2020-11-01 Gardening Australia

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EDITOR’S LETTER

wel e
One of the For excellent advice and gorgeous
in the world would have to pictures of the plant kind, look to the
be the chatter of birds outside gallery of daisies on page 16. The daisy
the window. When I moved family is enormous, but we’ve settled
into my current home a few years ago, on a dozen beauties to profile for you,
it was rainbow lorikeets in the water gum with something for all tastes. And for a
on the verge that woke me the morning touch of romance, how about Japanese
after moving day. They were absolutely windflowers… or maybe you’re after
shrieking – whether it was partying or something with bold structural foliage,
squabbling, I couldn’t tell, but it was such as cycads? Meanwhile, in the patch,
impossible to sleep through. I didn’t mind we’re growing kiwifruit, eggplant and
too much. If this was the soundtrack of amaranth, and banging in a frame for
my new street, I was digging the groove. cucumbers. It’s all go in late spring!

Birds still squawk and play in my Late spring also means bushfire
neighbourhood and garden, but I admit season… and while pockets of Australia
I wouldn’t mind seeing a more diverse have had much-needed rain this year,
line-up. While I love the lorikeets and others have not. We hope the tragedies
magpies and honeyeaters, I feel stupidly of last summer are not repeated, but if
delighted when the superb fairy-wrens fly you do live in a bushfire-prone area, it’s
in. Small birds like this are so charming, worth reading up on how to run a food
so cute… and easily nosed out by their and water station for animals rendered
heftier, more gregarious cousins. homeless. The rest of us – indeed all of
us – need to continue doing what we do:
To see what we can do to make our creating green spaces full of beauty, food
gardens more inviting for the little guys, and flowers. Keep on gardening!
we asked wildlife expert Leonard Cronin
to explain what different species need in ABOVE
terms of garden design and plant choices. Take your pick of daisies – there’s a huge
Turn to page 38 for some excellent advice range to choose from; attract small birds
and gorgeous pictures! such as this colourful red-browed nch.

PHOTOS JENNIFER SOO, ISTOCKN TOUCH

STAY I SUBSCRIPTIONS 1300 361 146 SOCIAL MEDIA
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GARDENING AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2020 5

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NOVEMBER 2020

CONTENTS
16

For all your top jobs in
the garden this month,

turn to page 66

ON TH30 COVER STORIES COMPETITIONS +
READER OFFERS
E COVER 16 Daisies to grow now
22 Cycads 50 Win e Sustainable
Make your garden a mecca for 26 Japanese windflower House Handbook by Josh
small birds, such as this eastern 38 Welcome small birds Byrne, valued at $39.99
spinebill. See page 38 for tips on 44 Fix a heavy clay soil
garden design and plant choices. 46 Catch and conserve water 64 Subscribe now to receive
52 Rockery revival a free Gardening Australia
Photo: Vas Smilevski 58 Help animals after bushfire 2021 diary or calendar,
76 Amaranth valued at $19.95 each
77 Eggplant in pots
80 Kiwifruit 85 Win a Koshi bamboo
wind chime worth $67.50
76
Solve the crossword for
your chance to win a
Seasol hamper worth $75

GARDENING AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2020 9

NOVEMBER 44

52 22

46

58

26

FEATURES 44 Remedies for clay soil REGULARS

16 Fresh as a daisy Tino Carnevale explains five ways to 12 Marketplace Plants and books
There are many daisies to fall in 58 At home with Jackie The right way
turn a heavy clay soil into an asset
love with. Here are 12 of the best to feed and water wildlife after fires
46 Use it or lose it
22 Walking with dinosaurs 66 Action planner What to do in your
Low-maintenance cycads work Take a peek at Josh Byrne’s garden garden in November

well in mass plantings or as bold for tips on how to maximise water 75 In the patch
• Plant amaranth
sculptural statement pieces 52 Rockery reboot
• Pick garlic
26 Perennial charm A step-by-step guide to reviving this
Japanese windflowers are a picture • Grow eggplant in a pot
iconic garden feature of the ’60s and
of elegance, with cheerful, open • Step-by-step instructions for installing
’70s, plus 10 plants to mix and match
flowers swaying on long stems a frame for growing cucumbers
60 The gardener’s bucket list
30 A home in the hills • Helping hand: why didn’t my
Organic gardening is at the heart Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake,
77 pumpkin seed germinate?
of a family-run property near in Tasmania, Australia
• Grow kiwifruit
Perth that’s brimming with
82 Mailbox Your letters, photos, questions
roses and top-quality food Crossword
TV & radio guide Your ABC
38 The joy of small birds The directory
Practical ways to welcome sma The big picture

bird species into your garden

10 N OV E M B E R 2020 G A R D EN IN G AU S T R A L I A

Gar 2020

dening Products

EDITOR Jenny Baldwin If you need to hide an ugly fence or other eyesore quickly,
HORTICULTURAL EDITOR Phil Dudman new Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Quick Fence’ lives up to
its name. The fastest-growing viburnum, it has mid-green
ART DIRECTOR Rachel Henderson leaves, reaches 4m high by 2.5m wide with bushy growth,
CHIEF SUBEDITOR Liani Solari and is ideal for narrow spaces. It likes a spot in full sun to
SUBEDITOR Gina Hetherington semi-shade and tolerates light frost once established. For
hedging, position each plant 1–2m apart. Sweetly perfumed
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Carole Gridley white flowers appear in late spring. ozbreed.com.au
HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT Marianne Cannon

