Real World Gardener-Horticulture, Gardening, Learning to Grow

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Scientific Name:Kennedia rubicunda; 

Common name: Dusky Coral Pea, Running Postman

Family: Fabaceae

Etymology:Kennedia...after John Kennedy, an English nurserymanrubicunda...referring to the colour of the flowersFlowering: Spring with pea like flowers, that is, a standard of 4 petals, a keel and two wings.

Grows: 3m high x 3m wide

Suitable as a trellis climber or covering embankments. Bird attracting.

Kennedia rubicunda

This next plant is a climber as we have been taking about climbers for a couple of weeks. It’s got these attractive scarlet to pink flowers but what else? Let’s find out…

 

I'm talking with Adrian O’Malley, qualified horticulturist and native plant expert. 

 

 

PLAY: Kennedia rubicunda_8th July 2020 The running postman title is probably because of the red flowers that appear on this fairly vigorous vine or creeper. Did you also know though that it’s a very useful medicinal plant to grow? Apparently its leaves were bruised and drunk as a tincture when recovering from illness. Don’t know what sort of illness though. 

 

Use it as a groundcover, for arches, teepees and vine supports. 

some will say that it's happy growing in a pot.  I can't be sure about that.

Dusky Coral Pea does best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. 

It needs to be protected from frosts.

There is another cultivar Kennedia nigricans that Adrian and Marianne mention. This has black and yellow coloured flowers. 

A cultivar known as Kennedia nigricans 'Minstrel' was registered with the Australian Cultivar Registration Authority by Goldup Nursery of Mount Evelyn, Victoria in September 1985. This cultivar was selected from a batch of seedlings in 1983 and has a pale colouration instead of the yellow, which appears almost white.

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Scientific Name:Kennedia rubicunda; 

Common name: Dusky Coral Pea, Running Postman

Family: Fabaceae

Etymology:Kennedia...after John Kennedy, an English nurserymanrubicunda...referring to the colour of the flowersFlowering: Spring with pea like flowers, that is, a standard of 4 petals, a keel and two wings.

Grows: 3m high x 3m wide

Suitable as a trellis climber or covering embankments. Bird attracting.

Kennedia rubicunda

This next plant is a climber as we have been taking about climbers for a couple of weeks. It’s got these attractive scarlet to pink flowers but what else? Let’s find out…

 

I'm talking with Adrian O’Malley, qualified horticulturist and native plant expert. 

 

 

PLAY: Kennedia rubicunda_8th July 2020 The running postman title is probably because of the red flowers that appear on this fairly vigorous vine or creeper. Did you also know though that it’s a very useful medicinal plant to grow? Apparently its leaves were bruised and drunk as a tincture when recovering from illness. Don’t know what sort of illness though. 

 

Use it as a groundcover, for arches, teepees and vine supports. 

some will say that it's happy growing in a pot.  I can't be sure about that.

Dusky Coral Pea does best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. 

It needs to be protected from frosts.

There is another cultivar Kennedia nigricans that Adrian and Marianne mention. This has black and yellow coloured flowers. 

A cultivar known as Kennedia nigricans 'Minstrel' was registered with the Australian Cultivar Registration Authority by Goldup Nursery of Mount Evelyn, Victoria in September 1985. This cultivar was selected from a batch of seedlings in 1983 and has a pale colouration instead of the yellow, which appears almost white.

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Sweet Morinda

You most probably know Australian climbing plants and would immediately think of Bower or Wonga wonga vine, either Pandorea jasminoides or Pandorea pandorana, 

Very tropical looking climbers that suit all sorts of conditions around Australia.

But there’s some many more Australian native climbers that would suit our backyards and here’s one of them.

Common Name: Sweet Morinda

Scientific name: Gynochthodes jasminoides syn. Morinda jasminoides

Family: Rubiaceae

Habit: scrambling climber to 6m. Adrian uses it to screen some ugly buildings.

What's in a name?

Morinda    Latin morus = mulberry and indicus = indian (referring to it being like an Indian Mulberry)

jasminoides   From the plant being Jasmine-likeThis pant is a native creeper found in eucalypt and rainforests along the east coast, across to Western Australia.

You most probably know Australian climbing plants and would immediately think of Bower or Wonga wonga vine, either Pandorea jasminoides or Pandorea pandorana, Very tropical looking climbers that suit all sorts of conditions around Australia.

But there’s some many more Australian native climbers that would suit our backyards and here’s one of them.

I'm talking with Adrian O’Malley, qualified horticulturist and native plant expert.

.Let’s find out…

Let’s just call it sweet Morinda or Morinda jasminoides.

Not overly floriferous but the flowers resemble those of jasmine with dense thick foliage that works well as a screen ugly buildings or scenery.

