Real World Gardener-Horticulture, Gardening, Learning to Grow

TALKING FLOWERS

All Flowers that are red

In the studio, we held the flowers of Tiger Bay dahlia, Red Pierre rose, red geraniums, red gladioli, buds of flowering gum and a leucodendron.

For all flowers that arise from tubers, cut the stems flush across the bottom. Mercedes calls these :male' flowers. Not to be confused with the male parts of flowers or male flowers on cucurbits.

This is simply a term to distinguish how to treat the stems of cut flowers.

Tip: Gladioli needs the top few cms removed so that the blooms sit up straight.

List of red flowers available as cut flowers in February.

China aster, bouvardia, dahlia, gerbera, nerine, roses, water lily.

The colour red increases your heart rate and appetite, but is also a symbol of passion.

Trees that have red flowers in February: Stenocarpus sinuatus: Firewheel tree. (pictured.)

TALKING FLOWERS

All Flowers that are red

In the studio, we held the flowers of Tiger Bay dahlia, Red Pierre rose, red geraniums, red gladioli, buds of flowering gum and a leucodendron.

For all flowers that arise from tubers, cut the stems flush across the bottom. Mercedes calls these :male' flowers. Not to be confused with the male parts of flowers or male flowers on cucurbits.

This is simply a term to distinguish how to treat the stems of cut flowers.

Tip: Gladioli needs the top few cms removed so that the blooms sit up straight.

List of red flowers available as cut flowers in February.

China aster, bouvardia, dahlia, gerbera, nerine, roses, water lily.

The colour red increases your heart rate and appetite, but is also a symbol of passion.

Trees that have red flowers in February: Stenocarpus sinuatus: Firewheel tree. (pictured.)

Frangipanis and...

 

Some plants develop a following or have societies created around them, where fellow collectors swap cuttings, ideas and seeds of that particular genus. 

JJ's Desert Sunrise photo Susan Newie

Frangipanis are tropical trees are loved by many collectors, and funnily enough, these collectors are going for the darker coloured flowers, like the dark reds, or almost black flowers.

But it’s not only the colour of the flowers that drives collectors crazy, it’s the size of the flowers and how they lookEvery so often that present a show, usually annually or biannually to sell some of their plants to the public.

This is the time to pick up something rare and exciting that you will never find in a nursery, garden centre let alone a big box store, and it’s not to be missed. Let’s find out more.I'm talking with Anthony Grassi, President of the Frangipani Society of Australia. Anthony, mentioned the Moragne hybrids. Bill Moragne is the father of Plumeria breeding.

#27 

A professional horticulturist in Hawaii during the 1950’s he pioneered and perfected the cross breeding/hybridizing technique for frangipanis. His best hybrids set the standard years ago and they still do today.

Why Doesn't My frangipani flower?

Answer: 

It may be too young. 

When you first buy your frangipani plant, whether just a cutting or in a pot, it will most likely flower in the first year. The second year, it will put all its energy into growing strong roots and lengthening branches.

While it's still young, the stems will need a minimum of 2 years before the wood is ready again to produce buds and flower. The same applies, if you prune it.

 

After that, you may need to think about your fertilising regime.

Anthony recommends Sudden Impact for Roses, but following it up with a couple of applications of potash granules applied in spring and summer.

The third factor is, sunlight. 

Is your frangipani growing in full all day sun?

If it's not getting enough sun,  a minimum of 6 hours, it will resolutely fail to flower.

Not all the colour variations have strong perfume, but quite a few have flowers that are 10cm across, and imagine that amplified with a bunch of flowers,.You end up with a cluster of flowers the size of a basketball.Now that’s something to see.If you want to know more or if you have any questions about where to get these amazing cultivars, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

Frangipanis and...

 

Some plants develop a following or have societies created around them, where fellow collectors swap cuttings, ideas and seeds of that particular genus. 

JJ's Desert Sunrise photo Susan Newie

Frangipanis are tropical trees are loved by many collectors, and funnily enough, these collectors are going for the darker coloured flowers, like the dark reds, or almost black flowers.

But it’s not only the colour of the flowers that drives collectors crazy, it’s the size of the flowers and how they lookEvery so often that present a show, usually annually or biannually to sell some of their plants to the public.

This is the time to pick up something rare and exciting that you will never find in a nursery, garden centre let alone a big box store, and it’s not to be missed. Let’s find out more.I'm talking with Anthony Grassi, President of the Frangipani Society of Australia. Anthony, mentioned the Moragne hybrids. Bill Moragne is the father of Plumeria breeding.

#27 

A professional horticulturist in Hawaii during the 1950’s he pioneered and perfected the cross breeding/hybridizing technique for frangipanis. His best hybrids set the standard years ago and they still do today.

