Real World Gardener for 25th May 2011 2RRR 88.5fm
Wildlife in Focus: Kurtis Lindsay talks to Marianne about the Musk Lorikeet. Just when you though a Lorikeet was a Lorikeet. Hear the podcast.
Vegetable Hero: Broad Beans-Vicia faba. What to do with those Broad Bean seeds?
Direct planting into roughly prepared soil is the best way to grow BB. Sow the seeds 5-10cm deep, that’s about the width of my small hand if I include the thumb, with 15-20cm between plants and 70cm or 2 ruler lengths between rows. Your beans should be poking their heads through the soil in about 10-14 days after sowing, but will be slower the later you sow towards winter. Here’s a good tip:Soaking seeds overnight in diluted liquid seaweed can speed this up….germination. Water seeds well as soon as you’ve put them into the ground and , then, don’t water them…MOST IMPORTANT until after germination, to prevent the seeds from rotting. Ok, YOU CAN’T DO MUCH ABOUT IT IF IT RAINS. Broad beans will need to be staked or supported to stop the plant collapsing under the weight of the mature beans.For those few parts of Australia that get frost, flowers formed during frosty weather are probably not going to set pods. Once spring arrives, pinch out the tips of the plants to encourage pod set. Try to limit water stress as this will also affect pod set. That means don’t let them dry out! Your beans should be ready in about 90 - 160 days-that’s 3-5 months, depending on how cold the weather is. Pick the pods when the seeds are looking about the right size but not hard. If left too long on the plant, beans are likely to be dry and less tasty. Dig in the roots and leaves after harvest to add nitrogen to the soil. Remember I mentioned that spacing the beans further apart is important? Well here’s why Broad beans are prone to fungal attack - brown spots on stems and leaves - particularly if planted too closely together or if planted in soils too rich in nutrients such as straight compost and manure. Don’t grow broad beans in the same spot two years running as it can cause a build up of diseases in the soil.
Design Elements: Steeply sloping garden. A repeat from last week.
Plant of the Week:Proteas an favourite cut flower is great for water wise gardens. For all cultivation on these plants see www.proteaflora.com.au
Real World Gardener is produced in the studios of 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, N.S.W. and heard across Australia on the Community Radio Network. A gardening show with up to date, informative topics about sustainable gardening, plants, wildlife and the environment. RWG's team of experts with Marianne Cannon, host, and educator JOIN US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/RealWorldGardener
Monday, 30 May 2011
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Royal Wedding Memories with Sweet Williams
Real World Gardener on Community Radio 2RRR.
How about a plant that commemorates William and Kate’s wedding? Now that’s novel.
Feature Interview: Talking to Peter Maish, arboriculturalist and tree preservation officer with a local council. Peter talks about problems with trees and what you can do about them. Listen Here.
Vegetable Heroes: Cauliflowers, Brassica oleracea. All cauliflowers need a neutral or slightly alkaline soil to do well. If the soil is too acidic, the plants won’t be able to access the trace elements they need, and may develop whiptail. On the other hand, soils which are too limey or chalky can lead to stunted and discoloured cauliflower. Winter cauliflowers are much more tolerant of soil conditions, and will grow on most types of soil, as long as there is no water-logging. Ease off on the liquid fertilisers with high Nitrogen, because Caulis grow slowly over a longer period of time, and the one thing you want to avoid is lush, rapid and therefore vulnerable growth. If plenty of organic ferts have been dug in, there is no need for additional fertilizers, before to planting out winter cauliflowers. They need a sheltered site, with some protection from winds. They do better in sun rather than in the shade. A cauliflower is ready for cutting when the upper surface of the curd is fully exposed and the inner leaves no longer cover it. As usual in your veggie garden, cauliflowers are ready at the same time. If the weather is warm and you leave the cauliflowers in the ground once they have matured, the heads expand and they become discoloured and less appealing. To avoid this lift some early, they will be quite edible. Here’s a tip to not have to eat cauliflower everyday for a month, gather up the leaves and tie them together over the curd so that they cover it, using garden twine, an elastic band or raffia. It will also protect the winter ones from the frost.
Design Elements:Even though Lesley and I talk about this garden problem in Sydney, around the country, there are plenty of places with exactly the same problem, and the solutions we suggest apply just as much to a garden in Hobart, as it would to a garden in Cairns.So what is today’s Garden Design Problem well it is “I have a steeply sloping garden.”What to do? ” Listen here.
