Thursday, September 18, 2025

gardening

PlantsWeeds

Weed species – a guide to plant choice and soil indicators

By Patrick Regnault

Observing the weed species can tell us a lot about the nutrient availability, soil compaction, recent history of the site, pH, moisture levels, and soil texture. Understanding or reading weeds can guide us in our planting selection. It can help us work successfully with the conditions rather than forcing unsuitable plants upon the land.Continue reading

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PlantsTurf

Newly released buffalo grass cultivar

Supplied by Lawn Solutions Australia

Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) has been working with Dr Ambika Chandra, from Texas A&M University in the US, on a new buffalo turfgrass Stenotaphrum secundatum for the Australian market for many years. New turf varieties are not shelf-stock items and take many years of research, data collection, morphological testing and comparable trials in the US and Australia before, and if, they are released to the market.Continue reading

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EditorialIndustry Event

Perth Garden Show flourishes in new location with strong industry support

By Lisa Passmore

The 2025 Perth Garden Show bloomed into its vibrant new home at McCallum Park in Victoria Park, nestled beside the Swan River and shaded by mature trees and providing the perfect canvas for Western Australia’s premier garden and outdoor living event.Continue reading

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Plant PalettePlants

Amazing things plants

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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EditorialNursery Papers

Nursery Papers

IMPROVING WATER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN PRODUCTION NURSERIES

Introduction
When managing a production nursery, water is essential. It makes good business sense to use water wisely and reduce waste.

Production nurseries can make significant profits from efficient water use via:

  • much lower water bills
  • using water at no cost through recycling and
    runoff management
  • good business practices through implementing
    water efficiency strategies
  • improved crop quality and uniformity
  • enhanced plant health
  • reduced dispatch costs.
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Environment & SustainabilityGreener communities

Greener communities, stronger economies:

Unlocking the local economic benefits of green infrastructure

By Michael Casey

Green infrastructure and urban greening deliver a wide range of benefits. It cools our buildings and local environments, supports biodiversity, and helps manage stormwater during periods of heavy rainfall. While these environmental benefits are widely acknowledged, the economic advantages are often viewed narrowly, typically in terms of increased property values, higher building occupancy rates, and elevated sale prices.Continue reading

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Greener Spaces Better Places Update

What’s Growing on?

Greener Spaces Better Places launches the National Urban Green Infrastructure Round Table.

Bringing together peak bodies to drive more and better green space in Australia.

With the backing of key industry leaders including Greenlife Industry Australia, Facilities Management Australia, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Parks and Leisure Australia, and others – this initiative is designed to create tangible demand for green infrastructure, benefiting the nursery industry and the wider community.By… Continue reading

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Botanic GardensPlants

Securing the future of Macrozamia: from field to living collections

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

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EditorialNewsbuds

Top NSW Landscape Apprentice’s MIFGS Study Tour

The Landscape Association (TLA) Apprentice of the Year Awards recognise the value and importance of apprentices in shaping the future of the landscaping industry. 

Awarded annually as part of the TLA Landscape Excellence Awards, they aim to nurture, support and inspire the next generation of the industry and foster future leaders.… Continue reading

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Environment & SustainabilitySowing the Seeds

Raising Rarity: sowing the seeds of wonder

By Dr. Megan Hirst

Seeds can be overlooked next to floral displays, but we can truly appreciate their hidden beauty under magnification. Seeds allow plants to move through space and time, and with this, a sense of wonder.

For some species, their seed has the amazing ability to lie dormant for tens to hundreds of years, providing insurance against the extinction of plants in the wild.… Continue reading

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