. Its spread is a
little wider, at 80cm, but it also grows to 50cm tall
and would be beautiful mass-planted in the garden
or as a potted feature, its grey-green leaves a cool
counterpoint to the hot pink. The icing on the cake is
‘Vanillaberry Ruffles’ (below), which boasts masses
of creamy-white flowers set against grey-green
foliage. Growing to 60cm tall and 80cm
wide, this would make a wonderful
foil to a mixed border, and looks
great planted as a low hedge or
given pride of place on the patio.
Plant them all in full sun, then
sit back and wait for the bees.
pma.com.au
It’s a perpetual gardening problem: autumn, small, vibrant purple flowers

a dry, shaded spot – often under a tree appear on upright spikes in attractive
– where most plants (and gardeners) contrast to the strappy green leaves.
simply give up the ghost. Enter liriope, They also produce clusters of black,
the tough all-rounder that prevails in shiny berry-like seeds that appear after
almost all conditions. Liriope muscari flowering. Growing up to 50cm high and
‘Okina’ has added appeal, as its new wide, these compact tuberous perennials
spring leaf growth starts off a silvery make a lovely show planted en masse
white, gradually becoming tinged with or edging a garden bed, and are equally
streaks of green, then turning completely pretty in a pot in a sun-dappled courtyard.
green when mature. In summer and early disdelightfulplants.com.au
MARKETPLACE
SHELF
E
ON TH
BOOKS
THE SMART VEGGIE PATCH
Terry Memory
Macmillan Australia
This book provides pragmatic advice for creating your
own organic, nutritional and abundant vegetable garden
in order to improve your health, cut food costs, ensure food supply and reduce your impact
on the environment. Author Terry Memory draws on his own experience of creating
a vegetable patch after his family of eight survived the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.
He begins with a well-researched overview of the current state of unpredictable weather
patterns, dwindling food supplies and worsening health caused by highly processed foods. A GUIDE TO THE CREATURES
The book then explains how Memory designed a system that combines ancient agrarian IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
traditions with the latest in science and technology, and it also includes his 12-step program The Urban Field Naturalist Project
and two-hour per week maintenance plan to produce greater yields and reduced workload. Murdoch Books
Urban dwellers may not be overtly
aware of it, but there is a diverse range
A GUIDE TO LAND SNAILS OF AUSTRALIA of wildlife and wild plants all around
John Stanisic, Darryl Potter & Lorelle Stanisic us. They exist on balconies and in
CSIRO Publishing backyards, parks and local streets –
Australia has an estimated 2500 species of birds, lizards, possums, ants, spiders,
native land snails, and this invertebrate group snails and even the weeds growing
forms a significant part of terrestrial biodiversity. through cracks in the footpath. This
This guide presents an overview of both native book is packed with fascinating facts
and introduced snail species around the country, and detailed drawings about some
offering a greater understanding of their role of the most common plants, birds,
in our natural environment. It’s packed with insects, mammals and reptiles found
information, beautiful photographs and diagrams, in urban Australia. It also includes a
which include detailed features of snails and section aimed at encouraging greater
their shells. It also lists a broad range of Australia’s connection with these fauna and flora,
native snail, semi-slug and slug species, plus many with tips for observing, sketching,
of the large number of introduced exotic species. The book takes a bioregional making field notes – or even just
approach to snail identification, outlining key localities where species can enjoying the experience of being
be found, with tips on how, when and where to find native land snails. still while watching and listening.
THE UNKILLABLES
Jo Lambell particular spots, a list of 40 resilient house
Welbeck Publishing plants and how to keep them healthy, and a
Indoor plants add beauty and style to our helpful ‘first-aid’ section covering common
living spaces, as well as improving our plant ailments, plus plenty more advice on
health and wellbeing. In this beautifully care and maintenance – all presented on
TEXT CAROLE GRIDLEY
illustrated and designed book, UK-based a fresh and uncluttered layout. While there
author and house plant business owner are some regional differences in terminology
Jo Lambell shares her extensive knowledge (‘compost’ being the British term for ‘potting
on indoor plants. There’s a quiz to help mix’, for example) this book is an excellent
determine which plants are best for resource for indoor plant lovers everywhere.
PLANT
IT NOW
kissed
PLANTS
G
ardeners love sunflowers:
they radiate happiness, make
a bold statement in the garden
or a vase, and have delicious
edible seeds. When we think of sunflowers,
it’s often the tall variety with the large,
single yellow flower. However, there are
so many more to explore, from the fluffy
‘Teddy Bear’ to the ‘Giant Russian’, as
well as double and even bicolour forms.
And while Vincent Van Gogh painted only
yellow sunflowers, they come in plenty
of colours, including white, orange, rust,
dark red and mauve.
Sunflowers look very dramatic when
grown in blocks of multiple plants – just
think of the footage of Tour de France
cyclists whizzing past sunflower-filled
fields – but I prefer to dot them through my
cottage-style garden. I also grow one or
two near my vegetable wicking beds to add
some height and drama through summer.
They’re a fabulous plant to help introduce
children to gardening, as the seeds are
relatively big for small fingers. But the kids
will need patience, as germination can take
up to two weeks. However, the seedlings
do grow quickly, conjuring images of Jack
and the Beanstalk, which could encourage
children to measure them every few days.
The sunflower genus is Helianthus,
which is derived from the Greek helios
meaning ‘sun’, and anthos meaning
‘flower’. There are about 70 species in
the Helianthus genus, but forms of the
Sunflowers are a cheerful presence in the common sunflower (H. annuus) are the
summer garden, and now is the perfect time most popular. Most grow from 60cm
PHOTOS CHRIS L JONES
to 1.2m tall, but dwarf forms only get to

to plant them, writes DERYN THORPE 25cm, which makes them an ideal choice
for pots. The tallest species is the giant
sunflower (H. giganteus), a lofty annual
growing up to 4m tall.
Helianthus
debilis subsp.
cucumerifolius
‘Italian White’
H. annuus
‘Earth Walker’
Flowers can be up to 30cm wide but are

smaller on multi-headed varieties. All forms
are popular with bees and other beneficial
getting started
Sunflowers grow best in well-drained,
relatively rich soil, in a position that receives
e
insects. Breeders have created pollen-free at least six hours of sunlight. If sowing common name
varieties, which are preferred by florists straight into the garden, dig over the soil sunflower
as they last longer in a vase (and in the and add compost. Plant seeds 3–5cm deep, botanic name
garden) and don’t make a mess. They’re spacing them 20cm apart, or 30–40cm Helianthus spp. and cultivars
also a good choice for hayfever sufferers. apart for bushy varieties and 60cm for plant type
The outer petals of sunflowers are called giant forms. Tall varieties may need staking. annual and perennial
ray florets. These surround the central disc, Depending on the variety and conditions, 25cm–3m
which comprises hundreds or thousands of plants can take 50–120 days to flower.
30–40cm
flowers, each one producing a seed. Plants Apply a fertiliser for flowering plants for
that have been bred for seed production strong growth and bigger flowers. In poor full sun
have up to 2000 black-and-white striped soils, also apply a liquid fertiliser every two cold temperate: October to
seeds in a single flower head. They’re weeks. Interestingly, sunflowers are December; warm temperate:
allelopathic: they produce chemicals that September to December;
inhibit the growth of nearby plants. arid and semi-arid: August
to December; subtropical:
March to November; tropical:
April to September
) is part of the
PHOTOS LEIGH CLAPP, ISTOCK
), and is grown
suitable
PLANTS
H. annuus
‘Ruby Eclipse’
CIRCLE OF LIFE
Sunflowers are a mathematical marvel. The flower heads have spirals of
seeds that follow the Fibonacci sequence in 80 per cent of flowers. From
the centre of the flower, the spirals wind out to the petals in opposite
directions. These spirals curve at an angle of about 137.5 degrees. This is
the ‘golden angle’, which maximises the number of seeds that can be fitted
into the space. The leaves and petals also follow the Fibonacci sequence.
PLANTS
SUN GAZERS
Sunflowers have a reputation for following
the sun from east to west across the sky –
a characteristic called heliotropism. However,
this only occurs at the bud stage. Sunflower
buds have green bracts that form a ‘mane’
around the flower head, as well as a circle
of small leaves, which are able to maximise
photosynthesis when growing towards the sun.
The stem grows faster on the eastern side of
the plant due to the extra sunlight, making the
plant lean towards the sun. Mature sunflowers
face east, which helps them heat up, giving
them a pollination advantage, as warm flowers
are thought to attract more pollinating insects.
FIVE FAVOURITES
‘Double Dazzler’
Multiple big, fluffy,
double golden flowers.
Grows 1.5–2m tall.
‘Evening Sun’
Multiple 20cm flowers
in shades of red, brown
and mahogany, with
dark centres and
H. annuus velvety petals. Grows
‘Ruby Eclipse’ 1.8–2.4m tall.
FleuroSun ‘Dwarf
PHOTOS LEIGH CLAPP, THE DIGGERS CLUB, COPSLEY ORNAMENTALS, SEED COLLECTION
Summer Spray’
Pollen-free, branched,
with a green centre
care & maintenance cover block plantings of seeds, or cover
and yellow to orange
Sunflowers have a deep taproot – they can smaller areas with a mesh colander or overlapping petals.
extract moisture from a depth of 2m – and a piece of shadecloth attached to stakes Grows 25–40cm tall
need less water than most annual flowers. with cable ties. Once they sprout, the
To encourage taproot development, water seedlings become a delicate treat for FleuroSun ‘Lilac
deeply once a week. Increase to 2–3 times slugs and snails, so use a non-toxic Monarch’ Pollen-free,
unbranched, has a
a week just before bud burst. bait to lure these pests from the prize.
dark centre and lemon
Sunflowers are susceptible to fungal petals with an unusual
diseases, such as mildew and rust, harvesting lilac tinge. Takes 62–70
especially if days are humid and nights Sunflower seeds are ready to harvest days to flower. Grows
are cool. To reduce the chance of disease, when the stalks turn brown and the flower 1.1–1.3m tall.
ensure there’s good airflow around the heads face the ground. Cut off the flowers,
plants. Apply a registered fungicide at pop them into an organza or paper bag, ‘Giant Russian’
Golden yellow petals
the first sign of fungal disease. and leave in a dry area for two weeks. To
and brown centre on
Newly planted seeds are a favourite dislodge the seeds, rub your hand across a head up to 50cm
snack of birds and other animals, so the flower. Remove plant debris by hand across. Best edible
you may need to protect them until they or using a medium-gauge mesh strainer. seeds. Grows 3m tall.
sprout. You could use an old flyscreen to Store the cleaned seeds in glass jars. GA
PLANTS
AUSSIE
NATIVE
Magnificent
mint bush
(Prostanthera
magnifica)
mighty mints
Australian mint bushes burst into bloom in
spring, but their aromatic foliage perfumes
gardens year round, writes AB BISHOP
N
ative mint bushes tend to fly Among the smaller varieties is gullies and near creeks, growing
PHOTO GAP PHOTOS/NOVA PHOTO GRAPHIK
under the radar, but they’re Prostanthera saxicola ‘Pigeon Blue’, a throughout South East Queensland and
worth checking out. Fast growing groundcover that grows only 30cm tall extending down the New South Wales
and high performing, with pretty and 50–75cm wide. It has dense foliage coast into Victoria and Tasmania. Its
flowers and fragrant foliage, these shrubs and blue-grey flowers, and is perfect in prolific white or pink flowers are like
add visual appeal and bring the birds and a semi-shaded rockery or beside steps. beacons in the bush and the garden,
bees to your garden – what’s not to love? The tallest native mint bush is Victorian appearing from late spring and early
There are about 120 species, and they’re Christmas bush (P. lasianthos), which summer. The smaller upright variety
found all over the country. Most range in can grow into a 10–12m tree, although ‘Donnybrook’ grows 1.5–2.5m tall and
height from 50cm to 3m and they can it usually reaches 3–5m in cultivation. It 1.2m wide with mauve-pink flowers,
serve a variety of purposes in the garden. occurs naturally in cool, moist, shaded making it handy for tight spaces.
PLANTS
Low forms of mint bush can be grown away from a paling fence, then add mulch are food for the larvae of various moths, the
along the front fence, where passers-by and an outdoor seat in the gap for your adults of which are devoured by birds, frogs
can appreciate their fragrance. ‘Mini Pink’ own ‘secret’ scented garden. and lizards. The 1–4m tall snowy mint bush
is a dwarf form of round-leafed mint bush (P. nivea) is also a host for the common
(P. rotundifolia) known as native oregano. but wait, there’s more... rayed blue butterfly (Candalides heathi).
Growing 1m tall by 75cm wide, its prolific If it’s fragrance you’re seeking, the Interestingly, there are two different
pink flowers contrast against its small, dark hybrid P. ‘Poorinda Ballerina’ has dark flower forms: long tubular flowers in red,
green edible leaves. Alternate with purple, aromatic leaves, with flowers in white and orange, pink, yellow, blue or green; and
pink or white Liriope muscari for contrast. speckled purple. It grows 1.5–2m tall by flowers that are shaped more typically (of
Scarlet mint bush (P. aspalathoides) 1.5m wide, tolerates light frost and suits the Lamiaceae family), which are purple,
has tubular flowers in red, orange, yellow, cool temperate to subtropical climates. pink or white. Nectar-feeding birds tend to
cream or green. Reaching less than 1m P. sieberi ‘Minty’ makes an excellent visit the tubular flowers, as they can easily
tall and wide, it makes a useful foundation hedging plant. Growing 1–1.8m tall see these colours and their beaks fit into
plant for small beds, or a unique container and 1–1.2m wide, it has highly scented them perfectly. Bees, butterflies and other
specimen. Drought and lime tolerant, and foliage and is covered in violet flowers insects see shades of ultraviolet, yellow and
hardy to most frosts, it performs best in during spring and early summer. Minimal blue, and therefore visit both flower forms.
full sun in warm temperate and semi-arid pruning is required to maintain its dense
gardens, but copes in cool climates when habit. Suitable for cool temperate to growing tips
grown in the warmest spot. subtropical climates, it likes full sun East coast species of mint bush tend
Who says room dividers are for inside to semi-shade and tolerates frost. to prefer a relatively cool, semi-shade to
only? With profuse clusters of mauve For something extra special, magnificent full-shade position, but will grow in full
flowers, the 1–3m tall cut-leafed mint bush mint bush (P. magnifica) from Western sun for part of the day. These plants do
(P. incisa) would make an eye-catching Australia lives up to its name with large, better in high humidity than those from
living separator between garden zones. two-toned mauve, lilac, light blue, pink other states. Keep their roots cool by
Also called native thyme, it provides an and purple flowers, and shiny, aromatic mulching with bark, leaf litter or stones.
unlimited supply of leaves to dry and use leaves. Reaching 50cm–2m tall and up to Species from Western Australia, South
in the kitchen. Or perhaps grow a row of 1.5m wide, it needs a sunny aspect and Australia and the Northern Territory, on
balm mint bush (P. melissifolia) 2–3m good drainage. East coast gardeners can the other hand, like a hot, sunny spot.
increase its lifespan by growing it in a Plant in spring or autumn, watering
LEFT TO RIGHT & OPPOSITE container with potting mix for native plants. plants weekly for a few months to ensure
Round-leafed mint bush they establish a good root system. At this
(P. rotundifolia); P. saxicola
‘Pigeon Blue’; P. ‘Poorinda Ballerina’;
magnets for wildlife stage, they won’t need much – just enough
scarlet mint bush (P. aspalathoides); Mint bushes are quite dense, and tall forms so that they don’t dry out. All should be
purple mint bush (P. ovalifolia). offer nesting real-estate options. The leaves grown in well-drained, acidic soil. Apart
from swamp mint bush (P. palustris),
which is endemic to a tiny location in
north-eastern New South Wales, these
plants don’t tolerate waterlogging at all.
care & maintenance