Plant of the Week:Today it’s about Sweet Willams. Why not plant some of these aptly named plants to commemorate the wedding of William and Kate. I couldn’t have thought of anything more apt. There’s no point buying commemorate mugs, plates etc, too many people will buy those and you’d probably have to live to 200 to gain any value. So, a sustainable alternative that will make you smile is Sweet Williams or Dianthus. This could be the plant you’re looking for.
a) Dianthus plants are sun lovers and prefer average, well-drained soil. They appreciate a bit of humus in the top soil layer, but they will not survive long in a damp, highly fertile muck. Do not use mulch around pinks because their crowns tend to rot beneath it.
b) Whetman Pinks have been the main grower and distributor of scented Pinks in the UK since 1936. And now they’re being propagated in Australia from UK stock plants, so virus free.
c) Two types that I know of from that range are d)Candy Floss: Sugar pink and beautifully perfumed. Approx flowering height 28cm (11"). A great variety for patio planters where you can enjoy the perfume on warm summer evenings.
d)Coconut Sundae: Coconut Sundae is a beautiful white sport of Raspberry Sundae and produces a mass of perfumed flowers with a maroon eye. It is really eye-catching. Flowering height approx 20cm (8").
How about a plant that commemorates William and Kate’s wedding? Now that’s novel.
Feature Interview: Talking to Peter Maish, arboriculturalist and tree preservation officer with a local council. Peter talks about problems with trees and what you can do about them. Listen Here.
Vegetable Heroes: Cauliflowers, Brassica oleracea. All cauliflowers need a neutral or slightly alkaline soil to do well. If the soil is too acidic, the plants won’t be able to access the trace elements they need, and may develop whiptail. On the other hand, soils which are too limey or chalky can lead to stunted and discoloured cauliflower. Winter cauliflowers are much more tolerant of soil conditions, and will grow on most types of soil, as long as there is no water-logging. Ease off on the liquid fertilisers with high Nitrogen, because Caulis grow slowly over a longer period of time, and the one thing you want to avoid is lush, rapid and therefore vulnerable growth. If plenty of organic ferts have been dug in, there is no need for additional fertilizers, before to planting out winter cauliflowers. They need a sheltered site, with some protection from winds. They do better in sun rather than in the shade. A cauliflower is ready for cutting when the upper surface of the curd is fully exposed and the inner leaves no longer cover it. As usual in your veggie garden, cauliflowers are ready at the same time. If the weather is warm and you leave the cauliflowers in the ground once they have matured, the heads expand and they become discoloured and less appealing. To avoid this lift some early, they will be quite edible. Here’s a tip to not have to eat cauliflower everyday for a month, gather up the leaves and tie them together over the curd so that they cover it, using garden twine, an elastic band or raffia. It will also protect the winter ones from the frost.
Design Elements:Even though Lesley and I talk about this garden problem in Sydney, around the country, there are plenty of places with exactly the same problem, and the solutions we suggest apply just as much to a garden in Hobart, as it would to a garden in Cairns.So what is today’s Garden Design Problem well it is “I have a steeply sloping garden.”What to do? ” Listen here.
Plant of the Week:Today it’s about Sweet Willams. Why not plant some of these aptly named plants to commemorate the wedding of William and Kate. I couldn’t have thought of anything more apt. There’s no point buying commemorate mugs, plates etc, too many people will buy those and you’d probably have to live to 200 to gain any value. So, a sustainable alternative that will make you smile is Sweet Williams or Dianthus. This could be the plant you’re looking for.
a) Dianthus plants are sun lovers and prefer average, well-drained soil. They appreciate a bit of humus in the top soil layer, but they will not survive long in a damp, highly fertile muck. Do not use mulch around pinks because their crowns tend to rot beneath it.
b) Whetman Pinks have been the main grower and distributor of scented Pinks in the UK since 1936. And now they’re being propagated in Australia from UK stock plants, so virus free.
c) Two types that I know of from that range are d)Candy Floss: Sugar pink and beautifully perfumed. Approx flowering height 28cm (11"). A great variety for patio planters where you can enjoy the perfume on warm summer evenings.
d)Coconut Sundae: Coconut Sundae is a beautiful white sport of Raspberry Sundae and produces a mass of perfumed flowers with a maroon eye. It is really eye-catching. Flowering height approx 20cm (8").
Saturday, 14 May 2011
When Is A Plover Not A Plover?
