Fact Sheets: Plants and Flowers
Plantsmen Divided
John Patrick, 08/11/2008
John Patrick and Stephen Ryan go head-to-head on plants they like and dislike
Visiting Pete's Patch
Jane Edmanson, 18/10/2008
Jane Edmanson visits Pete’s Patch at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Hobart
Purple Flowering Plants
John Patrick, 11/10/2008
John visits Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens to look at purple flowering plants
The Fungi Collector
Gardening Australia, 11/10/2008
Dr Tom May talks about an extraordinary collection of wood rotting fungi
An Entomologist's Garden
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 20/09/2008
Jerry Coleby-Williams discovers a wildlife garden in the suburbs of Brisbane.
Daffodils
Jane Edmanson, 20/09/2008
Jane Edmanson visits Drouin in Victoria and profiles the cheerful daffodil
Tree Removal
Angus Stewart, 06/09/2008
Angus looks at how large, unhealthy trees are safely removed from yards.
Tropical Hothouse
Jane Edmanson, 23/08/2008
Jane finds out about what grows in the tropical hothouse at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens
Bellis
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 16/08/2008
Jerry shows us his favourite vegies, plants beans and talks crop rotation
Camellias
Angus Stewart, 16/08/2008
Angus visits the spiritual home of camellias – Eryldene in Sydney
Pine River Project
Colin Campbell, 16/08/2008
Colin discovers an interesting revegetation project at Brisbane’s Pine River
Winter Interest Plants
John Patrick, 16/08/2008
John profiles some unusual plants that add winter interest to the garden
A Perennial Border
John Patrick, 09/08/2008
John shows how to prune and divide some drought hardy perennials
'Bird Haven'
Colin Campbell, 02/08/2008
Colin meets native plant enthusiasts - Denis Cox and Jan Glazebrook
Frost Tolerant Plants
Sophie Thomson, 19/07/2008
Sophie suggests some tips to protect your plants from frost
Growing in Glass
Meredith Kirton, 19/07/2008
Meredith shows how to create a mini landscape for inside
Pete's Patch
Peter Cundall, 19/07/2008
Pete’s in the patch harvesting beetroot, swedes and carrots and planting spuds.
Using Bales
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 19/07/2008
Jerry explains the benefits of using bales in the garden
Airport Garden
Leonie Norrington, 28/06/2008
Leonie explores an indigenous garden surrounding Darwin airport
Heliconias and Gingers
Leonie Norrington, 24/05/2008
Leonie profiles some new heliconias and gingers
Plant Adaptations
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 24/05/2008
Jerry searches for answers about why plants adapt to various environments
Ancient Conifers
John Patrick, 17/05/2008
John profiles a family of ancient conifers – the Araucariaceae
Dry-Climate Orchard
Sophie Thomson, 10/05/2008
Sophie visits an orchard specialising in dry-climate fruit and nut trees
Fabulous Foliage
Colin Campbell, 10/05/2008
Colin profiles some plants that provide fabulous foliage
Plant Propagation
Jane Edmanson, 10/05/2008
Jane visits a propagation nursery which produces over a million plants a year
Begonias
Angus Stewart, 03/05/2008
Angus checks out one of the world’s largest outdoor begonia collections
Germinating Ferns
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 05/04/2008
Jerry explains the techniques used to germinate ferns
The Value of Trees
John Patrick, 05/04/2008
John discovers the value of trees in our urban landscapes
The Whistlepipe Garden
Josh Byrne, 05/04/2008
Josh meets plant collector, Margy Clema, and visits her garden in Perth
Reinvigorating Borders
Meredith Kirton, 29/03/2008
Meredith gives some tips for reinvigorating a tired border
Bird-Attracting Plants
Colin Campbell, 22/03/2008
Colin gives some tips for attracting birds to the garden
Establishing Native Shrubs
Angus Stewart, 15/03/2008
Angus gives some tips on establishing native shrubs
Cycads
Sophie Thomson, 30/06/2007
Sophie explores the Cycad collection at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
Dychias & Hechtias
Leonie Norrington, 23/06/2007
Leonie meets a passionate collector of Dychias and Hechtias.
