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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Virtual Gardening
To many gardeners, the idea that gardening can be turned into an exciting computer game is very hard to believe. But there are several successful game franchises that feature gardening as a core component of the game experience. Everything from ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Drought-Tolerant Plants
When most people think of drought-tolerant plants, they immediately think of cactii. Indeed, most succulents require very little water, storing moisture in their leaves and stems, and conserving moisture by have small of vestigial leaves. Bulbs ... [... more]
Gardening Talk |
Push Reel Mowers
Push reel mowers are undergoing a revival in popularity. Not only are they friendly to the environment (no air or noise pollution), they are also inexpensive to purchase and operate (no fuel), and many people find them an enjoyable form of ... [... 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 |
Frangipani (Plumeria)
Frangipani (genus Plumeria) is native to tropical and sub-tropical America. However today it is most widely recognised as associated with Hawaii, via the lovely leis. A garden or room can be transformed into a tropic oasis by the clever use of ... [... 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 |
Ferns That Survive The Dry
Choosing the right fern varieties is important in a water smart garden but there are other things you can do. Mulching is vital for keeping the soil moist. One of the big reasons the ferns are doing so well is because of the protection they get ... [... 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 |