Be sure to water through extended dry
spells, especially on windy days. Apply
a fertiliser that’s suitable for native plants
in late winter, and use a seaweed solution
a few times through spring and summer.
Prune your mint bushes from when
they are young by removing a few
centimetres of foliage after flowering.
at a glance
This develops a desirable dense habit, common name
PHOTOS GAP PHOTOS/JOHN SWITHINBANK, ALISON UBELS/FARMGATE NATIVES,
ensuring prolific blooms. Older plants mint bush

can be rejuvenated by removing a quarter botanic name
to a third of the foliage, but always avoid Prostanthera spp. and cultivars
pruning into leafless wood. plant type
Mint bushes can be susceptible to small to large shrub
attack by sap-sucking insects including 30cm–5m
ANGUS STEWART, GAP PHOTOS/NOVA PHOTO GRAPHIK
scale, white fly and woolly aphids. Some 50cm–4m

of these can be controlled by squashing
full sun, semi-shade
them with gloved hands. If their numbers
grow, natural predators such as birds, spring or autumn
native wasps and ladybirds are likely to spring to early summer
arrive, so be careful if you use a pest oil.
Borers can also cause damage. Predatory
insects will help to control them, but the
best form of defence is prevention! Borers
and other insects tend to attack plants that
aren’t as strong and healthy as surrounding
plants. Keep your plants healthy and you’re suitable
likely to have fewer pest problems. GA
flare
for DRAMA
Looking for vibrant flowers on an evergreen shrub for garden beds and pots?
Versatile vireyas are perfect for a starring role, says STEVE FALCIONI
PLANTS
LOOKING
GOOD
NOW
LEFT TO RIGHT
Rhododendron ‘Kisses’;
R. ‘Cara Mia’.
W
hen most people think of the
rhododendron family, they bring to
mind colourful azaleas and the taller
‘true’ rhododendron shrubs. But I
at a glance
have a secret to share. There’s a third group, known common name
as vireyas or tropical rhododendrons – and they’re vireya rhododendron, tropical
so spectacular, I think everyone should grow them! rhododendron
Vireya rhododendrons come predominantly
botanic name
from tropical South-East Asian regions, including
Rhododendron spp. and
Malaysia, Borneo and New Guinea, where there hybrids/cultivars
are upwards of 300 species. There are also two
plant type
native Australian species (see ‘Native vireyas’ on
evergreen shrub
page 31). Most are fairly open-growing shrubs,
ranging 1–2m high with thick green leaves. 1–2m
They are loved for their clusters of tubular 1–2m
flowers, which flare open dramatically. Flower bright shade
colours range from white, yellow and orange to
year round
pink and red. Many have a contrasting throat
spring, summer, autumn
PHOTOS ROY BILBIE, VANDERBYL VIREYA NURSERY
colour and some are even perfumed. Flowering

time varies between different species and cultivars,
but peak timing tends to be spring and autumn.
These evergreen beauties are ideal for growing
under trees and in mixed garden beds with other
shrubs and perennials. They can also be easily
grown in pots, so you’re really spoilt for choice.
Although they love humid tropical weather,
vireyas are surprisingly versatile, and they can suitable
tolerate temperatures down to 1°C provided there
is no chance of frost. Some varieties can handle
direct sunlight, as long as there’s good humidity,
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PLANTS
LEFT AND INSET

Rhododendron ‘Pink Ray’ has
lightly fragrant, soft pink flowers;
R. lochiae is one of two native vireyas.
NATIVE VIREYAS
Australia is home to two vireya
rhododendron species, R. lochiae
and R. viriosum. They grow naturally
around Cairns but can be grown
as far south as Melbourne in the
right conditions. Both grow to 2m
high and produce bright red flowers
in summer. Due to their very similar
appearance, it was originally thought
that there was only one species.
However, experts noticed that the
flower tube of R. lochiae is slightly
curved, while that of R. viriosum
is shorter and straight.
5 COLOURFUL
CHOICES
1 Rhodendron
‘Cara Mia’ has large,
scented flowers with
a soft yellow throat
but in general, they do best when grown immediately after flowering, as this will and rosy-pink edges.
in dappled sunlight or bright shade. encourage denser growth, particularly Dense growth to 1.5m.
2
A surprising fact about vireyas is that in varieties prone to being a bit leggy.
R. ‘Coral Seas’
they are semi-epiphytic. In the wild, they Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings has intense
can be found growing in the thinnest of (10–15cm long, with lower leaves removed). salmon-pink blooms
soils or across rock ledges where the At the base of each cutting, use a potato on a vigorous shrub,
drainage is excellent. Consequently, they peeler to remove a very thin layer, about reaching 2m high.
should be planted in a raised mound in 4cm long, on either side. Don’t dig into the Frequent flowerer.
3
garden beds so the roots never stay wet, woody tissue. Plant in a 50:50 mix of sand R. ‘Fire Plum’
and surrounding soil can be covered with and potting mix, then cover with a clear produces medium
leaf mulch to mimic their natural habitat. plastic bag to keep it humid. Cuttings can sized, plum-red flowers
For pots, use a premium potting mix be taken anytime but root faster in warmth. twice a year. Reaches
with added perlite to provide the good 1.5m, with spreading
pests & diseases dense growth.
PHOTOS ROY BILBIE, ALAMY, VANDERBYL VIREYA NURSERY
drainage they need. Vireyas have a small

root system, so you can use a relatively
small pot. Keep in mind that, like other
Vireyas seem less prone to pest problems
than many other rhododendrons, which 4 R. ‘Pink Swan’
has perfumed,
lolly-pink flowers of
rhododendrons, they prefer acidic soils. is another reason to love them, but thrips,
mites, mealy bugs and azalea lacebugs medium size. Another
dense grower, it will
care & maintenance can sometimes attack. Watch for any signs
grow up to 1.5m.
Water your vireyas regularly – they don’t of damage and, after identifying the pest,
like to dry out completely. Fertilise young
plants every 2–4 weeks with a liquid
spray with a suitable organic insecticide.
Some vireyas are also prone to powdery
5 R. ‘Simbu Sunset’
produces large,
spectacular orange
organic fertiliser to encourage growth. mildew. In this case, spray with an organic and yellow blooms
Established plants will be happy with a fungicide or just be ruthless and change regularly throughout
scattering of organic pellets 2–3 times to a different variety. Death by root rot is the year. Grows to
a year, and an annual thin top dressing almost guaranteed if you don’t give them about 2m high.
of compost or leaf mould. Prune plants good drainage. You have been warned! GA
COASTAL
FAVOURITE
dream
believers
The delicate appearance of these sweet
pompom-flowered beauties belies their
tough constitution, writes JUDY HORTON
A
rmerias are not usually accorded star billing in the plant
world. They’re more likely to be considered useful, albeit
attractive, perennials. This ordinariness is reflected in one
of their common names, thrift, with its suggestions of
economy, hard work and toughness. While the plants do have these
qualities, they also have many other desirable characteristics: pretty
flowers, low growth, attractive foliage and adaptability. Nonetheless,
it’s fair to say they’ve been a little taken for granted in the past.
That all changed in May this year when ‘Dreamland’, one of the
at a glance
armerias in the Australian-bred Dreameria range, achieved horticultural
common name
superstar status by winning a much-coveted silver medal in the RHS
sea pink, thrift
Plant of the Year competition at the Chelsea Flower Show in London.
While the majority of armerias come from the Mediterranean, the botanic name
best known, sea thrift (Armeria maritima), is found in coastal and Armeria maritima, Armeria
mountain areas that range from northern Europe, including Iceland pseudarmeria and hybrids
and Siberia, to northern California. Both the ‘sea’ part of the plant’s plant type
common name and its ‘maritima’ species name were unforgettably flowering perennial
illustrated for me when I arrived by water to visit the heritage botanical 30cm
garden Inverewe, which is perched on an exposed section of remote
50cm
coastline in the Scottish Highlands. As I disembarked from the boat,
I couldn’t miss seeing an exuberant patch of armerias in full bloom full sun
PHOTO PLANTS MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA
stretching out from cracks in the sea-splashed rocks. spring, autumn

As that happy sighting indicates, this plant and many other armerias late winter to early summer
are quite at home in seaside gardens. In fact, some have evolved a clever
technique for dealing with the potentially harmful salt they absorb from
the seawater. The plant’s leaves have special glands that process and
excrete the salt and allow it to be washed away with the next tide. Its
linear leaf shape also helps it stand up to coastal winds and dryness.
Despite their overall hardiness, armerias have a delicate, dainty
and cottagey appearance. Their upright, grass-like foliage grows into a
suitable
mounded tuft that reaches up to about 30cm. In spring, leafless stems
PLANTS
Award-winning Armeria
Dreameria ‘Dreamland’
features pink flower
clusters on strong,
grass-like stems.
PLANTS
TOP 5 ARMERIAS
Armeria
‘Dreamland’ Award
winner producing
salmon-pink flower
clusters on strong
stems over a long
period of time.
A. Dreameria ‘Dreamland’ Armeria maritima
makes a lovely display The traditional
in a pot or basket.
favourite with globular
clusters of pink,
lavender and white
emerge topped with ball-shaped pompoms Prepare the soil before planting by
blooms in spring.
of papery blooms in shades of pink, white, digging in some well-aged compost. Water
mauve and cerise. regularly while the plants are settling in, Armeria ‘Ruby
Petite’ Small grower
With their compact cushions of foliage, but once they’re established, they’ll cope
(foliage grows to
armerias are ideal to use as a border or with reasonably dry periods. Good drainage
15cm) with bright
edging for a sunny garden bed. They’ll also is essential. Pick the flowers for a vase or pink flower balls and
grow happily in pots or baskets. They look a bouquet, and trim off the stems after the burgundy-tinted leaves.
attractive backed by strappy-leafed plants, blooms fade. If seeds form, you can try
Armeria ‘Bees
such as dwarf dianellas or liriope, or in growing from seed, but remember that
Ruby’ Compact
front of soft mounds of sub-shrubs like hybrids won’t necessarily be the same as hybrid with masses
catmint. Armerias will cope with light the parent plants. The plants are unlikely of pollinator-attracting
shade, but they do best in full sun. They to cause weed problems, and seedlings hot pink blooms
can handle reasonably heavy frosts. While need lots of tender care. Digging and throughout spring.
they flourish in most parts of Australia, they dividing clumps in late summer is a surer Armeria ‘Alba’
may suffer in areas of high humidity. In way of propagation and provides an Balls of white flowers
those climates, it’s best to grow the plants opportunity to clean out any dead patches. sit atop stems that
in a container or raised bed. Mulching Feed in late winter with slow-release emerge from green,
with a gravel or pebble layer to prevent pellets, or fortnightly during the growing grassy foliage.
splashback into the centre can help, too. season with a liquid plant food. GA
WINNING WAYS
For more than two decades, breeders to these rather overlooked perennials. After much hard
Steve Eggleton and Howard Bentley work, dedication to quality breeding techniques and,
COURTESY OF FLOWER POWER GARDEN CENTRES, BALL COLEGRAVE UK

have been working together to develop not least, Howard’s inspired suggestion of the Dreameria
new ornamental plants with many name, the range was released to near-instant acclaim.
desirable qualities. They focus on In May this year, Steve and Howard received their PHOTOS PLANTS MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA, SHUTTERSTOCK,
breeding plants that are easy to grow, most satisfying and rewarding accolade when Dreameria
long flowering, compact, suitable ‘Dreamland’ was presented with a silver medal at the Royal
for a wide range of climates, tough, Horticultural Society Plant of the Year awards at the Chelsea
easy to transport and, most of all, Flower Show. “We didn’t even know the plant was in
good looking. Together with the rest contention,” commented Steve. “One of our UK distributors
of the team at their Melbourne-based entered it.” The professional judges of these awards look
company, Plant Growers Australia, for innovation, impact and overall excellence. Dreameria
they’ve notched up some great ‘Dreamland’ easily met – and exceeded – these criteria.
successes, developing highly recognised plants such as Already more than one million Dreameria plants have been
Loropetalum ‘Plum Gorgeous’ and Lavinnova lavenders. sold. “One of our greatest rewards has come from the way the
About 15 years ago, they started working with armerias, range has achieved popularity in so many parts of the world,”
particularly the very tough Portuguese Armeria pseudarmeria. says Steve. “For us, Dreameria has been a dream come true.”
They aimed to bring qualities such as an extended blooming The five plants in the Dreameria range are readily available
period, improved flower colour and more upright stems from plant retailers around Australia.
Garden tours in Australia and New Zealand
CREDITS: Photos courtesy of Stanleigh Garden, New Plymouth NZ; Old Wesley Dale Gardens Photo: Scott Wilson; Paul Bangay’s Stonefields. Photo courtesy of Q1
GARDENS AND WILDFLOWERS
OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA GARDENS OF TASMANIA
Forests, Flowers and Private Gardens of the South West Launceston, Freycinet and Hobart
with Julie Kinney | 26 Oct – 03 Nov 2022 (9 days) with Elizabeth Swane | 05 – 13 November 2022 (9 days)
Uncover a region that is home to some of Travel along Tasmania’s picturesque East coast and
Western Australia’s finest private gardens, discover enchanting private gardens, estates and
forests and magnificent displays of wildflowers. nurseries of the Island State in its springtime bloom.
SPRING GARDENS OF COUNTRY VICTORIA COUNTRY GARDENS OF NEW ZEALAND

