Real World Gardener-Horticulture, Gardening, Learning to Grow

Real World Gardener-Horticulture, Gardening, Learning to Grow

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Real World Gardener-Horticulture, Gardening, Learning to Grow episodes

  • Real World Gardener Indoor Plants for Warm Climates in Design Elements
    DESIGN ELEMENTS

    Indoor Plants for Warm Climates

    The most important elements required for healthy houseplants include light, water, temperature and humidity.

    If any or all of these factors aren’t properly met, your houseplants will inevitably suffer.

    You might be sweltering under the fans in the heat of a subtropical summer but what about your indoor plants?

    Dieffenbachia

    Can they cope or is this the climate where they thrive the best?

    So let’s find out more in this new series on indoor plants.

    I'm talking with Julia Levitt, Landscape Designer and Director of www.sticksandstonesld.com.au

    The good news is that tropical plants usually enjoy warmer conditions and don’t perform well once indoor temperatures fall below 13-16 C.

    Plus they like a lot of humidity, that means at least 50%, but better at 70% or more.

    Most of the tropical, ornamental indoor plants with attractive foliage & colourful leaf patterns are suitable for hot & humid climates.

    For example Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane, Dracaena, house ferns of many kinds, Tricolor plant, snake plant, Philodendron, Money plant, Syngonium etc

    7 min
  • Real World Gardener Indoor Plants for Warm Climates in Design Elements
    DESIGN ELEMENTS
    Indoor Plants for Warm Climates
    The most important elements required for healthy houseplants include light, water, temperature and humidity.
    If any or all of these factors aren’t properly met, your houseplants will inevitably suffer.
    You might be sweltering under the fans in the heat of a subtropical summer but what about your indoor plants?
    Dieffenbachia
    Can they cope or is this the climate where they thrive the best?
    So let’s find out more in this new series on indoor plants.
    I'm talking with Julia Levitt, Landscape Designer and Director of www.sticksandstonesld.com.au
    The good news is that tropical plants usually enjoy warmer conditions and don’t perform well once indoor temperatures fall below 13-16 C.
    Plus they like a lot of humidity, that means at least 50%, but better at 70% or more.
    Most of the tropical, ornamental indoor plants with attractive foliage & colourful leaf patterns are suitable for hot & humid climates.
    For example Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane, Dracaena, house ferns of many kinds, Tricolor plant, snake plant, Philodendron, Money plant, Syngonium etc
    7 min
  • Real World Gardener Alocasia in Plant of The Week
    PLANT OF THE WEEK

    Alocasia species

    For an instant tropical feel, plants with large leaves are one of the main choices.

    Some of these belong in the Alocasia family originating from a bulb or rhizome. 

    Alocasia amazonica

    But will they grow in your district.

    Let’s find out

    That was Jeremy Critchley www.thegreengallery.com.au

    PLAY: Alocasia 21st August 2019

    Jeremy mentioned these varieties of Alocasi to watch out for.

    Alocasia macrorrhiza, Alocasia zebrina and Alocasia amazonica, are all outstanding cultivars.

    The latter has very dark green leaves with prominent veins, edged in white, while the back of the leaf is purple.

    Slow growing but hates the cold.

    Jeremy thinks that it looks a bit like an African mask.

    Don’t be like me and forgot they die down in winter.

    Luckily I didn’t throw it out.

