Category Archives: biodiversity

An Introduction to Australian Bush Tucker

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’sContinue reading “An Introduction to Australian Bush Tucker”

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 inContinue 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 notContinue reading “A True Wildflower of the Tamborine Bush – Slender Hyacinth Orchid”

Sago Bush or Ozothamnus Diosmifolius

Plant Profile This plant is not hard to find in Tamborine Village. Ozothamnus diosmifolius is flowering beautifully this year. From my back patio It looks like the bushes are snow-topped as they cluster around our dam. The name comes from the Greek Ozo “to smell” and Thamnus “shrub” referring to the pungent smell of crushedContinue reading “Sago Bush or Ozothamnus Diosmifolius”

Invite Some Garden Friends: Backyard Biodiversity Tip Four

Using nature to control weeds and pests is a great way to garden organically and improve the biodiversity in your garden. It’s been a long time coming, but here it is and it’s all about using nature to control weeds and pests. This is the fourth in a series. You can find the first three byContinue reading “Invite Some Garden Friends: Backyard Biodiversity Tip Four”

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 traysContinue 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 bloomsContinue 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 DroughtContinue 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”