Jon's Column

Anyone for tea?  Camellia sinensis that is the original Thea sinensis, the particular variety of Camellia that is used in the production of tea, has its origins in mainlandChina. This delightful evergreen plant that can mature into a tall tree 10 metres but mainly kept as a hedge, bears creamy white (sometimes pink) single flowers with a mass of yellow stamens. Like other Camellias prefers a moist but free draining fertile soil with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5 and lots of full sun. Best kept below 2 metres if you wish to harvest the leaf, it is the top 2 or 3 young shoots and leaf that are used in tea making and this harvesting is repeated every 8-10 days depending on the season. The mature leaf will vary in size up to 20cm, so it would make a very attractive hedge. Try harvesting and producing your own ‘Beauy Brew’.

 So if you like ginger in your tea or a ginger tea you can grow Thai Ginger, Zingiber officinale. Easy to grow if you follow the tips. If you intend to grow it in a pot, make it a large one, at lest 500mm diameter, use a good quality potting mix with good drainage. And don’t plant to deep, enough to allow the rhizomes to develop above the soil line. If you wish to plant in ground, ensure the soil has good drainage and some protection from the hot afternoon sun as leaf is prone to scorch. You will need to keep the soil moist and as with pot culture keep the rhizomes close to the soil surface but cover with mulch at least 75mm and moist, this will help with harvest. For a mild ginger, harvest young rhizomes and for stronger and more fibre allow the rhizomes to mature. You can harvest at any time during the growing season and of course ginger keeps well. Remember it will go dormant during the cooler months, so at some stage you need to harvest all the above ground rhizomes before they shrivel.

 The Tamrillo, Cyphomandra once known as the ‘Tree Tomato’ until the Kiwi’s changed it’s name in 1967. Reason being there is only a hint of tomato, it’s more a flavour cross between a passionfruit and kiwifruit. Fast growing with large floppy leaves, prefers a light well drained soil in a sunny position, protected from strong winds. Training is easy, just lop the top off the plant when it reaches 1 metre (this won’t take long) this encourages tree to branch out at this level and develop 3 to 4 main branches. Use soil enriched with organic matter as this also helps control nematodes. Varieties available are the Sweet Gold and the stronger tasting Red, the Yellow is said to be milder in taste and sweeter. All forms have a good shelf life  and remember the new crop is born on new wood, so you will need to tip prune after harvest.

 Visit our website www.beaudeserthardware.com.au to view this article, plus previous articles and more…

Plantman

The unusual round zucchini “Globe” has proven popular once again this season with good reports on growth etc coming in. If everyone that has purchased these plants is successful we may have to start a “How Big is Your Globe?” competition next season. For more info see Jon’s Column Nov 21 2010.

The latest release from the Seasol company “Powerfeed for Vegies” is delivering good results, based on the feedback from customers. I still have a few samples left, so if you are purchasing some vegie seedlings, just ask us for a sample sachet.

For those of you who are growing the edible fig varieties be aware that at this time of the growing season your fig may be attacked by clustering sawfly larvae. These pests can do some serious damage to the leaves and it doesn’t take them long to completely skeletonise a leaf. For control I would suggest spraying with pyrethrum or spinosad. Avoid using carbaryl as this is now not recommended for edible plants.

If you are in a zone that will grow Poinciana, then you may also grow the “Yellow Flame Tree” Peltophorum pterocarpum, a native of south-eastern Asia and northern Australasia. Growth habit is similar to the Poinciana Delonix regia  and is often referred to as the “Yellow Poinciana”. General flowering is in summer then followed by reddish/brown seed pods. It is regarded as drought resistant once established however this could take a few years. So if you have an area that can accommodate a large spreading shade tree, it’s well worth considering the “Yellow Flame”.

For those of you who have been asking me about the “Cape Gooseberry” I now have a supply available. What I would like in return is a jam recipe for this interesting, hardy old berry, that I will post on our website.    www.beaudeserthardware.com.au

Photo Courtesy Forest & Kim Starr

Plantman

It’s been a year since I was supplied (by mistake) a variety of zucchini that proved very popular with vegie growers in our zone.

After a lot of discussion with my favourite supplier he is now producing this form exclusively for The Garden Centre with arrival this week in small numbers. This special zucchini is the Globe Zucchini (Courgette rondes). This one you won’t find in your local supermarket. It’s a high yielding variety that has very firm flesh and a lot less watery.

