NEW eBook with 52 easy to read bush food profiles I’ve just published my first eBook! It’s a collection of profiles with information like alternative names, growing conditions, history, cultural uses and edible uses. You can find it on Etsy or by clicking here you will receive a 10% discount until January 22, 2023! Here’s… Continue reading An Introduction to Australian Bush Tucker
Category: Australia
Native Ginger or Alpinia caerulea
Plant Profile Also known as: Growing Conditions: Propagation Uses This plant is a wonderful way to find buzz-pollinating bees in your garden. It delivered my first Teddy Bear Bee sighting and numerous Blue-banded Bee sightings. It is a classic understorey plant from subtropical and tropical rainforests and can therefore be used in shady places in… Continue reading Native Ginger or Alpinia caerulea
A True Wildflower of the Tamborine Bush – Slender Hyacinth Orchid
Dipodium variegatum The Slender Hyacinth Orchid is truly a wildflower. Orchid enthusiasts have tried to cultivate it, but have been unsuccessful due to its unique growing conditions. Dipodium variegatum is leafless and the only part of it that appears above ground is the stalk and flower. It is a saprophyte meaning that it is not… Continue reading A True Wildflower of the Tamborine Bush – Slender Hyacinth Orchid
Hardenbergia violocea or Happy Wanderer
Plant Profile Did you know that Indigenous Australians have used this plant as a tea and medicine for thousands of years? It is known by many names: Hardenbergia violacea, False Sarsparilla, Purple Coral Pea, Wild Sarsparilla, Waraburra, Vine Lilac. This lovely vine clambers and wanders over anything in its path. It makes a great groundcover… Continue reading Hardenbergia violocea or Happy Wanderer
Plant Profile – Spotted Gum – Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata
Also known as: Eucalyptus maculata (historical, no longer used by herbariums for this species) Corymbia maculata (historical, no longer used by herbariums for this species) Eucalyptus citriodora (historical, no longer used by herbariums for this species) Growing conditions: Prefers well-draining soils Like growing on slopes Prefers full sun Drought tolerant Propagation: Seeds in shallow trays… Continue reading Plant Profile – Spotted Gum – Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata
The Border Room
The Border Room has two main functions. The first and foremost is to give us some privacy from the road. The second is to attract beneficial insects, birds and other wildlife on to the property. FEATURED PLANTS RUBY TEA TREE (Leptospermum scoparium “Ruby Glow”) – this New Zealand native has beautiful little rose like blooms… Continue reading The Border Room
Plant Profile – Brisbane Wattle
Wattle or Acacia trees are iconic in Australia because of their golden blooms. This variety is just as striking as the Golden Wattle which is Australia’s floral emblem. Also known as: Acacia fimbriata Fringed Wattle Fringed Brisbane Wattle Growing Conditions: Full Sun/Part Shade Protected positions Will tolerate most soils but prefers well-drained loamy soils Drought… Continue reading Plant Profile – Brisbane Wattle
Plant Profile – Wombat Berry
Also known as: Eustrephus latifolius Orange Vine Growing conditions: Part shade/shade Tolerant of most soils Vine, gentle climber that doesn’t restrict the host Groundcover Suitable for pots, garden beds, rockeries, bush rehabilitation Suits hanging pots which allow the foliage to hang over the edges Propagation: Fresh Seeds, 54-368 days germination This plant is truly unique,… Continue reading Plant Profile – Wombat Berry
Plant Profile – Native Violet – Viola banksii
Also known as: Viola hederacea (Not the same plant, as explained later) Australian Violet Growing conditions: Shade/part shade (some sources advocate full sun, but this plant has not survived in full sun in my garden) Tolerant of most soils but prefers moist site Will tolerate boggy sites Will tolerate light foot traffic Tolerant of light… Continue reading Plant Profile – Native Violet – Viola banksii
Backyard Biodiversity Tip Three – Leave some of the Wild
With the dire warnings of an insect apocalypse and the potential impact on the food chain, encouraging creepy crawlies has never been so relevant. My garden purposely embraces the wild, but the messiness drives my partner crazy. Over time and with compromise I have managed to convince him of the importance of garden debris for… Continue reading Backyard Biodiversity Tip Three – Leave some of the Wild
Jane Grows Garden Rooms 