Summer

  Plant eggplants today and enjoy a long harvest of delicious, homegrown vegetables. Perfect for sunny Australian gardens, eggplants are easy to grow, highly productive and packed with flavour and nutrients. When to plant Eggplant can be planted throughout autumn and winter in warmer temperate zones, spring and summer for the colder southern states of Australia visit the Winter Herbs …

Pawpaw (papaya) (Carica papaya) is a fast-growing tropical fruit tree perfect for warm Australian gardens. Flourishing in full sun and well-drained soil, it can produce sweet, juicy fruit within a year. With regular care, pawpaw is a rewarding and productive addition to any backyard.   Which sex to buy? Pawpaw trees can be male, female or bisexual (meaning they produce …

Growing vegetables in the heat of summer can be a challenge but following a few simple steps simplifies the process.  First step is to know your region, is it Mediterranean, tropical, wet or dry tropical, dry inland, temperate, or cool and southern tablelands. Once you know your region then select plants that are suitable for your region at that time …

This summer, try growing a pineapple. Pineapples are part of the bromeliad family, so naturally, they will grow well in warmer weather. They grow exceptionally well in sub-tropical and tropical climates and look striking potted up in large pots. A real statement for patios and a talking piece when the pineapples appear.  To start the process, buy a pineapple from …

Living Gifts…gifts that keep on giving Stuck for a long lasting gift for that special friend or loved one? A fresh, prettily presented new plant is a wonderful option. Whether your friend is an inexperienced gardener or a seasoned green thumb, a plant can literally breathe new life into their living environment. Quick tip: When picking flowering plants for a …

Growing carrots in Australia is easy when you have the correct knowledge. Carrots are one of the few root crops that can be eaten raw or cooked! When to plant carrots The best time to plant carrots in Australia is spring, autumn and winter. Avoid cold and hot extremes unless you’re willing to give your carrots that little extra TLC. …

Have you ever wished you could ‘splash’ colourful flowers all over your garden, as if with a magical paintbrush? Mandevillas can do just that, providing bold, tropical colour and looking fabulous for most of the year with minimal effort. Mandevilla (sometimes called Dipladenia) is a lush, tropical climber that flowers flamboyantly all year round In warmer climates. Hardy and versatile, …

Decorating your dining table with a fresh, prettily presented flowering plant can add the perfect finishing touch to your Christmas dinner. Best of all they will make a fabulous addition to your garden after. Here’s our top 5 picks & how to care for them:  Poinsettia Associated with Christmas throughout the western world, these subtropical beauties need full sun to …

Next time you bake a Christmas cake for a friend, try baking one in a terracotta flower pot. Once the cake is devoured, they can reuse the pot to plant up their favourite plant.   Ingredients 1.5kg mixed fruit 1/2 cup of your favourite sherry/brandy/rum 2 tbsp apricot jam 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 5 eggs 250g butter, melted …

A favourite in warm temperate to tropical Australian gardens where they can grow year-round, the passionfruit originates from South America. This lovely climber has it all; lush foliage, beautiful flowers and delicious fruit! Planting Passionfruit In warmer zones with mild winters, passionfruit can be planted throughout the year. Plant only during the warmer time of year, from October to March …