Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (globe artichoke) (Image: Björn S via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)
By Patrick Regnault
During COVID-19, the popularity of growing one’s own food increased dramatically. However, food production to the level of self-sufficiency requires more land and effort than most people are willing to do or capable of making. That said, we can add trees, shrubs and climbers, or even aquatic plants to our plant palettes that will look good and produce food.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
Plants are divided into a series of logical groups based on their botanical characteristics, a result of the work commenced by noted Swedish botanist and physician Carl Linnaeus in the early 18th century. Since that time, the science of classifying plants has developed greatly, and the decisions to move plants into or out of taxonomic categories are made based on increasingly smaller differences, thus becoming more technical.… Continue reading
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The fruit of the blue lilly pilly (Syzygium oleosum) can be eaten raw or may be used to make jams, jellies, sauces, syrups, confectionery and wine (Image: Tucker Bush)
By Jennifer McQueen
During Covid, as isolating households experimented with vegetable seedlings and graduated to fruit trees, Australian native edimentals began to catch the public imagination. ‘Covid shifted the perception of native edimentals from “hippy fringe” to mainstream curious,’ says Mark Tucek, founder of Tucker Bush.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Joe Rogers
Australia’s turf industry is built on innovation, and occasionally, a new variety emerges that reshapes what professionals expect from their turf. That moment has arrived again, with the introduction of Stampede Hybrid Buffalo™. Stampede is a next-generation turfgrass that is the result of years of rigorous research, trials and development in Australia and internationally.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Caleb Roberts
Botanical name: Malpighia emarginata ‘Florida Sweet’
Common name(s): Acerola, Barbados cherry, West Indian cherry, wild crepe myrtle, Antilles cherry
Family: Malpighiaceae
Origin or native range: Hailing from Central America and Mexico, the highest production of Malpighia emarginata (Syn.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
Over the years I have often written about edimental plants and how good they are for the urban garden. We all know that prior to the modern supermarket the home garden was a major source of edible plants.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Michael Casey
Bushfoods have long been valued for their cultural and culinary significance, but their true potential lies in how they can transform our cities. By choosing species that thrive in tough environments, we can create urban landscapes that are resilient, biodiverse and deeply connected to country.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
Ozbreed has analysed sales data on all grasses and other strappy monocot sales from the last financial year to shortlist the best-selling varieties based on number of units sold. This information can help wholesale and production nurseries add heavy-hitters to their stock lists.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
The nursery industry supplies plants to all sectors of horticulture including home gardens. Originally the home garden provided edible and medicinal plant material for the occupants of its house. It is now primarily a source of ornamental plants to both beautify the garden and give pleasure to those working in it.… Continue reading
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Rhonda Sorensen, Coordinator of the Living Plant Collection Records, using Hortis (Image: Cheryl Cooper)
By Richard Ackland and Rhonda Sorensen
Over the past 18 months, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden (NCRBG) in Coffs Harbour, northern NSW, has revolutionised the way it manages records of its living plant collection. As a sanctuary of biodiversity, the botanic garden has long been a guardian of rare and significant plant species, yet its record-keeping systems had become outdated and fragmented.… Continue reading
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