ABC TV HOST Costa Georgiadis
PRESENTERS Josh Byrne, Tino Carnevale,

Jerry Coleby-Williams, Jane Edmanson,
Millie Ross, Clarence Slockee, Sophie Thomson

CONTRIBUTORS
Steve Ball, Noel Burdette, Leonard Cronin, Jackie French,
Robert Frith/Acorn Photo, Judy Horton, Anna Hutchcroft,

Tammy Huynh, Michael McCoy, Martyn Robinson,
Jennifer Stackhouse, Deryn Thorpe, Kim Woods Rabbidge

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Anabel Tweedale, [email protected] Phone (02) 9901 6371

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE
Iris McPherson, [email protected] Phone (02) 9901 6160

ACCOUNT MANAGER
Annya Azzopardi, [email protected] Phone (02) 9901 6320

PRODUCTION MANAGER Peter Ryman
PRODUCTION AND DIGITAL SERVICES MANAGER Jonathan Bishop

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ABC TV Gill Lomas
HEAD PUBLISHING AND LICENSING ABC COMMERCIAL Lisa Hunter

BRAND MANAGER ABC MAGAZINES Jenni Powell
SUBSCRIPTION SALES AND ENQUIRIES
1300 361 146, gardeningaustralia.com.au
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
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ISSN: 1325-1465
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MARKETPLACE

New Showpiece roses (Rosa x hybrida) combine the old-world appeal
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uitable to grow at the front of borders or in containers. tesselaar.com

ON TPLANTSHE SHELF
This month’s pick of the bunch
for garden lovers nationwide

TEXT MARIANNE CANNON These two new sunflower varieties are ideal for cut flowers From spring to autumn, Lychnis flos-cuculi ‘Petite Henri’
or indoor displays, as they are pollen free and won’t make resembles candelabra of white, shaggy flowers fluttering
a mess in the house. Sunflower Supernova F1 is a tall, above green, clumping foliage that grows 45–60cm high
robust variety with single stems that reach 1.6m, while and wide. This new easy-care perennial can be planted in
Sunflower Lemon Bling F1 has multiple lemon-yellow drifts, rockeries, garden beds or pots, and complements
blooms and grows to a compact 45cm plantings of blue or white iris, or peonies. It tolerates full
high, making it suitable for containers sun to semi-shade. The upright blooms are suitable as
Sow seed directly a filler in cut-flower arrangements. planterspatch.com.au
into a container or
garden bed in a G A R D EN I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 0 13
sunny spot protected
from strong winds,
and expect flowers
in 10–12 weeks.
mrfothergills.com.a

MARKETPLACE

ON TH BOOKSE SHELF

ADELAIDE HILLS GARDENS LIFE IN A GARDEN TEXT CAROLE GRIDLEY
Christine McCabe
Photography by Simon Gri ths ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS

ames & Hudson Australia FOR THE OUTDOOR
Twenty diverse gardens in the Adelaide Hills are featured in this book through exquisite
images accompanied by introductory text. Most early gardens created in the region were CLASSROOM
based on memories of the owners’ European homelands. Over time, they have evolved Ross Mars
to include vegetable patches, free-range chickens, sheep, and more climate-compatible Hawker Brownlow Education
native trees and plants. The stories are inspirational, and the photographs of the gardens We all know how important it is
in different seasons and at different times of the day or evening are mesmerising. to get children out into the garden,
and what a wonderful educational
GARDENING WITH DROUGHT FRIENDLY PLANTS environment it can be. Author,
Tony Hall teacher and respected permaculture
Kew Publishing practitioner Ross Mars has created
This beautifully illustrated guide profiles more a terrific resource with his new
than 200 waterwise plant species and cultivars. book that draws upon his years of
Tony Hall from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, experience in the garden and the
in the UK, draws on his 20-plus years’ experience classroom. Life in a Garden is filled
working with drought-friendly and Mediterranean with information and activities for
plants to provide tips and practical advice on primary school children, and is
pruning, maintenance, and plants that can be presented in a way that makes it
left untended while you’re away. Included is a accessible for teachers and parents
glossary, plus quick-reference guides listing alike. It covers all the basics of
plants according to colour, fragrance, and those setting up a successful productive
that attract wildlife such as bees and butterflies. garden, and is thoughtfully set
out with clearly defined activities
ZEN GARDEN DESIGN to provide guidance for teachers.
MINDFUL SPACES BY SHUNMYO MASUNO, The wonders of composting,
JAPAN’S LEADING GARDEN DESIGNER germination and pollination are
Mira Locher with foreword by Terunobu Fujimori carefully explained and beautifully
Tuttle Publishing illustrated with easy-to-follow
Zen Buddhist priest Shunmyo Masuno is a designer graphics. Top marks to the author
of many Japanese gardens and landscapes, which for producing a book that’s a great
are not only beautiful spaces, but also areas that are help to anyone wanting to ignite
conducive to meditation and contemplation. Divided the magic of gardening in the
into three sections, this book covers 15 of Masuno’s next generation of green thumbs.
unique gardens and landscapes in six countries, in Josh Byrne
settings such as private residences, condominiums,
and public and private spaces. His ideas and design
process, which are fundamental to his daily Zen
practice and teachings, are explored through photographs, drawings and descriptive
narrative. There’s also an ‘In Conversation’ discussion section that includes Masuno,
author Mira Locher and architectural historian Terunobu Fujimori.