Why Doesn't My frangipani flower?

Answer: 

It may be too young. 

When you first buy your frangipani plant, whether just a cutting or in a pot, it will most likely flower in the first year. The second year, it will put all its energy into growing strong roots and lengthening branches.

While it's still young, the stems will need a minimum of 2 years before the wood is ready again to produce buds and flower. The same applies, if you prune it.

 

After that, you may need to think about your fertilising regime.

Anthony recommends Sudden Impact for Roses, but following it up with a couple of applications of potash granules applied in spring and summer.

The third factor is, sunlight. 

Is your frangipani growing in full all day sun?

If it's not getting enough sun,  a minimum of 6 hours, it will resolutely fail to flower.

Not all the colour variations have strong perfume, but quite a few have flowers that are 10cm across, and imagine that amplified with a bunch of flowers,.You end up with a cluster of flowers the size of a basketball.Now that’s something to see.If you want to know more or if you have any questions about where to get these amazing cultivars, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

Frangipanis and...

 

Some plants develop a following or have societies created around them, where fellow collectors swap cuttings, ideas and seeds of that particular genus. 

JJ's Desert Sunrise photo Susan Newie

Frangipanis are tropical trees are loved by many collectors, and funnily enough, these collectors are going for the darker coloured flowers, like the dark reds, or almost black flowers.

But it’s not only the colour of the flowers that drives collectors crazy, it’s the size of the flowers and how they lookEvery so often that present a show, usually annually or biannually to sell some of their plants to the public.

This is the time to pick up something rare and exciting that you will never find in a nursery, garden centre let alone a big box store, and it’s not to be missed. Let’s find out more.I'm talking with Anthony Grassi, President of the Frangipani Society of Australia. Anthony, mentioned the Moragne hybrids. Bill Moragne is the father of Plumeria breeding.

#27 

A professional horticulturist in Hawaii during the 1950’s he pioneered and perfected the cross breeding/hybridizing technique for frangipanis. His best hybrids set the standard years ago and they still do today.Why Doesn't My frangipani flower?

Answer: 

It may be too young. 

When you first buy your frangipani plant, whether just a cutting or in a pot, it will most likely flower in the first year. The second year, it will put all its energy into growing strong roots and lengthening branches.

While it's still young, the stems will need a minimum of 2 years before the wood is ready again to produce buds and flower. The same applies, if you prune it.

 

After that, you may need to think about your fertilising regime.

Anthony recommends Sudden Impact for Roses, but following it up with a couple of applications of potash granules applied in spring and summer.

The third factor is, sunlight. 

Is your frangipani growing in full all day sun?

If it's not getting enough sun,  a minimum of 6 hours, it will resolutely fail to flower.

Not all the colour variations have strong perfume, but quite a few have flowers that are 10cm across, and imagine that amplified with a bunch of flowers,.You end up with a cluster of flowers the size of a basketball.Now that’s something to see.If you want to know more or if you have any questions about where to get these amazing cultivars, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

Frangipanis and...

 

Some plants develop a following or have societies created around them, where fellow collectors swap cuttings, ideas and seeds of that particular genus. 

JJ's Desert Sunrise photo Susan Newie

Frangipanis are tropical trees are loved by many collectors, and funnily enough, these collectors are going for the darker coloured flowers, like the dark reds, or almost black flowers.

But it’s not only the colour of the flowers that drives collectors crazy, it’s the size of the flowers and how they lookEvery so often that present a show, usually annually or biannually to sell some of their plants to the public.

This is the time to pick up something rare and exciting that you will never find in a nursery, garden centre let alone a big box store, and it’s not to be missed. Let’s find out more.I'm talking with Anthony Grassi, President of the Frangipani Society of Australia. Anthony, mentioned the Moragne hybrids. Bill Moragne is the father of Plumeria breeding.

#27 

A professional horticulturist in Hawaii during the 1950’s he pioneered and perfected the cross breeding/hybridizing technique for frangipanis. His best hybrids set the standard years ago and they still do today.Why Doesn't My frangipani flower?

Answer: 

It may be too young. 

When you first buy your frangipani plant, whether just a cutting or in a pot, it will most likely flower in the first year. The second year, it will put all its energy into growing strong roots and lengthening branches.

While it's still young, the stems will need a minimum of 2 years before the wood is ready again to produce buds and flower. The same applies, if you prune it.

 

After that, you may need to think about your fertilising regime.

Anthony recommends Sudden Impact for Roses, but following it up with a couple of applications of potash granules applied in spring and summer.

The third factor is, sunlight. 

Is your frangipani growing in full all day sun?

If it's not getting enough sun,  a minimum of 6 hours, it will resolutely fail to flower.