Real World Gardener for Wed 11th May 2011. Community Radio 2RRR 88.5fm.
Congratulations to the Habitat Nertwork who have won an Honorable mention for Urban Landcare and also a joint 1st for the Innovation Award - through Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority! Well done to all in the Habitat Network & Bev Debrincat http://www.habitatnetwork.org/
Wildlife in Focus: Masked Lapwing or Vanellus miles. Listen to the podcast here.
For more information on the Masked Lapwing go to http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/The call of the Masked Lapwing was provided by Bill Rankin of the Australian Wildlife Sound Recording Group http://www.awsrg.org/ Listen here:
Vegetable Heroes: Grow a green manure crop.The steps are as follows-
“I have an awkwardly shaped shaded area between the house and fence where grass won't grow properly, and the second problem is have an awkwardly sized and shaped bit of the garden which receives some light.”What to do? Listen here to the podcast.
Plant of the Week: Cotoneaster is a declared weed. Find facts and information on growing cotoneaster and some of the most common varieties. http://www.weeds.org.au/ and look up the Grow Me Instead booklet. These plants have become widespread weeds in bushland and farming land. Prostrate forms sold as ground covers or rockery plants do not appear to be invasive. Gardeners often choose trees and shrubs with showy persisten berries for winter colour in their gardens when flowers are scarce. Unfortunately these berries often attract birds and small mammals that spread the seeds of these unwanted plants into bushland and open spaces. By eating the berries of course. If you really want to feed the birds and look after the environment, you should be planting any number of Banksias-try B. Collina v spinulolsa for the biggest flower spikes on any Banksia.
Congratulations to the Habitat Nertwork who have won an Honorable mention for Urban Landcare and also a joint 1st for the Innovation Award - through Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority! Well done to all in the Habitat Network & Bev Debrincat http://www.habitatnetwork.org/
Wildlife in Focus: Masked Lapwing or Vanellus miles. Listen to the podcast here.
For more information on the Masked Lapwing go to http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/The call of the Masked Lapwing was provided by Bill Rankin of the Australian Wildlife Sound Recording Group http://www.awsrg.org/ Listen here:
Vegetable Heroes: Grow a green manure crop.The steps are as follows-
- Rake the garden smooth to prepare the seed bed. Plant seeds that sprout and grow quickly for your green manure crop.
- Recycle any kind of seeds for green manure - leftover flowers, outdated or extra veggies. You can add any out-of-date vegetable seeds you have left over from last season as well. Just scatter the seed around your garden bed, about two handfuls per square meter.
- Lightly rake it over to get the seeds into the dirt, and water it in well. You may need to cover the bed with a net if the birds discover the free feast you’ve laid out for them.
- Let the green manure crop grow 7-10 cm tall. Leave the green manure on the garden until it matures to control erosion and existing weeds in the bed - call it a cover crop. Don't let it seed With legume crops, when the plant begins to seed after flowering, the nitrogen fixing potential of the crop becomes less because the nitrogen is partly used up in seed the forming process. With grain/grass crops, the flowers are insignificant and usually a light brown and difficult to notice. If you don't catch them in time, you will have lots of seeds falling into the bed and this will make it hard for you to stop the seeds sprouting of the green manure crop instead o the one you want.
- When it has reached a good height (half a metre) and is not seeding, cut it down to the ground. If it is a small bed, use shears. If it is a large space, use a mower. Place all the green matter back on the bed and it will cover the bed and the roots of all the plants will remain in the soil. Leave the bed for about a month and don't dig up the crop, let it rot in the bed. It should not grow back because you haven’t let it seed. I find this method easier then digging it in which is what gardeners used to do. That practise has been found to destroy soil structure too much and it’s a lot of hard work anyway. Save your back by doing it this way or you can use a digging fork to turn the plants and their roots completely into the soil.
- Give the soil and the worms time to do their work. The green manure adds nitrogen and also adds organic matter to improve your soil. Plant also in compacted areas - such as under trees - and newly graded lots. Allow little roots to break up the soil, which will aerate and renew its structure.
- For a cheap alternative trive bird seed that you buy from the supermarket. It should contain oats, wheat, barley, sunflower and many other seeds.
- http://www.greenharvest.com.au/ for green manure seeds.
“I have an awkwardly shaped shaded area between the house and fence where grass won't grow properly, and the second problem is have an awkwardly sized and shaped bit of the garden which receives some light.”What to do? Listen here to the podcast.
