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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 in this state, plus some bits & pieces from around the world that might interest Queensland gardeners.
New water source for ANBG
Water is to be piped from Lake Burley Griffin to sustain the Australian National Botanic Gardens while preserving drinking water fro the canberrs community. Source: $2.9 million water project for the Australian National Botanic Gardens (December 2009)
New discoveries still being made after 250 years
New plants discovered or described by botanists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in its 250th year include Madagascan relatives of the coffee plant, a South African yam with a reputation as a cancer cure, and two eucalypts from Australia that have potential as ornamentals. Read more at the Kew website: Kew botanists discover over 250 new plant species in Kew's 250th year (December 2009)
The growing business grows in Qld
A survey commissioned by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation indicates that inspite of drought and water restrictions, the lifestyle horticulture industry has grown "significantly" in the last ten years. The outlook for 2010 is optimistic. Source: A blooming great gift idea (December 2009)
Springfield Central Parklands - first stage open
Stage one of "the most significant parkland in south east Queensland for a generation" has been officially opened. Completed portion includes cycling and pedestrian paths, landscaped gardens. It forms part of Robelle Domain, a recreational hub that will contain an piazza, education centre, cultural displays, restaurants, picnic areas and playgrounds, complemented by lakes and water features. More from Ipswich City Council here: Springfield Central Parklands takes shape (December 2009)
Native orchid rediscovered
Two plants of Dwarf Spider-Orchid (Caladenia pumila), have been found in Victoria. This species was last seen in 1926, and was thought to be extinct. In the two months since the discovery, no additional plants have been found. The location of the two known plants is being kept a secret for their protection, but attempts are being made to propagate from them. More information from Victoria's The Department of Sustainability and Environment: ‘Lost’ orchid re-discovered after 83 years (December 2009)
When is a plant "carnivorous"?
UK scientists are exploring notions of what consitutues a carnivorous plant in a review paper Murderous plants: Victorian Gothic, Darwin and modern insights into vegetable carnivory. Common plants that can trap insects in sticky hairs, for example, may benefit from the nutrients released when the insects eventually break down. These might be considered partly carnivorous. Read more at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew website: Scientists think 'Killer Petunias' should join the rank of carnivorous plants (December 2009)
Tall coconut palms present problems
A number of tall cocunut palms are to be removed from Bangara in the interests of public safety. Besides the danger of falling nuts, trees over 20m require a crane for maintenance, which is particularly dangerous when working with with flexible, swaying palm trunks. As the palms grow old, they're also prone to rotting and breakage. Source: Dangerous coconut palms to be removed (November 2009)
Tree of Kowledge goes to university
One 25 plants propagated from Barcaldine's "Tree of Knowledge" after it's 2006 poisoning has been donated to the University of Queensland and has found a home at the St Lucia campus. Source: Knowledge planted at UQ (November 2009)
Japanese Tea House officially opened
The mayors of Ipswich and sister city Nerima, Japan, participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to mark the official opening of this new addition to Ipswich's Nerima Gardens. More at the Ipwich City Council website: Tea House opens in Nerima Gardens (November 2009).
Gladstone community garden - have your say
The level of support for a community-managed garden has the Gladstone Region Visioning Panel calling on interested parties to workshop ideas. More information here: Green thumbs wanted for first potential GRVP project (November 2009).
Grow Me Instead
is a new website from Nursery and Garden Industry Australia that alerts gardeners to the invasive potential of many species and suggests safer alternatives that they can plant instead. Find it here: www.growmeinstead.com.au
Feasibility of Moreton Bay botanic garden to be assessed
Creation of a regional botanical garden north of Brisbane has become a fraction closer to reality with the establishment of a steering committee by Moreton Bay Regional Council. Source: Garden steering committee. (November 2009)
Sunshine Coast residents keen to grow their own
Three workshops on fruit and vegetable growing being held in Sunshine Coast libraries in November were booked out even before the they were advertisised. The Sunshine Coast Council plans to run more next year and suggest residents contact their local library to reserve a place. More information here: Public hungry for backyard veggies (November 2009).
Malaysia embraces garden tourism
From The Star Online comes news that the Malaysian government has recognised the potential of gardens to both attract international visitors and stimulate domestic travel. Initiatives include promotion at the Chelsea Flower Show next year. Full story here: Ministry plans garden lure to boost tourism. (November 2009)
Some Florida favourites
Celebrating a decade of the "Florida Plants of the Year" program in 2009, the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (USA) have selected ten Plants of the Decade from previous winners. The range includes Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant) and the the silver form of Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck Palm). More information at the FNGLA website
Cleveland Point Reserve - have your say
Go to the Redland City Council website to complete an online survey (available until 2nd November). Additional information here: Council calls for comment on Cleveland Point Reserve (PDF)
Qld's first traditional Japanese Tea House nears completion
The Tea House in Nerima Gardens, Ipswich has been constructed using traditional designs, although with some concessions to the Australian environment. Ironbark timbers were used for protection against termites, and it will have a timber and glass exterior instead of rice paper. It's due to be officially opened on 12th of November, with a traditional tea ceremony. More information from Ipswich City Council: Nerima Tea House starts to take shape (October 2009)
UK gardeners - online and green
The UK's Horticultural Trades Association has released two new reports on the habits and attitudes of British gardeners. "Gardeners Online" looks at use of the internet by gardeners. The overview they provide (New HTA Garden Industry Monitor reports on 'Gardeners Online' and 'Green Gardening') suggests that this has been increasing. The "Green Gardening" report indicates that gardeners are indeed more concerned about the environment than non-gardeners. (October 2009)
Nashville celebrates music with flowers
A new public garden in Nashville, USA, will pay tribute to icons of the music industry as well as beautifying the city with appropriately named plants like Hank Williams, Elvis, Grand Ole Opry and Purple Haze. Rose and daylily collections will feature. Learn more at the website: Nashville Music Garden (September 2009).
