Real World Gardener-Horticulture, Gardening, Learning to Grow

Tristaniopsis laurina: Water Gum

This week we have a native plant that has Tristaniopsis laurina or Water gum is like the native version of Crepe myrtles, with interesting bark, leaves and flowers.

It’s in the Myrtaceae family but it’s not a gum tree.

Water gum in flower: I'ts not a gum tree.

Let’s find out what’s good about this one.

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

But are the flowers perfumed? Adrian thought not but apparently they do have a perfume.

There’s an updated version called Tristaniopsis laurina ‘Luscious.”that grows up to 8m in height.

Leaves are dark green, shiny and large with a dense canopy.

New growth starts out a distinctive copper colour and further interest appears over time with the branches developing deep purple coloured bark which peels back to reveal a smooth, cream trunk.

Flowers are yellow and sweetly perfumed, appearing in clusters through summer.

If you have any questions for me or for Adrian or would like some seeds of this tree, please write in to [email protected]

Rufous BristleBird

Did you know that Australia has ground dwelling birds other than emus, brush turkeys, and Cassowary?

Out of all those birds I just mentioned, gardeners might prefer the Rufous Bristlebird digging around in their garden. 

Rufous Birstlebird

Do you know why it's called a bristlebird?

Let’s find out.

The Rufous Bristlebird (Dasyorni Broadbenti) is only found in Australia and mainly along coastal areas in south-western Victoria.

Bristlebirds are generally shy birds that skulk in dense vegetation during the day. They prefer to run away to avoid danger, but are capable of flying short distances. Bit like the brush turkey.

Usually they hang around in pairs 

The common name of the family is derived from the presence of prominent rictal bristles - three stiff, hair-like feathers curving downwards on either side of the gape.

As with fantails and flycatchers, their bristles assist in catching insects.

Bristlebirds have previously been seen in south-western Western Australia and south-eastern South Australia, but unfortunately frequent burning has led to their extinction in W.A.

Have you seen a Rufous Bristlebird?

If you have any questions for me or for Holly, why not write in to [email protected] or write in to 2rrr, PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.

There are many reasons to join a community garden: learn a new skill, teach your kids where food comes from, save money, help the environment, have a reason to get outside regularly and share with others.

Chickens at Henley Green Community garden

These reasons — and many more keep the people who grow food at a community garden.

Let’s catch up with what’s happening in the local community garden at Henley.

I'm speaking with Nicole Miranda from the Happy Hens Community garden in Henley.

If you are interested in joining the community garden at Henley you need to first register your interest by filling in a form from their website www.happyhens.org.au

If you have any questions for me or for Nicole, please write in to [email protected]

Plectranthus argentatus: Silver Shield

This week we have a native plant that has velvety leaves, sage green foliage and blue flowers.

It’s in the mint family, so it’s got square stems.

I’m not sure why some people think that only exotics come from the mint family.

Australia has quite a few members that fit into this category.

Let’s find out what’s good about this one.I'm speaking with new contributor, Adrian O’Malley, horticulturist and native plant expert.

• “Plectranthus” is a combination of 2 Greek words that mean “spur” (plectron) and “flower” (anthos).

Plectranthus argentatus or Silver Shield prefers partial shade but will grow in full sun as long as the soil’s not too poor.

Can also grow in full shade and tolerate light frosts, that’s down to -2 C.

Excellent in dry shade.

The best spot for it though is in well drained soil near trees, also a great plant for containers.

If you have any questions for me or for Adrian or would like some seeds of the Snow Wood tree, please write in to [email protected]

Salt

Is salt a spice a seasoning or something else?

Is there more than one type of salt?

Why should we use it rather than leave it out?

Did you know that culinary salts come in two basic categories - sea salt and mined salt?

All this and more about salt. I'm talking with Ian Hemphill from www.herbies.com.au

Let’s find out

Salt is actually a mineral, not a spice which means it doesn’t lose its flavour over time like spices and herbs do.

Salt is used as a seasoning, and is just NaCl or sodium chloride.

Most dishes that would be spiced will contain salt.

There are many types of salts on the market but they fall into two categories.

1) salts with impurities, that give a different flavour.

2) salts with different textures.

An example the first is Murray River pink salt. The colour is pink because of the minerals that the aquifer has flown through.

Rock salt is mined salt.

Murray River Pink Salt

• Indian Black salt is also mined salt. Initially  the big chunks that are mined are deep purple to almost black in colour. However, when it is crushed, it becomes a pale pink in colour. Exudes a pungent odour.

All salt originates in sea water, but sea salt is evaporated from liquid ocean water, while mined salt is taken from ancient deposits left by long-dry seas.

Ian's Secret Tip: salt is cheap and heavy and added to some spice blends to make them cheaper so watch out and just buy the best.

If you have any questions either for me or for Ian, you can email us [email protected] or write in to 2rrr, PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.