Plant of the Week: Cotoneaster is a declared weed. Find facts and information on growing cotoneaster and some of the most common varieties. http://www.weeds.org.au/ and look up the Grow Me Instead booklet. These plants have become widespread weeds in bushland and farming land. Prostrate forms sold as ground covers or rockery plants do not appear to be invasive. Gardeners often choose trees and shrubs with showy persisten berries for winter colour in their gardens when flowers are scarce. Unfortunately these berries often attract birds and small mammals that spread the seeds of these unwanted plants into bushland and open spaces. By eating the berries of course. If you really want to feed the birds and look after the environment, you should be planting any number of Banksias-try B. Collina v spinulolsa for the biggest flower spikes on any Banksia.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Foxy, Foxy, Flying Foxy.
Real World Gardener on 2rrr 88.5 fm Wed. 5pm, Sat 12 noon
for 13th April 2011
Feature interview: RWG talks to Tim Pearson, Honours Biology student in Animal Behavioural Science. Tim has been studying the Grey Headed Flying Fox for 6 years. Find out why there might be a problem with removing the the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Hear a condensed version of the interview here.
Vegetable Heroes: Nasturtiums, Tropaeolum majus.Nasturtiums are easy to grow, the whole plant is edible, and they are great companion plants as well! Nasturtiums help deter aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs, cucumber beetles and other pests. Nasturtiums are annual plants with rounded leaves like a water lily. The flowers are an open funnel shape with a little claw or spur on the underside. Save the seeds for ‘ron.Autumn is still the time to plant Nasturtiums and to get a faster sprout soak your seeds (they are large and pretty hard) in some warm water overnight and then place directly in the garden or pots where you want to grow them. Nasturtiums resent being transplanted so don’t buy the seedlings. If you want to sow them in coco peat pots you can then plant the seedling, pot and all into the garden. They love part sun or semi-shade, but they don't do well in drought-like conditions. As long as you keep them watered and give them room for the air to circulate they will flower for a long time. The soil shouldn't be too rich because you will get more leaves than flowers. Decorate cupcakes with Nasturtium flowers on top of the frosting for something really different!
Nasturtium vinegar -add several flowers and some leaves to a jar with a clove of garlic. Fill with vinegar and allow to sit for 4-5 weeks. The leaves and flowers can be added to any salad, used as garnish, or chopped into pasta salads. You can find more recipes and uses for Nasturtiums at http://oldfashionedliving.com/nasturtiums.html
Design Elements: Today the problems are How do I make my small garden seem bigger, and my garden is a very long and thin rectangle, what should I do?.. So pencils on the ready....! Listen here.
Plant of the Week: Sabina and Mariane talk about uses of grass type plants. There are a couple of varieties that do as lawn substitutes and only need mowing 1x or 2x a year. Not for heavy traffic areas of course. Varieties are Amethyst, Isabella, Just Right and Pure Blonde!
a) I suggest planting liriope 40cm (16") apart if you want to try growing it as a lawn substitute.
b) Most gardeners wouldn’t buy liriopes for their flowers. Dainty and delightfully pasted to a totem like spike, they are fairly insignificant to some.
c) Liriopes are foliage plants first. You can get quite a lot of variation and variegation.
d) If you’re looking for a border plant that won’t be exposed to full-sun all day then liriopes should be considered. They actually prefer part-shade and can even tolerate full-shade locations provided they’re situated in well-draining soil.
g) Liriopes aren’t even fussy about fertilisers and can often reside in soil that is far from rich in nutrient base. But, if you want to get the most from these plants then apply twice per year foliar spray. Their watering needs are fairly minimal and they have few disease and pest problems.
For more info go to http://www.bestplants.com.au/
What's On. http://www.habitatnetwork.org/
for 13th April 2011
Feature interview: RWG talks to Tim Pearson, Honours Biology student in Animal Behavioural Science. Tim has been studying the Grey Headed Flying Fox for 6 years. Find out why there might be a problem with removing the the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Hear a condensed version of the interview here.