Click on this link to read my previous article on this variety.

Two very hardy Hibiscus for your consideration:-

The first Hibiscus syriacus, Syrian Hibiscus a native of Asia is a medium sized deciduous shrub around 2.5m to 3m, bears snow white flowers with very striking red “hearts” in the centre. Mostly flowering in summer with occasional spot flowering, prefers a medium to well drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant to frost but I have my doubts about being truly drought tolerant. Fertilise well in spring and prune after its main flowering. I intend to maintain my specimen as a very compact low shrub no more that 1.5m. This form would blend in well with other Hibiscus.

Hibiscus mutabilis, I think mutabilis means “variable” and the variety I have now is ‘Tony’ which is a bright deep pink form, occasional throwing lighter pink flowers followed by the darker form. Native to China. This variety is capable of 3m but best pruned around 1.5m – 2m. As this form is deciduous, I would do any hard pruning pre-spring. Likes full sun but will tolerate part shade, plenty of mulch as it does not enjoy overly dry conditions, but don’t overwater. (Once established it will cope better with the dry.)

Another great product from Seasol has been released and its developed especially for use on vegetables. ‘Powerfeed For Vegies’. A fertilizer and soil conditioner in one that stimulates vigorous growth and promotes higher yields. For seedlings or young plants apply at the rate of 25mL to 9L and for more established plants increase this rate to 24mL to 9L every 1 – 2 weeks. Use within 24 hours of mixing and always wash the edible produce before eating.

GET A FREE SAMPLE OF POWERFEED FOR VEGIES

LIMITED TIME ONLY

JUST ASK AT THE GARDEN COUNTER AND MENTION YOU SAW IT IN THIS COLUMN.

Plantman

A very interesting tree for use in your rainforest zone, Stenocarpus davalliodes Fernleafed Scenocarpus/Fernleaf Oak. This beautiful tree is endemic to NE Qld rainforests and although not on the current list as threatened, is still regarded as rare. Stencocarpus davallioides will grow well beyond 10 metres in its native zone around Atherton North Qld. Its mature leaf resembles (at least to me) that of the Silky Oak and bares clusters of cream flowers.

The fascinating feature of this tree is its juvenile leaf which closely resembles the Hare’s Foot Fern. By keeping the tree pruned it takes on the appearance of a giant clump of Hare’s Foot. Hence it’s name davallioides which refers to the similarity of the leaf in the genus Davallia. Scenocarpus davallioides would prefer a rich loamy soil but as long as it is well drained I think it would adapt. It will take some chill in winter but I am not sure as to its frost tolerance. I would be using this plant as part of the understory in dapple light though it will tolerate a sunny spot. Would make a fantastic specimen in a large pot where the fern like foliage could be enjoyed close up.

Now a super tough species that will make any garden look respectable. I have often used this group in landscapes around factory sites or public carparks because of their resilience to a wide range of conditions including neglect, they still perform well and tolerate harsh soil types and windy spots, even salt spray. So if you are a newcomer to gardening or need a plant that will tolerate mostly anything, including vehicle pollution try the forms of Rhaphiolepsis. They won’t let you down. Rhaphiolepsis umbellata, “Yedda” or “Yeddo”, is an evergreen, medium to tall shrub, dense foliage, dark green attractive leaf, white flowers somewhat fragrant, sun to part shade, and a little prune to shape.

Rhaphiolepsis “Apple Blossom” a tidy rounded shrub to around 1.5 metres likes a light prune after its pink flowers have finished, sun to part shade. Good for pots or even low hedges.

Rhaphiolepsis “Cosmic White” trade name a cultivar of Rhaphiolepsis indica, a good form for hedges, bears larger white flowers (bigger than “Yedda”) requires very little care, no diseases maybe the occasional caterpillar and you only need to prune to maintain its shape. Hardy plants for difficult spots.

Plantman

23 September 2011

In my last article I mentioned the expected arrival of the new KLAHANIE Varieties of Hibiscus. Unfortunately due to the longer than expected cool weather, these plants are too small for sale at this time. It was suggested by the producer to grow them in a hothouse environment, but I prefer to bring them on naturally so they can be hardened off. Sorry about the delay.

