Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Editorial

EditorialEditors editorial

Farewell message from the Editor

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

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EditorialIndustry Event

Propagation for conservation

By 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

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EditorialIndustry Event

Equipment and services benefit landscapers

By John Fitzsimmons

Landscape design, installation, and maintenance involve creativity, materials, equipment, and skill sets provided as a service. As such, its enterprises also need complementary support on the supply side for materials, equipment and business services. This was all present at the annual Landscape Show 2025, presented recently at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne by Landscaping Victoria.Continue reading

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Business FileEditorial

A business lesson from a master

By John Corban

Charles M Schwab was a master at managing and inspiring employees. Let me share his simple but powerful management approach to see how you can apply it today.

By John Corban

Schwab, one of the world’s most successful business leaders during the last century, ran a U.S.… Continue reading

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Business FileEditorial

Proposed tax on superannuation balances over $3 million

By Tara Cuddihy

The proposed tax on superannuation balances over $3 million has raised concerns, especially for Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) holding non-residential properties like farming land. With a focus on taxing unrealised gains, the measure could significantly impact the agricultural sector and create liquidity and double taxation issues.Continue reading

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EditorialGreener Spaces Better Places Update

What’s Growing on

A CONSUMER ACTIVATION HIGHLIGHTING THE BENEFITS OF INDOOR PLANTS

Improving Home Air Quality, One Houseplant at a Time

Greener Spaces Better Places is bringing Australia’s first home air curation service to everyday consumers. Mitch and Mark, known for their success on The Block, will be visiting homes around Australia to help improve indoor air quality by integrating houseplants into living spaces.… Continue reading

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EditorialNewsbuds

Researchers making hempcrete binders four times stronger

Dr Peter Irga

Australian researchers at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) are working with experienced hempcrete builders to develop a hemp-based structural panel with a geopolymer binder said to be up to four times stronger than traditional hempcrete.

Led by Professor Arnaud Castel from the UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT, a multi-disciplinary team of researchers have released their first publication on research creating a binder made of calcined clay and ground granulated blast-furnace slag.… Continue reading

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EditorialNewsbuds

AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is pleased to announce that We Lodge, an accommodation provider for major events, has joined as Gold Sponsor for the upcoming AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference. Taking place in Ghent, Belgium, the Conference will welcome Expo organisers, city officials, event providers, and key stakeholders on 15 September 2025.… Continue reading

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EditorialNewsbuds

Plants versus pollution

Research proves green walls offer more than good looks

By Associate Professor Fraser Torpy and Dr Peter Irga

If you love that new-car smell, brace yourself. While that smell evokes feelings of fresh and new, it’s the byproduct of materials like paint, carpet and plastics leeching potentially carcinogenic compounds such as benzene into the air.  Continue reading

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EditorialEditors editorial

Lifelong learning and fascination

When people ask why I chose horticulture as a career, I usually respond that I love the fascination of nature. If I lived ten lifetimes, I would only be scratching the surface of all there is to learn. I gain new knowledge at every event, conference, trek, or bushwalk, and from many of the conversations that take place on such occasions.… Continue reading

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