Real World Gardener-Horticulture, Gardening, Learning to Grow

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

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The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

SOIL pH series introductionChlorosis, or iron deficiency

This next topic isn’t all that glamourous but can mean that your garden plants won’t grow as well if you do nothing about it.

Plants will be stunted, or have deformed leaves, even yellowing leaves with green veins can be one of the outcomes.

You’ll often read or hear the recommendation to check soil pH, but what does that really mean?

Pity about the topic name but let’s find out in this introduction to soil pH.

I'm talking with Glenice Buck, Consulting Arborist and Landscape Designer.

Soil pH measures the alkalinity or acidity levels in the soil.

This ranges from '0' to ;14' on a pH scale, where pH 7 is considered neutral.pH chartLevels falling below 7 are acidic and those above 7 are considered alkaline.

Soil pH is important because it influences how easily plants can take up nutrients from the soil.

Did you know that plant roots absorb mineral nutrients such as nitrogen and iron when they are dissolved in water?

If the soil solution (the mixture of water and nutrients in the soil) is too acid or alkaline, some nutrients won’t dissolve easily, so they won’t be available for uptake by roots.

If you have any questions about measuring soil pH drop us a line to [email protected]

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

Network. www.realworldgardener.comREALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK

The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s editionSPICE IT UP

MINTS

Originally taken as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains, nowadays it’s mostly called upon for soothing indigestion to heartburn and the common cold to bad breath.

There are three common mints:Mentha viridis or common min has a rounded leaf and not as bright as Mentha spicata or spearmint which has a more elongated leaf. Then there's Peppermint, Mentha x piperita, which is a cross between spearmint and watermint.Mentha spicata

Not all mints are equal and if you want to add the best culinary type mint to your cooking then you need to pay attention to this next segment. Let’s find out what it is now. I'm talking with Not all mints are equal and if you want to add the best culinary type mint to your cooking then you need to pay attention to this next segment.

I'm talking with Ian Hemphill from www.herbies.com.au

Not all mints are equal and if you want to add the best culinary type mint to your cooking then you need to pay attention to this next segment.

Herbies Spices sells dried mint which is imported from Turkey.

Peppermint wasn't known in the UK until the 1700's.PeppermintPeppermint is mostly used medicinally and in sweets or confectionary, but not in savoury cooking.

Apple mint is a less common mint but can be used in cooking. Apple mint flavour goes well with peas and in mint ice.

On the other hand Eau de Cologne mint is not suitable in any recipe.

Although mint is easy to grow, its roots, which are called "runners," are also incredibly invasive: they quickly grow, sprouting new leaves and new plants as they go.

Mint will overtake a flower bed or garden in no time if you're not careful

If you have any questions about Wollemi Pines or have some information to share, drop us a line to [email protected] or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

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The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.

FEATURE INTERVIEW

WOLLEMI PINE Wollemia nobilisWollemi pine photo Louise Brooks

The Wollemi pine is regarded as a Dinosaur plant because fossil evidence has dated it to have been around during the Jurassic period.

 

Way back in 1994, a chance discovery in the Wollemi National Park, by ranger David Noble and a couple of mates led to this tree being recognized as one of the rarest trees on the planet.

 

You can grow  buy a Wollemi pine for your home garden but need to know some expert tips as in the next segment.

Let’s find out what they are.

 

 

 

 

Louise Brooks is talking with Dr Cathy Offord, Research Scientist and The Australian Botanic Garden, Mt Annan.

She was speaking with occasional producer Louise Brooks. Wollemi pine photo Louise Brooks

Thanks Louise for that wonderful segment.

In the home garden, the Wollemi pine needs only 20% - 50% sunlight because that mimics the light level where they grow naturally.

Failure occur when Wollemi pines are grown in full sun.

Wollemi pines are the least heat tolerant of all the Araucariaceae family which includes Bunya pines and Hoop pines, disliking anything above 37 degrees centigrade.

They grow best on the south side of buildings and can be grown in a large pot.

Annually cut of the top of the Wollemi pine because they'll re-sprout.

Don't overwater or keep a saucer under the pot or container.

As for fertilising the good news is any general fertiliser will do as they haven't shown to be phosphorous sensitive.

Just remember that they have the potential to be large trees, growing to 35 metres in their natural setting, albeit very slow growing.

If you have any questions about Wollemi Pines or have some information to share, drop us a line to [email protected] or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

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The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition. PLANT OF THE WEEK

This next plant is for the lovers of fragrance in the garden.

And if you love fragrance, you’re probably going to buy plants that aren’t supposed to do well in your district.