Australian garden poll
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) have research findings of a Newspoll survey providing insights into the contemporary Australian backyard. Other highlights here: Newspoll results have strong implications for Industry. Notable is the strong interest in gardening in the 18-34 age group. (August 2009)
New container for Kew veteran
One of the world's oldest pot plants - a specimen of cycad Encephalartos altensteinii collected from South Africa in the 1770s - has been repotted at the United Kingdom's Kew Gardens. With a trunk now over 4m long, great care and effort was required to lift the huge weight of this famous plant without damage. It now lives in a handcrafted mahogany box. Read more at the Kew website: Ancient cycad, the King of Kew's Palm House, gets a new home
Reprieve for Bamford Lane trees
Townsville City Council have decided that forty-five fig trees slated for removal from Bamford Lane will be retained. Instead, it's hoped that regular pruning and the installation of root barriers will prevent the road damage that was occurring previously. Eight half-grown African mahogany trees which are already starting to cause damage will be replaced with more suitable species. Council has now banned the planting of African mahoganies as street trees in new subdivisions. Source: Council plan saves trees and road in Bamford Lane (August 2009)
Iconic trees to grace Brisbane schools
Junction Park State School is one of fifteen to be gifted a grove of native Brisbane trees including hoop pines and silky oak, as part of Connecting Brisbane celebrations: Junction Park State School plants a piece of history (Brisbane City Council) (August 2009)
Cairns Garden Awards - 2009 results now available
The winners are listed on the Cairns Regional Council website here: Cairns Garden Awards presented
Logan Garden Competition 2009
The organisers are reminding Logan gardeners that entries open on 3rd August and will close 24th September. Judging will occur between 5th and 6th of October. The waterwise gardening theme will be continued, but with some new categories including best street and/or neighbourhood. More information from Logan City Council here: Garden Competition blooms again.
Moreton region tree plantings
One thousand trees grown in the CREEC community nursery will be planted at Burpengary East, in celebration of National Tree Day. They'll join vegetation alrwady planted by Roseberry Place Bushcare. This will be one of four National Tree Day plantings scheduled for Moreton Bay Regional Council. More information from the Council here: Bush Transformation.
For more about Planet Ark's National Tree Day nationwide, visit www.planetark.org
Recycled water in the pipeline for Cairns region
Cairns Regional Council is beginning to plan a pipeline sysem that will eventually supply recycled water for industrial and horticultural uses, including residential irrigation. Source: Recycled water to be on tap (July 2009)
Gardening interest rates
The Horticultural Trades Association in the UK has put some numbers on the upswing in gardening that we're all hearing about. For example, the percentage of respondants who are "Very Interested" increased from 19% to 25% between 2006 and 2009, while those who are "Not at all interested" dropped from 28% to 19%. Read more at the HTA website here: HTA survey reveals greater interest in and enjoyment of gardening (July 2009)
 | | 'Graham Thomas' declared World's Favourite Rose
After nomination and voting involving 41 member countries, the World Federation of Rose Societies has awarded this David Austin cultivar it's highest honour. A World's Favorite Rose is selected only every three years, and is then inducted to the Rose Hall of Fame. The first winner, in 1976, was 'Peace'.
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Tygum Park plans finalised
Following community consultation, Logan City Council has endorsed the final landscape master plan for Tygum Park. Landscaping willl include improved habitat for flora and fauna around the lagoon. Play areas, cycle paths, and improved facilties for model boat club are among the features local residents will enjoy. Read more: Tygum Park upgrade to progress
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)
Major aquisition creates Redland wildlife corridor
282 hectares in Redland Bay represents the largest single land purchase for conservation purposes in the region. It has helped create a 822 hectare corridor of bushland. Redland City council hopes to eventually to provide trails for hiking, cycling and birdwatching, providing recreational opportunities for the community in addition to helping a number of threatened species. Source: Latest conservation purchase the largest in city's history (PDF) (June 2009)
Australians return from space mission
The Australian native plant seeds that were launched into space last year have returned to Earth. While Wollemi Pine germination tests are still underway, the Golden Wattle, Flannel Flower and Waratah seeds have germinated normally. They appear to have survived six months of microgravity and low-level ionising radiation in the International Space Station without damage, but will continue to be monitored and tested. The ability to withstand such conditions will be important if plants are to be cultivated in space greenhouses in the future, or perhaps on other planets. Source: Astronaut announces seedlings-from-space (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.org 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)
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)
Manchester (UK) parks get productive
Manchester City Council (United Kingdom) is introducing a scheme to plant fruits, nuts and vegetables in public parks. Overseen by the coucil in collaboration with local groups/volunteers, information and workshops will also be provided to educate the public, especiallly children. The produce will be available to the public for free. Source: City parks bear fruit (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?
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)
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)
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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If you want more information about the plants or products featured above, please contact the relevant business via the links provided.
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