Queensland Nutmeg – Plant Profile

Our very own Nutmeg and Mace! Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Queensland Nutmeg (Myristica globosa). Related to the “true” Nutmeg, this nutmeg is a little less pungent but can be used the same way. The red aril is a native Mace. This stunning rainforest tree is visited by Metallic Starlings (Aplonis metallica) in a gregarious,… Continue reading Queensland Nutmeg – Plant Profile

Black Bean: Plant Profile

Nutritious seeds not recommended for consumption! Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Black Bean Tree (Castanospermum australe). It’s a sad fact of Australia’s history that much of the culture of First Nations people has been lost due to government policies that separated people from their land and families. While it is known that many First Nations… Continue reading Black Bean: Plant Profile

Beer from the Bush: Wedge Leaf Hop Bush

Beer from the bush in Australia! Australian Bush Tucker Bites presents Wedge Leaf Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa). Before traditional brewing made its way to Australian shores, colonists brewed beer from the fruits of this bush. Of course, for thousands of years before that it had been used by First Nations people. Primarily a medicinal plant… Continue reading Beer from the Bush: Wedge Leaf Hop Bush

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’s… Continue 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 in… Continue reading Native Ginger or Alpinia caerulea

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 an… Continue reading A Garlic for Subtropical and Tropical Climates

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 by… Continue 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 fruits… Continue reading Plant Profile  – Native Mulberry – Pipturus argenteus

Garden to Kitchen – Choc-Mint Ice-cream

This recipe is a companion piece to my plant profile for Mint species coming soon! A vlog version is also available Garden to Kitchen – Choc-Mint Ice-cream on the Jane Grows Garden Rooms YouTube channel. NEW – short version of the vlog. Ingredients: 1 cup cream 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint (I like a chocolate… Continue reading Garden to Kitchen – Choc-Mint Ice-cream