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Written by Rose Collins (Bachelor of Teaching- Early Childhood) & niece of Angus Stewart. The current times we are living in are challenging us all in so many different ways and on many different levels. I believe our own outdoor space (no matter how big or small)...
The Rocoto Tree Chilli is different to the normal varieties of chilli that are commonly sold, which are Capsicum annuum. The Rocoto chilli is Capsicum pubescens, , so named for the fine hairs on the leaves (pubescens = hairy) They come from Peru and Bolivia, and will...
If you have a worm farm, you will have noticed the dark brown/black, rich humus material within it that gradually builds up. This organic matter is the worm poo/worm castings. It is what the worms turn your kitchen scraps into once they have processed it through their...
There are many different ways to compost and worm farm. Anyone who is keeping biodegradable material out of landfill and allowing it to return to the Earth as nature intended is reducing their own carbon footprint. I say to you, well done! Composting and worm farming...
Most gardeners envisage a compost heap as a hot steamy affair that breaks down within a matter of weeks leaving a rich brown organic material that can be dug into the soil to not only improve the soil's nutrient levels but also help to increase its water and nutrient...
A medium sized kangaroo paw, Bush Crystal produces a spectacular display of crimson pink flowers with branched stems though spring and summer. Arched deep green foliage creates an great colour contrast to the brightly...
It requires surprisingly little effort to make your own organic fertilisers from various waste materials we generate every day around the house. Not only does this help the environment, it also saves money in fertiliser and potting mix costs. It can also be done...
A step by step guide on how to prune your kangaroo paw Kangaroo paws are very giving plants when they flower, but flowering comes at a cost to the plant in energy. So once the flowers die back, a plant can look sick...
A lovely fruity chutney, given a very special flavor from Australia's own native tamarind. I used Diploglottis campbellii for this, their beautiful deep red colour added a beautiful glow to the finished product. 2 red onions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of olive oil...
Born at Wallington near Geelong at the end of the 1800's, at a time when this part of Victoria was still mostly virgin forest, some of Daisy Wood's earliest memories were of roaming the bush with her parents and elder sister, revelling in the profusion of beautiful...
Grow Your Own - How to be an Urban Farmer Many of you, it seems, are keen on growing your own food. This interest seems to be most evident in city dwellers who are increasingly seeking a connection to where their food...
People are discovering Australia's own citrus, long neglected due to the small fruit and prickly nature. But once people started getting creative with the little pearls of citrus goodness inside the fruit, suddenly everyone wanted them! Delicious in seafood salads and...
Why small plants in tubes are a great choice Small tubes are a nice idea if you want to stock your garden with new plants, as they are much cheaper to buy than normal nursery plants in larger pots, and can often grow well and catch up to larger plants and have better...
Landscape Gold is from the Tall and Tough range of kangaroo paws, and grows well in a good range of soil types and positions. Blooming generously from spring to summer with bright yellow and gold flowers which are...
Landscape Scarlet is from the Tall and Tough range of kangaroo paws, and grows well in a good range of soil types and positions. It makes a stunning garden and landscape plant with its tall flower stems from spring to...
A strappy leafed upright plant, with tall spikes of bright flowers in tones of orange and gold in spring and summer. A great garden and larger landscaping plant which has stood the test of time. The flowers attract birds,...
Kunzea oil is a remarkable and relatively new essential oil, derived from the shrub Kunzea ambigua, which is native to New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. One of the common names for the plant is Tick Bush, a name which hints at some of the medicinal properties of...
Angus was born in country New South Wales, Australia. Whilst he grew up in a family who loved gardening and gardens he attributes his passion for Australian native plants and in particular kangaroo paws, to his maternal grandmother. Angus graduated from Sydney...
Composting is a process that can be done in a number of different ways. If we understand a bit about the basic microbiology of composting we can choose a method of composting that will best suit our backyard situation. [gallery link="file" columns="2"...
Worm farms are a terrific option for recycling all kinds of organic materials in your garden. They are particularly useful for gardeners that have small amounts of organic materials such as kitchen scraps on a daily basis. A worm farm can easily keep pace with the...