Daylesford and Mount Macedon North and South Islands
with Guy Sturt | 06 – 11 November 2022 (6 days) with Elizabeth Swane | 23 Nov – 07 Dec 2022 (15 days)
Delight in the bright floral colours of spring in rural Discover the best of New Zealand’s enchanting private
Victoria and the private gardens of Daylesford country gardens and feast your eyes on a profusion
and Mount Macedon. of late springtime hues.
For detailed information visit renaissancetours.com.au, call 1300 727 095 or contact your travel agent.
THIS PAGE
& OPPOSITE
The densely planted
garden is sheltered by
a canopy of trees; pink
lupin beside the shrub
Deutzia ‘The Magician’.
GARDEN
flowering
passion
In a quiet cul-de-sac of a tiny town,

a keen gardening couple has created a
dreamy cottage-style garden that’s
filled with colour all year round
words JENNIFER STACKHOUSE
photography CHRIS CRERAR
G
ay and Laurie Clark have created a magical
garden that’s a world of its own, not far from a
busy main road in Bagdad. No, we’re not taking
a journey to the hot and dry Middle East. This
is a cool-climate garden in Bagdad, southern Tasmania.
For those unfamiliar with Tasmania, Bagdad is a tiny,
blink-and-you’ll-miss-it collection of houses with a small
school. The Midland Highway bisects the town, which is
just 45 minutes from central Hobart. Once an area of
grand properties, it is now mainly affordable houses and
smallholdings, with a scattering of sheep and cows, and
a few signs offering vegies or bags of manure for sale.
Most people drive through without noticing Bagdad, but
it’s well worth slowing down and turning off the main road
to discover Gay and Laurie’s garden, tucked away in a
cul-de-sac with a plant stall at the front gate. Those in the
know take the detour regularly to pick up a bargain or two,
or to find an unusual plant. If you’re lucky, the couple will
be working in their garden and will stop to say hello.
finding home
It was Gay who found the house, which backs onto Horfield
Creek, moving there with her two small children in 1992.
Now she’s a keen gardener, but back then she was more
interested in having a bit of land for the kids to play on, with
room for a sandpit and a trampoline. Then she met Laurie.
He claims she was after a man with a spade, but she says
that was just a bonus. “Laurie’s family were fruit growers,
specialising in sweet, old-fashioned cherries that were sold
to Tassie-based jam maker IXL, so he also came with lots
of knowledge about growing plants,” says Gay.
Together, they have built a garden filled to overflowing
with beautiful flowering plants, which wraps around the
house. Gone are the blackberries and periwinkles that
encroached before Laurie and his trusty spade arrived.
“This is a cottage garden, but one that has no room for
vegetables,” says Gay, adding that her now grown-up son,
Tim, has a passion for growing vegetables, and he keeps
them well supplied from his own garden.
Much of the 1055m2 block is also now quite shaded, as
trees they planted 26 years ago have grown and spread a
sheltering canopy of branches. Everything is thriving in the
soil, enriched over decades with homemade compost.
“When we first started the garden, I had three large
compost heaps on the go, each regularly turned and tended,”
says Laurie. “Now I find I can manage with just one.
Any excess green waste is collected in the green bin.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Laurie and Gay with the beautiful climbing purple Miss Willmot’s
rose, Rosa wilmottiae; an ornamental birdhouse is surrounded by
David Austin roses ‘Tamora’, ‘Claire Austin’ and ‘The Reeve’; the
massed plantings almost hide the house in summer.
GARDEN
CLOCKWISE
FROM LEFT
Gay and Laurie love
the look of old-fashioned
roses; David Austin rose
‘Charles Austin’; although
the garden is densely
planted, there are also
open lawned spaces;
Gladiolus nanus.
GARDEN
THIS PAGE
Laurie laid the brick-paved
paths that give all-weather
access to the garden and
tie his design together.
a profusion of blooms The large beds that he planned are now filled with trees,
The climate in Bagdad is very cold in winter, usually with plenty shrubs and perennials. These are all edged with rocks and
of rain. This year, abundant rain has seen the creek that edges well-planted terracotta pots, which Laurie says are Gay’s
the Clarks’ property flood several times, but so far without any responsibility. “By mid-spring, the hard edging disappears
damage to the main garden. The summers can be hot and dry. under the sheer volume of plants and flowers that spill out
Like all good cottage gardens, there are flowers all year round of the ground and the pots,” says Gay.
in this beautiful space. Even in midwinter, Gay and Laurie enjoy All the plants have been grown from cuttings or seed, or
salvias and pots of polyanthus in bloom. So do the fairy wrens found on weekend visits to local nurseries. Although the garden
and all the other small birds that dart in and out of the garden is well established, the couple still manages to find space for
searching for tidbits among the mulch. some new purchases. “We’ve recently planted a very pretty
Laurie says he enjoys working hard throughout the winter. crabapple, ‘Royal Raindrops’, and we love our deciduous
He likes to see the roses neatly pruned and all the perennials ‘Star Wars’ magnolia for its large purple flowers,” says Gay.
cut down, leaving orderly, well-mulched beds. “The restrained Both Gay and Laurie love roses, especially the old species
look that the garden has during winter doesn’t last very long,” roses, and these can be found growing throughout the garden.
says Gay. “As the days get longer and warmer, everything “I think I love single roses,” admits Laurie, “but really I just
erupts and fills the garden with flowers.” love growing flowers – the brighter the better.”
From mid to late spring and well into autumn, the garden Many of the wild and species roses have been allowed to
continues to explode with flowers and foliage. Laurie’s well-laid climb into some of the trees, including the wild hawthorns near
brick-paved paths provide easy access to explore this heavily the creek. A very vigorous climbing rose called ‘Wedding Day’,
planted garden. While Laurie claims to just do the heavy work, with clusters of single white flowers, has scaled a gum tree
he’s had a big say in the design of the garden. He devised much where it has been joined by a large Clematis napaulensis with
of the layout, and even sought a bird’s-eye view to help with the nodding cream flowers with purple stamens.
planning: “I worked out where to put the garden beds, paths and Although Gay and Laurie garden well together, there has
walls by climbing onto the roof and looking down,” he says. been one long-running bone of contention. “In the front garden
“Nowadays, you could use a drone, but when we started the is a large, well-established weeping silver birch that I planted
garden, the view from the roof really helped me work out before I met Laurie,” Gay says. “And she planted it in the wrong
the way the garden needed to flow around the house.” spot,” counters Laurie. To his eye, it is out of line with the rest
TOP TO BOTTOM
Massed roses including
‘Christopher Marlowe’,
Rosa ‘Mutabilis’ and
‘Dapple Dawn’, another
David Austin rose; the
brick paths are flanked
with potted plants.
of the planting, and is a glitch in his free-flowing design.

While he has frequently threatened to remove it, the tree
has persisted where it is, a feature of the front garden.
f loral drama
While Laurie happily embraces all plants (except perhaps
the weeping birch), Gay has an overwhelming passion
for a rare plant known as auricula (Primula auricula).
These plants are close relatives of primroses but they
are very fussy and hard to grow. They’re also lovely,
producing exquisite flowers that almost look as if they
have been handpainted. Gay has been collecting these
plants for years after being given one as a present.
Much of her collection was sourced from the Hobart
nursery of auricula specialist Sue Wallbank, who imported
named varieties from the UK into Tasmania (for more info,
see auricula.net.au). “I make an annual pilgrimage to Sue’s
nursery to top up my collection,” says Gay. “One year she
gave me what she called her ‘auricula theatre’, which
is really a black box with shelves, mounted on a wall.
Laurie has promised to make it a roof.” The ‘theatre’ is
the traditional way auriculas are displayed in flower.
“I must say that auriculas are fussy and demanding
plants,” says Gay. “I move them out of the theatre to
get better light over winter, then re-pot them in spring
into some fresh, well-drained potting mix.
GARDEN
TOP TO BOTTOM
Potted orchids and auricula
displayed on the wall among
the trained trunk of a banksia
rose; terracotta pots filled with
intricately patterned auriculas
in Gay’s ‘auricula theatre’; a
massed planting of succulents
with an echeveria in flower.
“Watering is important, as auriculas can’t be overwatered

or underwatered, so I water each of the plants individually
using a watering can.” Gay explains that underwatering
causes the plants to wilt dramatically, while overwatering
leads to root rot and plant death.
“The auriculas are growing in small terracotta pots, most
of which came from Ken Gillanders’ nursery,” says Gay.
“The old pots have a lovely elegant shape that really suits
the auriculas.” Ken’s nursery, Woodbank at Longley, south of
Hobart, closed when Ken retired and sold the property. For
years, it was an important source of new and rare plants
for gardeners in Tasmania and around Australia.
As well as growing her treasured
auriculas, Gay also dabbles in hostas SHARING
and rare podophyllums, but says THE SPOILS
she can’t grow all the rarities on her Gay and Laurie enjoy propagating
list. “I failed to get the blue poppy and selling plants from their garden,
(Meconopsis grandis) to bloom and keep a small plant stand at the gate,
after many tries,” she admits. “And which is well stocked with potted plants
for sale. The selection is always changing,
I had to give a friend a luculia I’d
PHOTO (INSET) GAY CLARK
but usually includes roses and perennials.

bought because it was so badly
The stall operates on an honour system
damaged by frost I was frightened and it’s always open. Visitors
it would die if I kept it here.” are welcome to visit the plant
Despite these small hiccups, Gay stand at 14 Horfield Court,
and Laurie’s garden is a real tribute Bagdad, Tasmania.
to their skill, hard work and dedication. GA
the
feeling
is
MUTUAL
For these green thumbs and neighbours, their gardens are places of respite and
renewal, as well as the perfect hangout for fireside chats about all things plants
words JENNY BALDWIN photography VIRGINIA CUMMINS
WELLBEING
E
ach evening, as he crosses
the threshold from carport to
courtyard, Steven Wells feels
the worries of the day slip away.
Gardens and plants form the fabric of his
working week: he manages the grounds
of a hospital and rehab centre, as well as
providing horticultural therapy and nursing
care to patients with acquired brain injury.
But coming home to this garden and
these plants is different. It’s all his, and
he relishes the freedom and seclusion.
“My garden is about creating a calm
environment where I can choose what
I want to do,” says Steven. “I don’t have
to go to a committee or ask a manager;
it’s mine. This is my pocket, my space,
Steven’s
GARDEN
and it’s very much about having a place of
respite. I think that’s why I’ve introduced
a lot of structures and planting that help
me retain my privacy. It’s my sanctuary.”
Living next door, in the same strata
block in north-east Melbourne, are Steven’s
neighbours, Brit Trist, Caleb Horne and
baby Xavier. They started their garden two
years ago. Caleb is a carpenter; Brit is a
graphic designer who is close to finishing
her studies in horticulture. With Caleb’s
mum also a trained horticulturist and Brit
keen to design her first garden, they were
well equipped to transform their jumble of
weeds and lawn. The icing on the cake,
though, was having a like-minded neighbour
such as Steven to inspire and support them.
Over many gin nights around the fire, the
three have chatted plants, shared ideas and
cooked up plans to rejuvenate part of the
body corporate land. Spending time in their
own gardens – and visiting each other’s –
building, planting, pottering and simply
enjoying the friendship, has played a crucial
role in maintaining balance and perspective
in their lives. Read on to see how their
gardens foster a sense of wellbeing.
CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE

Steven (foreground) with Caleb and Brit; a
potted fan aloe (Kumara plicatilis) sits in front
of a screen of maidenhair vine; Brit and Caleb’s
fernery, featuring one of Caleb’s homemade
seats created from salvaged materials.
Brit & Caleb’s
GARDEN
Steven’s
garden
Doors and places to sit... Both of these

are in plentiful supply in Steven’s garden,
which is all about creating places of respite
and relaxation. Sometimes a door leads
through to a different zone, such as the
turquoise door separating a well-planted
area from the utility area for the bins and
hot water system. Sometimes a door is
really more like a folly – Steven’s old front
door, for example, has been transformed
into a feature, but opens only to his little MAIN & INSET
Steven loves repurposing
garden cupboard. He likes to play with discarded materials in his
that sense of wonder – what’s behind the garden. A timber ledge is the
door? The ‘portals’ are also a cool way perfect display space for his
collection of terracotta pots
to achieve that fundamental of landscape and curated collectibles.
design: let the garden reveal itself in stages.
The whimsy continues with the seating
areas he has created – eclectic places See more of
to just ‘be’ or gather with others. “I have Steven’s garden
multiple areas that encourage me to stop on Friday, Oct 7
and enjoy what I’ve created, and not always at 7.30pm on
be thinking I have to do jobs,” Steven says.
The ultimate place to ‘sit’ is the outdoor
ABC TV
bathtub. “I got it on a sell-swap website
for $50,” Steven says. “It’s long enough
WELLBEING
WELLBEING
for me, as a tall person, and I thought the

minty colour went well with the garden.”
Hot and cold water is plumbed in, but
not drainage – Steven prefers to let the
bathwater cool overnight, and use it on
the garden via a hose attachment. Sitting
back in the tub of an evening, he can
watch the setting sun. When it’s a daytime
soak, he enjoys watching the birds in the
towering gum tree next door. The tub is
set among lots of plants, and the vibe
is one of outdoor luxury. “It does feel
like a treat experience,” Steven says.
50 shades of green
Steven’s is largely a foliage garden, filled
with everyday ‘doers’ that require little
maintenance. “I love flowers, but there
are so many different interesting foliage
plants, and I enjoy experimenting with
textures, shapes and tones,” he says.
Clivias, bromeliads, nandina, lomandra
and agave are all repeated throughout.
“They’re good foundation plants that just
sit there and do what they do.” A couple of
plants do need care over summer, such as
three big pots of his favourite maple, Acer
palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ (syn. ‘Senkaki’),
as well as the slender weaver’s bamboo
(Bambusa textilis var. Gracilis) that provides
year-round screening. Some bamboos are
unsuitable for home gardens, but this
clumping one suits Steven’s space well, and
he is careful not to transplant any clumps
too close to boundaries. He loves its lush,
green good looks and the privacy it affords.
He also loves the wall of agaves and
dangling succulents positioned outside
his kitchen window. “I wanted to have a
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Steven’s old front door now opens to a mini
garden cupboard; timber steps flanked by
potted plants and a rustic sculpture lead
down to the lower garden and more seating
areas; one of Steven’s favourite ways to take
in his garden is with a soothing soak in the
mint-coloured outdoor bathtub.
WELLBEING
green wall, but this is my version,” he says.

