Soils and growing media are critical to plant health as they support roots while supplying the water, air and nutrients plants need for healthy growth. They also influence drainage, moisture balance and pH, so poor soil or growing media can limit plant performance even when other conditions are favourable.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Gabrielle Stannus
Despite some wet and windy weather, the 2026 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show drew an impressive 108,672 attendees over five days at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. Your intrepid editor braved the rain to bring you this roundup of this annual industry event, focussing on the gardens on display, and the plants found within them, including some old favourites and new discoveries.… Continue reading
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Hydroponic nutrient supplies will be impacted by both the Middle East conflicts and restrictions on Chinese exports
By John Fitzsimmons
Amid continuing instability in parts of the Middle East, energy and supply lines for key greenlife production inputs are currently in a state of disruption. What challenges does this bring now and into the foreseeable future for our industry?… Continue reading
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High-quality, crushed, sieved, nutrient-charged and biologically inoculated pecan nut biochar, ready for use in soils or potting mixes (Image: Erik van Zuilekom)
By Erik van Zuilekom
What if the most transformative amendment available to nursery production was not new at all, but ancient, misunderstood, and hiding in plain sight? Biochar is gaining traction across Australian horticulture, yet much of what is sold under its name barely qualifies as true biochar.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Tania Harman and Daniel Knox
This article is the second in our ‘Successful Grant Writing’ series for horticulture businesses, grower groups and researchers. In the first article, we focused on the strategic foundations of a competitive application: the right project, at the right time, for the right program (‘How to write a successful grant funding application’, Hort Journal Australia, April 2026).… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
Plants can be conceptualised as self-sustaining machines that do not eat food; they manufacture their own food using photosynthesis. Every leaf is like a solar panel, capturing energy that can be stored in the plant’s roots and other storage organs.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Corban
Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you are not as capable, qualified or deserving as others think you are, even when there is clear evidence that you are. It is that internal voice that says, ‘I don’t really know what I’m doing… I’ve just been lucky.’… Continue reading
Read MoreFunded by the nursery levy, the Greener Spaces Better Places program is driving sales by educating Australians on the benefits of plants, and inspiring them to head to their local nursery to learn more.
Building on the success of The Plant Value Report, this quarter has focused on keeping plants and their value top of mind in mainstream and social media, while supporting retail nurseries to drive sales.… Continue reading
Keynote speaker Sally McGrath shares this year’s International Women’s Day ‘Give to Gain’ message (Image: The Landscape Association)
Over 120 members and guests of The Landscape Association (TLA) gathered for the annual Women in Landscaping Brunch on 24 March, 2026, to celebrate the role of women in the industry, alongside International Women’s Day (IWD). With a fresh new format, the Artarmon event showcased insights from our keynote speaker, Sally McGrath, under the IWD theme, #GivetoGain.… Continue reading
Read MoreThe International Day of Plant Health falls on 12 May, so in the lead up to this event next month, I thought it only fitting that we dedicate an issue to the theme of biosecurity.
Some of you may be attending the Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium at the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne in May.… Continue reading
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