The “Black Velvet” and “Orange Crush” Petunias have arrived and are looking great. The clumping “Bumble Bee” petunia is performing well and producing many flowers. My test plants have doubled in size and are flourishing with the assistance of regular “Seasol” applications.

Arriving later this week is a selection of the scented leafed Agonis flexuosa  forms (sometimes referred to as the “Peppermint Willow”.) The taller new variety “After Dark” can achieve 5-6 metre under best growing conditions whilst maintaining its willowy appearance. This form has burgundy/purple foliage and bears many tiny white flowers during Spring. This form would make a distinctive and attractive specimen in a lawn area or as a group planting in a large garden zone. 

Agonis “Aftershock” is very similar to “After Dark” but is only expected to reach 2 metres with a  1 metre spread. This variety could well be used as a screen or backdrop for your garden. Once established all the Agonis are resistant to moderate frosts. If needed they respond well to a light prune after flowering.

From time to time, when advising clients in regards to the best soil conditions for their garden, some have purchased soils from landscape yards and have been disappointed with the product.

Be aware that most suppliers of soil blends produce a very basic mix and in most cases will need to be drastically improved prior to planting.

 This can be achieved by adding plenty of organic matter, humus, compost and the like. It would benefit the gardener to purchase a simple pH tester, so the level of acidity/alkalinity can be checked. In some cases you may need to add lime to increase the sweetness of the soil or sulphur to low the pH to acidic levels depending on what the plants requirements are.

 Some soil blends will be hydrophobic, this is they will repel water and are hard to moisten to any reasonable depth. The more organic matter etc you integrate in the mix the better. You will know the hydrophobic condition of the soil by watering the heap and observing how the water reacts to the mix. If it penetrates, well and good. If you see the water running off, carrying dust particles with it, well that soil needs some help. Use your finger to check how far the water has penetrated based on the amount of water you apply.

 It would be to your advantage to see these mixes at the yards prior to purchase. Check for nut grass in the suppliers’ compounds and at least ask what the pH of the soil blend is. Good luck.

 Plantman

Some of us experienced some heavy frosts in the past few weeks, heavier than expected.  As I mentioned in the “May” article the appliciation of the BULL KELP derived ‘Seasol’ will give plants that anti freeze protection as long as you continue to apply every 7-10 days.  It will then be present within the plants structure to push away excellent growth come the spring/ warmer weather.

If your plants have sustained frost damage (although this may be unsightly), just leave any pruning till after the frost periods. Even the damaged leaf helps to protect the plant from further frost burn.  If you were also using the frost protection cloth don’t discard it. This material may well come in handy against the westerly winds and during the summer heat.  You can frame it and utilise it to cast shade on the vegie patch.

 NOW THIS IS SPECIAL

One of my suppliers is producing a specific new Hibiscus form for me.  These 9 new varieties will be exclusive to our Garden Centre.  Why I am so keen to acquire these new vibrant forms is because of their ability to produce a flower that will open and remain open for much longer periods, unlike shall I say ‘normal hibiscus’. There will be some double forms amongst this fantastic groupe. These plants will arrive in early September.  So keep watching this space along with our website http://www.beaudeserthardware.com.au/category/freshlines/  . They will be in limited numbers as they are so new.

 The new Petunia “Black Velvet” and it is BLACK, along with the orange coloured “Orange Crush” will arrive soon. I had the privilege to see some examples of these new forms along with the very striking clumping petunia “Bumble Bee” a spectacular black and yellow striped form.

 All this new, fresh, high quality green life will certainly put an extra coil into our spring………

 Plantman

16 June 2011

 By now you all should be well and truly into your autumn/winter gardening projects. Improving the soils and pruning some of my trees is where I am at the moment. Best time of the year for sure.

 By the time this article goes to print I should have received the plant varieties I will summerise below.

 Eremophila glabra “Murchison Magic” grafted. A very ornamental native shrub that bears very striking orange-red tubular flowers throughout the year with its main flush during winter and early summer. Expected height around 1 metre with a spread of up to 2 metres (a great display when planted en masse, noting that Eremophila like lots of air movement). Tolerates full sun well and is regarded “waterwise” so obviously requires a well drained soil type. Some light pruning after the main flush will promote a new dense growth habit.