Species Roses
Sophie Thomson, 28/04/2007
Sophie admires a collection of species roses in the Adelaide Hills
Herbaceous Natives
Angus Stewart, 07/04/2007
Angus suggests some herbaceous natives for a riot of colour
Rare Plant Collector
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 07/04/2007
Jerry visits a rare plant collector in Brisbane
Indoor Plant Care
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 03/02/2007
Jerry gives some tips on caring for indoor plants
Clematis
Jane Edmanson, 27/01/2007
Jane visits a garden filled with Clematis
Evansleigh, an enchanting garden about 40 kilometres east of Melbourne has been a labour of love for Dot and Jim Evans, who have spent the past 20 years creating a very special garden.
Heliconias
Leonie Norrington, 27/01/2007
Leonie tells us about growing Heliconias
A joy of being a Top End gardener is that you can grow some of the world's most spectacular tropical plants, like the absolutely beautiful Heliconia.
My Garden: Peonies
Ron Boekel, 27/01/2007
Ron Boekel tells us about his passion for peonies
My name is Ron Boekel and I first became interested in peonies through my father, who brought them into Australia in the early sixties.
Rose Breeding
Sophie Thompson, 27/01/2007
Sophie learns about rose breeding
The rose is among the most popular flowers in the world and that means rose breeding is big business.
Powdered Sulphur
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 20/01/2007
Jerry explains the uses of powdered sulphur
Sulphur is one of the oldest garden remedies and it is as good today as when people first started using it.
Gymea Lilies
Angus Stewart, 23/12/2006
Angus profiles Gymea lilies
The Gymea lily Doryanthes excelsa is indigenous to the Sydney Basin and a truly iconic plant of the Australian bush.
Hakeas
Jane Edmanson, 23/12/2006
Jane profiles Hakeas
Native plants are currently experiencing a huge resurgence.
Bushfire Plants
Leonie Norrington, 09/12/2006
Leonie looks at how plants have adapted to survive bushfires
Every year in the dry season about half the top end's savannah bushland is burnt by fire.
Grevilleas
Angus Stewart, 09/12/2006
Angus visits Grevillea Park in NSW
The Illawarra Grevillea Park in Bulli, New South Wales is a mecca for Grevillea lovers everywhere.
Indigenous Plant Project
Angus Stewart, 02/12/2006
Angus visits the Cumberland Plains woodland of western Sydney
The Western Plains area of Sydney is bounded by Parramatta in the east and Penrith in the west.
Leucopogons
John Patrick, 25/11/2006
John learns about leucopogons
If you’re a gardener who likes to start plants from scratch and like a challenge, then here’s a genus that will test your mettle.
The Wintle Garden
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 25/11/2006
Jerry meets passionate plantsman – Ian Wintle
Ian Wintle has created a tropical paradise in Birkdale, a Brisbane suburb.
Growing Grevilleas
Colin Cambell, 18/11/2006
Colin gives some tips on growing grevilleas
Grevilleas are the third largest group of Australian native plants, with somewhere between 350 and 500 species in the genus.
Climbing Plants
Meredith Kirton, 11/11/2006
Meredith talks about some of her favourite climbing plants
Climbers are great for hiding ugly fences, and are also wonderful at creating a beautiful focal point.
Spring Blossom
Jane Edmanson, 28/10/2006
Jane profiles spring blossom
After a long, cold winter you can always tell when spring is just around the corner because the fruit and ornamental trees come into blossom.
Tropical Roses
Leonie Norrington, 28/10/2006
Leonie finds out how to grow roses in the tropics
A beautiful, healthy rose is not something normally associated with the tropics.
Cacti and Succulents
John Patrick, 21/10/2006
John visits a collector of cacti and succulents
With increasing attention on drought, climate change, and water conservation, the search is on for plants which grow with less water in home gardens.
Gymea Lilies
Angus Stewart, 21/10/2006
Angus profiles Gymea lilies
The Gymea lily Doryanthes excelsa is indigenous to the Sydney Basin and a truly iconic plant of the Australian bush.
Abutilons
Meredith Kirton, 14/10/2006
Meredith explains how to use Abutilons in the garden
Abutilons have delicate, bell like flowers.