    8 min
  • Real World Gardener Alocasia in Plant of The Week
    PLANT OF THE WEEK
    Alocasia species
    For an instant tropical feel, plants with large leaves are one of the main choices.
    Some of these belong in the Alocasia family originating from a bulb or rhizome. 
    Alocasia amazonica
    But will they grow in your district.
    Let’s find out
    That was Jeremy Critchley www.thegreengallery.com.au
    PLAY: Alocasia 21st August 2019
    Jeremy mentioned these varieties of Alocasi to watch out for.
    Alocasia macrorrhiza, Alocasia zebrina and Alocasia amazonica, are all outstanding cultivars.
    The latter has very dark green leaves with prominent veins, edged in white, while the back of the leaf is purple.
    Slow growing but hates the cold.
    Jeremy thinks that it looks a bit like an African mask.
    Don’t be like me and forgot they die down in winter.
    Luckily I didn’t throw it out.
    8 min
  • Real World Gardener Jacky Winter in Wildlife in Focus
    WILDLIFE IN FOCUS
    Jacky Winter:Microeca fascinans
    If someone asked you what bird sings loudly from high trees that sounds like a whistling call "chwit-chwit-chwit-queeter-queeter-queeter", would you hazard a guess or be completely in the dark? This bird happens to be Jacky Winter and is almost sparrow like in its appearance, weighing only 15 grams.
    Jacky Winter
    Let’s find out more? I'm talking with Dr Holly Parsons from www.birdsinbackyards.org.au Native to Australia, Jacky Winter is widespread in open woodland , preferring bare ground, rural towns and peri-urban areas.
    An insect eating bird that dars out from its perch onto open ground but then flies back to that same perch or perhaps another nearby.
    Very acrobat in the way they chase their insect prey.
    Jacky Winter builds a cup shaped nest which is often positioned on a dead branch so it blends in better.
    Bird Calls:Bird call recognition can be tricky, especially if there’s no chance of seeing the bird, but have no fear. There are apps for your mobile phone which allows you to record the call and it will identify it for you. There’s even one called Shazam.  If you have any questions for me or for Holly email us at [email protected] you can write in to 2RRR PO Box 644, Gladesville NSW 1675
    10 min
  • Real World Gardener Jacky Winter in Wildlife in Focus
    WILDLIFE IN FOCUS
    Jacky Winter:Microeca fascinans

    If someone asked you what bird sings loudly from high trees that sounds like a whistling call "chwit-chwit-chwit-queeter-queeter-queeter", would you hazard a guess or be completely in the dark? 

    This bird happens to be Jacky Winter and is almost sparrow like in its appearance, weighing only 15 grams.

    Jacky Winter

    Let’s find out more? 

    I'm talking with Dr Holly Parsons from www.birdsinbackyards.org.au 
    Native to Australia, Jacky Winter is widespread in open woodland , preferring bare ground, rural towns and peri-urban areas.

    An insect eating bird that dars out from its perch onto open ground but then flies back to that same perch or perhaps another nearby.
    Very acrobat in the way they chase their insect prey.
    Jacky Winter builds a cup shaped nest which is often positioned on a dead branch so it blends in better.
    Bird Calls:
    Bird call recognition can be tricky, especially if there’s no chance of seeing the bird, but have no fear. 
    There are apps for your mobile phone which allows you to record the call and it will identify it for you. 
    There’s even one called Shazam. 
     If you have any questions for me or for Holly email us at [email protected].Or 
    you can write in to 2RRR PO Box 644, Gladesville NSW 1675
    10 min
  • Real World Gardener Indoor Plants are Fab Again in Design Elements
    PLANT OF THE WEEK;
    Indoor Plants:  Introduction
    Did you know that NASA has carried out a Clean air Study to figure out which plants help to clean the air in our homes and offices?
    Selection of indoor plants about to be potted up. photo: M Cannon
    These plants are best at cleaning the air to eliminate toxins.
    Toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene.
    So let’s find out more in this new series on indoor plants.
    I'm talking with Julia Levitt, Landscape Designer and Director of www.sticksandstonesld.com.au
    Indoor plants not only look attractive, brighten up gloomy areas and generally improve our moods, but they also have an added benefit of cleaning the air.
    Those chemicals that I mentioned are all common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted into the air in our homes by everyday items such as furniture, carpets and common household appliances as well as air fresheners, hair products and nail polish. Wow!
    If you have any questions about indoor plants why not email us [email protected] or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675
    8 min
  • Real World Gardener Indoor Plants are Fab Again in Design Elements
    PLANT OF THE WEEK;

    Indoor Plants:  Introduction

    Did you know that NASA has carried out a Clean air Study to figure out which plants help to clean the air in our homes and offices?

