Easter Lilies (Lilium longiflorum)
Easter Lilies are a fragrant lily, with white trumpet-like flowers that blooms around Easter in the Northern Hemisphere (spring). Their popularity makes them the fourth-largest potted floral crop. They were originally native to Southern Japan and ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Colus Hirudinosus (Rare Fungus)
I was sent this photo of a colus hirudinosus, a rare fungus. This specimen was found near Broke, NSW, and appeared shortly after rain. It is a member of the stinkhorn family, and produces a strong fetid odor that attracts flies and other ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
DIY: Build A Boot Bench Seat
The drawers couldn't be easier to make - they're just a box with the lid missing. First step is to join the sides together using glue and nails, then attach the base. The timber for this is ply, it's stable and less likely to warp but the drawer ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Seed Potatoes
If you don't have a lot of space you can grow spuds in containers. Fast maturing early varieties like Nicola are ideal and when it comes to a container you want at least 30cm wide and 30 cm deep with some really good drainage holes at the bottom. ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Carnations (Dianthus)
In 1908, Anna Jarvis chose dianthus caryophyllus (pink carnation) as the emblem of Mother's Day, a celebration she campaigned to create that became a U.S. public holiday in 1914. Today, it is one of the most widespread public holidays. Carnations ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Pests - Whiteflies
Sap-sucking whiteflies live on the undersides of leaves and make them wilt and turn yellow. The nymphs (young ones) are usually green or white; the adults are white. Disturb them and they will rise in clouds - but ... Silverleaf Whitefly on Dry Beans [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Insect pests:
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a hardy perennial vegetable, best suited to cooler climates. It tolerates frost well. The succulent shoots emerge in early spring from the underground crown. Packed with vitamins and minerals, high in fibre, ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Espalier Plants
Choose a plant that already has two strong bottom side shoots or laterals. Dig a hole directly under the trellis. Place the tree into the hole and position the laterals in the same direction as the wire. Back fill and water in. Now tie the ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Fertilising Trees
Make a circle of holes right around the tree and then come in a metre and make another circle. If it is a big tree you can continue making circles, finishing about one metre from the trunk. Then put a good handful of Dynamic Lifter pellets into ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliaceae (the bromeliads) are a diverse family of plants endemic to Central and South America. They are a durable, colorful and exotic plant that grows well indoors or in a pot. The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family, but so are ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Gifts for the gardenia lover:
Gardenia is a genus of evergreen flowering shrubs and trees native to tropical and sub-tropical Australia, Asia and Africa. They are prized for their strong sweet aroma and large flowers. Gardenia prefer sheltered humid locations, and acidic ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Brilliant Potted Colour
The first secret is a quality potting mix like Yates Thrive Premium Potting Mix, which is free draining and contains the right stuff to get your pots off to a great start. It has a slow release fertiliser in the mix as well as a wetting agent to ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
