We have Found success growing Grevillea acanthifolia, an endangered Blue Mountains native, despite its reputation for thriving only in boggy conditions. Surprisingly, it’s done well in drier soils. Its sharp-tipped leaves may be dangerous but the vibrant pink and purple blooms are well worth it. This plant brings a rugged beauty to the garden, showcasing the tough yet gorgeous nature of Australia's flora.

I couldn’t resist sharing the beauty of our Tall Bearded Irises ‘voltigeur’, which are in full bloom right now. While they’re not native to Australia, they have become a star of our back garden, a space dedicated to both food and flowers—our own little picking and foraging haven.

When we first moved in, the garden was a wild mess of weeds and invasive trees. In the process of cleaning it out, I stumbled upon a small, neglected patch of Tall Bearded Irises. They were struggling, pale and withered, perforated by snails and slugs, starved of sunlight for what looked like a decade or more. Despite their poor condition, these hardy plants had managed to hang on.

Using Australian native plants in the home garden is one of the true joys of gardening in our sun-baked country. However, many gardeners are often discouraged from using native plants because they have a reputation for being fussy and think they need to be kept separate from exotic plants in their garden. While this is true for some native species, many can be treated as regular garden plants. The reason they have acquired this reputation is that some native plants are sensitive to phosphorus. Understanding this distinction can make using natives in your garden easy and rewarding.

Fertilising Australian native plants has sparked debate among gardeners for years. Historically, many believed these plants didn't need fertilising due to their evolutionary adaptation to grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, this myth has been debunked; In the garden, Australian native plants benefit significantly from feeding. While chemical fertilisers often pose risks due to high phosphorus levels, organic methods offer a safer alternative. By using compost, mulches, and specific organic liquid feeds, gardeners can nourish their native plants effectively and safely.

Foraging for mushrooms is a delight of the autumn season. It reconnects us back to our ancestral roots when we lived within a hunter gatherer societies. It connects us to our geographical location, environment and ecosystems around us. It grounds our soul deep within the earth almost as though the mycelium in the soil is reach up and grabbing hold of us and our inner world, holding us still, present and safe for just a moment. Sounds a bit hippy dippy, yes, but it’s true, when I forage, I feel mindful and present. I feel wild.

A key identifier of Azalea Lace Bug infestation is the presence of dark fecal spots on the undersides of affected leaves. These spots, often resembling cracked pepper, are a telltale sign of lace bug activity. Additionally, if you observe bronzing, silvering or metallic foliage, especially on the top of the leaf surface, it may indicate a severe infestation.

Autumn always feels a little low for me, I feel like my plants do, starting to pack up shop for the growing season. the gays are getting shorter the nights and days are getting cooler. Waking up and gardening in the mornings becomes a little harder. but realically when I think about the type of gardening that happens in Autumn its some of my favorite of all!

Easy 3 ingredient home-made tool disinfectant spray. Keep your garden tools clean and your plants healthy. Protecting them from pathogens and diseases!

Easily, the most divisive plants in the Blue Mountains local community are Agapanthus, or "aggies" as we call them. As a horticulturist, I have never seen as much division or uproar about a plant in my life. Personally, I have witnessed heated exchanges in the street between residents over their purple verge plantings. I’ve seen neighbors sneaking around in the dead of night armed with secateurs, beheading blooms before they get the chance to unfurl their petals.

These vibrant purple flowers effortlessly infuse your native landscape with immediate bursts of color and whimsy. Indigenous to New South Wales, they seamlessly complement various garden styles, radiating beauty in cottage gardens while flourishing in the untamed allure of native bush-blocks and coastal, windswept landscapes.

Mallee Eucalyptus have an attractive and unique habit makes them perfectly suited for Australian native and mediterranean style gardens. They aretough and drought tolerant making them ideal for waterwise gardens. They attract native birds and wildlife to your garden.

The Narrow-Leaved Mallee Ash, scientifically known as Eucalyptus apiculata, is a small tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. With a compact habit as a Mallee, it typically reaches a height of 4-6 meters and spans a width of 3-4 meters. The tree produces charming flowers in various shades including white, cream, and yellow, with recorded blooming periods in January, March, October, and December. Thriving in temperate to cool-temperate climates, this species prefers full sun exposure and exhibits moderate frost tolerance while showcasing commendable drought resistance. The Narrow-Leaved Mallee Ash is adaptable to poor soils, particularly those comprised of sandstone. Its resilience and aesthetic appeal make it a noteworthy addition to diverse landscapes.

The Faulconbridge Mallee Ash, scientifically known as Eucalyptus burgessiana, is a small tree with a compact mallee habit. It typically reaches a height of up to 7 meters and spans a width of 3-5 meters. The plant is characterized by a lignotuber root system. Its flowers, appearing in white, cream, and yellow hues, bloom has been recorded in various months, including May, August, September, November, and December. Thriving in temperate climates, this species prefers full sun skeletal sand on sandstone soils with an Noteworthy for its frost tolerance and drought resistance, the Faulconbridge Mallee Ash is well-suited for garden styles inspired by Australian native or Mediterranean landscapes.