14 N O V E M B E R 2 02 0 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A



PLANTS

fraessha
‘Day’s e

morphed into the name of one of our favourite

cottage flowers, writes JENNIFER STACKHOUSE
Looking at a daisy flower, it’s easy
to see its centre as the sun, and which includes about 1600 genera and SUITABLE CLIMATE ZONES
its petals as rays. Although it looks more than 24,000 species. As well as
being unified by their floral style, daisies tropical T

simple, the daisy is a latecomer all need sun or semi-shade, well-drained subtropical ST

in terms of plant evolution. In fact, it’s a soil, and shelter from very cold conditions. arid/semi-arid A
complex flower in two parts. The outer Most daisies are easy to grow from seed warm temperate WT
petals, or ray florets, are designed to cold temperate CT
and cuttings, so they’re good for beginners

attract pollinating insects to the flower’s or for quickly establishing a garden. Many height width full sun
fertile centre. Called the disc floret, the also make good cut flowers. Although they semi-shade planting flowering
centre is the business section – where demand water at planting, and in hot or

bees and butterflies feed on nectar and dry conditions, most are drought tolerant.

carry pollen, and where seeds are formed. Don’t be heavy-handed with the fertiliser Achilles heel? Small plants can be

Daisies are part of the huge Asteraceae – all they generally need is a spring feed. mistaken for bindies and weeded out.

family, formerly classified as Compositae, Here are 12 popular daisies to consider. 10–30cm 20–30cm

year-round summer

A DOZEN DAISIES WT CT

1CHAMOMILE 2SEASIDE DAISY
(Chamaemelum nobile) (Erigeron karvinskianus)
1 Yes, that soothing cup of chamomile tea Okay, this is a bit weedy, but it’s so pretty
is made from a daisy flower. Chamomile is and so easygoing that it’s a favourite with

a ground-hugging herb with bright green, many gardeners. It is seen at its best

aromatic, ferny leaves, and small, white growing unfettered beside stone steps or a

daisy flowers mainly in summer. As well path, and thrives in inland as well as coastal

as growing chamomile to use as a herbal locations. The flowers are white but age to PHOTOS ISTOCK, GAP PHOTOS/NICOLA STOCKEN

tea, it’s also grown as a lawn. In all but pink, giving the plant a confetti look when

the coolest and most moist climates, a it’s in full flower. Cut plants back in autumn

chamomile lawn can cause heartbreak, or winter when they start to look ratty,

as it’s quite finicky to maintain. Start with and new growth will burst forth in spring.

a small patch around a stepping stone, Achilles heel? It doesn’t really have one,

water well when it’s hot and dry, and see except for its ability to self-seed. Keep it

how you go. The more romantic gardener under control by cutting back hard, and

may even yearn for a chamomile seat handweeding unwanted plants.

created by studding an earthen seat or 30–60cm 60cm–1.5m

embankment with plants. The variety year-round year-round

‘Treneague’ is a non-flowering cultivar. ST A WT CT

Did you know?

2 AS WELL AS THE PLANTS

WITH ‘DAISY’ IN THEIR
NAME, SUNFLOWERS,
GERBERAS, COSMOS AND
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES

ARE ALSO DAISIES.

