Gardening in Qld, Australia - news, resources & ideas about plants & gardens, with a focus on Queensland

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A collection of news, information and resources of interest to gardeners, especially residents of Queensland, Australia. (About...)

News for Gardeners

News about plants and gardens from Queensland and from around the world (most recent entries towards the top).

Children help drive UK garden retail
The Horticultural Trades Association report "grow your own" is still going strong in the UK, with school gardens and children who take their new interest home contributing substantially to garden centre sales. Retail garden centre and nursery sales were up 10.2% for the March-May quarter, (the retail sector overall showed an increase of 2.4% for the same period). Source: Grow Your Own continues to drive sales as garden retail 10% up (June 2009)

Greening the leaders
You've probably heard about the Whitehouse vegetable garden by now, but the movement to make green examples of other official residences is spreading. Green the Grounds are calling on state governors to establish veggie patches and introduce more sustainable gardening practices into management of the landscapes surrounding their mansions. Influential garden blog Garden Rant often reports on this topic (as well as other U.S. garden trends). Meanwhile, the grounds of Buckingham Palace are once again growing vegetables. Read about it at The Guardian website: Queen turns corner of palace backyard into an allotment

Big Tree Database for Australia
Ever wondered how big the largest specimen of a tree species is, or where it's located? A National Register of Big Trees is now being established to collect such information for Australia. Members of the public will be able to nominate native or exotic trees of significance in parks and gardens as well as natural habitats. Learn more at the website: National Register of Big Trees

41st Hills District & Bunya Garden Competition (2009)
Open to all residents of Arana Hills, Everton Hills, Ferny Hills and the Bunya area of Brisbane, entry is free with everyone receiving a prize just for entering. There are many categories with special awards available for waterwise gardens. More information and entry forms at the Ferny Hills Progress Association website.

Reforestation of land at Victoria Point
A piece of land in Victoria Point owned by Redland City Council will be part of a SEQ carbon offset trial initiated by the Council of Mayors. Restoration of the site in Bunker Road will also enhance the Eprapah Creek corridor, which contains significant flora and fauna. Read more here: Redlands site chosen for carbon offset tree planting trial (PDF)(May 2009)

Power lines make way for palms in Port Douglas
Cairns Regional Council have approved funds to replace the remaining overhead powerlines on Port Douglas Road with underground cables, saving the avenue of 27 African Oil Palms that were threatening power supply. Source: Iconic Palms preserved (May 2009)

Garden comp on in Cairns
There will be many categories for commercial and residential gardens, including Unit Garden and Pensioners Garden. All entries will be judged on their water conserving qualities. Read more: Cairns Garden Awards launched (May 2009)

Chelsea Flower Show 2009
The world's most celebrated garden event will be on again from 19th to 23th May. Catch up with the trends while avoiding the crowds, cost and inconvenience by paying a virtual visit to the following websites:
RHS Chelsea Flower Show Official website
Chelsea Flower Show 2009 The Telegraph newspaper, UK
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2009 at the BBC website

New addition to Cameron's Scrub Reserve
Ipswich City council has increased the size of Cameron's Scrub Reserve with 13 hectares of land purchased with money from the Enviroplan Levy. This will increase recreational opportunities for residents as well help preserve significant animal and plant species. Source: Council increases Conservation Area at Pine Mountain (May 2009)

Ipswich Tree relocation
To improve services and safety, an established fig in Bell Street will be relocated to provide additional space for buses. River Heart Parklands will be the tree's new home. More information: Bell Street fig to make way for more bus parking (May 2009)

Snakes in the garden
Moreton Bay Regional Council advise residents to keep their gardens tidy to reduce the risk of snakes. This includes picking up fallen fruit that might attract rats or mice. Old branches and other rubbish can also provide a home for small animals that are in turn a food source for snakes. See: Residents urged to exercise snake safety (May 2009)

Water tanks implicated in dengue threat
A recently published paper suggests that climate change won't directly increase the risk of dengue fever, because conditions are already suitable for transmission of the disease. It's the proliferation of domestic rainwater tanks that could lead to its spread by providing breeding grounds for the mosquito vector. An EScience News report here: Humans, not climate, driving increased dengue risk in Australia. Original paper here: Australia's Dengue Risk Driven by Human Adaptation to Climate Change (PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases). (May 2009)

Database of drought tolerant plants for Qld on the way
The Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management has commissioned the development of a database that will provide lists of water efficient plants for each part of the state. Gardeners are invited to contribute their local knowledge via a series of consultation workshops that are being held throughout the state between 30th April and 19th May (see the Queensland Gardening Pages Events Diary for places, dates and booking information).