Australian Natives
Angus Stewart, 14/10/2006
Angus visits a native garden on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria
The last place you would expect to find a wonderland of Western Australian wild flowers is on the Bellarine Peninsula, near Geelong, where the landscape is flat, poorly drained and lined with windswept conifers.
Mallee Trees
Sophie Thomson, 14/10/2006
Sophie profiles Mallee Trees
There are between 700 and 900 species of Eucalyptus endemic to Australia.
Queensland Silver Wattle
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 14/10/2006
Jerry profiles the Queensland Silver Wattle
Australia has so many different climatic regions and each with its own group of plants.
Poincianas
Colin Campbell, 07/10/2006
Colin praises the Poinciana
If asked to name a single tree that's helped shape the character of Brisbane, it would be the magnificent poinciana Delonix regia.
Wattles
Jane Edmanson, 07/10/2006
Jane talks about some of her favourite wattles
Wattles are an iconic component of the Australian bush.
Creating a Small Garden
Josh Byrne, 30/09/2006
Josh plants herbs and perennials in his new garden
The new garden is coming together.
Heaths
John Patrick, 30/09/2006
John profiles Australian heaths
The Epacris are Australian heaths.
Creating a Fern Garden
Peter Cundall, 16/09/2006
Pete creates a fern garden
Woodbridge school in Tasmania has a problem.
Hakeas
Jane Edmanson, 09/09/2006
Jane profiles Hakeas
Native plants are currently experiencing a huge resurgence.
Palms in Pots
Colin Campbell, 09/09/2006
Colin gives tips on growing palms in pots
Nothing beats an attractive palm in a nice pot, there is a huge selection of palms to choose from, and what's more, they grow all over Australia.
Dividing Dahlias
Peter Cundall, 26/08/2006
Pete shows how to divide dahlias
Of the summer flowering plants Dahlias must be tops.
Pruning Camellias
Angus Stewart, 26/08/2006
Angus gives some tips on pruning camellias
Camellias are one of the world's most beautiful and versatile shrubs or small trees.
Dried Perennials
John Patrick, 19/08/2006
John gives tips on perennials for a winter display
Most gardeners in autumn have a propensity to cut back wonderful perennials, which have given an incredible display.
Orchids
Jane Edmanson, 19/08/2006
Jane discovers a rare collection of orchids
When orchids are mentioned Cymbidiums usually come to mind.
Plant Identification
John Patrick, 12/08/2006
John takes the mystery out of plant identification
A knowledge of plants is fundamental to gardeners because plants are the raw materials for horticulturists.
Euphorbias
Meredith Kirton, 05/08/2006
Meredith talks about Euphorbias
The genus Euphorbia is a large one.
Plant Collector - Bob Cherry
Angus Stewart, 05/08/2006
Angus visits the garden of plant collector Bob Cherry
In the hills outside Kulnura, on the New South Wales Central Coast, Bob Cherry has created a garden paradise.
Heliconias
Leonie Norrington, 29/07/2006
Leonie tells us about growing Heliconias
A joy of being a Top End gardener is that you can grow some of the world's most spectacular tropical plants, like the absolutely beautiful Heliconia.
Long Island
Jane Edmanson, 22/07/2006
Jane visits Long Island - a time capsule of Melbourne’s original vegetation
A favourite place to visit in Melbourne is the Royal Botanic Gardens, which was established over 150 years ago, and is based on European landscaping principles.
Taking Rose Cuttings
Peter Cundall, 15/07/2006
Pete explains how to take rose cuttings
Gardening Australia receives countless letters from people wanting to know how to propagate roses from cuttings.
The World of Fungus
Dr Tom May, 08/07/2006
Mycologist, Dr Tom May, is hooked on fungi and explains why
My name is Dr Tom May.
Chrysanthemum care
Peter Cundall, 01/07/2006
Pete gives some tips on caring for Chrysanthemums
There must be thousands of potted Chrysanthemums sold on Mother's Day.
Tropical Plants
Sophie Thompson, 01/07/2006
Sophie explores the tropics at Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha
While in Brisbane I couldn't resist the idea of coming to the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.