“Set into the wall is a ledge lined with little
planters, and I’m confident they’re now
jam-packed with roots, which is helping
keep the agaves small.” The donkey’s tail
sedum is one of his favourite ‘danglers’.
Throughout the garden, Steven has used
recycled materials, with a preference for
the natural warmth of timber, weathered
steel and granitic gravel. Timber sleepers
have been turned into boardwalk-style
paths and decking; wire is fashioned into
a lantern or seats or artwork. Frames
feature extensively in the garden, as well
as ledges for displaying plant collections.
The colour palette throughout is muted,
driven by the profusion of greens, but
punctuated by saturated primary colours
in the furniture, pots and frames.
Steven has been gardening in this space
since 2005, and over time has leaned
further into the ‘curated collectible’ look
that his garden has always had. The effect
is both stimulating and relaxing – just what
you want when you close the door on the
day and settle in for some ‘me time’.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP WHAT STEVEN PLANTED

This weathered steel door is the gateway
between the carport and the seclusion of slender weaver’s bamboo (Bambusa textilis var. Gracilis)
the courtyard; Steven’s green wall features coral bark maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ syn. ‘Senkaki’)
agaves, donkey’s tail (Sedum morganianum) donkey’s tail (or burro’s tail) (Sedum morganianum) spider plant
and spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum);
his so-called ‘red pod’ is a comfy place for (Chlorophytum comosum) foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) Clivia spp.
Steven to relax and recharge.
WELLBEING
Brit & Caleb’s garden

This very young garden doesn’t yet have the
trans-seasonality of Steven’s, but visiting in
midwinter, there’s a standout feature: the
wall of hardenbergia. This two-toned form,
‘Happy Duo’, is only a year old and already
covering its metal trellis. Steven has one
in his garden, too. Sharing the love!
Brit and Caleb moved into their home
five years ago, and for the first three years
ignored the uninspiring backyard of grass,
weeds, yuccas, aloes and a rotten retaining
wall. But after fixing up the house interior,
they were ready to get stuck in. “We ripped
out absolutely everything and first did the
not-fun stuff of building retaining walls and
creating some structures,” Brit says.
By then, they had befriended Steven,
and the three of them had spent quite a bit
of time at each other’s places, sitting round
the fire discussing plants they liked, ideas
for things to build, where to put what and
which plants had worked at Steven’s place.
Brit and Caleb admired a lot of what Steven
had done, particularly his use of recycled
materials, the relaxed design (“I’m not really
a fan of formal gardens,” admits Brit), the
use of natural elements such as fire, water,
timber and rocks, and details such as the
boardwalk-style paths and curated pots of
succulents. They also loved the plethora
of seating options, with their invitation to
sit and relax and to gather with friends.
Caleb unleashed his carpentry skills,
relishing the chance to make some creative
seating from a mix of recycled timbers.
Beside the chimenea are two of his projects,
one of which they call the ‘bus stop’ for its
inbuilt, overhead protection.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

A boardwalk pathway is edged by lomandra,
dianella and chalk sticks; Brit, Caleb and
baby Xavier; fast-growing Hardenbergia
violacea ‘Happy Duo’ creates a wall of green.
See more of Brit
and Caleb’s garden
on Friday, Oct 21
at 7.30pm on
ABC TV
WELLBEING
themed planting
With the structures in place, it was time
to plant. The garden is U-shaped, so Brit
started at one end, planting up a fernery.
As someone with a significant indoor plant
collection, she was on safe ground here,
selecting maidenhair fern (Adiantum
fragrans), soft tree fern (Dicksonia
antarctica), Asplenium spp., giant taro
(Alocasia macrorrhiza), Selaginella
kraussiana, Monstera deliciosa and elkhorns,
among others. The fernery’s retaining wall
is clad in rusty iron. “We didn’t want a
traditional style wall, so we made a feature
out of the one we had to have,” says Brit.
After completing the fernery, the couple
turned their attention to the native garden,
where Brit felt less confident. One thing
she knew she definitely wanted was
Eucalyptus caesia ‘Silver Princess’. Its
weeping habit, coupled with decorative
bark and striking flowers, make this gum
an excellent feature tree. One is now
positioned at the top of the slope.
The rest of the native plants were
chosen during an afternoon visit to a
specialist nursery. They include grevilleas, While the garden certainly has flashes
banksias, correas, yellow billy buttons and of Steven-inspired elements, Brit and
mauve-blue kangaroo paws. Large slate Caleb have brought their own personality
rocks function as mini retaining walls and, to the space. It’s an ongoing project and it
together with the boardwalk pathways, brings them a lot of pleasure. “The garden
help tie this area in with the rest. helps me to take a step back from things
Not content with having just two garden I don’t need to worry about and focus on
themes, Brit and Caleb have also started the important things,” says Brit. “It helps
a coastal section, which is peppered with me feel grounded… and getting to enjoy
sea holly, dianella, chalksticks, lomandra it with my family makes me very happy.”
and air plants. The natural gathering spot
around the fire is Japanese-inspired and CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT
Potted succulents and Caleb’s carpentry on
is anchored by a purple-leafed maple display; the fernery and pond; the neighbours’
(Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’). lockdown garden project; the dream team.
WHAT BRIT & CALEB PLANTED

Eucalyptus caesia ‘Silver Princess’ Hardenbergia violacea ‘Happy Duo’
billy buttons (Pycnosorus globosus) kangaroo paws (Anigozanthus spp.)
maidenhair fern (Adiantum fragrans) soft tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica)
WORLD MENTAL
HEALTH DAY
OCTOBER 10
Each state celebrates.
To see what’s on near you,
visit lookafteryourmental
healthaustralia.org.au
team effort
This bit of body corporate land flanking
HEALTH BENEFITS
Gardeners know that gardening
the pathway to Brit and Caleb’s front gives you a buzz, and numerous
door originally consisted of weedy scientific studies prove that it
lawn and a desultory rose. When benefits both physical and mental
Steven suggested they do something health. In his horticultural therapy
with it, Brit and Caleb were keen, work with patients with acquired
hoping it might provide some privacy brain injury, Steven Wells sees up
for their lounge room, which was close how a supportive connection
exposed to the main driveway. with gardening activities assists
It became their joint lockdown project topsoil and compost and planted into that. people’s health recovery.
in winter 2020. They agreed that a timber The beds are now filled with herbaceous Gardening alone is good, and
screen would create a bit of an entrance, perennials and other toughies that flower gardening with others can be
and discussed plants, mostly perennials. over summer and provide sculptural even better. The garden that Brit,
Both would be positioned in such a way interest well into winter, at which point Caleb and Steven created together
that the effect was solid when viewed they cut the plants to the ground. Some of during lockdown gave them a huge
from the lounge room, but had fluidity the plants, such as the ornamental grasses, lift at a time when they needed
when viewed from outside. Steven drew were overflow from Steven’s garden. The some positivity. As Steven says,
a basic diagram of how it might look. pinky red Salvia ‘Royal Bumble’ is a favourite “Gardening really does bring
Caleb designed the timber structure, with blue-banded bees. None of the plants people together and helps us
using leftover sleepers from his garden. need much, if any, watering. Brit and Caleb feel connected, uplifted and
After removing the lawn and rose, they are delighted with the result, and Steven full of hope for the future.”
covered the clay base with some fresh had fun doing it. Win-win! GA
Star of Bethlehem
(Angraecum sesquipedale)
CURIOSITIES
what is a
flower?
Flowers are beloved for their beauty and are a joy
to behold, but their purpose is far greater and
more complex, writes TIM ENTWISLE
T
he purpose of a flower depends pollinators towards the female and
on who or what you are. For a male parts in the centre of the flower.
plant, flowers are the best way It’s incredible how these few essential
to make new plants. For a bee building blocks have evolved into the vast
or a bat, flowers are primarily a source of array of flower shapes and arrangements
food. For you and me, they are one of the we see today. Each element of the flower
marvels of the natural world. has a particular purpose, even when that
You need to keep the first two of these might at first seem obscure.
perspectives in mind when you peel apart A great example is Star of Bethlehem
a flower to see how it works, noting that (Angraecum sesquipedale, pictured left
sometimes flowers rely on wind rather and overpage). An orchid discovered in
than animals for pollination, and they can the forests of Madagascar, it bears flowers
even trick animals into visiting without with a long tube out to one side, which has
offering any food in exchange. nectar pooled at its base. When Charles
There isn’t a ‘typical’ flower structure, Darwin first saw one of these flowers in the
but what we might call a classic flower late 19th century, he was convinced there
includes, from the inside out: an ovary with was a pollinator out there somewhere,
a receptive stalk, a ring of stamens (stalks perhaps now extinct, with a proboscis
topped by yellow-tipped anthers full of (tongue) almost as long as the spur, which
pollen), a flourish of pretty petals and is about ‘one and a half feet long’ (the
finally, an outer layer of green flaps called meaning of the Latin word sesquipedale).
sepals. The ovary can be positioned above At the time, no such animal was known,
those other layers or buried a little lower, but more than 40 years later, and 21
sometimes below where the petals arise. years after Darwin’s death, a hawk moth
Among these layers you will sometimes was found with a proboscis extending to
ISTOCK
find nectary glands with that sweet reward 28cm (11 inches). That moth was named
PHOTOS
for animals, and various other contrivances Xanthopan morganii praedicta in honour
PHOTO
designed to attract, constrain or direct of Darwin’s earlier prediction.
GUINEA FLOWER ▼
Perhaps the easiest flower to
understand is something relatively
simple, such as a guinea flower
(Hibbertia spp.). The first
thing you notice are its five
soft yellow petals, which
are big and colourful,
attracting bees or
beetles to the flower.
In the middle are one
or more clusters of
stamens and two or
three styles – the long
receptive stalks that
extend out from the
swollen ovaries in the middle
of the flower. Outside the
ABOVE Tim Entwisle admiring a
Star of Bethlehem orchid at the Royal yellow petals are some coarse
Botanic Garden Sydney. The flower’s green sepals and usually an extra
uniquely long nectar tube is the perfect flap of green, which we call a bract.
size for the hawk month’s proboscis.
a closer look
Every flower has its backstory, often
evolving with an insect, bird or mammal,
where incremental changes occur in both
the plant and the animal as they battle it
out for reproductive success.
Botanists have invented hundreds of
precise terms to describe the shape and
arrangement of flowers and their various
parts. These become helpful to know if
you are trying to identify a plant from first
principles, but they generally don’t tell you
much about why a flower looks like it does.
A better way to understand a flower
is to dissect it, literally or metaphorically.
Try to work out what each part is doing
and what it adds to the flower. And if you
count how many there are of each part,
you’ll be a step closer to being able to ▲ MARIGOLD
identify the plant, if that’s important to you. The ‘flower’ of a marigold (Tagetes spp.) is fairly typical of daisies.
I’ve borrowed a little from a wonderful book It’s actually a collection of small flowers (florets) with reduced petals
called Name that Flower: The Identification (disc or tubular florets), surrounded by one or more rings of flowers
of Flowering Plants, written by Australian with a single petal (ligulate or ray florets).
Pollinating insects are attracted by the entire display of this flower head,
botanists Ian Clarke and Helen Lee, to give
with each floret contributing its small part to the overall effect. While the
you some examples of different flower
inside florets have male and female parts, the outer ones are often only
structures (right). If you’d like to explore female or sterile, functioning largely to attract the attention of the passing
atypical flower structures, Ian also recently pollinator. The pollinator is drawn towards the middle of the flower head.
published Name Those Grasses: Identifying There are other flower head combinations in daisies, some with only ray
Grasses, Sedges and Rushes. I recommend florets and some only tubular. Some are a bit tricky, such as the golden
both books – and pulling flowers apart, everlasting daisy (Xerochrysum bracteatum), which has only tubular florets
when it’s appropriate to do so. GA but has papery bracts on the fringe of the flower head instead of ray florets.
CURIOSITIES
WHITE
▼
SALLOW WATTLE
Now things get even more
complicated. Like the daisy
flower head, each wattle
blossom consists of many
tiny flowers. The flowers on
white sallow wattle (Acacia
floribunda, left) are arranged
in a loose cylinder, called a
spike. Individual flowers have
small petals and sepals that
you don’t see unless you pluck
the flower from the spike.
What you do see are the many,
usually yellow, anther-topped
stamens. Sticking out the
middle is the receptive style
leading down to the central
ovary. Other wattles, such
as Australia’s floral emblem,
the golden wattle (Acacia
pycnantha), have flowers
aggregated in spherical balls
rather than spikes, but with
the same basic structure.
▲ BOUGAINVILLEA
The first thing you notice about
GREEN-COMB the flower of the bougainvillea
SPIDER ORCHID
▼
(Bougainvillea spp.) is its colourful

The orchid flower is one bracts. These come in almost any
of the more specialised vibrant colour you can imagine,
and eccentric flowers. Each but they are not the flowers. The
species has a flower adapted flowers are small, tubular and
to its particular pollinator. generally white inside. They sit
Adapted specifically to attract in groups of three inside a whorl
male wasps, the flowers of the of three or six bracts.
Australian green-comb spider If you look closer you’ll see a
GAP PHOTOS/MATTEO CARASSALE, TIM ENTWISLE
orchids, such as Caladenia flange of petals at the top of the

PHOTOS JAIME PLAZA, ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK,
tentaculata (right), are hardly tube. The rest of the flower’s

recognisable as a flower. The male apparatus is inside the tube,
and female parts are fused into a column, although the top of the receptive
sitting upright at the back, and one of the petals style hovers just below the petals,
becomes the highly specialised and ornate lip or labellum. and the anthers are just below that.
The pollen in orchids is released as a sticky mass rather than individual grains. In nature, butterflies, moths and
This is one of the floral oddities that unites the diverse orchid family. When a hummingbirds are attracted by the
male wasp attempts to mate with the labellum, the pollen mass is knocked onto brightly coloured bracts, and they
the insect. It then carries it to the next flower, attempting the same manoeuvre, are well adapted to insert their beak
leaving the sticky pollen blob on the receptive part of the column. The flower or proboscis inside the narrow floral
even releases pheromones, the chemicals made by female wasps to attract tube. Bees and wasps can’t get to
a mate. Its structure makes sense only in relation to its pollinator. the nectar at the base of the tube.
NO fly ZONE
They’re a menace in gardens and devastating for commercial
growers, so what can you do to prevent fruit fly damage?
The old saying, ‘know your enemy’ is a good place to start
U
nlike the rest of Australia, South
Australia and Tasmania so far
remain free of fruit fly, apart
from the occasional outbreak,
but authorities – and home gardeners –
must always be vigilant. Sophie Thomson,
whose home state is South Australia, met
up with Nick Secomb (right), manager
of plant health operations at the state’s
Department of Primary Industries and
Regions (PIRSA) to explain how we can
reduce the risk of garden infestations.
“The cost to producers can be immense
if these pests aren’t kept in check or
eradicated, and, as the movement of fruit
and other produce increases around the
country, the potential for fruit fly to spread
also increases,” says Nick. “We know that
in South Australia, there’s about $1.3 billion
worth of produce grown every year that
fruit fly could impact, and similar amounts
across the country, too.”
the enemy within