34
56

3MARGUERITE DAISY, Achilles heel? Leaves can be attacked but it can be sheared over in late summer PHOTOS ISTOCK, GAP PHOTOS/JOHN GLOVER
PARIS DAISY by leafminer. Prune off affected leaves as flowering finishes. It grows and flowers
and feed the plant to encourage new best in well-drained soil in full sun, and is
(Argyranthemum frutescens) growth. The blue-green, narrow-leafed moderately frost hardy. A mauve-flowered
This small, evergreen, bushy shrub peaks varieties are more resilient to leafminer species, F. fruticosa, makes an impact in
from winter to spring, when it’s in full than those with large green leaves. gardens from spring to summer.
bloom. While it grows and flowers quickly, Achilles heel? Like all daisies, it can be
don’t expect the bush to last forever. The 30–75cm 45–90cm short-lived, so remember to take some
plants become woody and ungainly after year-round year-round cuttings in late summer or autumn.
a few years, but are easy to grow from
tip cuttings taken from spring to autumn. (peaking winter to spring) 40–60cm 60cm
Best known for its simple white flowers, T ST A WT CT year-round summer
this daisy also comes in pink, carmine or
yellow, with single, semi-double or double 4FELICITY DAISY, ST A WT CT
forms, and includes the Australian-bred BLUE DAISY
Federation daisy varieties. Leaf colour 5MICHAELMAS DAISY,
varies from green to blue-green. These (Felicia amelloides) EASTER DAISY
daisies do well in the ground or in a pot. Inject a splash of blue into the garden
Lightly prune in spring, but avoid cutting with this pretty, low-growing, evergreen (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
into hardwood. Protect from frost. daisy. From late spring, it’s just a mass syn. Aster novi-belgii)
of single blue daisies. There’s little that Plant name changes are difficult to come
needs to be done to manage this plant, to terms with, but even more so when

18 N OV E M B E R 2020 G A RDENIN G AUS TR A LI A

7

a perfectly simple genus name such as 6MARMALADE DAISY, 7 SHASTA DAISY
Aster is replaced with a tongue twister. If CONEFLOWER, (Leucanthemum x superbum)
there’s already some confusion, this pretty BLACK-EYED SUSAN This perennial daisy’s species name,
daisy’s common names suggest it flowers superbum, always raises a wry smile,
in opposite seasons, which isn’t so. Its (Rudbeckia hirta) but it’s actually pronounced superb-um.
autumn blooms occur around the time of This bold orange flower with its raised It’s a hybrid developed in the US about
Michaelmas in the Northern Hemisphere, black centre always takes me back to my 120 years ago by world-renowned plant
and Easter in the Southern Hemisphere. grandmother’s garden. It’s a cheery daisy breeder Luther Burbank, who also bred
That’s when its tall stems are smothered that adds colour through late summer and the large Russet Burbank potato favoured
in small, honey-scented, white, mauve or autumn. Grow this herbaceous perennial for potato chips. He named his white
pink daisy flowers. Cut the bushes back to in an open, sunny spot with well-drained, daisy for the snow-capped Mount Shasta
ground level when they finish flowering. moist soil. Deadhead regularly to keep it in northern California. There are single
Achilles heel? Some varieties are prone flowering. Cut back hard in late autumn, and very shaggy double varieties.
to powdery mildew, so grow them in full and propagate by division in winter. Achilles heel? As a perennial, it dies
sun with good air circulation. Support tall Achilles heel? It can be a martyr to back over winter. Its floppy stems may
stems with a perennial frame. mildew, so plant it in an open, sunny spot. need a supporting stake.

1–1.2m 60–80cm 80cm 1.2–2m 1–1.2m 40cm
year-round autumn year-round year-round summer

WT CT late summer to autumn ST WT CT
ST WT CT

G A R D ENIN G AU S TR A L I A N OV E M B E R 2020 19

PLANTS

89 12
10 11

8CUT-LEAF DAISY, display in the wildflower fields of Western or containers, but I’m happy with the
BRACHYSCOME Australia during late winter or spring. In ones that self-seed throughout the lawn.
the garden, prepare a well-drained, sunny Achilles heel? This daisy can cause
(Brachyscome multifida)
This groundcover has soft foliage and spot and sow your seeds in autumn. marital disagreements, especially if

produces masses of dainty mauve flowers Achilles heel? As an annual, it doesn’t mowed when in flower.

from spring to summer. It grows in a wide last forever. Allow the papery flowers 5–10cm 10–20cm PHOTOS ALAMY, ISTOCK, GAP PHOTOS/LEE AVISON, GAP PHOTOS/SUE HEATH

range of conditions, including pots, but to dry – and then they are everlasting! year-round

water it well in dry times. Pink, white, 60cm 40cm late winter to autumn

yellow and purple cultivars are available. autumn WT CT

Achilles heel? It can be short-lived, late winter to summer 11 AFRICAN DAISY
but you can grow more from cuttings. ST A WT CT (Osteospermum ecklonis)
If you’re after prolonged, knockout colour
20–40cm 30–90cm 10LAWN DAISY and low maintenance, this is your daisy.
year-round (Bellis perennis)

spring to summer

ST WT CT Harsh words have been exchanged at my It quickly forms a spreading carpet of

9PAPER DAISY, place about this little plant. I love the way flowers, and is a sun lover – the flowers
EVERLASTING DAISY, it colonises the lawn, and was devastated don’t open on cloudy days, and they close
to discover my husband was systematically at night. Once known only as a white daisy

STRAWFLOWER weeding it out and mowing off the flowers. with a purple centre, it now also comes

(Xerochrysum bracteatum) He has now seen the light, and the small in pink, mauve, blue, peach, yellow, orange

These ephemeral native daisies with pink, daisy flowers are gazing up at me from or colourful combinations. ‘Whirligig’

gold, orange or cream flowers make an among the soft green grass. There are (pictured) has narrow, twisted (crimped)

impact en masse. Create your own meadow large-flowered varieties with fluffy pink petals. Water the plants well to get them

by sowing a packet of seeds, or enjoy the flowers to grow as annuals in the garden growing, then they’ll look after themselves.