 

Flowers: Small clusters of 3-20 heads, but in Adrian's garden, it's not a prolific flowerer. There is some jasmine like scent but it's not overpowering. Mid spring to mid summer flowering.

 

Fruits: The main attraction some say because they're lumpy bright orange, 2cm in diameter.

 

 

Leaves: have an interesting bump in the centre called a "domatia."  

the bumps are a symbiotic relationship with an insect that lives in the pits.The mite-habitat pits are so large that they make conspicuous bumps on the upperside of the leaves, making the plant easy to identify when it's not flowering or fruiting.

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Sweet Morinda

You most probably know Australian climbing plants and would immediately think of Bower or Wonga wonga vine, either Pandorea jasminoides or Pandorea pandorana, 

Very tropical looking climbers that suit all sorts of conditions around Australia.

But there’s some many more Australian native climbers that would suit our backyards and here’s one of them.

Common Name: Sweet Morinda

Scientific name: Gynochthodes jasminoides syn. Morinda jasminoides

Family: Rubiaceae

Habit: scrambling climber to 6m. Adrian uses it to screen some ugly buildings.

What's in a name?

Morinda    Latin morus = mulberry and indicus = indian (referring to it being like an Indian Mulberry)

jasminoides   From the plant being Jasmine-likeThis pant is a native creeper found in eucalypt and rainforests along the east coast, across to Western Australia.

You most probably know Australian climbing plants and would immediately think of Bower or Wonga wonga vine, either Pandorea jasminoides or Pandorea pandorana, Very tropical looking climbers that suit all sorts of conditions around Australia.

But there’s some many more Australian native climbers that would suit our backyards and here’s one of them.

I'm talking with Adrian O’Malley, qualified horticulturist and native plant expert.

.Let’s find out…

Let’s just call it sweet Morinda or Morinda jasminoides.

Not overly floriferous but the flowers resemble those of jasmine with dense thick foliage that works well as a screen ugly buildings or scenery.

 

Flowers: Small clusters of 3-20 heads, but in Adrian's garden, it's not a prolific flowerer. There is some jasmine like scent but it's not overpowering. Mid spring to mid summer flowering.

 

Fruits: The main attraction some say because they're lumpy bright orange, 2cm in diameter.

 

 

Leaves: have an interesting bump in the centre called a "domatia."  

the bumps are a symbiotic relationship with an insect that lives in the pits.The mite-habitat pits are so large that they make conspicuous bumps on the upperside of the leaves, making the plant easy to identify when it's not flowering or fruiting.

WILDLIFE IN FOCUS

Common Name: Gouldian Finch

Scientific Name: Erytrura gouldiae

Named after renowned British ornothological artist John Gould.

This next bird is one of the prettiest Australian birds but it is endangered. It’s very small and would fit into your hand weighing only 14 grams. As with most birds of this type (finches, the Gouldian) it’s a quiet enough bird that peeps and sings a little. 

They make a pleasant sound that is doubtful to wake you up or create a problem with neighbours, though it is persistent. I'm talking with Dr Holly Parsons of www.birdsinbackyards.net.au Let’s find out about it. Gouldian finch are also known as Goulds, Lady Gouldian and rainbow finch in other parts of the world are Holly’s opinion, one of the most beautiful birds in Australia.

Most one known as a pet for aviaries. 

Beautifully coloured birds with a green back, purple chest and yellow side feathers, but

25% of the population has a red face, 74% have a black face and about 1% have a yellow face.

Young birds are surprisingly  dull brown coloured and become vibrantly coloured as they mature.In the wild they are found along creek lines, and mangroves. 

Partially migratory, and usually quiet. 

Outside the breeding season, they move closer to the coast, but once breeding starts they move inland.

They nest in hollows in trees and termite mounds.

If you have any questions of course, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

WILDLIFE IN FOCUS

Common Name: Gouldian Finch

Scientific Name: Erytrura gouldiae

Named after renowned British ornothological artist John Gould.

This next bird is one of the prettiest Australian birds but it is endangered. It’s very small and would fit into your hand weighing only 14 grams. As with most birds of this type (finches, the Gouldian) it’s a quiet enough bird that peeps and sings a little. 

They make a pleasant sound that is doubtful to wake you up or create a problem with neighbours, though it is persistent. I'm talking with Dr Holly Parsons of www.birdsinbackyards.net.au Let’s find out about it. Gouldian finch are also known as Goulds, Lady Gouldian and rainbow finch in other parts of the world are Holly’s opinion, one of the most beautiful birds in Australia.

Most one known as a pet for aviaries. 

Beautifully coloured birds with a green back, purple chest and yellow side feathers, but

25% of the population has a red face, 74% have a black face and about 1% have a yellow face.