Vegetable Heroes: Nasturtiums, Tropaeolum majus.Nasturtiums are easy to grow, the whole plant is edible, and they are great companion plants as well! Nasturtiums help deter aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs, cucumber beetles and other pests. Nasturtiums are annual plants with rounded leaves like a water lily. The flowers are an open funnel shape with a little claw or spur on the underside. Save the seeds for ‘ron.Autumn is still the time to plant Nasturtiums and to get a faster sprout soak your seeds (they are large and pretty hard) in some warm water overnight and then place directly in the garden or pots where you want to grow them. Nasturtiums resent being transplanted so don’t buy the seedlings. If you want to sow them in coco peat pots you can then plant the seedling, pot and all into the garden. They love part sun or semi-shade, but they don't do well in drought-like conditions. As long as you keep them watered and give them room for the air to circulate they will flower for a long time. The soil shouldn't be too rich because you will get more leaves than flowers. Decorate cupcakes with Nasturtium flowers on top of the frosting for something really different!
Nasturtium vinegar -add several flowers and some leaves to a jar with a clove of garlic. Fill with vinegar and allow to sit for 4-5 weeks. The leaves and flowers can be added to any salad, used as garnish, or chopped into pasta salads. You can find more recipes and uses for Nasturtiums at http://oldfashionedliving.com/nasturtiums.html
Design Elements: Today the problems are How do I make my small garden seem bigger, and my garden is a very long and thin rectangle, what should I do?.. So pencils on the ready....! Listen here.
Plant of the Week: Sabina and Mariane talk about uses of grass type plants. There are a couple of varieties that do as lawn substitutes and only need mowing 1x or 2x a year. Not for heavy traffic areas of course. Varieties are Amethyst, Isabella, Just Right and Pure Blonde!
a) I suggest planting liriope 40cm (16") apart if you want to try growing it as a lawn substitute.
b) Most gardeners wouldn’t buy liriopes for their flowers. Dainty and delightfully pasted to a totem like spike, they are fairly insignificant to some.
c) Liriopes are foliage plants first. You can get quite a lot of variation and variegation.
d) If you’re looking for a border plant that won’t be exposed to full-sun all day then liriopes should be considered. They actually prefer part-shade and can even tolerate full-shade locations provided they’re situated in well-draining soil.
g) Liriopes aren’t even fussy about fertilisers and can often reside in soil that is far from rich in nutrient base. But, if you want to get the most from these plants then apply twice per year foliar spray. Their watering needs are fairly minimal and they have few disease and pest problems.
For more info go to http://www.bestplants.com.au/
What's On. http://www.habitatnetwork.org/
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Fly Like An Eastern Yellow Robin
Real World Gardener for 6th April 2011, Wednesdays 5pm on 2RRR 88.5fm
Wildlife in Focus: Kurtis talks about the Eastern Yellow Robin, it's habitat, call and much more. Hear it .....
Podcast Powered By Podbean
Bill Rankin and Tony Bayliss of the Wildlife Sound Recording Group www.awsrg.org.au have kindly provided RWG with wildlife sound recordings for our 'Wildlife in Focus" episodes.
For more info on the Eastern Yellow Robin see http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/
Vegetable Heroes: Broccoli, Brassica oleracea var italica. Broccoli is not too choosy about the site it grows in but prefers to be in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade with no problems. Although, growing in too much shade will reduce the size of the Broccoli head. The ideal soil is a reasonably heavy (not pure clay) A light soil can be improved by the addition of compost. Adding blood and bone to sandy or a heavier soil which is not too rich in nutrients will also help. Don’t plant Broccoli seedlings in your veggie bed if you’ve grown it before in the past 3 years. You may get a disease called Club Root that causes you Broccoli plant to wilt regardless of how much water you give it. Remember the acronym. LRLC-Legumes, root veg, leafy then Cucurbits, Brassicas.Harvest broccoli heads when they have reached maximum size, are still compact, and before the buds loosen, open into flowers, or turn yellow. It will be about 70-90 days or 2 ½ -3 months, when your Broccoli will be ready if you plant it now, in time for a Spring crop
No Design Elements this week:
Feature Interview: A short interview with John Page, volunteer guide at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. John talks about the Walk and Talk that he co created with Brian called Garden Memories of War and Peace. 16th April:2-4pm Garden Memories of War and Peace. Discover the stories behind plants and memorials and the importance of the gardens to generations of military personnel.
Plant of the Week. melicope elleryana. Doughwood or Corkwood. The Pink Flowered Doughwood is usually found in riverine rainforest areas.