20 N OV E M B E R 2 02 0 G A R D EN I N G AU S T R A L I A

Achilles heel? The leaves have a slightly Do you know you
acrid scent, but pests (even four-legged ones) have a pelvic floor?
give them a wide berth. Not a good cut flower.
Brian was 71 years old before he found
50cm–1m 50cm–1m out about the importance of his pelvic
year-round year-round floor. He was experiencing a lot of urinary
leakage (incontinence) after his prostate
T ST A WT CT
cancer surgery earlier in the year.
12 OLEARIA
(Olearia spp.) The pelvic floor muscles span the bottom of the
These daisies from Australia, New Zealand and pelvis and support the pelvic organs
New Guinea mostly have tough evergreen or
silvery leaves, and masses of small flowers in (bladder and bowel, and uterus [womb] in women).
spring and summer. Some, such as compact
Olearia ciliata, are mauve, while O. pimeleoides I didn’t even know I had a pelvic
has white flowers, and others are pink. Dusty floor. I didn’t know men did.
daisy bush (O. phlogopappa, pictured) has
masses of white daisies in spring and summer. Brian phoned the National Continence Helpline
All grow best in well-drained soil. Prune to 1800 33 00 66 for more help. He spoke with one of the
shape after flowering. Nurse Continence Specialists taking calls at the Helpline.
Achilles heel? It doesn’t have one.
The Helpline staff member was
60cm–4.5m (depending on species) the only person who actually took time
40cm–3m (depending on species)
year-round spring, summer and explained what incontinence
is and how it happens.
T ST A WT CT
After following the advice of the National Continence
Helpline, Brian noticed a difference within a couple of
days. He worked with health professionals and made

sure to do his pelvic floor muscle exercises.
A few months down the track, he says his leakage
is “remarkably better” and he’s back to enjoying long

walks and time with family.

Phone the free National Continence Helpline for
confidential information and advice on bladder

and bowel health

GREAT
FOR BEDS
OR POTS

WALKING WITH

DIN AURS
Big on impact but low on care, a prehistoric cycad is the perfect
statement piece for the garden, writes TAMMY HUYNH

PLANTS

My favourite encounter with types (sago palm and dioon) can be quite al
cycads in the wild was during prickly. For a softer approach, look for
a drive through Braidwood in cardboard palm (Zamia furfuracea). common name
the Southern Tablelands of cycad
New South Wales. Hundreds of them were Potted specimens look fantastic as a botanic names
sitting stout and proud under the dappled standalone feature, and a single mature Cycas spp., Zamia spp.,
light of a eucalypt forest. Large, graceful, pot plant adds instant drama. If you have Dioon spp., Lepidozamia spp.,
glossy fronds gently overlapped to form a space, potted cycads flanking a driveway Macrozamia spp.
lush, verdant understorey. With little water or path give the thoroughfare prominence.
and zero attention – aside from awe-struck 1–7m up to 4m
car passengers – they were thriving. It’s cultivation & care full sun, semi-shade
little wonder these elegant beauties have
been adopted into our gardens. Growing cycads is relatively easy. Good spring, autumn
drainage is essential, as they won’t tolerate
Cycads have been around for more than wet feet. Improve clay soils with gypsum, suitable
250 million years. That says something and dig in plenty of organic matter. (See
about their tenacity, and is a testament page 44 for more on dealing with clay OPPOSITE PAGE
to their ability to withstand the elements. soils.) If the soil is unrelenting, plant in a Reaching up to 7m tall, scaly zamia
Their striking architectural foliage and free-draining mix in raised beds or pots. (Lepidozamia pero skyana) is a
intriguing growth habits suit most garden native species that occurs on the
styles, and even if your garden doesn’t The best time to plant cycads is spring east coast and thrives in dappled
tend towards a certain design, these plants or autumn. In frost-free zones, late winter shade. Growing on separate plants,
just might be the prehistoric statement is suitable, too. Depending on the species, female cones (pictured) produce
piece you’ve been looking for. They are choose a position in full sun or semi-shade, seeds, while male cones shed pollen.
incredibly slow-growing and likely to under the dappled light of established trees.
outlast us all, but the show is worth it.
Water deeply and regularly, but reduce
landscape legends the frequency once the plant is established.
To keep the soil cool over summer, cover
With their sculptural forms, cycads add it with a woody mulch such as pine bark.
sophistication to any sized landscape, Feed the plant with a slow-release
whether they’re in the ground or in pots. fertiliser in spring, summer and autumn.
Use them as focal points to help elevate
garden beds, particularly in contemporary, Cycads naturally grow into a beautiful
dryland or tropical gardens. They are the shape, so aside from removing the old
perfect substitute for palms, providing the leaves, you don’t need to prune them.
majestic crown of foliage without the height.
PHOTO ISTOCK PROBLEM s lve
To achieve a verdant planting scheme,
underplant cycads with bromeliads, Cycads are generally fuss-free plants. However, if the plant becomes stressed,
ctenanthe, or compact philodendrons sap-sucking pests such as mealy bug and scale can cause leaves to yellow
such as Philodendron ‘Xanadu’. In modern and distort. Both insects can be managed by spraying with horticultural oil, or
xeriscapes, team cycads with similar by dabbing the pests with methylated spirits in the case of a small infestation.
sculptural foliage types along the lines
of agaves, aloes and blue chalksticks. If you have a sago palm (Cycas revoluta), be on the lookout for the larvae of
the cycad blue butterfly, as the caterpillars chew on flushes of new growth,
Cycads also look magnificent planted causing the edges of the leaves to become tattered and straw-like. To reduce
in groups underneath established trees, damage, spray new growth with Dipel as soon as it appears.
or growing en masse in feature beds,
particularly to define a boundary or space. Poor-draining soil eventually leads to root rot, so amend this before planting
Take heed, though – the foliage of certain (see 'Cultivation & care’ above). If the leaves are blackening or yellowing after
heavy rain, root rot may have set in. Spray the leaves with an anti-rot fungicide.