Young birds are surprisingly  dull brown coloured and become vibrantly coloured as they mature.In the wild they are found along creek lines, and mangroves. 

Partially migratory, and usually quiet. 

Outside the breeding season, they move closer to the coast, but once breeding starts they move inland.

They nest in hollows in trees and termite mounds.

If you have any questions of course, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Prostanthera lasianthos and other species. Australian Mint BushIt smells like mint but is it? The leaves are round or sometimes oval or even pointy. 

It’s even in the same family as common mint: LamiaceaeAustralia does have a wide variety of endemic mint bushes.There are 90 species all of which originate somewhere in the bush,  but how well does it do in your garden? I'm talking with Adrian O’Malley, qualified horticulturist and native plant expert. Prostanthera comes from the Greek for an appendage because inside the flowers are small spur-like appendages on the anthers. These minty plants are bushy, evergreen shrubs, usually with strongly aromatic leaves.

Heaps of purple flowers covers the soft leaves all through spring and early summer, attracting butterflies and small insect-eating birds. 

did you know?

Mint bushes often wilt when they badly need a water, particular in the summer months.Because of this, they are excellent "indicator" plant for the rest of the garden.

 

Prostanthera lasianthos

Some of the varieties available are:

Prostanthera lasianthos is quick growing and in good conditions may reach 8-10 metres. Tolerates heavy shade as well as full sun.

ovalifoliahas very aromatic foliage. Quick growing and spectacular in flower. Prune back by about one third to keep that bushy habit. Suitable for full sun or semi shade.

rotundifolia- Very aromatic foliage. Quick growing and spectacular in flower. Needs pruning back by about one third every year to keep a bushy habit. Can grow in sun or semi shade. 

The leaves are round while growing as a compact shrub that reaches a height of one and a half metres in our garden.  The flowers are over one centimetre wide and mauve to purple

Plant it along a pathway so you get the benefit of brushing past the fragrant leaves. Good pot plant also. Feed with a good native fertiliser, watering in afterwards to avoid leaf or root burn. If you have any questions of course, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Prostanthera lasianthos and other species. Australian Mint BushIt smells like mint but is it? The leaves are round or sometimes oval or even pointy. 

It’s even in the same family as common mint: LamiaceaeAustralia does have a wide variety of endemic mint bushes.There are 90 species all of which originate somewhere in the bush,  but how well does it do in your garden? I'm talking with Adrian O’Malley, qualified horticulturist and native plant expert. Prostanthera comes from the Greek for an appendage because inside the flowers are small spur-like appendages on the anthers. These minty plants are bushy, evergreen shrubs, usually with strongly aromatic leaves.

Heaps of purple flowers covers the soft leaves all through spring and early summer, attracting butterflies and small insect-eating birds. 

did you know?

Mint bushes often wilt when they badly need a water, particular in the summer months.Because of this, they are excellent "indicator" plant for the rest of the garden.

 

Prostanthera lasianthos

Some of the varieties available are:

Prostanthera lasianthos is quick growing and in good conditions may reach 8-10 metres. Tolerates heavy shade as well as full sun.

ovalifoliahas very aromatic foliage. Quick growing and spectacular in flower. Prune back by about one third to keep that bushy habit. Suitable for full sun or semi shade.

rotundifolia- Very aromatic foliage. Quick growing and spectacular in flower. Needs pruning back by about one third every year to keep a bushy habit. Can grow in sun or semi shade. 

The leaves are round while growing as a compact shrub that reaches a height of one and a half metres in our garden.  The flowers are over one centimetre wide and mauve to purple

Plant it along a pathway so you get the benefit of brushing past the fragrant leaves. Good pot plant also. Feed with a good native fertiliser, watering in afterwards to avoid leaf or root burn. If you have any questions of course, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

GARDENING IN ISOLATION AND BEYOND

 

Australians are turning to gardening in droves during the pandemic but there are pitfalls for new gardeners.

Help is at hand of course, and there are ways to keep gardening evening when things return to normal and gardeners may have less time to devote to their plants.

Let’s find out all about what to do.

I'm talking with Josh Byrne, presenter for Gardening Australia TV presenterand environmental scientist.

PLAY: Josh Byrne & Plant Pals_17th June 2020

 

I asked Josh these questions:-

Q1. What are the benefits of gardening? (it’s good to get another voice to mention these-often say it already on my radio show.)

A: Good fun, a great hobby that makes you feel good and great for mental health.

Q2. How much space do you really need to have a garden?

A:All depends on what you want to grow.

 All you need is a balcony with a bit of sun.

Urban block gardens can grow a fair percentage of the fruits and vegetables that you can consume.

