This issue marks exactly seventeen years since Hort Journal Australia began in July 2008. I have been the Editor from the beginning. However, it is now time for me to turn the page to a new chapter in my life. It is difficult to summarise my experience in this small editorial.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Karen Smith
The 53rd International Plant Producers Society (IPPS) conference ‘Propagation for conservation’ was held recently in Cairns at the Crystalbrook Riley Hotel with an extensive list of speakers and activities. Here is a snapshot of the event.
President, Clive Larkman, president of IPPS opened the conference and local MP Bree James welcomed the delegates to Cairns extolling the virtues of far North Queensland for business and tourism.… Continue reading
Read MoreIn this issue, we cover bedding plants, colour in design, and much more. I have also written about the marketing behind the recent flowering of Amorphophallus titanum in botanic gardens across Australia. This got me thinking about two interconnected subjects – colour and marketing!… Continue reading
Read MoreI know spring is well underway when I see little visitors scuttling around my office despite my best efforts to discourage this activity. I was not surprised when reading research by Johnalyn Gordon and others, published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, describing cockroach resistance to pyrethrum-based surface sprays.… Continue reading
Read MoreCompiled by Karen Smith
In its second year, organisers were happy with a significant increase in exhibitors and visitors to the Landscape Expo held recently at TAFE NSW, Ryde Campus. Sydney turned on beautiful sunshine, which added to the already positive atmosphere of the event.… Continue reading
Read MoreInstead of reaching for the insecticide or insect repellent, a group, consisting of seven- to eleven-year-olds, were exposed to an insect revolution at ARC Ento Tech Ltd at Somersby, NSW. The event was organised by the Horticultural Media Association of Australia.… Continue reading
Read MoreClimate change is a concern for most people and those concerns may impact on our industry. Consumers drive change; as awareness of environmental issues grow so does their desire for more sustainable gardens and landscapes. The demand for native and drought-tolerant plants is on the rise, as they are well adapted to local climate conditions and often require less water and maintenance.… Continue reading
Read MoreCompiled by Karen Smith
Among the global targets set at the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference, COP 15, in Montreal was an agreement to cut global food waste in half, and significantly reduce over-consumption and waste generation, and reduce by half, both excess nutrients and the overall risk posed by pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Karen Smith
For more than 60 years Benara Nurseries in Western Australia has ticked many boxes to become one of Australia’s most successful production nurseries. With a commitment to sustainability, quality services, and their team, what contributes to their longevity and economic success?… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Karen Smith
I don’t believe it is possible to overestimate the benefits of horticulture to the wider community. It is an inclusive endeavour suited to all ages and skill levels. A conversation I had recently with Chris Shepard and Peter Lyles from Worn Gundidj nursery in Warrnambool reinforced my conviction there is more to a nursery than plants.… Continue reading
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