Real World Gardener-Horticulture, Gardening, Learning to Grow

Clerodendron Ugandense: Butterfly Bush

There are plenty of shrubs that are called by the common name of Butterfly Bush so it can be confusing if you want a particular one but don’t know the botanical name.

Some are called butterfly bush because they attract butterflies in that they have heaps of nectar and a landing pad for the butterflies to rest on while they’re having a drink.

Others are called butterfly bush because the flowers look like little butterflies.

But first, let’s find out about this plant.

I'm talking with the plant panel: Karen Smith, editor of Hort Journal www.hortjournal.com.au and Jeremy Critchley, The Green Gallery wholesale nursery owner. www.thegreengallery.com.au

We mentioned several different varieties namely

• Clerodendron thomsonii, the white flowered climber, 

  If you have any questions about growing this particular butterfly bush either for me or for any of the plant panel, then why not write in to 

Old Fashioned Plants for the Hot Sub-Tropics

What to plant in those parts of Australia which have no rain for months, and then never ending rain in others?

What if they don’t get rain for 12 months like in Madagascar?

You need plants that can store water but look good.

What is on offer for the hot dry sub-tropics. Let’s find out.

I'm talking with Peter Nixon, garden Designer & project Manager from Paradisus Garden design.

Cool sub-tropics is not a zone you would normally think of but there it is.

Peter mentioned these plants

• Cussonia paniculata-the Mountain Cabbage tree from Sth Africa

Caring For Brassicas

Brassicas are a large family of plants which include not just white cauliflowers and green broccoli, but all manner of purple caulis, purple sprouting broccoli and purple or green cabbages just to mention a few.

Lovely cabbages Photo: Margaret Mossakowska

There’s even a veg that’s a cross between brussel sprouts and kale, called Brukale. Whatever next?

So what’s needed to grow the best brassicas? Let’s find out more. 

I'm talking with Margaret Mossakowska from Moss House.

LIVE: Growing Brassicas_22nd_ May 2019

TIPS: Don't overdo high nitrogen fertilisers for the heading brassicas such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflowers. That means blood 'n' bone, and chook poo pellets.

Too much nitrogen will result in smaller heads.

• Be careful what you use to control pests on your brassicas, so that you don’t kill ladybird, hoverfly and lacewing larvae which are all beneficial insects.

Exclusion netting photo: Margaret Mossakowska www.mosshouse.com.au

If you have any questions either for me or for Margaret, drop us a line to [email protected] or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675

 Beeswax wraps.

Plastic is back in the media as being bad for the environment, so much so, that some countries have banned the use of plastic bags.

Soft plastics such as what you use for wrapping your sandwiches are just as much of a problem as the bags because, it doesn’t break down ever.

So what else can you wrap your sandwiches in other than putting it in a plastic container?

So let’s find out.

Beeswax wraps for food storage

I'm talking with Margaret Mossakowska, Director of www.mosshouse.com.au and course coordinator for Permaculture North in Sydney.

PLAY: Beeswax wraps_15th May 2019 (rpt 14th June 2017)

You can spend the dollars and buy the ready-made beeswax wraps, or you can do it yourself quite cheaply. 

How to Make Beeswax wraps

12 grams Beeswax

40 x 40 cm piece of cotton. Quilting cotton density.

Jojoba oil in a spray bottle.

So go on, kick the plastic habit and make some beeswax wraps yourself

Old Fashioned Shrubs for Cool Sub-tropical part 2

This series is all about what were those old fashioned shrubs that you may have some of in your garden.

Last week was part 1 of cool sub-tropics which is a zoning not mentioned before by any gardening book I know.

Leopard plant

Peter has added this zoning to cover parts of the east coast that are warm and humid but not as warm and humid as say Cairns or Townsville.

Let’s find out what old fashioned shrubs suit cool temperate areas.

I'm talking with Peter Nixon, garden Designer & project Manager from Paradisus Garden design.

PLAY: Old Fashioned Shrubs cool sub-tropics part 2 15th May 2019

Cool sub-tropics is not a zone you would normally think of but there it is.

Peter mentioned plants for shade:

Gerberas; 

Barleria cristata -Lavendar lace

Lobelia laxiflora 1.2m height with orange/yellow flowers;

 Ruellia mackoyana-groundcover

Plants for semi-shade:

Farfugia japonicum aureomaculatum-Leopard plant

Plectranthus ecklonii and P. grandis with blue flowers

If you have any questions for Peter or for me, you know what to do..