Plant of the Week: Correas
John Patrick, 24/06/2006
John profiles Correas
If you're looking for a native plant genus which is tolerant of a range of garden situations, then you can’t go past Correas.
Costus
Colin Campbell, 10/06/2006
Colin profiles Costus, a cousin of the gingers
Costus speciosus, like the other Costus species is a tropical and subtropical plant with spectacular flower spikes.
Frangipani
Colin Campbell, 03/06/2006
Colin profiles the fragrant frangipani
The fabulous frangipani, Plumeria rubra has a stunning flower that people in the tropics and subtropics sometimes take for granted.
Indoor Plant Care
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 03/06/2006
Jerry gives some tips on caring for indoor plants
Houseplants are often as important as an outdoor garden.
National Rose Trial Garden
Sophie Thomson, 03/06/2006
Sophie visits the National Rose Trial Garden in Adelaide
Rose trial gardens around the world attract thousands of visitors, as people come to see roses of the future.
Dry Season Native Plants
Leonie Norrington, 20/05/2006
Leonie tells us more about dry season natives in the Top End
Many people think there is no need to worry about water conservation in the Top End.
Plant of the Week - Grevillea 'Golden Lyre'
Angus Stewart, 20/05/2006
Angus profiles the yellow flowered Grevillea ‘Golden Lyre’
Grevillea ‘Golden Lyre’ is a stunning, low growing plant that's smothered in bright yellow flowers for most of the year.
Gardening Australia Expo Brisbane - Plant Propagation
Angus Stewart, 19/05/2006
Plant Rescue
Sophie Thomson, 06/05/2006
Sophie meets the Unley Gardeners’ Plant Rescue Team
When people in Adelaide are revamping their garden or downsizing and have unwanted plants they usually call the Unley Gardeners’ Plant Rescue Team.
Cacti and Succulents
Colin Campbell, 29/04/2006
Colin meets a collector of cacti and succulents
Johanna Derks' passion for cacti and succulents began 30 years ago, when she visited a big cacti and succulent display.
Clematis
Jane Edmanson, 29/04/2006
Jane visits a garden filled with Clematis
Evansleigh, an enchanting garden about 40 kilometres east of Melbourne has been a labour of love for Dot and Jim Evans, who have spent the past 20 years creating a very special garden.
Dianella prunina 'Utopia'
Angus Stewart, 29/04/2006
Angus profiles Dianelle prunina ‘Utopia’
If you're looking for a fantastic new foliage plant then Dianella prunina ‘Utopia’ certainly fits the bill.
New Autumn Releases
John Patrick, 29/04/2006
John profiles some new autumn releases
Nurseries have changed these days.
Grevilleas
Angus Stewart, 15/04/2006
Angus visits Grevillea Park in NSW
The Illawarra Grevillea Park in Bulli, New South Wales is a mecca for Grevillea lovers everywhere.
Stephanotis floribunda
John Patrick, 15/04/2006
John profiles Stephanotis floribunda, a climber with perfume
Some plants have such beauty that whenever you see them you become excited… Stephanotis floribunda is one such plant.
Bushfire Plants
Leonie Norrington, 08/04/2006
Leonie looks at how plants have adapted to survive bushfires
Every year in the dry season about half the top end's savannah bushland is burnt by fire.
Juniper Ground Covers
John Patrick, 08/04/2006
John profiles ground-covering junipers
There are places in the garden where you need a good, tough, weed suppressing groundcover.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Jane Edmanson, 08/04/2006
Jane talks about planting bulbs
Spring flowering bulbs are all-time favourites in the garden.
Ginger Lily
Jane Edmanson, 01/04/2006
Jane profiles ginger lily with its fragrant flowers
Ginger lily Hedychium gardnerianum is a marvellous plant, because its fragrant flowers in late summer and early autumn pervade the whole garden.
My Garden: Peonies
Ron Boekel, 01/04/2006
Ron Boekel tells us about his passion for peonies
My name is Ron Boekel and I first became interested in peonies through my father, who brought them into Australia in the early sixties.