Plants like Luculia, or Lilac (Syringia vulgaris) which are for cool climates mostly.

There’s another much plant that has a reputation of keeling over without warning, but gardeners still want to grow if because of its high fragrance.

Now, there’s a new variety with flowers double or triple the size of the old species (Daphne odora) and hopefully, a bit more resistant to some of the problems that plagued the predecessor.

So, what so good about it?

Let’s find out. 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 Daphne Perfume PrincessDaphne Perfume Princess is apparently no ordinary Daphne and should be on every plant collector’s list.

Not only are the flowers bigger than the species Daphne, but it flowers longer, can grow anywhere in Australia and it has the strongest fragrance of any Daphne.

A definite must have.

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

Network. www.realworldgardener.comREALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK

The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s editionDESIGN ELEMENTS

Wildlife in Tropical Gardens

Would you think that tropical gardens are any good for wildlife?

Of course! Think Daintree and Kakadu for tropical and rainforest;Lorikeets in Drunken Parrot tree or Schotia brachypetala  photo M CannonAustralia has some of the oldest and largest tracts of rainforest in the world, and they are teeming with wildlife.

So how can you get that into your garden?

Let’s find out. I'm talking with Louise McDaid, Garden Designer.

Australia’s rainforests stretch across the country and cover every climatic type. Daintree rainforestFrom Queensland's Daintree Rainforest to Tasmania's cool temperate wilderness and to the Gondwanan rainforest near Byron Bay.

You'll also find dry rainforest pockets in Western Australia's Kimberley region and monsoon rainforest in Kakadu National Park.

Down in Victoria's Otway Ranges, exist lush fern gullies.

This lush landscape is home to species like cassowaries, parrots, pythons, possums, tree kangaroos, and primitive-looking reptiles, many of which live nowhere else in the world.

You may not attract these to your garden but you certainly will attract something from your local area.

So there’s no excuse for not having a tropical rainforest no matter what zone you live in.

If you have any questions about creating tropical gardens drop us a line to [email protected]

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

Network. www.realworldgardener.comREALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK

The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.

WILDLIFE IN FOCUS

RED WATTLEBIRD

Gardens are a particular favourite of this medium sized nectar feeding wattlebird.Red wattlebird

One of the second largest, weighing  of it’s type,110grams, these birds make a typical clucking sound not unlike that of chickens and have a yellow underbelly with red cheek patches.

The biggest wattlebird is the yellow wattlebird and only lives in Tasmania. The red wattlebird lives mostly in the southern areas of Australia, but that includes New South Wales except for inland.

You might see one or two around Brisbane as well.

Are they coming to visit your garden or neighbourhood?

Let’s find out ? I'm talking with Dr Holly Parsons Manager of Birds in Backyards.

The red wattlebird is a mottled browny-white with little globs of red called 'wattles' below the cheek.Red Wattlebird photo Birds in BackyardsNot named after it’s penchant for hanging around Wattle trees, but for the red flap or wattle on each side of its face, a bit like that of chickens and turkeys.

This bird also has a yellow belly and a reddish eye when it's mature.

FACT CHECK: Nectar is a large par of any honeyeaters diet and you might find information on the web that wattlebirds have a brush tipped tongue.

That’s not correct, but is as Holly said, just a fairly long tongue that’s good for slurping up the nectar with the aid of a long curved bill for probing the flowers.

If you have any questions about red wattlebirds or any other birds or have some information to share, drop us a line to [email protected] or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

Network. www.realworldgardener.comREALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK

The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s editionPLANT OF THE WEEK

CHRYSTANTHEMUM MULTIFLORA

Looking fantastic right now with their explosion of flowers that are so many, you can’t see the foliage.

This time the breeders haven’t held back with some of the variety names which include, Boulevard, Popcorn, Mars, Moulin Rouge and Clown.Chrysanthemum multiflora 

So, what about growing your own?

Let’s find out which ones are so good. I'm talking with  the plant panel were Karen Smith, editor of Hort Journal www.hortjournal.com.au  and Jeremy Critchley, The Green Gallery wholesale nursery owner. www.thegreengallery.com.au

 

Chrysanthemum multiflora grows dense and can reach an average height of 40 - 80 cm and a spread of 40 - 80 cm.

The flowers  of Chrysanthemum multiflora are about half the size of regular or more commonly grown garden 'mums' but the number so many, that it makes for a dazzling display.

Chrysanthemum multiflora or Garden Mums are prolific bloomers and are easy to grow, hardy, and available in a huge range of colours. They have different type of flower and bloom season to fit every landscape need.

