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”
Tag Archives: biodiversity
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”
A Garlic for Subtropical and Tropical Climates
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 anContinue reading “A Garlic for Subtropical and Tropical Climates”
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 groundcoverContinue reading “Hardenbergia violocea or Happy Wanderer”
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 – Native Mulberry – Pipturus argenteus
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 fruitsContinue reading “Plant Profile – Native Mulberry – Pipturus argenteus”
Plant Profile: Slender Mint – Mentha diemenica
Also known as: Mentha diemenica Wild Mint Very similar to Mentha satureoides and sometimes confused with it. Growing conditions: Full sun/Shade/part shade Groundcover Prefers slightly damp soil Suitable for pots, rockeries and as a filler between paving stones or driving strips Propagation: Cuttings Removing a rooted section of the plant as it spreads Keep moistContinue reading “Plant Profile: Slender Mint – Mentha diemenica”
Garden Friends and Foes – what’s that?
I’ve always had “what the…?” moments in my garden and struggled to get information to explain what is it that I am seeing. Here I plan to document some of my findings progressively. Check back if you’re interested in knowing what those random nests and larvae are in your garden. This is another Lacewing. ItContinue reading “Garden Friends and Foes – what’s that?”
Jane Grows Garden Rooms 