Smooth Luffa
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 25/03/2006
Jerry explains how to grow smooth luffas
Many will recognise the luffa as something used to scrub your back in the bath.
Water Lilies and Lotuses
John Patrick, 25/03/2006
John visits a garden of lotuses and water lilies
Most gardeners are familiar with water lilies, from Monet’s paintings of the water lilies grown in his remarkable garden in Giverny.
A Tropical Garden
Leonie Norrington, 18/03/2006
Leonie meets Wolfgang Wirf whose passion is tropical rainforests
Wolfgang Wirf has a passion for growing tropical rainforest gardens, using local trees and plants, on his property at Humpty Doo, south of Darwin.
Penstemon
John Patrick, 18/03/2006
John profiles penstemons
Penstemons species are plants that give a huge amount of pleasure.
Wollemi Pine
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 18/03/2006
Jerry gives us an update on the Wollemi Pine
Last year Gardening Australia looked at the Wollemi Pine Wollemia nobilis, a 200-million-year-old remnant of the age of dinosaurs….
Angophora
Jane Edmanson, 11/03/2006
Jane profiles a rugged Australian tree - the Angophora
When it comes to rugged and handsome, this plant fits the bill perfectly…..It’s an Angophora – a tree that grows into a magnificent specimen.
Brugmansia sanguinea
John Patrick, 04/03/2006
John talks about Brugmansia sanguinea
Brugmansia sanguinea, or red angel’s trumpet, has angelic flowers but the leaves taste dreadful.
Grass Tree
Colin Campbell, 25/02/2006
The grass tree Xanthorrhoea is a uniquely Australian plant, which epitomises the Australian landscape and is as tough as goats' knees.
Cordylines
Colin Campbell, 18/02/2006
Colin discovers some stunning Cordylines.
Queensland Kauri
John Patrick, 18/02/2006
John profiles the Queensland kauri (Agathis robusta)
Watch for the bark on the Queensland kauri – it’s magical.
Choice Shrubs
Jane Edmanson, 12/11/2005
Jane’s choice shrubs at Como House
People often ask what’s the difference between a tree and a shrub.
Favourite Natives
Josh Byrne, 12/11/2005
Josh lists some of his native favourites
There is no doubt Australian plants are in fashion and for good reason.
Mediterranean Plants
Sophie Thomson, 12/11/2005
Sophie’s best Mediterranean plants
When people ask what plants to grow in their garden that are stylish, waterwise and easy to grow, it’s easy to suggest Mediterranean plants.
Lilly Pilly
Sophie Thomson, 05/11/2005
Sophie profiles Lilly Pillies
Some years ago lilly pillies, also known as Australian cherries, because of the reddish pink or purple fruit they produce, were popular as quick growing, evergreen trees.
Wildflowers Kings Park
Josh Byrne, 05/11/2005
Josh talks about wildflowers
From May to November each year wildflowers light up Western Australia.
Heliconias
Colin Campbell, 29/10/2005
Colin profiles Heliconias
For southern gardeners the chance to grow these plants is pretty remote….because Heliconias have big leaves which show they are members of the banana family, and they like a really warm climate.
My Garden-Rosemary Bromwich
, 22/10/2005
Rosemary Bromwich is passionate about orchids - This is her story
“I'm Rosemary Bromwich and I love gardening, but most of my garden is orchids - they are easy to grow and flower all year.”.
Tropical Favourites
Colin Campbell, 22/10/2005
Colin’s tropical favourites
Tropical Looking Plants Down South
John Patrick, 22/10/2005
John gives tips on growing tropical plants in southern Australia
Clematis
John Patrick, 15/10/2005
John profiles Clematis ‘Golden Tiara’
Wollemi Pine
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 08/10/2005
Jerry profiles the ancient and remarkable Wollemi Pine
Pete to your Place #9
Peter Cundall, 01/10/2005
Pete visits Meagan and Bill Avery to solve their garden problems
Coastal Planting
Peter Cundall, 24/09/2005
Peter advises on plants for the coast
Hardenbergia
Sophie Thomson, 24/09/2005
Sophie profiles Australian native climber, Hardenbergia violacea
Screening Wall
Andrew O'Sullivan, 24/09/2005
Andrew builds a screening wall for the garden
Garrya elliptica
John Patrick, 17/09/2005
John profiles Garrya elliptica
Proteas
Jane Edmanson, 10/09/2005
Jane looks at Proteas and Leucadendrons.