Q3. Who are the new, novice and emerging gardeners of 2020?

A:People in the 25-35 age group, the millenials, who are spending more time at home.

Q4. What are some of the common mistakes this new band of gardeners might make?  (eg, choosing the wrong plant for the location, sowing seed in the wrong season-I noticed the one nursery chain had out summer seedlings only last week).

A: Novice gardeners might put a plant in the wrong spot, or buy annual vegetables, either seeds or seedlings for growing at the wrong time of year. Overwatering or underwatering might cause plant death early.

Q5. It’s easy to get disheartened after a couple of failures, for example seed raising, plants getting eaten by bugs. What’s your advice?

Josh suggests, read the back of the seed packet or the instructions on the plant label.

Ask horticulturists at your local garden centre. There is also plenty of gardening blogs and gardening websites that can help with your gardening question.

Q6. When things get back to more like they used to be, what are the tips/suggestions to keep on gardening?

Don't forget about your plants just because your routine gets back to normal. Keep going now that you have a taste for it. If you hit a bit of a snag, don't worry, keep going and not be disheartened.

Q7. Tell me about Plant Pals. How did it come about?

Greenlife Industry Australia, the peak body for the production, supply and retail of greenlife has launched Plant Pals, an initiative designed to connect new, novice and emerging gardeners with greenlife experts.Plant Pals is a new campaign to keep Australians engaged in gardening as life slowly returns to normal following COVID-19 lockdowns. It's really about making sure gardeners both new and old are getting plenty of support in their gardening journey. Linking gardeners with plant suppliers, expert advice, blogs and podcasts.  Click on the link PLANT PALS

Q8. For those who haven’t started gardening, how can we get them interested? (perhaps join a community garden?)

Perhaps join a community garden, because they're a great place to connect with other like people in the local community. Vist local parks and botanic gardens to get more exposure to plants in wonderful settings.

 

If you have any questions of course, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

GARDENING IN ISOLATION AND BEYOND

 

Australians are turning to gardening in droves during the pandemic but there are pitfalls for new gardeners.

Help is at hand of course, and there are ways to keep gardening evening when things return to normal and gardeners may have less time to devote to their plants.

Let’s find out all about what to do.

I'm talking with Josh Byrne, presenter for Gardening Australia TV presenterand environmental scientist.

PLAY: Josh Byrne & Plant Pals_17th June 2020

 

I asked Josh these questions:-

Q1. What are the benefits of gardening? (it’s good to get another voice to mention these-often say it already on my radio show.)

A: Good fun, a great hobby that makes you feel good and great for mental health.

Q2. How much space do you really need to have a garden?

A:All depends on what you want to grow.

 All you need is a balcony with a bit of sun.

Urban block gardens can grow a fair percentage of the fruits and vegetables that you can consume.

Q3. Who are the new, novice and emerging gardeners of 2020?

A:People in the 25-35 age group, the millenials, who are spending more time at home.

Q4. What are some of the common mistakes this new band of gardeners might make?  (eg, choosing the wrong plant for the location, sowing seed in the wrong season-I noticed the one nursery chain had out summer seedlings only last week).

A: Novice gardeners might put a plant in the wrong spot, or buy annual vegetables, either seeds or seedlings for growing at the wrong time of year. Overwatering or underwatering might cause plant death early.

Q5. It’s easy to get disheartened after a couple of failures, for example seed raising, plants getting eaten by bugs. What’s your advice?

Josh suggests, read the back of the seed packet or the instructions on the plant label.

Ask horticulturists at your local garden centre. There is also plenty of gardening blogs and gardening websites that can help with your gardening question.

Q6. When things get back to more like they used to be, what are the tips/suggestions to keep on gardening?

Don't forget about your plants just because your routine gets back to normal. Keep going now that you have a taste for it. If you hit a bit of a snag, don't worry, keep going and not be disheartened.

Q7. Tell me about Plant Pals. How did it come about?

Greenlife Industry Australia, the peak body for the production, supply and retail of greenlife has launched Plant Pals, an initiative designed to connect new, novice and emerging gardeners with greenlife experts.Plant Pals is a new campaign to keep Australians engaged in gardening as life slowly returns to normal following COVID-19 lockdowns. It's really about making sure gardeners both new and old are getting plenty of support in their gardening journey. Linking gardeners with plant suppliers, expert advice, blogs and podcasts.  Click on the link PLANT PALS

Q8. For those who haven’t started gardening, how can we get them interested? (perhaps join a community garden?)

Perhaps join a community garden, because they're a great place to connect with other like people in the local community. Vist local parks and botanic gardens to get more exposure to plants in wonderful settings.

 

If you have any questions of course, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.