More veggie gardens in Washington DC
Hot on the heels of establishment of the White House vegetable garden comes declaration of the entire grounds of the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) headquarters as "The People's Garden". (Agriculture Secretary Vilsack expands "The People's Garden" to promote healthy food, people and communities across the nation) A sustainable landscape is planned illustrating ways the UDSA contibutes to food production around the world and demonstrating ways the public can implement sustainable gardening concepts at their own homes, businesses and farms. A highlight is the Three Sisters Garden, based on the traditional American Indian garden techinique of interplanting corn, squash and beans. More information at USDA People's Garden Initiative

Cornubia Forest Park expanding
43 hectares of high biodiversity bushland in Cornubia has been jointly purchased by the Federal Government and the Logan City Council and will be added to Cornubia Forest Park. The $1.2 milion contribution from Logan City Council came from the Environmental Levy paid by ratepayers. Species the bushland is habitat to include koalas, powerful owls and glossy black cockatoos. Read more from the Council here: Council unveils major expansion for Cornubia Forest Park. (April 2009)

Gold Coast water tank inspections
Beginning 27th April, a six month program of door-to-door inspections of homes the Gold Coast City Council knows to have tanks will commence, "to help keep owners up to date on how to maintain their tank systems to protect their own health and safety." A public education campaign on the topic will also be conducted during this time. More at the GCCC website here: 'Checkup' program to help keep rainwater tanks healthy. (April 2009)

Gardens of of the future?
Husqvarna (which manufactures outdoor power tools) has released results of a survey conducted with people from eight northern hemisphere countries to gain insight into current and future gardening trends. A summary of U.S. trends is provided here: New Trend Forecast Reveals Evolution of Lawn Care in the 21st Century. (April 2009)

Powerline unfriendly trees to be removed
Some trees on the Redcliffe peninsula presenting safety and maintenance problems will be removed by Energex. Where possible, they will be replaced by more appropriate alternatives. Source: Energex to replace problem trees (PDF) (April 2009).

Add value with landscaping?

More evidence that landscaping is a good investment - a study of homes in Lubbock, Texas, indicates that quality landscapes can have a substantial effect on sale price. Reported by Jeff Gillman here: New Hort Research that Gardeners Can Use - March '09 Roundup. (UPDATE: a copy of the original article is now available in PDF form from the American Nursery & Landscape Association here: Impact of Improved Landscape Quality and Tree Cover on the Price of Single Family Homes)

On the other hand, a 2008 UK study indicated that in a falling property market, most home improvements (including landscaping) don't recover the money spent on them. See House Prices: Home improvements are a waste of money (Telegraph Media Group) and Home improvements 'not recommended' MSN Money (UK)

The 7 days of compost
Composting turns a waste problem into valuable products. International Composting Awareness Week is designed to promote the importance of using organic refuse to produce soil-enriching compost instead of methane-producing landfill. Check the calender at www.compostweek.com.au to find out what activities are being held in your area in conjunction with International Composting Awareness Week, which runs from Sunday 3rd to Saturday 9th May 2009.

Some Feather Grass still out there
Biosecurity Queensland want to track down remaining feather grass plants that were distributed throughout Qld by mistake last year. Sold as an ornamental, this grass is a serious weed threat. You can find more information and pictures of the weed at the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website. If you suspect you have one of these plants, or know where one is, do not move or dump the plant. Contact Biosecurity Queensland immediately on 13 25 23. (April, 2009)

New landscaping enhances quality of life at retirement village
The grounds of Drayton Villas, Toowoomba have been redesigned with input from the residents themselves. Enhancements include brightly coloured flowers and deeply textured foliage for the visually impaired, avoidance of allergy-inducing plants and removal of trip hazards. A synthetic bowling green should require less maintenance and water than the natural lawn alternative. (March 2009)

Logan Garden Competition 2009
Entries will open on August 3 and categories will include residential, commercial, school and community. For more information contact Logan City Council. The competition will be officially lauched at Joncia Gardens on 29 March. (Joncia Gardens helps launch 2009 Logan Garden Competition).

