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

When less mulch is better

I never thought I would be suggesting this gardening advice. But it may be time to remove the mulches that surround your plants and perhaps from the vegie patch as well. One would hope that the air flow will help dry the over wet soil out a little and if and when the sun shines return the moisture content to somewhere near the desired level.

Obviously the wet tolerant species such as Leptospernum, Melaleuca, Callistemon and the like will be enjoying the conditions.

Moss in the lawn

The presence of moss in the lawn is an indication that the turf is not growing well. This generally is a result of unhealthy soil, possibly brought about by compaction, incorrect pH level, (ideal pH is somewhere between 6.5 to 7 neutral) lower than 6pH would be regarded as acidic and this may promote moss and even some weed types. By improving the soil health and growing conditions for the lawn the moss will eventually disappear. (A soil test for the pH level will help you determine the course of action.)

Rake out the thatch build up and moss as best you can and aerate the lawn. You can use a garden fork for this, push the tines in at least 100-150mm and lever the fork forward and backwards to open up the soil and allow oxygen to enter these drills. Having aerated the area, apply calcium-based lime which will help neutralize the acidity, this will take time, possibly weeks to alter the pH. Applying a quality high nitrogen based fertilizer will give the grass some vigor and also assist in the reduction of moss. However over fertilizing can cause other problems.

Vegies – success is in the soil

Due to costs and availability of vegies, a lot of us are growing vegies in containers or small plots. It’s one thing to buy the seeds or seedlings, but if you have not effectively prepared the soil, you are just wasting money and time.

Remember 80% of success in gardening is in the soil.

For tips on growing vegies and even some suggestions of companion plants click on Leaf Tips.

Plantman

Over the last few weeks I have been asked why the ZUCCHINI BLACK JACK seedlings that many of you have purchased from the Garden Centre, have developed what at first appeared to be an abnormality. That is instead of the familiar elongated oval shape you have grown previously, they were developing into round, quite large (about the size of a good Rock Melon) fruits.

Well after some investigation and many calls to my supplier the mystery is solved. What was being supplied as seed to the grower as BLACK JACK was in fact a rather expensive variety of GLOBE ZUCCHINI (courgettes rondes). Now that some of you have produced this very different variety I have been asked to supply more of the same. Problem is, because the seed of the Globe variety is so expensive the grower doubts very much as to being able to grow and supply at a respectable price. However I will continue to chase this up and keep you up to date on supply.

Thanks to those of you who have presented some of these delicious firm Globe Zucchini to me, along with your favourable comments.

One customer has produced so many that she is giving them away to neighbours, with the request they return the seed to her. (I assume this is why the seed is so expensive, the fruit produces very few seeds.)

The Globe that was I given only contained two seeds. I was originally going to prepare it as you would a stuffed pumpkin but ended up treating it as you would a large eggplant, that is I sliced it into 12mm thick rings, next finely diced some fat free bacon and a couple of red onions, grated some mild tasty cheese and shaved enough parmesan cheese to cover the five thick slices. Lightly oiled a baking dish with olive oil coated the upper surface with olive oil and into a preheated (180°C) oven, checking the flesh often with a fork, not wanting it to go soft. Out of the oven, covered the rings with pre-cooked bacon and onion, sprinkling the tasty cheese on and laying on the shaved parmesan over the lot. Into the preheated grill to melt the cheese. Presto a delicious entrée for five served with a few Spanish olives.

For those of you who have purchased the BARAMBAH CREEK native Hibiscus from the Garden Centre and are yet to see the large pink flower emerge, take particular notice of what happens when the flower withers. I will try to explain this unusual event.

Flower emerges from what looks like a bud of a Rosella plant (a plant related to Hibiscus). Opens up to what eventually may become a bloom about 200mm wide. Displays for about a day. Then each petal starts to roll inwards towards the centre of the flower, it continues to curl inwards until as if sucked back into itself. Fascinatingly, ends up looking like a pink marshmallow, with unusual markings. One flower I observed had inadvertently caught a leaf on its withdrawal and took it back into this marshmallow – amazing plant.

