In 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
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Most of the elements to be on trend in 2025, including natural materials, curved lines, pollinator attractants and water (Image: John Fitzsimmons)
By John Fitzsimmons
We’re out of the starting blocks for 2025 and the trend trajectories were probably set last year (or earlier) anyway. Nevertheless, a quick run around the traps of those with crystal balls reveals a few common themes across various domains.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Karen Smith
The stench of Amorphophallus titanum (corpse flower) attracted more than just a few carrion beetles for pollination – crowds in the thousands queued for hours, even days, to witness the rare bloom of this endangered plant. So how did botanic gardens across the country manage to attract such massive audiences to see (and smell) something often described as a mix of rotting flesh and sweaty socks?… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Lisa Wightwick
The International Plant Producers Society* (IPPS) recently held a regional event hosted by Jane and Gary Barfoot, founders of Peninsula Growers wholesale propagation nursery at their site on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. The event coincided with NGIV’s Australian Horticultural Trials Week, in which Peninsula Growers also participated.… Continue reading
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A farmer drives a harvester to harvest sunflower seeds in a field in Linhe District of Bayannur, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Wang Fei is hailed as the ‘King of Sunflower Seeds’ in his hometown of Bayannur, in Northern China.
The title reflects his passion for the crunchy snack and his remarkable achievement in transforming locally grown sunflower kernels into a global commodity, with markets spanning the Republic of Korea, Egypt and Germany.… Continue reading
Read MoreThis year, IPM ESSEN confirmed its role as the world’s leading innovation platform, and powerful industry driver, when the global horticultural industry gathered recently at the Messe Essen exhibition grounds. “The spirit of optimism in the green sector is palpable,” says Oliver P.… Continue reading
Read MoreLemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is experiencing a surge in demand due to its versatility in culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal applications. As consumers and industries seek natural and native ingredients, growers are finding expanding market opportunities both domestically and internationally.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Corban
In 2023, two clients joined my program with a similar goal: to increase profits and systems. Both were committed to improving their businesses but needed guidance on how to achieve sustainable growth.… Continue reading
Read MoreWelcome to the first issue of Hort Journal 2025. I hope you all managed some downtime, although this is not always a reality for business owners, as plants don’t take a day off.
Once again, bushfires dominate the news in Australia and the USA.… Continue reading
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Hanging basket conveyor systems facilitate volume while reducing labour and delivering uniform quality (Image: Metazet)
Save space. Cut labour. More profit.
By John Fitzsimmons
With the growth of apartment living, with more balconies and courtyards, and more awareness of the possibilities for 3-dimensional greenscapes indoors and out, it should come as no surprise that hanging baskets are a growing category.… Continue reading
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