Grasses in paper plugs. Plastic trays are reused, and transplant shock is avoided (Image: Patrick Regnault)
By Patrick Regnault
Over the last few decades, the industry has made great strides with water and fertiliser use. Pots and the use of plastic is an area where progress can be made. Some nurseries will take back the pots to sterilise them before reuse, and others will recycle them as part of a scheme.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
In medieval times, wealthy landholders showed off their incredible wealth and power by turning perfectly good land into ornamental lawns instead of valuable crops. This was an ostentatious way to show the populace that not only could they afford open spaces useful only for taking a stroll or throwing a ball, but they could also afford the luxury of keeping these spaces regularly mowed.… Continue reading
Read MoreMany of the cultivated berries are native to a small number of countries. However, the raspberry comes from a wide range of countries. The common one is Rubus idaeus, native to Europe and northern Asia. It grows in a range of temperate climates, meaning it is now grown in most countries and regions that have a period of winter chill.… Continue reading
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This mango tree in Guimaras in The Philippines has a beautiful form and a dense canopy providing shade (Image: Patrickroque01 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
By Gabrielle Stannus
Imagine a future in which resources are shared from building to building, and food is grown without a dependency on fossil fuel-based transportation. The International Living Future Institute asked governments, designers and planners to do just that through its Living Communities Challenge, whilst requiring them to incorporate beauty as a very important element in their response.… Continue reading
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Water and nutrient use efficiency as well as environmental outcomes while optimising yields and quality are important in fruit production (images supplied by John Fitzsimmons)
Growing potential?
By John Fitzsimmons
Awareness of growing plants hydroponically is nowadays very high. A good understanding of this approach is, perhaps, not so high. ‘Hydro’ is commonly associated with food crops such as tomatoes, capsicum, lettuce and herbs (culinary, medicinal and ‘recreational’) and with some ornamentals and in floriculture (e.g.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Holly Wyatt
The gritty, arid environment of Central Australia is home to a diverse and awe-inspiring range of plant species. This provides nourishment, from bush foods and medicine, to wildflower colour palettes to inspire artists, sacred trees, connection to country for aboriginal peoples, and shelters some of Australia’s rarest animals.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
Australians are no strangers to the devastating effects of bushfires. Whether started deliberately by arsonists, through lightning strikes onto dry plant material, or simply through human error, fire comes with serious risk, and it pays to improve fire safety in our public and private landscapes to help manage danger to humans, livestock and property.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
We all love a good berry and some of the favourites are raspberry and blackberry (wild and cultivated American) both of which are in the genus “Rubus”. There is also the fruit known as dewberry along with a selection of hybrids including loganberry, boysenberry, marionberry and tayberry.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
As we move into a new year, five new strappy plants entering the Australian market are going to shake things up due to their outstanding performance and function. Designers should be aware of their existence for upcoming projects, and growers should be prepared to supply them for the industry.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
Most of the vegetables we eat originated in Europe or Southern America but this is an odd one that is thought to come from Southern Asia or maybe Africa. This vegetable is known to have been eaten in China in the mid-6th Century.… Continue reading
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