The fruit fly can lay its eggs in more than
200 host fruits across all seasons, from
winter citrus, to stone fruit in spring, and
tomato, capsicum and eggplant in
summer. It’s partial to non-edible
fruit, too, such as those of clivia, See more on
rose and other ornamentals. Friday, Sept 30
Two species predominate in at 7.30pm on
Australia: on the west coast, ABC TV
it’s the Mediterranean fruit fly;
in the Northern Territory and east
coast, it’s the Queensland fruit fly.
RIGHT
Sophie Thomson with Nick Secomb from PIRSA.
PESTS
“The Mediterranean species is quite pretty,

with iridescent colours and dots,” says
Nick. “Queensland fruit fly has brown and
yellow markings, almost like a little wasp.”
fruit fly life cycle

A fruit fly goes through four life stages.
“It starts when an adult female stings the
fruit and lays her eggs in it,” says Nick.
“The eggs mature inside, then hatch out
as larvae (maggots), which feed on the
fruit and cause the damage. They then
wriggle out and pupate in the soil – the
cocoon stage. Eventually, they hatch prevention methods
and the adults start the cycle again.” Fruit fly traps There are plenty of
In summer, a fruit fly can take less than commercial fruit fly traps, but avoid the
a month to work through its entire life sticky ones, as they can also trap beneficial
cycle; in winter, the adults will hibernate, pollinators or even small birds and lizards.
then re-emerge in spring to breed again. Go for one designed to target fruit fly, such
as those containing an organic insecticide
warning signs or a protein liquid that attracts and drowns
“The first important sign is to spot where them. Or head to the Gardening Australia
a female has laid her eggs,” says Nick. website (abc.net.au/gardening) for simple
“That’ll show up as a little bruise mark on instructions to make your own.
the fruit. If you see that, cut open the fruit Exclusion netting Use netting as soon
and you’ll quickly see something wriggling as pollination has occurred and leave it on
inside, which are the maggots. Both types until your fruit is ready to pick. “Choose
of fruit fly maggots are a creamy white, netting with holes no larger than 1.6mm,”
up to about 1cm long and they wriggle advises Nick, “either small netting bags for
TEXT SALLY FELDMAN PHOTOS ISTOCK, COURTESY OF PIRSA, ANNA HUTCHCROFT
around. Sometimes when they’re individual fruit clusters, or a large net to

disturbed, they’ll even jump!” CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE cover the entire tree or bush. Remember
Commercial and homemade traps can help
It’s important to note that, while there reduce fruit fly populations; the Queensland to prevent the netting from touching the
are other fruit pests, fruit fly are quite fruit fly; the Mediterranean fruit fly; mango fruit, as fruit fly can sting through it.”
particular – and more likely to be found in is one of the fruit fly’s host fruits. Garden hygiene Routinely pick up fallen
good-quality, healthy fruit than rotten fruit. fruit to break the fruit fly’s life cycle. “If
USEFUL RESOURCES we leave it on the ground, the larvae can
disposing of affected fruit Each state and territory has its continue to grow and make their way
While your chickens will be thrilled with own regulations, so if you find into the soil,” says Nick. “And ensure
a fruit fly feed, according to Nick, they fruit fly in your garden, check you prune your trees to a manageable
won’t eat enough to do the job properly. who to contact in your area. height, so you can harvest all the fruit
Don’t chuck spoiled fruit into the compost, Department of Agriculture, and not leave any on the tree.”
either. “Home compost bins generally don’t Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Be aware when you share Moving fruit
reach a high enough temperature to kill agriculture.gov.au around is an easy way for fruit fly to spread,
fruit fly,” says Nick. “The best thing to do National Fruit Fly Council, so be careful when sharing produce. Work
is put it in a bag and leave it in the sun preventfruitfly.com.au with your neighbours and local community
to ‘cook’ the fruit fly. For small amounts Fruit Fly Hotline, South Australia, to ensure you’re all being vigilant. As Nick
of fruit, put it in a bag and give it a blast 1300 666 010 (open 24 hours) says: “Like other pests, fruit fly doesn’t just
in the microwave, or freeze it.” stop at the garden fence.” GA
reliable
friends
Where would our gardens
be without the tried and
trusted gems, those
resilient plants that thrive
despite the odds, writes
JACKIE FRENCH
AT HOME WITH JACKIE
M
y garden grew from cuttings handed on storm left the garden red. Deep-rooted parsley and
by a dear friend who was an expert in silverbeet survive, while lettuce fades.
choosing plants that stubbornly survive. No bulbs bloomed in the bushfire summer, but the
Jean had even grown red geraniums and paperwhite and ‘Erlicheer’ jonquils have come back;
vegetables on the Nullarbor Plain when she was a the plain yellow trumpet daffodils, acanthus, bearded
cook for railway workers, back in the 1930s. Jean iris, red-hot pokers, saffron crocus and dahlias, too.
was in her late 70s when I met her. I was in my
early 20s. Jean is the reason my garden is filled friend or foe?
with treasures that refuse to die, despite frosts down Another description for ‘almost indestructible
to –9°C, droughts, hail storms, gourmet wallabies and garden plant’ is ‘weed’. We’ve had our share of those
a plenitude of possums, bushfire gales and the last too: the jasmine and potato vine that a ‘friend’ planted
two years of mist and floods – plus infinite neglect. without telling us; the paper mulberry that threw up
Some of my favourite indestructable treasures suckers up to 20 metres away from the original tree.
are the vigorous rambling roses such as the climbing Thirty years after we chopped the first one down, we
‘Albertine’ and the yellow or white banksia roses that still find them popping up in unexpected places.
bloom in stunning majesty every year. Other roses One plant with high weed potential that has
I’ve tried have become wallaby or possum snacks. proven its worth is agapanthus. We only grow the
The only others that thrive are the climbing ‘Iceberg’ modern cultivars that don’t set seed. I grow them
(which blooms no matter the weather, with branches at the bases of trees and shrubs to prevent injuries
no wallaby or possum can reach) and ‘Mutabilis’, to their foliage from overenthusiastic mowing and
which has multicoloured butterfly-like single blooms whipper-snippering. Each single row of aggies has
almost year round, and branches that are too supple multiplied wonderfully into large clumps. They bloom
and thickly prolific for possums to climb. every year – though we get more flowers the years
Every single camellia I have planted – 20 or 30 that it rains than when we’re in drought. After 30
of them – has also survived, even though after the years, they still haven’t set a single seed. A six-tonne
years of drought, half of them were leafless and truck ran over them. A neighbour’s marauding cattle
presumed dead. But they returned. I haven’t even trampled them. Their thick, sappy foliage even caught
got around to pruning the dead twigs – the new and extinguished bushfire embers that dropped from
growth and truly massive blooms after two years the trees above them, possibly saving our house. No
of rain have covered any sign of dieback. matter what, the aggies survive, the varied varieties
So what’s their survival secret? Big roots. Crepe blooming here from November through to February.
myrtle, camellia, hydrangea, crabapple and rambling Our never-say-die treasures won’t be the same as
roses develop very strong or deep root systems. yours. When I lived in Queensland, our great reliables
Once established, the bushes survive for centuries. were nasturtiums and hibiscus, which would wither
Deep roots are also the survival secret for the kind in the cool climate where we now live. The best way
of fruit trees that still flourish in the bush where old to find your own survivors is to wander around your
farmhouses used to be – apples, pears, persimmons, area to find flourishing plants that you instantly love.
loquats, plums, quinces, dates, mulberries, walnuts If you spy a plant in a neighbour’s garden and you
and figs – while shallow-rooted citrus wither. don’t know what it is, drop a note asking for advice
PHOTOS ISTOCK
Our native fruits – giant bunya nuts, lillypillies, with a self-addressed envelope into the letterbox. You
finger limes and wild varieties of macadamia – may even find the owner is one of those gardeners
predictably, keep bearing. South African Kei apples who loves to share seeds, bulbs and cuttings, just
have fruited every single year, even after a dust as Jean shared hers so many years ago. GA
IDEAS
special
t
series
TRY hi s!
R
Worm towers are a nifty compost

solution for the backyard or balcony,
and a great way to produce
your own compost right where
it’s needed the most, writes
HANNAH MOLONEY
T
here are quite a few things in my garden that
help me compost food scraps – including a
worm tower. A what tower, I hear you ask?
Worm towers are a compact way to process
some of your food scraps. They’re portable, great in a
raised bed or an in-ground vegie patch, and easy to make
yourself. They consist of a bucket (with holes) buried in
the soil, filled with soil, straw and mixed food scraps from
your kitchen, and topped off with straw and a rainproof
lid. Compost worms are added to eat and transform the
food scraps into nutrient-dense worm castings (worm
poo), which is the perfect fertiliser for your crops.
The two most commonly used compost worms are called
red wrigglers or tiger worms (Eisenia fetida). You can usually
get them from a nursery or hardware store, or you could ask
your local community or school garden to share a handful
of worms with you. Importantly, you would never use the
common earthworm in a worm tower, as they would die
if you put them in this nitrogen-rich environment.
Did you know that in one compost worm, there are
around 474,075 million bacteria? Wowzers. These bacteria
do an incredibly important job of making minerals available
to plants, which ensures the plants grow big, strong and
nutrient-dense. The presence of these bacteria in worm
castings means that, when compared to the parent
PHOTOS NATALIE MENDHAM
(original) soil, castings may have up to:

• 76 times the available phosphorous
• 3 times
times the available nitrogen
• 2 times the available magnesium
• 1.5 timesthetheavailable carbon
• available calcium... impressive!
COMMON
QUESTIONS
Don’t the worms run away
through the holes in the bucket?
It’s possible, but as long as you
keep the fresh food coming,
they tend to stick around. If
you stop feeding the bucket,
the worms will most likely 1
leave in search of an
environment that has
more to offer!
How long will it take for
the food scraps to turn into
worm castings?
In cooler climates, allow a good
few months. In warmer climates,
it can take as little as four weeks.
Because of this, it’s always best to
have at least two compost systems
on the go so you don’t overwhelm
one with too many food scraps
and get impatient waiting for it to
compost (like I do). I like to have
two worm towers so that when
one is full, the compost worms
can take themselves over to the 2
new worm tower once they detect
the fresh food going in there.
They’re clever like that and will
hunt down any fresh food nearby. 3
What do you do once the tower’s
full of mature worm castings?
Remove the whole bucket and tip
it onto a tarpaulin. Wait 10 minutes
to allow the compost worms to
wriggle away from the sunlight
(which they hate). Gently scrape
off the outer layer of castings,
and wait another 10 minutes while
the worms dig further into the pile
again. Repeat this until you end up
with a relatively clean ball of worms
that you can pick up and pop back
into a fresh worm tower where you
can repeat the process again.
IDEAS
STEP-BY-STEP
MAKE A COMPOST
WORM TOWER
YOU WILL NEED:
10–20L bucket with lid
power drill
5–10mm drill bit
sandpaper or equivalent
shovel
straw or other carbon layer (such
as newspaper, aged sawdust,
4
damp cardboard)
food scraps
compost worms 5 6
1 DRILL holes in the bottom and sides of the
bucket. This does two things: it allows water
to drain freely, and it makes sure the compost
worms can come and go. This helps them
cycle nutrients to the area immediately around
the worm tower, which benefits nearby crops.
2 SAND OFF any small bits of plastic so they
don’t flake off into the garden.
3 DIG a hole in your vegie garden – anywhere
food is growing is best for a worm tower.
4 BURY three-quarters of your bucket in
the hole and pack the earth around it so
it’s nice and snug.
5 LAY about 5cm of garden soil and straw
at the bottom of the bucket; you could also
use aged straw or compost. This gives
the compost worms some bedding, and 7
it also absorbs some of the moisture that
will leach downwards.
6 PLACE some mixed food scraps directly
on top of the straw and soil, and then add
the compost worms.
7 COVER with more straw to help keep
the moisture in and prevent flies being
attracted to the area.
PHOTOS NATALIE MENDHAM
8 PUT the lid on so you can control the

moisture levels.
Once you’ve set up your worm tower, you

can continue to top it up with food scraps 8
and a layer of straw once a week. GA
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IN
THE
PATCH
inside...
70 GROW Mulberries
+ sow & plant chart
71 PROBLEMS Why ar
e my
?
vegies and herbs bolting
72 POTS Which edibles
grow best in containers?
74 ADVICE How to grow
your own peanuts
76 TIPS Fighting pests
in the patch
PHOTO GAP PHOTOS/ROBERT MABIC
PATCH GROW
Fast-growing and fabulous, mulberry

trees are available in different shapes
and sizes, and can even work in a small
garden, writes PHIL DUDMAN
PLANT IT
NOW SOW & PLANT NOW
artichoke (globe) ll
asian greens lllll
basil llll
beans (french, climbing) llll
beetroot llll
broccoli ll
cabbage ll
capsicum/chilli lllll
carrot llll
celery ll
chives llll
choko ll l
coriander lll
eggplant lllll
ginger llll
kale ll
kohlrabi ll
leek lll
Mulberry trees are quick to grow and beautiful shade tree that still lets the lettuce llll
provide a delicious harvest. They have sun in when it loses its leaves in winter. melon lll
a reputation for developing into huge If you know someone with a variety okra llll
specimens, but they still deserve space you like, mulberry strikes readily from onion l l
in our backyards – even small gardens. hardwood cuttings taken in late winter potato lll
There are a couple of dwarf varieties to early spring. Prepare a bunch of pumpkin lllll
that grow in pots, but regular pruning cuttings 30cm long and 0.5–1.5cm thick, radish llll
can help maintain any mulberry variety remove any foliage and scrape some rocket llll
in a productive and manageable state. of the base to expose more of the green rosella llll
Look for dwarf forms of the common cambium layer. Dip ends into rooting silverbeet llll
black mulberry, as well as the quirky hormone and plant into moist potting spring onion lllll
red shahtoot, with its sweet, succulent mix. Keep moist in a warm shaded sweetcorn lllll
10cm-long berries. Both will grow to spot until leaves and roots develop. sweet potato llll
a tidy 2–5m tall with minimal upkeep. Find a sunny spot to plant your tomato lllll
If you have a large growing variety that tree (though they also perform well in turnip lll
needs taming, prune it hard every year semi-shade). They require well-drained zucchini/squash llll
PHOTOS ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK
straight after harvest. soil, so create a planting mound if the