The Whitehouse Vegetable Garden
It's possibly the gardening biggest news of the 21st century (so far!). The Obamas are joining a worldwide trend and turning some of their lawn into food. To view pictures of the groundbreaking and a plan of the new garden visit this page of the Whitehouse website: Spring Gardening. (March 2009)
Update: Planting the Garden (April 2009)

Ipswich native on critically endangered list
Notelaea ipsviciensis, also known as Cooneana Olive, has been officially recognised as critically endangered by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee. The plant occurs in the Ipswich suburbs of Dinmore and Ebbw Vale and only about 16 plants are known in the wild. It's a small, slow growing shrub that produces a purple fleshy fruit. More at Ipswich City Council website: Cooneana Olive on critically endangered list. (March 2009)

Grow Local SEQ
Queensland Conservation wants to encourage the production and consumption of locally grown food. Their "Grow Local SEQ" campaign will help raise awareness about the environmental, economic and quality implications of reduced food transportation and storage. Objectives of the campaign include increasing the number of community gardens and farmers markets in the region, and providing support for backyard gardeners, community gardeners and farmers. For more information visit Welcome to Grow Local at the Queensland Conservation website.

Aid for disaster-struck gardens
Australia's Open Garden Scheme will be setting up two funds to help gardens recover after disaster. The Victorian Bushfire Community Grants will support restoration of public spaces and gardens in areas recently affected by fire in that state. The National Gardens Renewal Fund will be a permanent fund designed to assist gardens that have participated in Australia's Open Garden Scheme, should they be affected by natural disaster. For more information, visit www.opengarden.org.au.

A green afterlife
Cairns Regional Council will consider a proposal to allow the planting of commemorative trees grown using the ashes of a loved one. The trees would be used to used for the revegetation or beautification of public places and would not carry a plaque or other identification. However, the location of the tree and information about the deceased would be available on a website. Source: Green Commemoration (February, 2009)

Gold Coast grows
Sand from dredging two navigation channels in the Broadwater will be used to expand Southport Broadwater Parklands in two areas. Part of the new space is destined to include a 1.2 hectare mangrove habitat and visitor interpretation pathway. Another area is to be planted with dune vegetation, lawn and Casuarinas for shade. It will have access to the beach and space for events. Read more atthe Gold Coast City Council website: Dredged sand to expand Broadwater Parklands at two locations (February 2009)

Queensland's Birthday Orchid
As part of the celebrations of the state's 150th birthday being undertaken by the Bribie Island Orchid Society Inc, Doritaenopsis 'Bribie Q150' has been named and registered. The Society is also staging a Q150 Easter Orchid Show. In addition to orchid displays and guest speakers, this special show will also feature displays of historical photographs and maps of the island, with members dressed in costumes from yesteryear.

Find more information about the Q150 Easter Orchid Show and other garden events in this state at the Queensland Gardening Pages Events Diary

Vine identification in Moreton region
Weedy vines can be very damaging to native bushland. Moreton Bay Regional Council has released a new booklet to help residents identify and control pest species. Eighteen local vine species are also featured, including the Richmond Birdwing Vine (food source for caterpillars of the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing butterfly.) "Vines of the Moreton Bay Region" can be downloaded from www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au or collected from customer service centres, libraries, and environmental centres in the region. (December 2008)

Weed Alert
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) has been introduced into Queensland as mislabelled nursery stock. This Class 1 declared weed poses a threat to agriculture and the environment. If you suspect that the feature grass you have recently bought or had installed in your lansdscape might be Mexican Feather Grass, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. Do not move or dump the plant. You can find more information and pictures of the weed at the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website. (November, 2008)

Three bins for Burdekin
Burdekin Shire Council will be introducing a three-bin system for waste collection system. A new 140 litre bin will be delivered to several towns in 2009, with the old 240 litre bin then becoming a green waste bin. Separate collection of green waste makes possible the opportunity to use the it in products like mulch or compost, while reducing the neeed for new landfill sites and reducing methane generation from landfill. Source: Burdekin brings in green waste bins (PDF) (November, 2008)

Poly tank recycling
Can poly tanks be recycled after they reach the end of their useful life? If so, how? With homeowners being encouraged to install rainwater tanks at home to help overcome our water supply problems, this issue is becoming increasingly important. One Adelaide resident has been asking tank suppliers some tough questions and you can read the responses at The Great Australian Poly Tank Debate - can spent tanks be recycled?

Garden competition results
- Winners of the Logan City's 2008 comp (the first since 2005) are available on the Council website here: Logan City Garden Competition winners announced.
- 2008 Rockhampton Regional Garden Competition results can be downloaded from this page: Garden competition winners!
- Please send in a link if you know of other results online

"Frogs Booklet" updated
A new version of the popular publication from Moreton Bay Regional Council is now available. It contains hints on how to help frogs plus photographs and descriptions of 35 species local to the Moreton Bay area. More information about obtaining the booklet here: Free Frog Booklet for Frog Fans. (October, 2008)

Tree vandals, beware
A revised policy means Redlands City Council now has more options for deterring tree vandalism, and prosecuting those that do offend. Source: Council strengthens measures against tree vandalism (October, 2008)

