Sunday, May 18, 2025

Plants

Horticulturist Ryan Underhill working with the Pyrus trees which were planted to provide shade for the seating area (Image: Leonie Scriven) Horticulturist Ryan Underhill working with the Pyrus trees which were planted to provide shade for the seating area (Image: Leonie Scriven)
Botanic Gardens

Partnering to give the gift of Mediterranean climate plants

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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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Plant PalettePlants

Is my sambuca safe?

Clive Larkman 556 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

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 are useful for areas where other plants struggle (Image: Ozbreed) Buffer plants are useful for areas where other plants struggle (Image: Ozbreed)
Plant PalettePlants

Buffer plants: Wet and dry feet superstars

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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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Prolific bloomers attract pollinators into the garden (Image: Karen Smith) Prolific bloomers attract pollinators into the garden (Image: Karen Smith)
Bedding PlantsPlants

Annuals and biennial plants in garden design

Patrick Regnault 600 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

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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Windrows of recently removed African olive branches to reduce water and leaf litter loss Windrows of recently removed African olive branches to reduce water and leaf litter loss
Botanic Gardens

Return of the Western Sydney Dry Rainforest

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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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Violas grow well in baskets (Image: Matthiasboeckel/Pixabay) Violas grow well in baskets (Image: Matthiasboeckel/Pixabay)
Plant PalettePlants

Violets – more than a pretty flower!

Clive Larkman 535 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

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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Cordon-trained pears can yield well (Image: John Fitzsimmons) Cordon-trained pears can yield well (Image: John Fitzsimmons)
Pollination

Pollination – realising the potential

John Fitzsimmons 636 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

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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Plant PalettePlants

Broccoli – the best of the greens

Clive Larkman 635 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

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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Sublime™ Acmena smithii ‘DOW30’ PBR (image supplied by Ozbreed) Sublime™ Acmena smithii ‘DOW30’ PBR (image supplied by Ozbreed)
Plant PalettePlants

Lush, low-fuss Lilly Pillies

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By Daniel Fuller

Are you a landscape designer, nursery grower, horticulturist or council decision maker who loves beautiful natives that require minimal upkeep?

Lilly Pillies, which are plants in the Syzygium, Acmena (now reclassified as Syzygium) and Waterhousea genera, are native shrubs and trees beloved for their resilience, versatility, as well as their beautiful glossy leaves, fluffy flowers and edible fruits.… Continue reading

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Flowers of Agonis flexuosa (Image: Emily Denham) Flowers of Agonis flexuosa (Image: Emily Denham)
Botanic Gardens

Seed collections help safeguard the future

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By Matthew Stray

While Agonis flexuosa may appear robust and resilient, this long-lived species should not be taken for granted, nor should access to its seed. Threats to A. flexuosa exist through the processes of climate change as well as a potential incursion of Myrtle Rust into south west Western Australia.… Continue reading

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