Variegated Native Plants and Frost
I am beginning to think that variegated plants are not as frost tolerant as their plain leaved relatives. The variegated form of Pandorea jasminoides looks a little the worse for wear at the moment. The upper leaves look ‘soggy’ compared to the older leaves and the plain Pandorea in the pot next to it has not been touched by frost.
A similar thing has happened to Correa ‘Dusky Bells’ variegated form. The plain form is as tough as old boot leather. The other consideration is that the potted plants are in more active growth than those in the ground and are producing new growth more often.
I hope it is just the new growth that is the problem, otherwise I am in trouble with the rule I set for myself. Plants I grow have to be frost hardy and relatively drought hardy, unless I choose to deliberately break this last rule, knowing that extra water will be required. The first rule is not negotiable.
I may have a management problem to overcome in the future as these plants are grown in the open.
Windmill Cottage at Blyth
No Comments »17th May, 2006; Category: General
Ian Roberts, the artist who runs Medika Gallery, runs a Bed and Breakfast cottage called Windmill Cottage situated between Blyth and Clare. He gave us a map to find it in order to admire the view and check out his arboretum.
What a great place. The view over the Balaklava Plains was marvellous. It was a clear and sunny afternoon so we enjoyed our thermos of tea sitting at a strategically placed table, where we could enjoy the view. The weekend clients had checked out so we were not interfering with their enjoyment of the place.
Later we wandered for a while through the arboretum, disturbing a family of kangaroos who were not too worried at our presence. They are obviously used to Ian being there. He has planted numerous Eucalypts (Gum Trees) in the four corners of a five acre (2.2 hectares) patch on two sides of a valley. In each of four corners he has dedicated arboretums to Melaleucas, Grevilleas, Banksias and Hakeas. We had a look at the Grevilleas for a while before we had to go. Some are coming into flower now and will be a picture soon. There will be great photography opportunities as the season progresses.
This cottage would be a great place for a break. See the Medika Gallery website for contact details.
Clare Valley South Australia
No Comments »16th May, 2006; Category: General
We went to Clare in the midnorth of South Australia to ‘dogsit’ for our daughter last weekend. She had a friend from the UK staying with her and they had the unexpected opportunty for a trip to the Flinders Ranges. In particular they were staying at Rawnsley Park in a cabin. From there they were able to visit Wilpena Pound, Appealinna Ruins, Bunyeroo Valley and drive along the Razor Back.
This is a lovely area to visit at any time of the year. At the moment, as a result of early rains the place is very attractive. Becky got to see the glorious colours of the sunset against the ranges, the morning light on Rawnsley Bluff and a lot of wildlife. Fourteen kangaroos on the side of the road between Craddock and Hawker. They are such unpredictable animals in car headlights.
Meanwhile we visited Medika Gallery at Blyth, only a few Kilometres down the road from Clare. This is the studio and gallery of artist Ian Roberts. He paints Australian native birds in natural settings, usually on the plants that they feed from. Beautiful work. His gallery also exhibits work from other Australian artists. It is certainly worth the visit. This is his website.
Using Lime
I have discovered why my new Correa rootlings were not growing as they should. Other plants which like alkaline conditions were just sittting also, despite the warm weather we had. My potting mix is not the pH it should be. It is way too acid at pH 5.5. It was only after hearing the tale of woe of another grower that the ‘penny dropped’ and I realised that my problem was probably the same. A pH test on the offending mix proved that it was the same problem, although not as low as his was. He thought that Azaelias would have done excellently in his mix.
Solution? Keith watered his pots with lime water made with a teapoon of lime in a standard watering can. He had to do this four times altogether before the pH was an acceptable 6. I have had to do the same. I have also added a cupful of lime to a wheelbarrow load of the potting mix for new seedlings and cuttings. It goes against the grain to do this when the soil pH is 9+! However if it solves the problem in the potting mix and I get the growth on the plants then it is worth it. It has been so disappointing to see the losses and the unthrifty new plants. I was certainly thankful to be alerted to a new scenario for my nursery.
Australian Native Trees and Tall Shrubs For Dry Areas
This is the first list of plants for dry and alkaline soils. They need to be watered regularly for the first few months at least.
- Acacia pycnantha (Golden Wattle) Australia’s floral emblem. 4-8m high in ideal conditions.
- Acacia saligna (Golden Wreath Wattle) 3-8m high.
- Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle) to 6m. Amazingly, this does well here.
- Eucalyptus leucoxylon forms
- Eucalyptus diversifolia
- Eucalyptus porosa
- Eucalyptus stricklandii
- Eucalyptus spathulata
- Eucalyptus woodwardii
- Eucalyptus torquata (Coral Gum)
- Eucalyptus platypus
- Eucalyptus macrocarpa (Rose of the West or Mottlecah)
- Eucalyptus ficifolia (Western Australian Flowering Gum)
- Eucalyptus erythrocorys (Red Cap Gum)
- Eucalyptus eremophila
- Eucalyptus forrestiana (Fuschia Gum)
- Eucalyptus pyriformis (Pear Gum)
- Eucalyptus sideroxylon (Iron Bark)
- Grevillea robusta
- Santalum acuminatum (Wild Peach, Quandong)
This is not an exhaustive list. If you know of more species to add to this list (ie. dryland planting plus alkaline soil), let me know, please.