That should give you a hint of this tree’s requirements. It definitely will not grow well in sandy soil. The one at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney is a magnificent specimen growing next to the Moore building. In my yard it’s underperforming and losing quite a lot of top canopy because it can’t cope with insufficient water and growing in poor soil. Where it is, it’s not for above a sandstone rock shelf and definitely not worth trying there. The flowers are certainly showy and look spectacular on a well growing tree. In it’s natural habitat in northern NSW and further up, it attracts the Papilio ulysses. Ulysses butterfly. A fast growing, evergreen, large shrub or small to medium tree, forming a broad, spreading canopy which is excellent for shade. Cut back in Spring if it becomes too leggy.
What's On: On Sunday 17 April, there’s a free guided Tall Timbers walk from the City of Ryde. Enjoy an easy 3km walk through the remnant Blue Gum Forest in Darvall Park. You may wish to stay on to ride the steam trains after the walk. (Sydney Live Steam Locomotive - $2 adults, $1 children). The walk will go from 1pm to 3pm, and you should meet at 12.45pm at the playground by West Parade, Denistone. Bookings essential on 9952 8222. This is one of several free school holiday activities – find out more at ryde.nsw.gov.au or call Council on 9952 8222.
Wildlife in Focus: Kurtis talks about the Eastern Yellow Robin, it's habitat, call and much more. Hear it .....
Podcast Powered By Podbean
Bill Rankin and Tony Bayliss of the Wildlife Sound Recording Group www.awsrg.org.au have kindly provided RWG with wildlife sound recordings for our 'Wildlife in Focus" episodes.
For more info on the Eastern Yellow Robin see http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/
Vegetable Heroes: Broccoli, Brassica oleracea var italica. Broccoli is not too choosy about the site it grows in but prefers to be in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade with no problems. Although, growing in too much shade will reduce the size of the Broccoli head. The ideal soil is a reasonably heavy (not pure clay) A light soil can be improved by the addition of compost. Adding blood and bone to sandy or a heavier soil which is not too rich in nutrients will also help. Don’t plant Broccoli seedlings in your veggie bed if you’ve grown it before in the past 3 years. You may get a disease called Club Root that causes you Broccoli plant to wilt regardless of how much water you give it. Remember the acronym. LRLC-Legumes, root veg, leafy then Cucurbits, Brassicas.
No Design Elements this week:
Feature Interview: A short interview with John Page, volunteer guide at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. John talks about the Walk and Talk that he co created with Brian called Garden Memories of War and Peace. 16th April:2-4pm Garden Memories of War and Peace. Discover the stories behind plants and memorials and the importance of the gardens to generations of military personnel.
At the Moore room at Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, $15 p.p. book 9231 8304 Refreshments included.
For more info. http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Plant of the Week. melicope elleryana. Doughwood or Corkwood. The Pink Flowered Doughwood is usually found in riverine rainforest areas.
That should give you a hint of this tree’s requirements. It definitely will not grow well in sandy soil. The one at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney is a magnificent specimen growing next to the Moore building. In my yard it’s underperforming and losing quite a lot of top canopy because it can’t cope with insufficient water and growing in poor soil. Where it is, it’s not for above a sandstone rock shelf and definitely not worth trying there. The flowers are certainly showy and look spectacular on a well growing tree. In it’s natural habitat in northern NSW and further up, it attracts the Papilio ulysses. Ulysses butterfly. A fast growing, evergreen, large shrub or small to medium tree, forming a broad, spreading canopy which is excellent for shade. Cut back in Spring if it becomes too leggy.
What's On: On Sunday 17 April, there’s a free guided Tall Timbers walk from the City of Ryde. Enjoy an easy 3km walk through the remnant Blue Gum Forest in Darvall Park. You may wish to stay on to ride the steam trains after the walk. (Sydney Live Steam Locomotive - $2 adults, $1 children). The walk will go from 1pm to 3pm, and you should meet at 12.45pm at the playground by West Parade, Denistone. Bookings essential on 9952 8222. This is one of several free school holiday activities – find out more at ryde.nsw.gov.au or call Council on 9952 8222.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Call Robbie?
Real World Gardener today (23rd March 2011) focuses on Bandicoots, an alien vegetable Kohlrabi, and a crazy creeper from Rangoon.:
Wildlife in Focus: Listen here to Kurtis Lindsay's exploits with the native Bandicoot.