    Selection of indoor plants about to be potted up. photo: M Cannon

    These plants are best at cleaning the air to eliminate toxins.

    Toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene.

    So let’s find out more in this new series on indoor plants.

    I'm talking with Julia Levitt, Landscape Designer and Director of www.sticksandstonesld.com.au

    Indoor plants not only look attractive, brighten up gloomy areas and generally improve our moods, but they also have an added benefit of cleaning the air.

    Those chemicals that I mentioned are all common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted into the air in our homes by everyday items such as furniture, carpets and common household appliances as well as air fresheners, hair products and nail polish. Wow!

    If you have any questions about indoor plants why not email us [email protected] or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675

    8 min
  • Real World Gardener Peppermint as Herbal in Plant of the Week
    PLANT OF THE WEEK
    Mint:Piperita officinalis-Peppermint: Mentha spicata-Common Mint or Spearmint
    Even non gardeners would be familiar with the mint herb and many would have imbibed peppermint tea, and perhaps even eaten after dinner mints.
    But which mint helps you sleep and which mint helps with a sore stomach?
    Let’s find out
    I'm talking with was Simone Jefferies, naturopath and herbalist of www.simonejeffriesnaturopath.com.au 
     
    A herb that grows well where it is a bit damp and shady.
    Simone says, "mint has a sense of humour, because in Simone's garden, it pops up almost anywhere, including cracks in the pavement. "
    You can easily buy peppermint plants as well as the many other different varieties of mint.
    There are many types of mint: eau de cologne mint, mojito mint, ginger mint, and banana mint.
    Banana mint sounded quite delicious and may be an ideal addition to ice cold water on a warm summer’s day.
    Benefits of Mint
    Peppermint Mint is a calming and soothing herb that has been used for thousands of years to aid with upset stomach or indigestion.
    Mint is a mild sedative and can be used just before going to sleep as a calmative.
    Cooking with Mint
    Mint Sauce-handful of mint, add some sugar, vinegar and boiling water.
    Add to steamed peas.
    Tabbouleh: 1/3 mint; 2/3 parsley, cracked wheat, spring onions, cucumber  (if desired.)
    If you have any questions for me or for Simone, please write in to [email protected]
    10 min
  • Real World Gardener Peppermint as Herbal in Plant of the Week
    PLANT OF THE WEEK

    Mint:Piperita officinalis-Peppermint: Mentha spicata-Common Mint or Spearmint

    Even non gardeners would be familiar with the mint herb and many would have imbibed peppermint tea, and perhaps even eaten after dinner mints.

    But which mint helps you sleep and which mint helps with a sore stomach?

    Let’s find out

    I'm talking with was Simone Jefferies, naturopath and herbalist of www.simonejeffriesnaturopath.com.au 

     

    A herb that grows well where it is a bit damp and shady.

    Simone says, "mint has a sense of humour, because in Simone's garden, it pops up almost anywhere, including cracks in the pavement. "

    You can easily buy peppermint plants as well as the many other different varieties of mint.

    There are many types of mint: eau de cologne mint, mojito mint, ginger mint, and banana mint.

    Banana mint sounded quite delicious and may be an ideal addition to ice cold water on a warm summer’s day.

    Benefits of Mint

    Peppermint Mint is a calming and soothing herb that has been used for thousands of years to aid with upset stomach or indigestion.

    Mint is a mild sedative and can be used just before going to sleep as a calmative.

    Cooking with Mint

    Mint Sauce-handful of mint, add some sugar, vinegar and boiling water.

    Add to steamed peas.

    Tabbouleh: 1/3 mint; 2/3 parsley, cracked wheat, spring onions, cucumber  (if desired.)

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

    10 min

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Radio program Sydney, Australia. Garden Design, Growing Vegetables Trees and Flowers, Garden Tools, Plant Care and Plant Health, Attracting Wildlife to your Garden.