Category: Edible Gardening

Native Ginger or Alpinia caerulea

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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 Garlic for Subtropical and Tropical Climates

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Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is the perfect way to grow garlic flavours in warm climates. I love garlic flavours, but try as I might, I just can’t get garlic to grow in my subtropical climate zone. The solution? Society Garlic or Tulbaghia violacea! This strappy leaved plant with lovely purple flowers will grow as an… Continue reading A Garlic for Subtropical and Tropical Climates

Plant Profile – Brisbane Wattle

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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

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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

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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

Plant Profile – Perennial Basil

Posted in biodiversity, Citizen Science, Edible Gardening, Garden, permaculture, Plant Profiles3 Comments

Also known as: Growing conditions: Propagation: Uses: I originally purchased this plant from Mudbrick Herb Cottage because I liked the idea of fresh basil all year. It has delivered, but I still grow sweet basil for those dishes that need its pungent sweetness. During Wild Pollinator Count Weeks it’s the first plant I visit. It… Continue reading Plant Profile – Perennial Basil

Plant Profile  – Native Mulberry – Pipturus argenteus

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This plant is a biodiversity hub in my garden.  A few moments of close observation on any given day reveals species galore. From the Eastern Sedge Frog family to Rainbow Lorikeets to countless insects, I am never disappointed. My children are also regularly drawn to the tree to gather and gobble the tiny sweet fruits… Continue reading Plant Profile  – Native Mulberry – Pipturus argenteus

Italian Flatbread with Thyme, Parmesan and Garlic

Posted in Cooking, Edible Gardening, Garden, permaculture2 Comments

It takes me two and a half hours to get this recipe on the table. The smell around the house during cooking is magical.  The bread lasts for up to a week in an airtight container if it doesn’t get eaten! This recipe is also available on YouTube. Ingredients: Equipment: Method: 1. Fill a jug… Continue reading Italian Flatbread with Thyme, Parmesan and Garlic

Plant Profile  – Native Elderberry

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Also known as: Sambucus australasica Native Elderberry Yellow Elderberry Native Elder Growing conditions: Part shade/Shade Grows in most soils Prefers a moist location Propagation: Fresh seed in autumn subtropics/tropics Will need a cold frame in cooler climates Despite its preference for moist soil, this plant has been one of my drought survivors. It recovers quickly… Continue reading Plant Profile  – Native Elderberry