I prune my tree back to somewhere soil needs improving. Soak the pot in a KEY
between knee and waist height and it bucket of water to saturate the mix, dig tropical l
always responds with a healthy flush a hole twice the size of the pot, plant subtropical l
of fresh growth that produces all the and backfill. Dress the surface of the arid/semi-arid l
warm temperate l
berries we need the following season. surrounding soil with compost and
cold temperate l
Of course, if you have plenty of space, mulch, and water regularly for the first
an unpruned tree will grow to be a few months to help establish the tree.
PATCH PROBLEMS
why are my
VEGIES AND HERBS BOLTING?
C
ould there be anything more
frustrating than planting and
nurturing your favourite vegies
and herbs, only to see them
bolt and run to seed before they reach a
harvestable state? You try to salvage what
is left behind, but often it’s just so tough,
fibrous and bitter it’s not worth eating.
You’ll see this happening with lettuce,
rocket, Asian greens and coriander, and
while it’s perfectly natural for these annuals
to produce flowers and seed, it would be
nice to put this off for as long as possible.
So, what triggers it? One of the main
influences is increasing day length. As
winter turns to spring and the days get
longer, many leafy greens are prompted
to wrap up leaf production and turn their
attention to making the seed that creates
the next generation. Growing stresses
such as heat, dry soil and poor nutrition
can spark these natural processes even
earlier. While we can’t do a lot about
day length, we can do something about
the growing conditions.
As temperatures increase over the
coming months, keep your leafy vegies
and herbs cool by covering them with
shadecloth draped over a simple frame.
Cloth with a 30 per cent shade rating is
ideal. Too much shade will cause long,
spindly and weak growth. Also, check
your plants daily to see if they need
watering. If you’re not sure, dig a small on the upside
hole with a trowel to see if the soil near Flowers of common bolters such as rocket, The seeds are also a gift. Once they brown
the root zone is moist. Trap the moisture lettuce, coriander and pak choy add colour, and mature, collect some and store them
in the ground by maintaining a 5–7cm beauty and movement to the patch, and in a sealed jar, ready for your next crop.
layer of mulch on the surface. Feeding are like a magnet to bees and other
is important, too. Give them an application pollinators. They are edible, too, and make Problems in your patch? Write to Phil
of liquid fertiliser once a fortnight. a welcome addition to seasonal salads. at experts@gardeningaustralia.com.au
PATCH POTS
productive
You don’t need an acreage to grow fresh produce: plenty
pots
of things grow well in pots. PHIL DUDMAN lists the
best vegies and herbs to grow in containers this spring
Tomato Compact bush varieties such windy conditions. Bush beans don’t need
as Patio, Green Grape, Tiny Tim, Cherry support and can be grown in smaller pots
Falls and Thai Pink Egg are the best with 3–4 plants per 30–40cm pot.
choices for containers. Cover the fruit Spring onion Mass-sown spring onion
with pest exclusion bags to control fruit seedlings don’t need to be separated into
fly. Grow one plant per 50–60cm pot. individual plants – just break them off in
Eggplant You can grow any eggplant bunches of up to 10 plants and drop them
variety in a pot, but compact and early into holes 15cm apart. The recommended
maturing varieties such as Long Purple, pot size for these is 25–30cm.
Mini Lebanese, Thai Long Green, Slim Silverbeet Classic silverbeet varieties
Jim and White Star are best. Grow one such as Fordhook Giant are well suited to
plant per 40–50cm pot. containers, or try rainbow chard varieties
Capsicum and chilli These are great for a splash of colour. Grow 1–2 plants
in pots. Grow one plant per 30–40cm per 30cm pot or 3–4 per 40cm pot.
container. Protect capsicum and large Leafy greens Lettuce, rocket, Asian
chilli fruits from fruit fly. greens and other leafies are great for pots.
Squash and zucchini Growing two of Growing 4–5 plants in a 30cm pot will
these plants increases opportunities for provide plenty of leaves for a salad or
pollination and production. Hand pollinate stir-fry. Start a new pot of your favourites
flowers daily, transferring pollen from male every 4–6 weeks to ensure a steady supply.
to female flowers. Allow vines to trail as Root crops Carrot, radish, beetroot and
they mature, or train up a trellis to save potato all do well in pots. For spuds, fill a
space. Grow one plant per 50–60cm pot. quarter of a 35–40cm container with mix,
Cucumber Compact bush varieties lay three seed potatoes on the surface, and
such as Spacemaster, Patio Snacker and backfill. Sprinkle carrot, radish or beetroot
Bush Crop are best for containers. Train seed on the surface of a 30cm pot filled
vines on an adjacent balcony railing or a with mix, then sprinkle more mix on top
trellis. Grow 3–4 plants per 40–50cm pot. and thin the seedlings when they appear.
Beans Climbers are okay for pots if Herbs and spices Most herbs are well
they are given something to clamber up suited to pots. Basil, parsley, mint and dill
such as bamboo poles, a tomato cage or are all ‘must-grow’ herbs in spring. If you
trellis. Choose a wide, shallow container love ginger and turmeric, plant some now
40–50cm across for added stability in in a 40cm pot and place in a warm spot.
Blush™ Nandina domestica ‘AKA’ PBR
Obsession™ Nandina domestica ‘SEIKA’ PBR
TIPS FOR TOP CROPS

Use a premium potting mix that
has slow-release fertiliser added.
For an organic boost, blend mix
with compost and coir peat 3:1:1
and add some blood and bone as
well as pelletised chicken manure.
To avoid heavy lifting, place large
pots in position before filling them.
Choose a spot with plenty of sun
and protection from drying winds.
On hot days, consider moving
your containers to a shadier spot
(a trolley comes in handy for this) Little Ruby™ Alternanthera dentata ‘LRU30’ PBR
or cover plants with shadecloth.

Check plants daily to see if they
need more water, and maintain
a layer of mulch on the surface to Ozbreed's
PHOTO GAP PHOTOS/FRIEDRICH STRAUSS
conserve moisture. Self-watering

pots with a water reservoir at the
base reduce the need to water
Colourful
so frequently. Potted edibles are
big feeders, so sprinkle them all Favourites!
with pelletised poultry manure
once a month. Supplement with Make your garden POP
a weekly application of diluted
seaweed and fish emulsion.
PATCH ADVICE
WHAT I’VE
LEARNT
ABOUT
PEANUTS
These legumes are
surprisingly easy to grow
and you’ll reap big TRY THEM
rewards come harvest IN POTS
Peanuts grow well in
time, writes containers, and they look
great out on a sunny balcony
PHIL DUDMAN or in a courtyard. Choose large
pots, at least 30cm wide,
P
and fill them with premium
eanuts are rarely on the radar for or bulk food store and buy some fresh potting mix that has
backyard growers, but if you’re whole raw peanuts (don’t buy salted or fertiliser added.
curious, I recommend giving roasted – they must be unprocessed).
them a go. They don’t need a lot If you have an existing patch, the soil
of care and they thrive in a hot summer, preparation required is minimal. Just harvesting & processing
offering a handy harvest when other crops loosen it a little with a garden fork and It takes about 4–5 months of warm to hot
are struggling. Gaps often appear in my rake it level, then mulch the surface with weather to get a harvest from peanuts.
subtropical patch during a wet and humid a 3–5cm layer of well-rotted compost. The plants are ready to pull up when they
summer, but I can fill a bed with peanuts, I’ve found that lovely friable compost start to yellow. It’s best to loosen the soil
or run a few rows between other summer mulch provides the perfect medium for first with a fork, then pull up the entire
crops such as capsicum and eggplant, and peanut pods to develop. plants and give them a good shake to
they quickly establish, forming a dense Sowing is straightforward, too. Remove release the soil from around the pods.
cover of soft, feathery foliage that protects seeds from the pods, keeping the brown The pods must be dried quickly and
the soil and helps keep the weeds at bay. skin intact, and push two seeds into the thoroughly to avoid any mould forming.
The bright yellow pea flowers (yes, they soil, 3cm deep, every 15–20cm. When the Straight after harvesting, hang up the
are in the pea family) are attractive, too, and seedlings emerge, keep the strongest of plants in a dry, well-ventilated spot out of
it’s fascinating watching the unusual ‘pegs’ the two. Water well, then allow soil to dry direct sunlight. After two weeks, pick off
form after pollination. These extend down out before rewetting – they’ll rot if they’re the pods, remove excess soil then arrange
from the flower to penetrate the soil, then constantly wet. It can take about two weeks them on trays in a single layer to dry for
a peanut pod forms at their tip, out of for seeds to germinate, so be patient. another two weeks. If conditions are wet
view, beneath the surface. By autumn, the Peanut plants need a regular drink to and humid, dry the pods in a dehydrator
PHOTOS ISTOCK, PHIL DUDMAN
peanuts are ready to pull up and process, help support their rapid growth. Keep an straight after harvest until crisp. Destroy
just in time for planting out winter crops. eye on them in hot, dry weather as they any mouldy or discoloured pods – don’t eat
may need watering daily. These are not them as they can cause health problems.
growing tips particularly hungry plants but a sprinkle of Once properly cured, the pods can be
You’ll be able to find suppliers of peanut pelletised chicken manure along the rows stored for several months in mesh bags
seed online, but I’ve learnt that it’s just as every six weeks or so will encourage the hung in a well-ventilated area, ready for
easy to head to your local health food shop formation of high-quality pods. roasting, boiling or eating raw.
PLANTS
CLOCKWISE
FROM OPPOSITE
Peanuts are fun and
easy to grow; harvested
plants are hung up to
dry for two weeks; pods
form underground; the
pods are spread out to
finish drying.
NUTS & BOLTS

THE INTELLIGENT
POSITION Full sun
WHEN TO PLANT Spring in most
Robotic Lawnmower
areas; autumn and winter in tropics
Packed with premium features, the SILENO Minimo
SOIL PREP Loosen soil with a
Robotic Lawnmower, mows the lawn without human
garden fork, rake level and mulch
with compost 3–5cm deep intervention, reliably, evenly and quietly.
WATER NEEDS Keep the soil It knows where to mow and when to return to its
moist but not overly wet
charging station.
FOOD Apply pelletised chicken
manure every six weeks Compact in size yet big on power, the Minimo can
GROWING TIPS Sow two seeds handle your lawn care with ease.
per hole, then when seedlings Wide or narrow. Rain or shine.
emerge, thin out the weakest one
WHEN TO PICK Harvest peanuts
after 4–5 months when the plants
start to yellow
With Bluetooth® connectivity, you can set and adjust
mowing programs directly from your smart phone or
tablet.
The future is here. Enjoy it!

suitable
You’ll need to take action
now to protect your
spring crops from pests.
PHIL DUDMAN offers
natural ways to combat
the top 5 offenders
1
APHIDS are sap-sucking insects
that mostly congregate on new
growth where the sap is flowing.
Once they tap in, they quickly breed
up in large numbers, and that’s when plants
FIGHTING
begin to struggle. Look out for them on the
leaves of lettuce and brassicas, particularly
cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli and
PESTS
Asian greens. A regular sharp spray of
water from the hose is enough to dislodge
and drown them, or you could smother
them with horticultural soap spray.
in the patch
2
CATERPILLARS are having a
field day, and you’ll find them on
your brassicas too. Don’t allow them
to nibble everything! Have a good
look over the foliage, top and bottom, and
pick off every caterpillar you see, large and
small. Also keep an eye out for their tiny
yellow eggs and squash them before they
hatch. You could also apply an organic spray
such as Dipel (which contains Bacillus
THIS PAGE,
thuringiensis). Regular checks or sprays
CLOCKWISE
FROM ABOVE are vital. As a final defence, cover your
Aphids feasting on crop with exclusion netting to stop adult
the underside of a butterflies from landing and laying eggs.
cabbage leaf; help
3
control caterpillars
by spraying your BRONZE ORANGE BUGS are
brassicas with increasingly active now that new
Bacillus thuringiensis;
caterpillars will season citrus fruit are forming.
destroy your crops These sap-sucking insects feed on
if you let them, so the stem that joins the tiny immature fruit
inspect your plants
and pick off any to the branches. This causes the fruit to
critters that you see. fail and drop off. If you have a lot of bugs,
PATCH TIPS
4
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW FRUIT FLY are active in spring, will also destroy fruit, so take precautions.
Drop bronze orange bugs into water; cover and if you’re in a fruit fly zone, Exclusion is the key. Cover capsicum and
fruit with exclusion nets to keep fruit fly out;
beer traps will help keep snails and slugs at bay. your fruit will be susceptible to trusses of tomatoes with pest exclusion
attack. Stone fruit such as plums, bags as soon as fruit form. Even a paper
peaches and nectarines are prime targets. bag held on with a clothes peg will do the
So are tomatoes and capsicum. In some trick. Cover fruit trees with exclusion nets
cases, even young pumpkins can get stung. designed for the job. (For more on fruit fly
The maggots that hatch from fruit fly eggs and how to stop them, see page 60.)
you’ll lose a lot of fruit. Check on trees

daily to remove insects until the situation
is under control. Pick them off with tongs
and drop them into a bucket that’s a
quarter full of water. When they sense
danger, these bugs squirt a stinky caustic
substance, which will burn skin and eyes
upon contact, so whenever you are on
patrol, cover up and wear eye protection.
5
SNAILS AND SLUGS are
standing by, ready to chomp
on any little seedling you
pop into the patch. One good
evening feast and your dream of a
PHOTOS ANNA HUTCHCROFT, JESSIE PRINCE, ISTOCK
bountiful summer harvest could be

ruined. Covering seedlings with an
upturned pot overnight will provide
adequate protection. Do this for a
couple of weeks until seedlings are
well established and less attractive.
Beer traps are excellent for collecting
large numbers of snails and slugs.
Place a few shallow dishes on the
soil, tip in some beer and they will
come. Clean and refill daily.
NEXT MONTH
Onsale
OCTOBER
17
November
iss ue
E
learn about the
BIRDS & BEES
the busy lives of
pollinators
COURTYARD CONFIDENCE
tips or
f designing fab
outdoor spaces
take a fresh look at
AFRICAN VIOLETS
& MINIATURE
ROSES
PHOTO ALAMY
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th in the
OC
More than 50 seasonal jobs to do

words JUDY HORTON
YOUR
PLANNER
POT UP
CHRISTMAS colour
Now’s the time to visit your favourite garden supplier and choose seedlings
of cheerful summer annuals to brighten the garden for Christmas. Torenia,
portulaca (above), petunia (left), alyssum and dwarf sunflowers (see the full
feature on sunflowers, page 18) are some favourites that can go into pots filled
with quality potting mix. Keep them in a sunny spot and feed them every two
weeks with a flower-promoting liquid plant food. By the time the festive
It’s time to...
Feed new roses that were planted
in winter with a specific rose fertiliser
season arrives, your pots should be full of colour and ready to go on show.
Spray water or horticultural oil on
the underside of azalea leaves (above)
TOP JOB to discourage the leaf-spoiling lacebug
Finish planting dahlia tubers into
either a sunny, compost-enriched and
well-drained garden spot or pots
Visit garden centres to look for new
cultivars that are coming into flower
Set up supporting stakes next to
tall-growing perennials, such as dahlia,
delphinium, hollyhock and campanula
Take indoor plants outside for a
spring holiday, placing them in a shady
and protected part of the garden
SOW EASY SEEDS Clean out tired spring bloomers,