To move or improve?
A poll of Archicentre architects indicates outdoor living additions are becoming popular among Australian renovators (Daylight Saving a Boost to the Outside Room Trend). Archicentre suggest that homeowners, especially those nearing retirement, will show renewed interest in renovation in an attempt to add value to their homes. More on this theme from Archicentre here: Invest in Your Home, Create Wealth and Enjoy Life and here: Home Owners should have Confidence in Australian Housing Market. (October 2008)

Moreton Bay botanic garden a possibility
Following a request from the Society for Growing Australian Plants Queensland Region, Moreton Bay Regional Council will consider the establishment of a new botanic garden as part of an assessement of botanic and horticultural "values" in the area. A diverse range of ecosystems is now within the boundaries of one local authority (following amalgamation of Pine Rivers, Caboolture and Redcliffe councils). A floral emblem for the new council will also be considered. More from Moreton Bay Regional Council: Botanic garden review (October, 2008)

Ipswich looking for tree murder suspects
Three significant fig trees on Queen Victoria Parade, Ipswich have died, believed poisoned. A reward for information leading to successful conviction of the culprit is on offer. The Council is also asking the public for assistance in sourcing mature trees as replacements. More information at Ipswich City Council website: 90 year old figs poisoned - Council offers reward

Surveys show green attitudes (2)
Subsequently, a survey commissioned by Nursery & Garden Industry Australia as part of its Life is a Garden intitiative reveal "green" attitudes towards private and public spaces predominate in Australia, especially among young people. The edible gardening trend continues to grow, although relaxing in the garden is still very important. Source: Young Australians lead the 'growing' demand for green spaces and News Poll Key Findings - July 2008

Surveys show green attitudes (1)
Results of a survey by the USA's National Gardening Association announced in May 2008 indicate that knowledge in the nation's households of how to manage landscapes in an environmentally friendly way, and implementation in practice, have considerable room for improvement. However, most believe it's important to. Sources: Environmental Lawn and Garden Survey Finds that America's Lawns and Landscapes Could Be Much "Greener" and Nine Out of Ten Households Believe It's Important to Maintain Their Landscapes in a Sustainable Way.

Something old, something new for Flinders St Mall
Townsville City council intends saving about 50 trees growing in planter boxes in Flinders St Mall for later use in the redeveloped Mall. The first tree has been removed as a trial. From their temporary home at the depot, the trees are destined for incorporation into a new-look streetscape, with plantings inspired by the region's ecosystems. More here: Plan to save Mall trees swings into action (Townsville City Council) (September 2008)

New facility for horticultural education in NQ
Rod Welford, Queensland's Education and Training Minister, has announced a $2.3 million centre at the Cairns campus of Tropical North Queensland TAFE. In addition to facilities for training in landscaping and horticulture, it will include underground water storage and a reed bed water recycling system. Completion is expected in January 2009. Media release: Minister announces new TAFE horticulture centre

Council is a palm fan
Cairns Regional Council has adopted a new logo featuring the native fan palm Licuala ramsayi, which grows throughout the new authority's region. View the new logo here: Council unveils its new visual identity (August 2008)

Australian native seeds in space
Seeds of four Australian native species have recently been sent into orbit to test their response to microgravity and ionising radiation. This is a first step towards determining whether Australia, which is home to some of the toughest seeds on earth, might contribute plants for the colonisation of other planet at some time in the future. More from Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, available here. (August 2008)

Figs on the move
Several fig trees removed for the new amphitheatre in Pine Rivers Park will be relocated to provide shade elsewhere in the park. The trees have an estimated value of $180,000. Source (Moreton Bay Regional Council): Council relocates majestic figs (August, 2008)

What to do with swimming pool water during repairs?
When Moreton Bay Regional Council needs to conduct maintenance and repair on its public swimming pools, the water won't be wasted. It has commissioned eight giant custom-made bladders to hold water during repairs, avoiding the need to use town water to refill the pools (now banned in SEQld) or truck in water at great expense. Source (Moreton Bay Regional Council): Water conservation bladders save thousands of dollars (August, 2008)

New plant hormone discovered
A plant hormone that affects shoot branching has been recently discovered in a collaborative effort between Australian and French research institutions. Uses for the compound, such as preventing excessive branching on trees grown for timber, could be found in the plant industries. More at the University of Queensland website here: Plant research branches out at UQ (August, 2008)

Some older news items of continuing interest have been moved to an appropriate subject page at www.calyx.com.au. Check the Guide to Pages.

The editor would like to hear from anyone who has news to share on the topic of plants or gardens. Contact Details

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