•Anemone: 1 or more rows of petals with a cushion-like centre.

•Pompom: Familiar globular shape

•Regular Incurve: Petals curve up and in, forming a sphere

•Single or daisy: Looks like its cousin, the daisy

•Spider: Long, curled petals droop down and give a spider-like lookChrysanthemum multifloraThese are among the shorter, mounding varieties of mums generally grouped as ‘cushion’ mums.

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

Network. www.realworldgardener.comREALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK

The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition. DESIGN ELEMENTS

TROPICAL GARDENS FOR A COOL CLIMATE

Temperate regions like Tasmania and mountainous regions in Victoria and New South Wales.Tropical-look cool climate rainforest. Montane rainforests are like tropical gardens in cool temperate areas, so it’s not such a stretch to consider planting or designing with the tropical look.

Let’s find out about tropical gardens for cool climates. I'm talking with Garden Designer Louise McDaid.

Montane rainforests have quite a lot of year-round rainfall, are mostly above 3,300 feet, or 1,000 metres but with a good amount of rainfall and mostly have a canopy layer but don’t have the year-round warmth and sunlight associated with tropical rainforests

It’s important to remember that windbreaks and creating microclimates will help establish large leaved plants that might not thrive or do that well to start off with. But with a bit of planning, I’m sure you can get that tropical look for your mountain garden. Close planting is the key, and layering.

If you have any questions about creating tropical gardens drop us a line to [email protected]

All information will be posted on the website atwww.realworldgardener.com

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

Network. www.realworldgardener.comREALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK

The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s editionPLANT OF THE WEEK

EDIBLE FLOWERS

Have you wondered about a sure fire way to add a touch of elegance, colour and flavour to your recipes, perhaps to impress your friends when they come over for dinner?

Perhaps you want just a fun way  to add a bit of whimsy to get little ones to eat their food?Edible flowers photo M CannonFlowers belong to plants that have fruits and those that have vegetables. So can be classed as both, also because you can eat some flowers of both.

Edible flowers sounds like it could be good but is it?

Why would you eat flowers anyway and what flowers can you eat?

Let’s find out which ones are so good.…

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

www.thegreengallery.com.au

Why are some of Australia’s top restaurants, demanding flowers of violas, fennel, coriander, peas, rocket and Borage?

Edible flowers have been in diets for thousands of years.

Did you know that Romans used edible flowers such as mallows, roses and violets in a lot of their dishes?

You’ve probably heard of and even eaten capers, but did you know capers (Capparis spinosa) are the flower buds of an Mediterranean evergreen shrub and have been used to flavour foods and sauces for over 2,000 years?

Don’t eat flowers from non-organic sources such as florists, supermarkets, nurseries, gardens, or roadsides as they may contain pesticide residue.

 Another tip is to add flowers gradually to your diet.

Edible flowers:

Some of the flowers we mentioned are calendula, roses and sunflowers ( for their petals) , violas, pansies, marigold, nasturtium, dianthus, freesia, stocks and cornflowers, daylilies, and chrysanthemums.

Most of the herb flowers are edible and may have the taste of the herb itself – chives, garlic, leeks , basil, rocket, borage, chervil, coriander, fennel, ginger, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme.

there are many more that haven't been mentioned.

REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney,

streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au  and Across Australia on the Community Radio

Network. www.realworldgardener.com

REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK

The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

 Coastal Garden photo Peter Nixon

Tropical gardens seem to fit, hand in glove in coastal areas, because when we think of the beach, we might like to imagine that we’re in an exotic location with the lushness of a tropical oasis.

Think big leaves, colourful foliage and lots of flowers.

Let’s find out how to create this near the coast…I'm talking with Louise McDaid, Garden Designer. Paradisus photo Peter NixonCoastal gardens are affected by salt laden winds and sandy, nutrient poor soils so it's not necessarily easy to get them to work. Salt laden winds cause leaf burn on plants.

So, it’s important to remember that windbreaks, either planted or built form, and creating microclimates will help establish large leaved plants that might not thrive or do that well to start off with, but with a bit of planning.

Windbreak plants suggestions: Acacia, Lagunaria patersonii or Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Sheoaks or Casuarinas, Callistemons or bottlebrush,Vitex and Metrosideros or NZ Christmas bush.

 I’m sure you can get that tropical look for your coastal garden.

Close planting is the key, and layering with different plants at different levels or plants of different heights.

If you have any questions about creating tropical gardens drop us a line to [email protected]