Available to 31st April 2011
Vegetable Hero: Kohlrabi or Call robbie? Brassica olerace gongylodes, botanically speaking. The seeds are availble at these sites www.edenseeds.com.au would suit community gardens because they’re offering specials on bulk purchases. Two varieties, Early Vienna White and Purple Globe from www.newgipps.com.au, and www.greenpatchseeds.com.au
Kohlrabi is a good choice for beginner gardeners because it’s fast and easy to grow of all the Brassicaceae family.Your kids will love kohlrabi because of it’s funny appearance. Sort of like little aliens from other space. The little round body with little "legs" coming out of the ground. Kohlrabi grows well with Beetroot because they have the same water requirements. You can also fit Kohlrabi in between lettuce, onion and radicchio, because it sits above the ground and doesn’t take up as much room as cabbages and the like. You can direct seed Kohlrabi or start them in punnets or seed trays because they don’t mind being transplanted. Sow the seeds about 1 cm deep January to March (temperate climates): Kohlrabi can be rather closely spaced (or interplanted) and is out of the garden in 60 days (2 ½ months)or so, leaving time to plant something else. Select small kohlrabi no larger than 2 1/2"or 6cm in diameter, with the greens still attached. The greens should be deep green all over with no yellowing.
Kohlrabi keeps up to 1 month in the fridge.
Design Elements: Creating a vegetable border. Lesley and Marianne (me) talk about what veggies suit a garden border. Listen here until April 31st.
Plant of the Week: Quisqualis indica or Rangoon Creeper.
Wildlife in Focus: Listen here to Kurtis Lindsay's exploits with the native Bandicoot.
Available to 31st April 2011
Vegetable Hero: Kohlrabi or Call robbie? Brassica olerace gongylodes, botanically speaking. The seeds are availble at these sites www.edenseeds.com.au would suit community gardens because they’re offering specials on bulk purchases. Two varieties, Early Vienna White and Purple Globe from www.newgipps.com.au, and www.greenpatchseeds.com.au
Kohlrabi is a good choice for beginner gardeners because it’s fast and easy to grow of all the Brassicaceae family.Your kids will love kohlrabi because of it’s funny appearance. Sort of like little aliens from other space. The little round body with little "legs" coming out of the ground. Kohlrabi grows well with Beetroot because they have the same water requirements. You can also fit Kohlrabi in between lettuce, onion and radicchio, because it sits above the ground and doesn’t take up as much room as cabbages and the like. You can direct seed Kohlrabi or start them in punnets or seed trays because they don’t mind being transplanted. Sow the seeds about 1 cm deep January to March (temperate climates): Kohlrabi can be rather closely spaced (or interplanted) and is out of the garden in 60 days (2 ½ months)or so, leaving time to plant something else. Select small kohlrabi no larger than 2 1/2"or 6cm in diameter, with the greens still attached. The greens should be deep green all over with no yellowing.
Kohlrabi keeps up to 1 month in the fridge.
Design Elements: Creating a vegetable border. Lesley and Marianne (me) talk about what veggies suit a garden border. Listen here until April 31st.
Plant of the Week: Quisqualis indica or Rangoon Creeper.
From southern Asia the Rangoon creeper is a tender fast growing tvining plant. The leaves are simple. Leaves are opposite, elliptical with a pointed tip and a rounded base from 7 to 15 centimeters. It looks fantastic paired with another subtropical/tropical climber called Herald’s Trumpet or Beaumontia grandiflora. The very large white trumpet flowers contrast so well with the smaller but bigger bunches or clusters of white to dark red flowers. On seeing the combination you’re immediately inspired to want them for yourself. The pair which are located in the Sydney Botanic gardens near the Music Conservatorium.
The flower's fragrance is sometimes called fruity, or even like toasted coconut.
The growth rate is generally fast, and the plant does not need lots of fertilizer. Quisqualis does like medium to bright light. Under good conditions it will be necessary to prune the plant to keep it in under control. When a leaf drops but the petiole remains this petiole stiffens, grows stronger, and becomes a very effective climbing hook. While not sharp, like a cactus thorn, these can make pruning a bit tedious, and can draw blood.
What's On: Earth Hour.Sunday, 13 March 2011
Talking Turkey, Brush Turkey That Is!
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney Radio
Wildlife in Focus: Kurtis Lindsay, Honours Biology student at Macquarie University, talks about Alectura lathami, or Brush Turkey. Here the podcast, available until 13th April 2011.
