Articles

Jacqueline McLeish Jacqueline McLeish

Juncus usitatus (slender rush) Australian Native Plant Profile

Juncus usitatus, commonly known as slender rush or upright rush, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Juncaceae family. Juncus usitatus is a widespread species in Australia and can be found in a variety of wetland habitats across the country. It is known to occur in all states and territories, from coastal regions to inland wetlands.

Read More
Jacqueline McLeish Jacqueline McLeish

Wahlenbergia gracilis (Tufted Bluebell) Australian Native Plant Profile

Wahlenbergia gracilis, also known as Tufted Bluebell or Australian Bluebell, is a small herbaceous plant. It typically grows to a height of up to 40cm and produces delicate, star-shaped blue, white or pink flower petals. Commonly found in woodland, forest, grassland and heathland habitats, Tufted Bluebell is known for its attractive appearance and ability to thrive in both sunny and shaded areas. It is an important food source for native butterflies and other insects.

Read More
Rhagodia candolleana (Sea Berry Saltbush) Australian Native Plant Profile
Jacqueline McLeish Jacqueline McLeish

Rhagodia candolleana (Sea Berry Saltbush) Australian Native Plant Profile

Rhagodia candolleana, commonly known as Sea Berry Saltbush, is a local native plant species with a wide distribution. It is a hardy, evergreen shrub that typically grows to about 1-2 meters in height (it can get as tall as 4m in some situations), with fleshy, triangular leaves and inconspicuous flowers.

Read More
Poa labillardierei (Tussock Grass) Australian Native Plant Profile
Jacqueline McLeish Jacqueline McLeish

Poa labillardierei (Tussock Grass) Australian Native Plant Profile

Poa labillardierei is a species of perennial grass, commonly known as Tussock Grass. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is an important food source for grazing animals including kangaroos and wallabies. Also a host plant for some butterfly species

Read More
Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia) Australian Native Plant Profile
Jacqueline McLeish Jacqueline McLeish

Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia) Australian Native Plant Profile

Banksia integrifolia, commonly known as Coastal Banksia, is an evergreen tree with distinctive serrated leaves and large, cylindrical flower spikes that are pale yellow or creamy in color. The tree can reach up to 25 meters in height and is well-adapted to coastal environments.

Read More
Growing, Harvesting and Using Rocket
Robyn Boldy Robyn Boldy

Growing, Harvesting and Using Rocket

Rocket, also known as arugula, is a popular, fast growing leafy green with peppery-tasting leaves perfect for adding flavour to salads and cooked dishes. The plants grow to approximately 20-30cm tall before flowering and produce an abundant harvest when grown in the garden or pots and containers.

Read More
Growing, Harvesting and Using Coriander
Robyn Boldy Robyn Boldy

Growing, Harvesting and Using Coriander

Growing, Harvesting and Using Coriander. Coriander, also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley is a leafy, fast-growing annual herb that can be grown either in pots or in the garden. The herb is easily grown from seed and reaches approximately 60cm in height and 25cm wide. The entire plant is edible and is widely used across several major cuisines making it a worthwhile addition to the herb garden.

Read More
Growing, Harvesting and Using Peas & Snow Peas
Robyn Boldy Robyn Boldy

Growing, Harvesting and Using Peas & Snow Peas

Peas are a cool season crop that produce an abundant harvest (and the perfect garden snack) when grown in the right conditions. There are many different types of peas to choose from, including snow peas and sugarsnap which have a crisp and crunchy pod that can be eaten whole, or shelling peas, grown for their sweet and tender peas inside. Peas come in either traditional climbing form which require a trellis, or bush varieties that are great for small spaces and gardening in containers.

Read More
Growing, Harvesting and Using Zucchini
Vegetable and Herb Gardening Robyn Boldy Vegetable and Herb Gardening Robyn Boldy

Growing, Harvesting and Using Zucchini

Zucchini is one of those plants that grow prolifically in the garden, producing an abundant crop when conditions are right. There are dozens of varieties of zucchini to choose from with a wide range of colours and shapes, from round to crookneck and cylindrical. Both the flower and the fruit are edible and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes – a must have in every summer veggie patch.

Read More
Vegetable and Herb Gardening Robyn Boldy Vegetable and Herb Gardening Robyn Boldy

Growing, Harvesting and Using Garlic Chives

Garlic chives are a clumping, perennial herb grown both for culinary and ornamental purposes in the garden. This perennial is one of the easiest herbs to grow in containers or directly in the ground, growing up to 35cm in height. As the name suggests, the leaves have a mild garlic/onion flavour, a perfect substitute for garlic if short on garden space or if you’re after a quick growing herb.

Read More
Growing, Harvesting and Using Beetroot
Vegetable and Herb Gardening Robyn Boldy Vegetable and Herb Gardening Robyn Boldy

Growing, Harvesting and Using Beetroot

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) are one of the most versatile and flavour-packed vegetables to grow in the garden. Both the leaves and the root are edible and packed with antioxidants and nutrients. They come in many colours, shapes and sizes, grow well in most climates and don’t require much space, making this vegetable a worthy addition to every garden.

Read More