 Eremophila nivea grafted. A very striking form that is renowned for its silver/grey foliage bearing masses of lilac tubular flowers in spring. (This form is used in the cut flower trade and is very popular in Asia). Grafted nivea will tolerate heavier soils as long as they are well drained. However it will cope with the occasional flooding. Full sun to part shade is fine for this variety and it will handle to minus 7°C along with the westerly winds. Height can exceed 2 metres with a  spread of 1.5 metres. Prune after the main flush to maintain its dense habit. A big plus for this variety is its ability to cope with containers and makes a spectacular show.

 Eremophila “Fairy Floss” is a hybrid from E. maculata and E. racemosa. A good medium shrub around 2 metres by 1.5 metres. This form has bright green foliage bearing candy pink tubular flowers with fine white hairs (hence the name). Produces flowers from late autumn to summer, copes well in a sunny spot or light shade as long as the soil is well drained. Handles drought, frost and winds well. Although this variety is not grafted it would be well worth the try in your native garden zone. Like other forms of Eremophila it will attract the nectar feeding birds.

 Grafting Eremophila give them the toughness to cope with a wider range of soil types, even poorly drained clay mediums, as you may be aware generally Eremophila are desert plants.

Most of the grafting is done using the tough native species of Myoporum (probably M. insularis). Most Eremophilas are frost tolerant but dislike high humid conditions. They prefer full sun and after a period of establishment they will cope with very little water. (This establishment period could be as long as 3 weeks).

Best to water via the roots, they don’t cope well with too much hose spraying.To maintain height and vigour prune after the main flush and tip prune when required.On grafted forms, check and remove any growth below the graft union as this will effect the plants performance.

 If you feel the need to mulch remember that Eremophila prefer sand or gravel even pine bark as opposed to hay or sugar cane mulch. You could even use native leaf litter.

Plantman

20 May 2011

By now you should be applying frost protection sprays such as the polymer spray Envy along with the Bull Kelp derived Seasol.

Seasol needs to be reapplied every 7 to 12 days to get the best protection. It lowers the temperature at which cells freeze. You could say it acts as a organic anti-freeze. It will also be present within the plant system when frosts are over, thus helping the plant to return to full productivity. TO ACHIEVE OPTIMUM RESULTS YOU NEED TO MAINTAIN THE APPLICATIONS.

For those of you that like unusual plants I suggest you try this one. From the rainforest and foothills around Innisfail to Cairns comes Phaleria clerodendron. (Phaleria from “Phaleros” in reference to the shining white of the clerodendron like flowers). Common name as per the supplier is “Scented Daphne”, however “Native Scented Daphne” might be more appropriate.

In its natural habitat, growth is around 8 metres plus with a spread of 4 to 5 metres but in a garden situation, considerably smaller, around 4 metres x 3 metres wide often multi-trunked. Foliage is glossy and dark green with the new flush being a dark plum colour. Mature leaf can be up to 20cm long and up to 5cm wide.

The flowers are fine tubes, up to 4cm long and in mass clusters. And now the interesting bit. It flowers directly from the branches and trunks right down to ground level the whole plant gets completely covered in bloom up to 5 times a year. Plus…wait for it…the flowers are highly perfumed, somewhat like pineapple (apparently). All this display gives way to brilliant 2.5cm red egg-shaped fruit. At times on mature plants you get the display of maturing fruit amongst new flowering. In the garden it will need ample water during the warm weather. Its tolerance to temperature change is excellent, from 5°C to 40°C. Best suited to full or partial shade, but with ample water, will tolerate full sun.

Another interesting tree I have managed to get is the “Smooth Leaf Davidson Plum” Davidsonia johnsonii. This variety is found growing in pockets around Mt Warning, NSW and the very eastern edge of S.E. QLD (I understand it is on the endangered plants list) D. johnsonii is regarded a small tree when planted in the garden.

Unlike other Davidsonia that produce flower and fruit from the trunk D. johnsonii produce its fruits from the branches. It can take up to 6 years to produce fruit which unfortunately may not be viable. The “plums” produced are very acidic and regarded as too sour to eat raw, but apparently make great jam or wine. In all, a nice looking tree which can be used to enhance your rainforest zone plus help to save this endangered plant.

NOTE: All parts of P. clerodendron are regarded as poisonous. And with D. johnsonii the hairs on the plant may irritate sensitive skin.

