Plants

Botanic GardensPlants

Orchids – plants with style

By Val Pintilie

Orchids are found on all continents of the world except Antarctica. The Orchidaceae family is the second biggest family in the plant world. There are known to be as many as 35,000 species of orchids and over 250,000 registered hybrids.Continue reading

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Plant PalettePlants

Argyranthemum flowers for a sunburnt country

By Daniel Fuller

Are you on the hunt for new sources of colour in your landscapes, but are afraid of experimenting with un-tested plants that look good on day one, or which often fail to establish or perform poorly within the landscape?… Continue reading

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Botanic Gardens

Partnering to give the gift of Mediterranean climate plants

By Dr Leonie Scriven and Emily Drewniak

The revitalisation of the Adelaide Botanic Garden Mediterranean Climate Garden represents an exciting new garden partnership. It unites the expertise of South Australia’s horticultural and landscape professionals. The dedication and experience of garden volunteers, enabled by community philanthropy and corporate support, has delivered a novel landscape which inspires visitors to grow and appreciate Mediterranean climate plants.Continue reading

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Is my sambuca safe?

By Clive Larkman

The question ‘is a plant safe to eat?’ goes back for millennia. Some plants are obviously poisonous and can be very quick to kill. Most others range from being completely safe to eat for most people, to one or two parts being edible if processed correctly.… Continue reading

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Buffer plants: Wet and dry feet superstars

By Daniel Fuller

The old saying, ‘right plant, right place’ will always be the fundamental rule for horticulture and landscaping. But some plants are ‘right’ for more places than others. At Ozbreed, we’ve bred a range of buffer plants that can handle both the driest and the wettest of soils.… Continue reading

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Bedding PlantsPlants

Annuals and biennial plants in garden design

By Patrick Regnault

Designing a garden requires the knowledge and flair to mix perennials to create a balanced effect. The use of seasonal colour in the form of short-lived annuals or biennials is often dismissed as a reserve of the amateur gardener, or to bring colour for a special occasion.Continue reading

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Botanic Gardens

Return of the Western Sydney Dry Rainforest

By Michael Elgey

For millennia, the lands in Western Sydney where the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan (ABGMA) is located, were home to the First Nations people of the Dharawal Nation. This site was also a meeting place for the Dharug and Gandangara nations, where these three nations met to trade and discuss law and other matters.Continue reading

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Violets – more than a pretty flower!

By Clive Larkman

Some plant families are small such as Ginkgoaceae which has only one genus and one species while others families, such as Asteraceae, have approximately 25 000 species. One of the largest families, Brassicaceae, consists almost entirely of edible plants and produces all those healthy green plants that most adults love and kids hate.… Continue reading

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Pollination

Pollination – realising the potential

By John Fitzsimmons

Growing food at home has been trending in recent times. Many who started out with easily grown herbs and vegetables have advanced to perennial crops including fruit trees. However, the full reward from this step could be limited if pollination is not considered.Continue reading

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Broccoli – the best of the greens

By Clive Larkman

As adults we all know what food is good for us to eat and we generally know what we should avoid. However, the research suggests that less than 10% of Australian adults eat a healthy diet made up of the correct mix of protein, fruit and vegetables on a daily basis.… Continue reading

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