such as poppy, primula, stock and
Once your soil has lost its winter chill, it’s a good time to sow some cineraria, then get the soil ready
warmth-loving seeds directly into garden beds or large pots, which for summer annuals
PHOTOS ISTOCK, ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK, FIONA WALSH
removes the need to worry about transplanting tricky seedlings later. Mix a handful of rock minerals into
In the vegie patch, try some cucurbits such as pumpkin, zucchini, each square metre when preparing
cucumber and squash. Because these all love good drainage, start them beds for spring and summer planting
off by building a raised mound of compost-rich soil, and sow two or Prune spring-flowering shrubs
three seeds in the top of each hill. Cover, press gently to ensure seeds such as may bush (Spiraea spp.),
have good contact with the soil, then water. Most importantly, don’t mock orange (Philadelphus spp.) and
overwater or the seeds will rot before they sprout. Bean seeds can weigela, removing the oldest canes
be sown direct, too, into moistened soil. Sweetcorn seeds can be a bit completely at ground level
temperamental, so it’s recommended to sow two seeds into the one hole Cut down crowded and untidy
and, if both emerge, remove the weaker seedling after germination. lomandra clumps at ground level
In the flower garden, try seeds of nasturtium, sunflowers and cosmos. and spread a native fertiliser to
They’ll all grow and bloom happily right though the warm weather. encourage them to regrow rapidly
Do it now
Watch out for snails as tender
TOP JOB
plant POTTED ROSES

new stems emerge from lilium bulbs,
and pick the pests off or control by
sprinkling a pet-safe snail bait
Go on an aphid hunt, and squash
them with a gloved hand
Check rose leaves regularly for The great advantage of buying potted compost into an area that’s about
signs of black spot, and remove roses in mid to late spring is that you twice the width of the pot. Water the
and bin any affected leaves see exactly what you’re getting. You can rose well the day before and leave it
Cut off hippeastrum flower check the stems for healthy growth and to drain. Turn it over carefully, making
stalks once the blooms have faded the blooms for colour, relative size and sure you don’t damage any of the
and spread organic fertiliser to fullness and, most importantly, perfume. fast-growing new roots. Sit the base
encourage healthy leaf growth However, potted roses do need to be in the planting hole so that it won’t be
Move potted cyclamens to a dry handled with a little more care at planting planted any more deeply than it was
and shaded spot for the period in time than bare-rooted roses in winter. in the pot. Backfill with soil, and water
summer when they are dormant Prepare the soil before planting by well. Mulch over the roots and wait
Give wattles that have finished blending some well-aged manure or about a month before fertilising.
blooming a light prune; at the same
time, check stems and trunk for borers
Water seedlings in the morning
OLIVE LACEBUG pest
(above), so that their leaves will dry
quickly and they’ll be less prone to
attack by fungal diseases
Remove dead flowers and stems
Check your olive trees for olive lacebug,
a native pest that just loves to attack
introduced fruiting olives. Inspect the
alert
from gymea lilies, cutting them off undersides of yellow or spotted olive
as close to the base as possible leaves, looking for tiny pests with lacy
Prune ornamental blossom trees wings. At this time of year, their spiky
after they have finished flowering to nymphs can also be found, and these are
prevent the formation of unwanted, much easier to catch and squash than the
pest-attracting fruit adult bugs. Healthy olive trees are better
Look for colourful Louisiana iris able to stand up to attack, so keep trees
while they’re in flower at your local fed and watered in dry times. In acid-soil
nursery – they’re ideal for planting areas, spread lime to raise the pH. Prune
in damp spots of the garden and destroy badly affected shoots.
YOUR
PLANNER
LOOKING
FOR THE
VEGIE SOW &
TOP JOB PLANT CHART?
Turn to
care for RHODOS page 70
Once your spring-blooming rhododendrons have finished flowering,
it’s time to give them a bit of extra care. This includes tropical vireyas
(see page 28). Pruning isn’t always necessary, but if you see there are
SOW & PLANT NOW
dead branches or crowded sections, this is definitely secateur season. ageratum ●●●●
After tidying the bushes, inspect the leaves for pests or diseases and alyssum ●●●●●
remove any spotty foliage or dead blooms. Discourage sap-sucking amaranthus ●●●●
lacebugs by regularly spraying water under the leaves. Remove grass
bedding begonia ●●●●
or weeds growing around the base, apply a liquid or granular soil wetter
and fertilise with a slow-release fertiliser suitable for acid lovers, such californian poppy ●●●●●
as camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. Water well and spread a layer carnation ●●●●●
of airy mulch (chopped dried leaves are ideal) over the root area. celosia ●●●●
coleus ●●●●
cosmos ●●●
dahlia ●●●●●
dianthus ●●●●●
everlasting daisy ●●●●
gerbera ●●●●●
globe amaranth ●●●●●
gypsophila ●●●
impatiens ●●●●
kangaroo paw ●●
marigold ●●●●●
nasturtium ●●●
petunia ●●●●
phlox ●●●●●
portulaca ●●●●
salvia ●●●●●
POT UP CHILLIES
PHOTOS ROBERT FRITH/ACORN PHOTO, ISTOCK, ALAMY
snapdragon ●●●
sunflower ●●●●●
verbena ●●●●
Just one potted chilli plant is enough for those who like to enjoy
an occasional bit of spice. This is the time to buy your favourite type zinnia ●●●●●
of chilli and pot it up into good-quality potting mix. Chillies need
a good amount of sun, so choose a pot that’s big enough to keep
the mix from overheating. A 30cm pot should be okay, but watch
KEY
tropical ●
out for those heatwave days – you don’t want your chillies cooked subtropical ●
before they make it to the kitchen! Move the pot into the shade if arid/semi-arid ●
high heat is predicted. If your plant produces more chillies than warm temperate ●
you can use, freeze or dry the excess for later use. cold temperate ●
CARE FOR
bulbs after blooming
Edibles
Harvest and enjoy delicious, fresh
asparagus spears (above) cut from
plants that are at least two years old
Set up some citrus leafminer
pheromone traps when new growth It’s time to give your spring bulbs some end-of-season care...
appears on citrus trees, and replace Keep liquid feeding any bulbs that insert small stakes to mark where they
every two to three months through still have green leaves. Once they’ve are underground, so you don’t damage
the growing season died down, trim off any remaining brown them when cultivating for other plantings.
Mulch zucchini and pumpkin leaves and mow over areas where bulbs In temperate areas, cold-climate bulbs
vines with a layer of sugarcane have been growing in the grass. such as tulip, hyacinth and crocus are
waste or straw to help keep moisture Decide if you’re going to leave the best lifted out of the ground, cleaned
in the soil as the weather warms up bulbs in the ground or lift them. If you and dried, placed in mesh bags, and
Thin crowded carrot seedlings leave them, make sure that they are in stored in a cool, airy, dry spot. They
to give each plant room to grow well-drained soil through their dormant can then go into the fridge for a month
Check espaliered fruit trees, summer period. It’s also a good idea to or so in autumn before being replanted.
removing crowded branches and
rubbing off shoots that are heading
in the wrong direction
Plant citrus in cooler areas so
GET WORMS
TOP JOB
they have maximum time to establish
SUMMER-READY
before next winter
Use a crop-promoting fertiliser
on fruit trees – anything that says
it’s suitable for fruit, citrus or roses Make sure your worms won’t cook in the warm
should be fine months by moving your worm farm into a shadier
Start warmth-loving sweet basil spot in the garden. (In-ground worm towers won’t
seedlings or seeds, either in pots need moving! Check out the story on page 64 to
or garden beds make one yourself.) Remove any heavy winter
Plant a sprouting choko into blankets and replace them with a lighter cover
enriched soil next to a supporting of jute or old towelling. Sprinkle dolomite or lime
fence or strong trellis if there are lots of vinegar flies around. Cut vegie
Remove unwanted suckers that scraps into small pieces so they’re easier for the
have developed on currants, cutting worms to ingest. As summer approaches, keep
them out completely at ground level bottles of frozen water in the freezer, ready to
be placed in the worm bedding to keep it cool.
YOUR
PLANNER Walking Tractor
Implements to
suit your needs!
root rot
Root rot caused by the
pathogen Phytophthora is
devastating for many native
plants in the bush, and it
can also cause problems in
the garden. The wet weather
experienced in much of the
country this year has added to
the problem. Citrus, pittosporum
(especially New Zealand varieties),
azaleas and natives such as mint bush
and banksia are susceptible and can turn
brown and die seemingly overnight. It’s difficult to
diagnose, but if a plant dies suddenly and unexpectedly,
remove and destroy the plant, including the roots. Improve
drainage where possible by building raised beds. Look
for plants that are resistant to root rot diseases. Root rot
fungicides won’t help plants that are already infected.
add
colour
Spader
Rotary Hoe
Power Harrow
Flail Mulching Mower
Single Rotary Plough
Swivel Rotary Plough
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Five Tine Cultivator
PHOTOS RAY MOONEY, SHUTTERSTOCK, ISTOCK
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TRY GERANIUM Potato Lifter
MADERENSE Trailer
Geranium maderense is a seasonal stunner
that shoots up in spring to about 1m tall,
supporting a rounded head covered with hundreds
of open-faced, bright pink flowers. The plant
often dies after flowering but usually produces 3 Endeavour St, Warragul 3820 I Ph 5622 9100
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION TALK TO DARREN 0409 130 667
In the tropics Make birds count!
Spend 20 minutes during
National Bird Week
Plant a head-turning jade vine
(October 17–23) counting
(Strongylodon macrobotrys, above)
the birds in your backyard.
Spread a liquid or pelletised soil
Turn to page 13 for
wetter around garden plants, then
more details.
water well and apply mulch
Plant new tropical fruit trees,
such as jackfruit, lychee, jaboticaba
and, if you’re patient, mangosteen
Take cuttings of kangkong, aibika,
Okinawa spinach and warrigal greens, sow & grow
BASIL
potting them into damp mix until they
form roots and can be planted out
Transplant yucca, pandanus and
In most areas, now is the
tree ferns into spots where they can
time to sow sweet basil
show off their sculptural shapes
seed. You may need to wait
Snip off any pieces of crucifix
a bit longer if you live in a
orchids (Epidendrum ibaguense)
cooler region; sweet basil
that have developed aerial roots
seeds need warm soil to
and transplant them to morning
germinate. Sow the seed
sun positions in the garden
directly into soil that’s been
Lay turf or sow lawn seed to get
enriched with compost,
the lawn settled in before summer
thinning seedlings after
Tip-prune lemon myrtle
germination, or in trays
(Backhousia citriodora), then steep
of seed-raising mix. The
some of the leaves in a cup or pot
advantage of the latter
to make a refreshing lemon tea
method is that as soon
Feed palms with a high nitrogen
as the seedlings are big
fertiliser (such as an organic lawn
enough to handle, they can
food) to promote healthy new growth
be transplanted to different
Prune untidy allamanda shrubs
parts of the garden.
or climbers to encourage new
flower-bearing shoots
YOUR
PLANNER
Tough, pretty, and bee

friendly. The Dreameria®
Collection has an
incredibly long flowering
season with lush green
foliage all year round.
family
fun a dream to grow
BEWARE OF BASIL DISEASE

Sweet basil loves plenty of water and sun, but watch
for fungal diseases, especially basil downy mildew,
which was first detected in Queensland in 2017. Look
for yellowing leaves that wilt and have black or tufty
grey spots on the back. To prevent the disease taking
hold, space plants well and water in the morning so
the leaves dry quickly, making them less inviting to
fungal spores. Wrap and bin affected plants. In humid
areas, you could try the new seed variety Prospera,
which has some resistance to downy mildew. It can
be found online from Australian seed suppliers.
PHOTOS ISTOCK, LUKE SIMON
hardy +
easy care
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MAILBOX
Q Sixteen years ago, I was given a wonderful Wollemi pine
sapling for a ‘significant’ birthday. It was last re-potted about
10 years ago into a 50cm square container, and for the past
few years has been valiantly reaching for the sky. I’ve been
informed by my local council that it can’t be planted in the
ground due to its potential for growing extremely tall, so I’m wondering
if it’s possible to keep it ‘bonsai-ed’ by simply cutting it off at a more
suitable height? It’s about 4m tall and, while it’s flourishing at the base
and top of its long, narrow trunk, the centre is very depleted. It breaks
my heart to think I’m not allowing it to live its best life! Any tips, please?
Ros Parker, Pagewood, NSW
AB BISHOP SAYS The Wollemi pine Wollemi pines can be pruned relatively
was thought to be extinct until a savvy NSW heavily – up to two thirds of their height,
Parks and Wildlife officer found a group of as well as their branches. Use cleaned
the unusual trees while bushwalking in the and disinfected secateurs or a pruning
Blue Mountains in 1994. The discovery of saw to cut the trunk at the desired height
the ‘dinosaur tree’ made news headlines and it will reshoot from just below the
worldwide. In a bid to prevent the rare and cut. You can create more trees by using improve its health and vigour. Remove
endangered tree from becoming extinct for cuttings from the top half. The Royal the plant, clean the container thoroughly
real, a commercial breeding program began Botanic Garden Sydney offers a simple and re-pot at the same level. Ideally, use
and specimens now grow all over the world. step-by-step guide on their website. a potting mix that has been developed
It has proven to be a resilient plant that It’s also well and truly time to re-pot your specifically for Wollemi pines that is
thrives in different conditions. As you can tree. Given its size (even after pruning), lightweight but moisture retentive. Water
attest, it also grows very well in a container. it will be challenging, but re-potting will the plant in well using seaweed solution.
Q How do I keep strawberries producing?