Photo courtesy of John Grey

Plantman

20 April 2011

Protea Little Prince

Now that the temperatures are more favourable for garden projects I have started cleaning up the lower section of my block. First thing is to remove the self-seeded Cassias that came from next door along with the asparagus that the birds delivered free. Attack the lantana and clean up the many gum tree seedlings thus allowing more direct sunlight onto the native grass trees and also limiting the fire risk.

Last week I received my first delivery of Leucadendron, Protea and Leucaspermums. As I mentioned in my last article these beautiful plants are now grown in Western Queensland which makes them easier to adapt to our zone.

Leucaspermum ‘Carnival Red’ which is expected to grow around 1.5 metres x 1.5 metres. A compact form that would also suit containers. Leucospermum ‘So Exquisite’ that bears unusual ‘rocket’ shape red flowers in spring. Capable of reaching 2.5 metres with a 2 metre wide habit. A good variety for low maintenance, low water gardens.

Leucadendron ‘Strawberry Fair’ bearing masses of beautiful cones. This is a small variety that would suit a low border as it only grows to around 0.6 metres. Easily maintained, just remove spent flower to keep its shape. (This form will tolerate heavier soil types.)

Protea ‘Little Prince’ a new form of the King Protea produced for small gardens and containers. Flowers in autumn and spring producing bird attracting flowers on it’s 1 metre high growth.

Some of you who have employed Acmena allyn ‘Allyn Magic’ as a feature plant will certainly appreciate the new varigated form called ‘Minnie Magic’ the growth pattern is the same along with its resilience. Has a tinge of mauve when flushing as well.

Now, I know some or all of you think I maybe a little ‘OUTSIDE THE BOX” but for those of you who are a keen on unusual plants. I am trying to source the ‘grease nut tree’ I have some seed that a very keen gardener gave to me and a few are sprouting, so check out the grease nut, Hernandia bivalvis. Also for those you who like ‘BLACK’ I hope to have in store some time in spring the very new and unusual Petunia ‘Black Velvet’ along with a new orange form Petunia ‘Orange Crush’. Both of these forms were developed in Europe (probably Germany)…the things I do just to keep you happy.

Plantman

18 March 2011

Image of Myrtle Rust on Agonis flexuosa (willow myrtle).

Another few weeks and day temperatures will be more favourable for gardening projects. I always look forward to this time of the year. I have a few garden tasks to complete before the winters end.

Last week I had a visit from an officer from Biosecurity Queensland in reference to the fire ant problem. His role is to keep the nursery industry up to date in reference to fire ants and their detection, and the accreditation of nurseries moving soil, mulches and obviously potted plants from zone to zone. All the plants etc I purchase for our garden centre come from only accredited wholesale nurseries. This is also the case with the concern over the myrtle rust problem that effects some plant species. He informed that Biosecurity Queensland will be increasing their activities in reference to these problems at markets and the like. Some stand holders don’t seem to realize there are restrictions on certain activities in declared parts of Queensland.

When next in our garden centre pick up a fire ant detection pamphlet and become aware of this problem.

For all who admire and wish to grow proteas, leucadendron, leucospermums etc the good news is the major grower/specialist has now consented to one of my favourite suppliers to producing their new hybrid of new cultivars right here in close west Queensland. This means the plant will be more adaptive and hardier for our gardens and the possibility that freight costs will be less. I will start to receive some of these beautiful plants shortly.

If you are thinking about growing a custard apple, one you can also use as an accent plant. I have fresh LIMITED numbers of the highly recommended variety ‘PAXTON PROLIFIC’. This commercial variety, unlike some other custard apples does not require hand pollinating. Producing high quality fruit that matures March to July. With the correct pruning the tree can be maintained around 3 metres.

The new form of Tibouchina ‘CHAMELEON’ is once again available. This compact form produces attractive multi-coloured flower in spring/autumn with sporadic flushes throughout the year. The blooms are about 7.5cm and are at first white with a mauve blush changing to mauve and finally deep pink. All this colour change takes place over a few days. A really attractive plant that would compliment other forms of the hardy Tibouchina.

If you are bringing to the garden centre, plants that you need assistance with, plants that may have a disease or simply for identification I would appreciate it (a lot) if you put this matter into a sealed plastic bag at least. Thus lessening the chance of contamination.

Plantman