There is often a lot of talk about the ageing workforce in horticulture, so it was heartwarming to see many young people in attendance at a conference I attended recently for the International Plant Propagators Society (IPPS). They were a breath of fresh air and contributed enormously to the event.… Continue reading
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After a healthy lunch at Parkers Place and a grafting demonstration by Des Boorman, delegates group together for a photo
By Karen Smith
For the 52nd year, propagators from Australia and overseas came together to ‘Seek and Share’ knowledge of propagation in all its forms. I congratulate the organisers of the International Plant Propagators (IPPS) Conference, “A Breath of Fresh Air,’ held in Ballina NSW for presenting an excellent venue and a most informative program.… Continue reading
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SmartPave from Strol prevents aggregate migration on lightly trafficked paths with geofabric already bonded on the underside
By John Fitzsimmons
Despite sunshine and an absence of rain that could have kept many landscapers on-site, there were still plenty who travelled across Melbourne and from further afield to Landscaping Victoria’s 2024 Landscape Show at Sandown Park.
This event’s attendee profile appears to be well established – landscape constructors and installers making up the bulk, complemented by designers, greenlife and allied industry people, and a significant number of apprentices, trainees and students in landscaping and related fields.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Corban
“I hate Plan B. People perform better, in sports and everything else, if they don’t have a Plan B. I’ve never, ever had a Plan B.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Schwarzenegger believes people have a backup plan because they are worried they will fail.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Gabrielle Stannus
From private residences to public landscapes, keeping out unwanted pests is just part of the job, and fundamentally good design. However, what if that ‘pest’ also happens to be a protected native species? If you are designing or maintaining a productive garden, make sure you know how to net fruit trees safely to avoid harm to Australia’s unique fauna.… Continue reading
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An aerial image of Annesley highlights the use of Buxus hedging to create a formal framework for the gardens
By Lynne Testoni
A well-thought-out maintenance plan has retained the charm and authenticity of these classically planted gardens.
There is something reassuring and calming about an English-style cottage garden. Set among eight acres of magnificent English-style gardens, Annesley Bowral Retirement Village, about 120km south of Sydney, New South Wales, could be called a Southern Highlands sanctuary.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
Plant breeding has made significant strides over the past couple of decades. What once impressed landscape architects no longer suffices, as new cultivars are now more resilient, requiring less maintenance. While nursery businesses know what has sold well in the past, predicting future popular cultivars remains a challenge.… Continue reading
Read MoreIndustry experts invite 82,000 Aussies to ask me anything!
Welcome to this month’s Greener Spaces Better Places program update. Read on to find out the latest news and highlights to keep you up to date on what’s happening and how you can benefit.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Patrick Regnault
Working in gardens gives immense pleasure but it is not without risk. A garden has many guests including small creatures that are part of the ecosystem. It is not all about bees and butterflies and cute little birds.… Continue reading
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Adding in greenery to a conventional pergola adds another level of shade coverage (Image: Michael Casey)
By Michael Casey
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) confirmed 2023 was the warmest year on record. The annual average global temperature in 2023 was close to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a significant benchmark set by the Paris Agreement to limit long-term temperature increases.… Continue reading
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