Something I have been searching for over time has arrived in the Garden Centre this week. What is known as the collectors range of Nepenthes “Pitcher Plants”. All are named varieties mostly hybrids, with the most unusual, at this stage of their life miniature pitchers.

Plantman

 

Excellent rain periods over the few weeks.  That should give good ground moisture well into Summer.  Not so good for pollination in the vegie patch, in some cases it seems to be keeping the bees in their hives and not out doing their job.  Of course you can always try hand pollinating.

Some cultural information on three interesting plants for your consideration.

If you are looking for something different, you might like to try growing a native Hibiscus called “BARAMBAH CREEK”.  A small open shrub capable of 2 ½ metres in height and bearing very large pink flowers in the form of a typical single hibiscus, blooms generally exceed 200mm in diameter.

Quite spectacular as the pink blooms contrast beautifully against the grey-green foliage. Heavy flowering during Autumn and Spring with occasional spot flowering throughout the year. Appears at its best when maintained around 2 metres. This is a very fast growing plant and requires a good prune after flowering to promote a compact habit and induce more prolific flowering.

“BARAMBAH CREEK” is thought to be a natural hybrid that has its origins in the driest areas of near North Queensland (NOT CONCLUSIVE).

“WEST COAST GEM’’ Alyogyne huegelii also known as the Native lilac hibiscus.

Fast growing, dense, round shrub to around 2 ½ metres. Very attractive lobed leaves and deep purple single hibiscus-like flowers (about the colour of Tibouchina alstonville) produced en masse during Spring and Summer.

Best suited to free draining soils (natural habitat is the sandy gravel soils of Western Australia), so it can tolerate high summer temperatures and also cope with frosts when it becomes established. I suggest mulching with leaf litter and a little compost and avoid using strong fertilisers, best use one suitable for native plants. A hard prune after flowering will encourage a more compact, strong habit.

CORROBOREE WARATAH Telopea mongaensis x speciossima

A dense large shrub with broad grey-green foliage bearing prolific quantities of large deep red waratah flowers tipped with pink.

Flowering mostly throughout Spring providing excellent nectar for honeyeaters. Corroboree would make a fantastic bird habitat planted in groups or as a screen.

Will tolerate cool temperature zones through to sub tropical climates as long as the soil is well drained and with a pH value of neutral to acid.

It’s best not to over mulch, just enough to help conserve moisture during the hot Summer.  Avoid using any of the Pine Bark mulches.

Prune after flowering to promote growth that will produce more flowers in the next Spring.

Plantman

 

My first column since the Beaudesert Show.  Thank you to all those folk who complimented the team on our garden lifestyle exhibit.  As it turned out we won the Merv Lahey Award for best local exhibit, which made it all worthwhile in the design and set up of the display.  You can view the photos of the display on our website www.beaudeserthardware.com.au or click on “photo album”.

Two new plants for you to consider this week:-

Petunia x hybrida called Rhythm & Blues.  A spectacular Spring and Summer flowering variety that will have a mounded habit spreading to 40cm (not as big a spread as the Petunia Raspberry Blast).  R & B produces dark blue flowers with a distinctive white edge.  Would suit basket and container growing as well as a tremendous bedding plant.  The tolerance to part shade gives R & B  a wider range of planting zones.  A light cut back after flowering and feeding with a complete fertiliser is all the maintenance required.

On behalf of a supplier I am trailing a new form of Impatiens hawkeri trade marked as Sunpatiens.  One specimen at home in full sun, which is doing very well and one in the nursery growing in sun/shade conditions.  I am very impressed by not just the growth rate, but by design this new form was bred to tolerate full sun and high humidity unlike other forms which appear to melt under high heat conditions. One new Sunpatiens would be enough to fill the average hanging basket.  I intend using a few of the new colours as a container plant on a section of my patio that receives full sun for most of the day.  One thing to note though, in full sun they will require ample water.

You can view Rhythm & Blues petunia and the new Sunpatiens on the garden web site, just click on “new lines”.

For all of you who have been waiting for the new grafted grevilleas, arriving later this week will be “Nature in Symphony” and “Harmony of Life” and a new variety that has only been released just this week “Bird Song Symphony”- producing clusters of  brilliant red, bird attracting flowers.

Plantman