Weed Hazards
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 10/09/2005
Jerry warns about weed hazards.
Flower Arranging
John Patrick, 27/08/2005
John meets floral designer, Joost Bakker.
Pete to your Place #8
Peter Cundall, 27/08/2005
Peter visits another problem garden
Young Landscape Designer
, 27/08/2005
We meet landscape designer, Jamie Clapham.
Palms
Colin Campbell, 20/08/2005
Colin talks about Palms.
Primula
Jane Edmanson, 20/08/2005
Jane profiles Primulas.
Winter Flowering Plants
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 20/08/2005
Jerry suggests some great winter flowering plants
Cymbidium Orchids
John Patrick, 13/08/2005
John focuses on Cymbidium Orchids.
Dracaena Marginata
Melissa King, 13/08/2005
Melissa profiles Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’.
Scented Winter Plants
Sophie Thomson, 13/08/2005
Sophie suggests some scented winter plants.
Conifers
John Patrick, 06/08/2005
John looks at conifers.
Grevillea 'Superb'
John Patrick, 06/08/2005
John profiles Grevillea ‘Superb’.
Winter New Releases
Melissa King, 06/08/2005
Melissa profiles some winter new release plants.
Indoor Plants
Peter Cundall, 30/07/2005
Jane profiles some good indoor plants.
Stag & Elk Horns
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 30/07/2005
Jerry profiles Staghorns & Elkhorns.
Tree Collector
Melissa King, 23/07/2005
Melissa talks to Vic Ciccolella about his passion for trees.
Tree Surgery
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 23/07/2005
Jerry gives some advice on tree assessment, management and surgery.
Hong Kong Orchid Tree
Melissa King, 16/07/2005
Melissa profiles the Hong Kong Orchid Tree.
MY GARDEN: Bonsai
, 16/07/2005
Tim Vivoda is a bonsai enthusiast. This is his story.
Ferns
Jane Edmanson, 09/07/2005
Jane looks at some new varieties of Ferns.
Nardoo
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 09/07/2005
Jerry profiles Nardoo.
Plumbago
John Patrick, 02/07/2005
John profiles Plumbago.
Winter Fertilising
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 02/07/2005
Jerry explains about winter fertilising.
Ampelopsis
Jane Edmanson, 25/06/2005
Jane profiles Ampelopsis, or porcelain vine.
Rare & Unusual Plants
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 25/06/2005
Jerry looks at some rare and unusual plants in Brisbane.
Waterfall Cottage
Melissa King, 25/06/2005
Melissa visits the beautiful Waterfall Cottage in Sydney.
Carnivorous Plants
Melissa King, 18/06/2005
Melissa profiles a range of Carnivorous plants.
Heavenly Bamboo
John Patrick, 18/06/2005
John profiles Heavenly Bamboo Nandina domestica.
Crotons
Jerry Coleby-Williams, 11/06/2005
Jerry looks at Crotons, plants he’s become hooked on since moving to Queensland.
WEED ALERT: Privet
Jane Edmanson, 11/06/2005
Jane profiles Privet, highlighting the weed varieties.
Hooping Roses
Jane Edmanson, 04/06/2005
Jane shows us how to hoop roses.
Indigenous Plants
Joshua Byrne, 04/06/2005
Josh looks at some of Melbourne’s indigenous plants.
Salvia
John Patrick, 04/06/2005
John profiles some Salvias.
Bougainvillea
Colin Campbell, 28/05/2005
Colin profiles the Bougainvillea.
Lemon Verbena
Jane Edmanson, 21/05/2005
Jane profiles Lemon Scented Verbena.
Cyclamen
Jane Edmanson, 14/05/2005
Jane profiles Cyclamens.
Hibiscus
Colin Campbell, 14/05/2005
Colin profiles the Hibiscus.
Azaleas
Jane Edmanson, 07/05/2005
Jane gives some tips on Azalea care.