Not all the colour variations have strong perfume, but quite a few have flowers that are 10cm across, and imagine that amplified with a bunch of flowers,.You end up with a cluster of flowers the size of a basketball.Now that’s something to see.If you want to know more or if you have any questions about where to get these amazing cultivars, why not email [email protected] or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

What Next After Fire?

 

This series is about the task of assessing and rebuilding a garden after a fire event.

There may be burnt trees and shrubs on your property, but can you just get out the chainsaw, axe or other pruning tools and chop them down?

Yep, burnt ground and trees after fire

Should you seek advice first?

 

Let’s find out.

 

That was Wayne van Balen, immediate past president of the Institute of Horticulture and Manager of the registered horticulturist program.

A fire event is not open slather to remove trees and shrubs from your property unless there’s a risk of person or property damage.

Assessment has to be done first.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

What Next After Fire?

 

This series is about the task of assessing and rebuilding a garden after a fire event.

There may be burnt trees and shrubs on your property, but can you just get out the chainsaw, axe or other pruning tools and chop them down?

Yep, burnt ground and trees after fire

Should you seek advice first?

 

Let’s find out.

 

That was Wayne van Balen, immediate past president of the Institute of Horticulture and Manager of the registered horticulturist program.

A fire event is not open slather to remove trees and shrubs from your property unless there’s a risk of person or property damage.

Assessment has to be done first.

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Stenocarpus sinuatus: Firewheel treeAt this time of year (late summer in Australia), there’s a spectacular tree in some parks and gardens that is full of the native birdlife because they’re after the nectar laden bright red flowers.

One of my favourite trees. The flowers are just magnificent and so unusual.

Like the spokes of a wheel, they inspired the logo for my radio show.  

Stenocarpus sinuatus : firewheel tree

A beautiful tree that is often overlooked for gardens but maybe you should grow it. I'm talking with Adrian O”Malley, horticulturist and native plant expert. The tree is laden with nectar and as usual, the crazy parrots, such as lorikeets, go for the flowers, screeching their delightful tune as they take a sip.

Sometimes, the nectar ferments in the hot sun making the birds a little more jolly.

Ring tail possums like to chew on the new leaves during the warm months.

The leaves are quite large, up to 20cm in length and they are quite leathery.

The green, lobed leaves are similar to those of maple trees, featuring five main veins which are yellowish-green and prominent on the underside of the leaf. One of this tree’s most outstanding features is its distinct autumn foliage – a highlight of the autumn season, so people reckon, but not so much in my garden.

My tree has profuse bright red and orange flowers creating a spectacular display from summer to autumn. Shaped like the spokes of a wheel before they open, these symmetrical blossoms may be up to 10 cm in diameter and are highly attractive, especially to birds.

The leaves are not great for composting, in fact it would take years, so best to put them in the green bin.Adrian says that you can grow this tree in a pot for some years, but make it a large pot.

When the leaves start dropping you might need to think about putting in the garden or shifting it to an even larger pot. 

You can also root prune the tree and keep it in the same pot. Worth having. If you have any questions either for me or for Adrian, why not write in to [email protected]

PLANT OF THE WEEK

Stenocarpus sinuatus: Firewheel treeAt this time of year (late summer in Australia), there’s a spectacular tree in some parks and gardens that is full of the native birdlife because they’re after the nectar laden bright red flowers.

One of my favourite trees. The flowers are just magnificent and so unusual.

Like the spokes of a wheel, they inspired the logo for my radio show.  

Stenocarpus sinuatus : firewheel tree

A beautiful tree that is often overlooked for gardens but maybe you should grow it. I'm talking with Adrian O”Malley, horticulturist and native plant expert. The tree is laden with nectar and as usual, the crazy parrots, such as lorikeets, go for the flowers, screeching their delightful tune as they take a sip.

Sometimes, the nectar ferments in the hot sun making the birds a little more jolly.

Ring tail possums like to chew on the new leaves during the warm months.

The leaves are quite large, up to 20cm in length and they are quite leathery.

The green, lobed leaves are similar to those of maple trees, featuring five main veins which are yellowish-green and prominent on the underside of the leaf. One of this tree’s most outstanding features is its distinct autumn foliage – a highlight of the autumn season, so people reckon, but not so much in my garden.

My tree has profuse bright red and orange flowers creating a spectacular display from summer to autumn. Shaped like the spokes of a wheel before they open, these symmetrical blossoms may be up to 10 cm in diameter and are highly attractive, especially to birds.

The leaves are not great for composting, in fact it would take years, so best to put them in the green bin.Adrian says that you can grow this tree in a pot for some years, but make it a large pot.

When the leaves start dropping you might need to think about putting in the garden or shifting it to an even larger pot. 

You can also root prune the tree and keep it in the same pot. Worth having. If you have any questions either for me or for Adrian, why not write in to [email protected]