G A RD ENIN G AUS TR A L I A N OV E M B E R 2020 23

PLANTS

CLOCKWISE
FROM ABOVE LEFT

e Australian native
Macrozamia communis grows
to 2m tall; spiky foliage of the

sago palm (Cycas revoluta);
the cardboard palm (Zamia
furfuracea) has softer leaf tips

than most cycads; Dioon
species have feathery,
blue-green foliage.

SUITABLE CLIMATE ZONES

tropical ●

subtropical ●

arid/semi-arid ●

warm temperate ●

cold temperate ● New

SELECT YOUR CYCAD

Different forms of cycads are available at garden centres
or specialist cycad nurseries, and all are equally striking.
Many are called ‘palms’ because of similar growth habits,
but they are not related. Here are some popular choices.

Sago palm (Cycas revoluta)
The most commonly grown cycad species is loved for

its stiff, glossy, green foliage radiating from a beautifully

textured trunk. Native to southern Japan, it prefers

warm, frost-free conditions. It tolerates light frosts once

established, but will suffer with prolonged exposure.

T ST WT 2–3m 2m

Cardboard palm (Zamia furfuracea) Disease resistant
This eastern Mexican native has rounded leaf tips, which fragrant roses

makes it perfect for planting along paths, in small spaces Available NOW at all
leading Garden Centres
and even indoors. It’s tolerant of coastal sites. Visit our website for the entire
range of Anthony Tesselaar Plants
T ST WT 1m 1.5–2m
www.tesselaar.com
Lepidozamia spp.
These Australian natives are highly ornamental, with dark,

handsome foliage on a tall, single or multi-stemmed trunk.

Scaly zamia (L. peroffskyana) thrives in dappled shade

to sunny positions, while Hope’s cycad (L. hopei) prefers

a deep shaded, moist environment.

ST WT up to 5m 3m

Macrozamia spp.
This group of Australian native cycads is incredibly tough.

Burrawang (M. communis) is often abundant in open
PHOTOS GAP PHOTOS/MATTEO CARASSALE, ALAMY, ISTOCK

ATP-1244-20
woodlands and dry forests. Its feathery fronds on single

or multi-stemmed trunks are a standout feature. Growing

up to 7m tall, M. moorei is one of the larger species, and

its foliage forms a skirt around the trunk as it ages.

ST WT 1.5–7m 1.5–2m

Dioon spp.
Native to Mexico and Central America, these cycads

are a real statement piece, with a lush crown of stiff,

feather-like, blue-green foliage surrounding a slender

stem. The tips are pointed, so take care with placement.

D. spinulosum can reach dizzying heights up to 20m in

the wild, but is generally much smaller in cultivation.

