Saturday, May 30, 2026
Environment & SustainabilityPest and Diseases

Understanding insect life cycles

By Denis Crawford

There is more than one type of insect life cycle. Understanding the life cycles of insects can help when managing pests and/or encouraging beneficial insects.

Control pest caterpillars before they reach full size
Control pest caterpillars before they reach full size (Supplied by Denis Crawford of Graphic Science)

In Pest Files of April this year I described the insect life cycle of ‘complete metamorphosis’ or holometabolous development, from egg to larva to pupa to adult.… Continue reading

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Landscape

The tree you have when you’re not having a tree!

By Gabrielle Stannus

Halfway between a shade sail and a tree, the Canopee is an innovative form of green infrastructure designed to increase canopy cover and mitigate the impact of climate change in our urban concrete jungles. Of French origin, the use of these structures is now ‘growing’ across Australia.Continue reading

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International Plant Propagation Society

Looking back, looking forward with IPPS

By Karen Smith

Fifty years after the first meeting of plant propagators under the banner of the International Plant Propagators Society, the IPPS returned to the Blue Mountains in NSW to celebrate the ongoing success of the society. The two years since the last conference did nothing to lessen the camaraderie and goodwill shared between members.Continue reading

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Green InfrastructureLandscape

The community is set to benefit from a strong green infrastructure network

By Michael Casey

Recently I was invited by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) onto their technical panel to assist with their World Green Cities Awards. These awards are intended to highlight and advocate, innovative and inspiring nature-orientated approaches to city design and operation.… Continue reading

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Native Plants

Aussie Gem’s – What’s still out there?

By Greg Bourke

When the home gardener thinks about Australian natives, they often think of compact or screening banksias, grevilleas and bottlebrushes, or other low maintenance plants such as kangaroo paws, grass trees, or lomandra, and often bird-attracting plants. Typically, they’re after something they can stick in the ground and forget about.Continue reading

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Careers & EducationEducation

Upskilling – for what?

By John Fitzsimmons

As someone originally trained as a ‘generalist’ it is easy to find the specificity of today’s training landscape somewhat challenging to navigate. I certainly don’t envy young people now trying to start their journey and find their way in the working world.Continue reading

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