I’ve heard you cut off the runners from the
mother plant. I’ve done that, but then there’s no
more fruit. I have a lot of plants but there’s no fruit
on them. They look healthy otherwise.
Carol Prendergast, Tuncurry, NSW
PHIL DUDMAN SAYS In the north of the country, flowering

begins in midwinter. In the south, it may not start until spring or
early summer. As long as the plants are getting plenty of sun and
they’re not too old, they will eventually throw out some flowers.
Age is an important factor. I find that plants are generally productive
for 2–3 years, then they need to be replaced by young, vigorous
runners. You can use the runners you’re cutting off to propagate new
PHOTOS ISTOCK
plants. Just pot them up, keep them moist and they will grow. They
perform better when regularly fertilised through the fruit-producing
period. An application of liquid fertiliser every 10–14 days helps, too.
write and win!
Share your thoughts, ask a question, and show us
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YEARS
24 YeArs
Sprinkler
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Sprinkler
INSPIRED
I’ve been so inspired by
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over the past 12 months, I made
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mostly from things people
were throwing away.
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COMPETITION OPEN TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY. STARTS 12/09/22 AT 00:01 (AEST) AND CLOSES 16/10/22 AT 23:59 (AEDT). SIX WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE A FISKARS XACT WEED PULLER, VALUED AT $84.95.
to comp@gardeningaustralia.com.au by October 16.
WILL BE ENTERED INTO. PRIZE SENT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED ON THE ENTRY. FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AT GARDENINGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU. PRIVACY POLICY AVAILABLE AT NEXTMEDIA.COM.AU.
Your Insta posts
Clockwise from top left: A lovely sunny Melbourne day in the
middle of winter saw firsttrueleaves and her daughter head out
to the garden to make flower ‘tea’. girlinthegreen’s kalanchoe
succulents have done very well, with their hot pink and orange
blooms lasting for weeks on end. rewildingsuburbia was finally
able to harvest some carrots after her daughter developed a love
for pulling them up early, despite their small size. little_veg_patch
is enjoying these beautiful and intricate macadamia flowers, and
the bees just love them too – especially the native ones!
VALE PAT AGG

We wish to remember a special gardener, Pat Agg,
PROMOTER IS NEXTMEDIA PTY LTD; ABN 84 128 805 970; 205 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, ST LEONARDS NSW 2065.
who featured in this magazine in 2018 (pictured here
with Costa and her son Gary at MIFGS 2017). Pat’s
story was a testament to the beauty of growing food
as an expression of love and generosity – her garden
was at the heart of her home and family life.
Pat and her husband, Russell, married in 1947 and
raised their family in a charming cottage in Geelong.
For the next 75 years, Pat continued to garden, even
after Russell passed away. Their backyard yielded
crops of every kind and was a place where the
family came together to share food and laughter.
Sadly, Pat passed away on 9 August. We extend
our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of
this avid gardener. She will be greatly missed, but her
green-thumbed legacy lives on. Costa loved meeting
Pat and seeing how connected she was to her
garden: “These champions are such a special part of
our lives, and while it has been an innings well lived,
you can’t help but feel the loss of such a vintage.”
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1. ONLINE at www.bradford.com.au/disney
quoting promotion code: 126860
Shown smaller than its 2. MAIL no stamp required, to: The Bradford
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Winnie the Pooh elements based is available online at www.bradford.com.au. You must be over 18 years old to apply.
on the works of A. A. Milne and E.
www.bradford.com.au/disney
From time to time, we may allow carefully screened companies to contact you. If you would
H. Shepard prefer not to receive such offers, please tick this box. q
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CROSSWORD
take a break!
Put the kettle on – it’s time to relax! Solve our puzzle to
be in the running to win a Shields Weed Burner.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
15 across A
10 11 12 13
14 15 16
WIN
17 18
19 20 a weed burner 21 22
SEE OPPOSITE
21 across B
23 24 25 26
153 SOLUTION NEXT MONTH
27 28 29
30 31 32
33 34 35 36
37 38
33 across C
across
1. Moth larvae occurring in 30. Energy source for photosynthesis (3) 6. Calm, tranquil (6)
destructive swarms (8) 31. Connect, couple (5) 7. Seafood delicacy (7)
5. Edible snail (8) 32. Postponed, put off (7) 8. The mouth (colloq.) (3)
10. Wait on, work for (5) 33. Plant with bright daisy-like 9. Naturalised South African
11. Stem of asparagus (5) flowers (5) (Picture C) plant with prickly fruit, also
CROSSWORD COMPILED BY STEVE BALL PHOTOS ISTOCK
13. Time set aside for the planting 35. Small branch or shoot (5) called doublegee (5-8,4)
of trees, … Day (5) 36. Indian dish of chopped 12. US television award (4)
14. Connected, kindred (7) cucumber in yoghurt (5) 16. Annoying feature of some
15. Tropical fruit tree (5) (Picture A) 37. Absence of light (8) insects (5)
16. Take legal action (3) 38. The area in front of the 20. Wheat, for example (5)
17. Not fixed tightly (5) bridge of a ship (8) 22. Too big (9)
18. Breed of sheep (6) 24. Long-tailed birds of the
19. Eucalyptus cinerea or … apple (6) down genus Stipiturus (3-4)
21. Tropical fruit related to lychee (6) 1. The ground-dwelling bird 26. Chaotic, out of control (7)
(Picture B) Ardeotis australis (10,7) 27. Genus of kangaroo vine (6)
23. Leaves of grass (6) 2. Dark red cherry, used in cooking (7) 28. Grizzly or polar, for example (4)
25. Volatile organic liquid used 3. Type of brown flour (9) 29. Slow, slowly (music) (6)
as an anaesthetic and solvent (5) 4. Genus of mignonette (6) 34. High rocky hill (3)
WIN
1 of 7 some (don’t)
like it hot
WEED Don’t let all those weeds
BURNERS
get you down – get fired
up instead! Flame weeding
each valued at or weed burning is a safe,

effective, efficient and
$ 185
environmentally friendly
method of weed control
when done under the right
conditions. The Shields Weed
Burner has a needle control
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A SHIELDS WEED BURNER, VALUED AT $185. TOTAL PRIZE POOL VALUE IS $1295. WINNERS DRAWN ON 11/10/22 AT 14:00 (AEDT) AT NEXTMEDIA, LEVEL 8, 205 PACIFIC HIGHWAY,
ST LEONARDS NSW 2065. WINNERS NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE AND IN WRITING. PERMIT NUMBERS: NSW TP/01427, ACT TP 21/02081. FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AT GARDENINGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU.
CROSSWORD COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS: OPEN TO AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY. COMPETITION OPENS 12/09/22 AT 00:01 (AEST) AND CLOSES 09/10/22 AT 23:59 (AEDT). SEVEN LUCKY
valve for greater control over

the flame, plus a lever trigger
for a full burst of flame should
it be required. It’s available
with a 2m or 4m hose fitting.
For more information, visit
jamesshields.com.au
PRIVACY POLICY AVAILABLE AT NEXTMEDIA.COM.AU. PROMOTER IS NEXTMEDIA PTY LTD; ABN 84 128 805 970; 205 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, ST LEONARDS NSW 2065.
how to enter solution September 2022

crossword
P E T U N I A T H I S T L E S
We have seven Shields WBK03 Weed Burners with 2m A H A B A R M R S
hoses, each valued at $185, to give away. To enter the P A I N T E R U N P R E S SE D
competition, unscramble the highlighted letters in Y R I U N O E E I
the crossword (opposite), and email your answer to R E D H O T P O K E R K NO T
comp@gardeningaustralia.com.au by October 9. Put U N T T C C T
S L O G A N S E N EG A
‘Shields Weed Burner’ in the subject line and include your
I L N N
name, street address, email and daytime phone number. O X L I P T A T T Y
R A U E
E A T E R Y A R R A C K
G A K O L Y I
WINNERS
Bell Art Floral Prize Pack (July 22) S Lane, Denmark, WA; T Nunis,
A
N
O
U N T
G A
R U
W
L E A N D E R
B B E R P L
U
S
T L
S P A N
A N T
X C
I S H
L I L H O G N O E
Thirlmere, NSW; Y Quinn, Brighton, Vic; D Scott, Alstonville, NSW;
152
L O B L O L L Y O T T O M A N
S Smith, Petrie, Qld.
September’s unscrambled word: produce
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
September 16 at 1.30pm and on Saturday 8.30am ACT
Costa Georgiadis has the ABC iview. ABC Illawarra ABC Radio Canberra
Saturday 8.30am Saturday 8.30am
lowdown on laying lawn,
ABC Mid North Coast;
Sophie Thomson meets a pruning
ABC Coffs Coast SA
prodigy, Hannah Moloney creates potted food ABC Radio Adelaide;
Saturday 9.30am, Thursday 9.30am
forests, and we meet a florist who has turned ABC North & West;
ABC Newcastle
her neighbour’s yard into her own flower farm. Saturday 8.30am ABC Eyre Peninsula;
September 23 ABC New England North West ABC South East SA
Saturday 8.30am, Thursday 9.30am Saturday 8.30am
Jerry Coleby-Williams shares waterwise
ABC North Coast ABC Riverland
tricks, Tino Carnevale visits a home designed Saturday 7am
Saturday 8.30am
around a courtyard garden, Jane Edmanson ABC Broken Hill
ABC Riverina
flaunts native ferns, Josh Byrne trains citrus Saturday 8.30am, Tuesday 9.35am Saturday 9am
trees, and Clarence Slockee tours a garden ABC South East Statewide; ABC Radio
that tests the best plants for public spaces. Adelaide; ABC North & West;
PHOTO NATALIE MENDHAM THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING BUT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Wednesday 10am, Saturday 9am
ABC Western Plains ABC Eyre Peninsula; ABC
September 30 Thursday 9.35am fortnightly, South East; ABC Riverland;
Costa Georgiadis learns about a program to ABC Broken Hill
Saturday 8.30am
label weedy species, Sophie Thomson talks Sunday 11am
fruit fly, guest presenter Tammy Huynh makes NT
a terrarium, Clarence Slockee repairs gardens ABC Darwin & ABC Katherine TAS
damaged by floods, Josh Byrne grows top Saturday 9am ABC Radio Hobart;
produce, and we meet an inspiring grower. ABC Alice Springs; ABC Northern Tasmania
ABC Tennant Creek Saturday 9am
October 7 Saturday 8.30am
Sophie Thomson uses sheet mulch to create VIC
new garden beds, Costa Georgiadis walks QLD ABC Radio Melbourne
a trail linking ecological and mental health, ABC Radio Brisbane Saturday 9.30am
Tino Carnevale talks tomatoes at the Royal Saturday 6am ABC Victoria
Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Millie Ross ABC Gold Coast Monday 9.40am
visits an old friend’s garden, and we meet Saturday 9am ABC Southwest Victoria
a family with a connection to rare plants. ABC Sunshine Coast Thursday 7.20am fortnightly
Thursday 10.30am, Saturday 8.30am
October 14 ABC Southern Queensland WA
Clarence Slockee heads to a school garden Saturday 9am ABC Radio Perth; ABC Great
teaching students about food and horticulture, ABC North Queensland Southern; ABC South West;
Jane Edmanson shares tips to fend off fungus Friday 10am ABC Goldfields Esperance;
gnats, Tino Carnevale tours a family farm, ABC Tropical North; ABC Kimberley; ABC Pilbara;
Millie Ross makes a planter, and we meet a ABC Capricornia; ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt
ABC Wide Bay; Tuesday 2.15pm, Saturday 9.05am
textile artist making replicas of native flowers.
Miss 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.
directory
To advertise, please phone (02) 9901 6371 Email: sales@gardeningaustralia.com.au
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Visit: gardeningaustralia.com.au
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The notion of creating an oasis in
the desert is a familiar idea, but it’s
questionable whether the concept can
be reversed, writes MICHAEL McCOY
P
rove me wrong if you care to – I’m always an arts program in a remote Aboriginal community.
up for a reframe of my thinking – but after The surrounding vegetation looked nothing like the
years of pondering and experimenting, I’ve ‘desert’ I was expecting. The plants were hugely
come to the conclusion that you can’t get varied in foliage and form. They seemed to create a
away with the ‘reverse oasis’. A garden that looks solid coverage when I gazed out to the horizon, yet
drier or sparser than its surrounds never works. they were quite sparsely distributed, leaving a clear
Garden history grew out of an oasis mentality, zone of deep red sand, gravel or rubble around each
applying startlingly green, abundant creations to one. If they were sitting on bare soil, the landscape
the parched surrounds of the Middle East. Oases would have looked understocked, but as it was pure
somehow make sense to us – maybe thanks to mineral, it made perfect visual sense, the diffuse
Hollywood as much as anything. A spring in the spacing setting off each of the plants to perfection.
desert will logically be surrounded by swaying palm My brain went into landscape dreaming
trees and camel trains fuelling up to face the sandy, overdrive. The plants were individually captivating,
windswept landscape. A small, isolated zone of and they were in perfect collective harmony with
productivity in the desert feels like a natural upgrade. each other and the vast, harsh, profound setting.
But this logic only goes in the one direction. You couldn’t help but think about how it might be
The transition to a dry garden in an otherwise translated to a garden environment.
verdant setting always looks awkwardly novel. But I know better than to try. My surrounds,
I find that cactus gardens in just about every which openly sing of cool temperate weather
botanic garden in the temperate world fall into and a modestly generous rainfall, cry out for a
the ‘useful, but visually unsatisfying’ category. corresponding verdancy. What I need is a dry land
A standout exception, perhaps, is the recently outpost – something coastal, perhaps, or inland,
opened Arid Garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens where I can play with this pared back aesthetic.
Victoria in Melbourne, which makes no pretence Meanwhile, as captivated as I have been by this
PHOTOS ISTOCK
at looking ‘natural’, and plays the ‘novel’ card magical vegetation and the power of its uncluttered
unapologetically. Hats off to all concerned. austerity, I’ve got to learn to love it where it is
This is front of mind for me after my recent first and leave it where it is. GA
trip to Central Australia, where I was helping to run Michael blogs at thegardenist.com.au
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TV show

Jackie French Hannah Moloney

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56 The secret life of flowers

PHOTOS ALISON UBELS/FARMGATE NATIVES, COURTESY OF PIRSA, VIRGINIA CUMMINS,

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Visit our website for the entire

range of Anthony Tesselaar Plants

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

garden ‘rooms’ of Woodcote (pictured), her property

stranger than fiction

Mothball the wombat turns 20

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

$20 per ticket, children under 14 free

For all the details visit the website

Tickets on sale now

large, tightly packed flower heads (inflorescences)

Get set for a fragrant and colourful summer garden

It’s a perpetual gardening problem: autumn, small, vibrant purple flowers

to 1.2m tall, but dwarf forms only get to

Flowers can be up to 30cm wide but are

care & maintenance

ensuring prolific blooms. Older plants mint bush

scale, white fly and woolly aphids. Some 50cm–4m

colour and some are even perfumed. Flowering

BOOK A TEST DRIVE

LEFT AND INSET

drainage they need. Vireyas have a small

stretching out from cracks in the sea-splashed rocks. spring, autumn

COURTESY OF FLOWER POWER GARDEN CENTRES, BALL COLEGRAVE UK

SPRING GARDENS OF COUNTRY VICTORIA COUNTRY GARDENS OF NEW ZEALAND

In a quiet cul-de-sac of a tiny town,

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

of the planting, and is a glitch in his free-flowing design.

“Watering is important, as auriculas can’t be overwatered

but usually includes roses and perennials.

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE

Doors and places to sit... Both of these

for me, as a tall person, and I thought the

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

green wall, but this is my version,” he says.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP WHAT STEVEN PLANTED

Brit & Caleb’s garden

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

WHAT BRIT & CALEB PLANTED

designed to attract, constrain or direct of Darwin’s earlier prediction.

(Bougainvillea spp.) is its colourful