T ST WT 1–5m 1–4m

PLANTS PLANT
OR DIVIDE
pe e ial
NOW
CHARM
Japanese windflowers are putting on growth ahead
of their autumn flowering. Now is a good time to
source new plants, or dig up and divide existing
clumps to spread the love, writes JUDY HORTON

26 N OV E M B E R 2020 G A R D EN IN G AU S T R A L I A

PHOTO GAP PHOTOS/RICHARD BLOOM at a glance

common name
Japanese windflower
botanic names
Anemone japonica var. hybrida
syn. Anemone x hybrida
plant type
herbaceous perennial

45cm–1.5m
30cm (spreading further

by underground runners)
semi-shade

spring, autumn
late summer to autumn

suitable

PLANTS

W indflower is an underwhelming name for Japanese windflowers are
a plant, conjuring up an image of a timid
specimen hunkering down to protect itself whereto available from garden centres
from the slightest breeze. But Japanese BU Y and online suppliers, including:
windflower evokes an entirely different picture, of a flower
with Japanese elegance and clarity combined with modesty. Woodbridge Nursery woodbridgenursery.com.au, 0438
674 437 Van Diemen Quality Bulbs vdqbulbs.com.au,
Japanese windflowers (Anemone spp.) aren’t all that (03) 6442 2012 The Diggers Club diggers.com.au,
modest, though. In fact, they’re garden standouts. That’s [email protected] (email-only during COVID restrictions)
partly because of their height – they can reach upwards
of 1m – but mostly because of their attractive, open-faced
flowers. These sway on top of slender, surprisingly strong
stems that emerge from clumps of soft, grape-like foliage
(grape anemone is another common name). They come
mostly in pink, purple-pink and white, with single or
semi-double rows of petals, and appear in late summer and
autumn, just when we feel like a change from the strident
flower colours that seem to dominate at that time of year.

My favourite is A. ‘Honorine Jobert’, which was bred by
a Frenchman in the 1850s, as there’s something especially
charming about the simplicity of its clear white, single
blooms with contrasting yellow stamens. The cerise-pink
petals of A. ‘Bowles’s Pink’ fade to a lighter shade near
the outer edges, while A. ‘Serenade’ has poppy-like pink
blooms with overlapping petals, and A. ‘Pamina’ is a
compact form with deep pink, double flowers and a neat
growth habit that makes it useful for pots. All are good
cut flowers, but they are probably best used in informal,
naturalistic floral displays.

captivating beauties

Japanese windflowers, like a number of plants associated
with Japan, really came from China. But they were
introduced to the wider world when recorded growing in
Japan by the great Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg,
who published his book Flora Japonica in 1784.

And don’t ask about the botanic name. It varies from
Anemone japonica var. hybrida, A. x hybrida, A. hupehensis
and A. vitifolia to other combinations and, these days,
Eriocapitella x hybrida. See what I mean? Japanese
windflower is so much easier and more pleasant. Suffice
to say, these plants have been grown and hybridised for
so long that they are far removed from their natural form.

Japanese windflowers are particularly useful for filling
the understorey beneath established trees, where they can
enjoy dappled summer shade. Small to medium deciduous

28 N OV E M B E R 2020 G A RDENING AUS TR A LIA

PHOTOS ISTOCK, ALAMY, GAP PHOTOS/JONATHAN BUCKLEY CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Easy
The beautiful white Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’;
compact A. ‘Pamina’ is great for pots; the edges Watering should be easy.
of the petals on A. ‘Bowles’s Pink’ lighten as The GARDENA Retractable Hose Reel
they age; pretty pink and yellow A. ‘Serenade’. is built to last, and easy to install and use.
Available in 15, 20 and 30 metre lengths,
PREVIOUS PAGE it features our premium quality 10/10 kink resistant
A mass planting of A. ‘Robustissima’ in flower hose.
adds beauty and movement to a garden border. Now that’s clever watering!

trees are best for underplanting, as their roots aren’t too gardena.com
fiercely competitive. Windflowers can cope with full morning
sun in cooler climates, but must always have moisture in
summer. Having said that, they can’t stand wet feet, and
in poorly drained spots they will simply rot away in misery.

The plants die back in winter, then wake up to spread by
underground runners during the growing season. In fact,
if they’re happy, they can become thuggish and may need to
be kept firmly under control. But allow the plants a certain
amount of freedom and you’ll be rewarded with a massed
display that ripples in tune with the autumn breezes.

They can be bordered with complementary plantings
of bedding begonia, diascia, tiarella or dwarf alstroemeria,
and backgrounded with stand-up-for-themselves shrubs
such as hydrangeas, sasanqua camellias and gardenias.
White windflowers are particularly valued as part of an
all-white, Sissinghurst-inspired section of the garden.

planting & propagating

Japanese windflowers are mostly sold when in full bloom,
but it’s worth chasing them now at garden centres or
online so they can establish before the flowering season.
Spring is also a good time to divide established plants,
so if a gardening friend has some windflowers to spare,
water the bed well the day before, then lift the clump
carefully with a garden fork. Clean off the soil and gently
break the clump into two or three sections, making sure
there are roots on each piece. Plant these out in your
garden at the same soil level as before, and keep them
moist while they re-establish.

Another way to propagate these plants is to take root
cuttings in winter. Dig out the plant and cut off a thick,
healthy root. Replace the plant, and cut the root into two or
three pieces. Lay these horizontally on top of moist potting
mix, cover, and keep in a cool, shaded spot until the new
shoots appear. Transplant into the garden in late spring.

