Plants have evolved into many forms, adapting to various growing conditions (Image: John Fitzsimmons)
By John Fitzsimmons
We all know plants are wonderful, sustaining life and wellbeing in so many ways, but we can sometimes benefit from a reminder of just what amazing ‘machines’ they are too – amazing hydraulic and chemical machines!
It’s amazing how ‘vascular’ plants can turn sunlight into chemical energy, and sometimes startling how (tree) roots and stems can physically disrupt hard paving and even affect otherwise solid buildings.… Continue reading
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Tim Uebergang and cycad biologist James Clugston in the Pilliga National Park with Macrozamia diplomera (Image: Georgie Moyes)
By Tim Uebergang & Georgie Moyes
Cycads are the ultimate survivors. Dating back over 280 million years, these ancient Gymnosperms have witnessed mass extinctions, continental shifts, and the evolution of flowering plants. Despite their resilience, cycads are now the most threatened organism on the planet.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
When we consider herbs and their flavour profile, the range of flavours is amazingly large and varied. We can have a group of plants that is very different botanically but have basically the same flavour. Classics are lemons and the lemon flavour, and coriander and its distinctive flavour.… Continue reading
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A typical Australian new housing situation. What's missing apart from the trees? Shade, cooling, wildlife habitat, general amenity. Some parts of the land development industry admit they can do better. Would a new Urban Greening study discipline help? (Images supplied by John Fitzsimmons)
By John Fitzsimmons
Most people reading this journal probably admire and appreciate trees. Some might not be huge fans, but I’d like to think there are very few tree-hating readers. But the haters, more who just don’t care and others who simply have other (usually political or monetary) priorities, are preventing or limiting the benefits of trees accruing to society and the world at large.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
At Ozbreed, we believe we’re only just now starting to bring out the best traits of our native Australian plants. Recently, we’ve had a renewed focus on providing the industry with plants that can be hacked back reliably for ease of maintenance.… Continue reading
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Various types of spinach are popular ingredients in many dishes (Image: Bernadette Wurzinger, Pixabay)
By Clive Larkman
Spinach has to be one of those vegetables that many people have a love/hate relationship with in the western world. Kids hate it because it is green and often served as a pile of mush. When cooked fresh it isn’t too bad, but when cooked from canned or frozen it is really not a pleasant side dish.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
Weeds are a pain for any gardener or commercial horticultural farmer. In fact, anyone who has to manage a piece of dirt or soil has issues with weeds. Books, articles, videos, companies, and even government departments debate and discuss weeds and their effects on our lives.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
During my educational webinar sessions with landscape architects and designers, I’ve noticed an increasing desire to use wildflowers, but plant performance has been an issue in the past. Many of Australia’s most spectacular flowering plants tend to put on vibrant displays for a short period and then quickly roll over at the first sign of heat, drought, flooding, or frost.… Continue reading
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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
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