Vegetable Hero: What is Parsnip? Pastinaca sativa, a member of the Apiaceae family-same as carrots, Parsley and Celeriac. For temperate areas around Australia, March is the last month you can sow the seeds of parsnip. Best planted at soil temperatures between 6°C and 21°C. Best grown in deep sandy, loamy soil. After planting keep seeds moist - can cover with a moist newspaper or mulch - until seeds germinate. Parsnips need to be started from seed. They resent being transplanted even more than Coriander. They just won’t grow. Fresh seed is a major requirement because the viability of Parsnip is about 12 months. Tip: Soak the seeds overnight in a shallow saucer. There’s no need to drown them. Keep your parsnip seedlings growing strongly with regular watering and applications of liquid seaweed, liquid manure or compost tea. Harvest in 17-20 weeks, that’s 4-5 months.
Design Elements: Playing With Plants. Lesley Simpson, Garden Designer talks about stage 6 of your garden design for a border. Whatever plants you have chosen, ornamental or herb or vegetable, today's the day to decide how to plant them. Listen hear to the podcast, available until April 13th 2011.
Wildlife in Focus: Kurtis Lindsay, Honours Biology student at Macquarie University, talks about Alectura lathami, or Brush Turkey. Here the podcast, available until 13th April 2011.
Vegetable Hero: What is Parsnip? Pastinaca sativa, a member of the Apiaceae family-same as carrots, Parsley and Celeriac. For temperate areas around Australia, March is the last month you can sow the seeds of parsnip. Best planted at soil temperatures between 6°C and 21°C. Best grown in deep sandy, loamy soil. After planting keep seeds moist - can cover with a moist newspaper or mulch - until seeds germinate. Parsnips need to be started from seed. They resent being transplanted even more than Coriander. They just won’t grow. Fresh seed is a major requirement because the viability of Parsnip is about 12 months. Tip: Soak the seeds overnight in a shallow saucer. There’s no need to drown them. Keep your parsnip seedlings growing strongly with regular watering and applications of liquid seaweed, liquid manure or compost tea. Harvest in 17-20 weeks, that’s 4-5 months.
Design Elements: Playing With Plants. Lesley Simpson, Garden Designer talks about stage 6 of your garden design for a border. Whatever plants you have chosen, ornamental or herb or vegetable, today's the day to decide how to plant them. Listen hear to the podcast, available until April 13th 2011.
Plant of the Week: Melastoma affine, or Native Lasiandra.
Native lassiandra. This Australian plant is a brittle shrub to 2 m, having dark green leaves to about 10 cm with a few prominent veins. Flowers are large, 7 cm, with usually 5 mauve petals. These are followed by fruits which split open to reveal red to purple flesh with numerous small seeds. It is supposed to be edible and to make your tongue go purple! I have not found them to be tasty, but edible. The pollen of the flowers is in deep pores of the stamens and need the help of Australian native bees that are able to 'buzz' pollinate.
Prune often to make this shrub compact. The leaves look very similar to other Tibouchinas. This plant is a fast grower and will tolerate most soils. Some watering is needed in very dry conditions. Grows best in warm temperate areas. For all other areas, a microclimate is recommended.
What's On:On March 19th Willoughby Council is running a workshop called Habitat Gardens from 9am to noon. This practical workshop looks at local native animals and explores different ways to provide or improve habitat for them in your backyard. It will include native plant species selection, planting strategies, and other natural elements that are important for habitat including simple structures you can build. RSVP by 11 March to Liz Powell at Willoughby Council on 9777 7871.Thursday 19th March the City ofRyde Lane Cove River
Native lassiandra. This Australian plant is a brittle shrub to 2 m, having dark green leaves to about 10 cm with a few prominent veins. Flowers are large, 7 cm, with usually 5 mauve petals. These are followed by fruits which split open to reveal red to purple flesh with numerous small seeds. It is supposed to be edible and to make your tongue go purple! I have not found them to be tasty, but edible. The pollen of the flowers is in deep pores of the stamens and need the help of Australian native bees that are able to 'buzz' pollinate.
Prune often to make this shrub compact. The leaves look very similar to other Tibouchinas. This plant is a fast grower and will tolerate most soils. Some watering is needed in very dry conditions. Grows best in warm temperate areas. For all other areas, a microclimate is recommended.
What's On:On March 19th Willoughby Council is running a workshop called Habitat Gardens from 9am to noon. This practical workshop looks at local native animals and explores different ways to provide or improve habitat for them in your backyard. It will include native plant species selection, planting strategies, and other natural elements that are important for habitat including simple structures you can build. RSVP by 11 March to Liz Powell at Willoughby Council on 9777 7871.Thursday 19th March the City of
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