Established Japanese windflowers are easy-care plants.
Prune the stems after flowering, and cut any dead foliage
to the ground in late winter. Fertilise in spring with a
slow-release plant food. Keep the plants well mulched,
ideally with chopped-up fallen leaves from the trees
overhead, and make sure they don’t dry out in summer.
Every 10 years or so, if they are looking a bit crowded,
you might decide to dig up and divide the clumps. Apart
from that, simply leave them to do their own thing. GA

GARDEN

A HOME IN
THE HILLS

This garden outside Perth melds the romance
of climbing roses and deciduous trees with
the production of top-quality organic food

words DERYN THORPE
photography KIM WOODS RABBIDGE

See more on
Friday, Oct 30

at 7.30pm
on ABC TV

GARDEN

The calls of birds mingle with the distinct eucalyptus
tang of remnant jarrah and marri forest as I make my
way along the winding 400m-long driveway leading
to the home of Robyn and John Longley. The couple
bought their 10ha property in the Perth Hills more than 40 years
ago to create a self-sufficient lifestyle. After building a house
from recycled materials, they started on the gardens, undeterred
by the challenges of a rocky site and limited water.

“In the beginning, I enjoyed trying to grow the rare and exotic
perennials I admired in English books and magazines,” explains
Robyn. “But as the demands of children and work increased,
and the reality of a limited water supply sank in, I realised this
was unsustainable on every level. My philosophy now is to
grow plants more suited to the environment here. If a plant
thrives, I snap off cuttings, and I have multiple plantings.”

The garden has a relaxed country feel with lots of inventive
features. Low walls are built from local coffee rock, bleached
timber stakes make rustic fences, and artistic paving combines
recycled red bricks with cement pavers in curved patterns.
Rusting artworks decorate walls, and a recycled timber water
tank is festooned with the heritage rose ‘Albertine’.

Roses are dotted throughout the garden, many scrambling
on timber fences or structures. There was once a rose garden,
too, packed with hundreds of heritage and David Austin roses.
Robyn grew an upright Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium
japonicum) in the centre of this space to conserve water by
providing shade, but it created too much shade for the roses.
The area is now filled with salvias, including Salvia involucrata,
S. canariensis, S. ‘Anthony Parker’, S. ‘Waverly’ and S. ‘Meigan’s
Magic’, which all attract nectar-feeding birds and insects.

Robyn’s most enduring gardening obsession is deciduous
trees. “I had no real appreciation of their final size, and jammed
them in, sometimes only two or three metres apart, wherever
it was possible to dig a hole among the rocks,” she admits.
Many of them have had to be moved. Those that remain
include Japanese zelkova, box elder, variegated and trident
maples, Chinese tallows, Lebanon cedar and blue spruce
conifers, as well as Siberian, variegated and weeping wych
elms. After the 2014 bushfires destroyed many homes in the
area, Robyn added a ring of ornamental pears and crabapples
around the house to act as passive fire protection.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP
An old ‘Iceberg’ rose isn’t fazed by the shade it now receives in this
quiet nook; Robyn and John Longley with their beloved elderly
rescue dog, Jimmy; artist friend Natalie Tonkin created this fun
sculpture; a Japanese pagoda tree is a spectacular feature.

PREVIOUS PAGE
This beautiful paved area featuring crepe myrtles, Chinese tallow
trees, valerian, Marguerite daisies and self-seeded annuals has
been used for three family weddings.

32 N O V E M B E R 2 02 0 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A



GARDEN

in tune with nature

The garden has been managed organically for the past 10 years,
so no pesticides or herbicides are used, and water comes from
‘low flow’ bores. Most of the garden is handwatered, except for
the orchards, and it’s all heavily mulched with woodchips or
pea hay to conserve water and suppress weeds. John spends
many hours in summer maintaining pumps, pipes and filters to
ensure a continuous water supply for the garden.

Robyn and John have installed nesting boxes for microbats,
and are creating accommodation to attract native blue-banded
bees to the netted orchard to pollinate the blueberries. “We like
the idea of providing a safe haven, not only for our family, but
for all creatures that call the garden home,” says Robyn.

an abundance of food

A highly productive garden has been established on this
special property. Fruit and vegetables are growing in wicking
beds protected by netting, and a netted enclosure has been
added to the original orchard of apples, pears, cherries, stone
fruit, olives and citrus to safeguard them from birds. Outside
this, macadamias, passionfruit, mango, custard apple and
various citrus are all netted individually to control fruit fly.

“Because of limited water, the focus has been on growing
more nutrient-dense fruit in this space, so we planted a huge
number of blueberries, mostly in the ground but also some in
pots,” says Robyn. “We also have several pomegranates and
many varieties of avocados, which our son, Chris, grafted.”

Thornless raspberries, which Robyn raised from cuttings,
are grown in 90L pots in an enclosed berry tunnel, which
is covered with shadecloth in summer. They started life in
the ground, but as root competition from surrounding trees
became a problem, Robyn dug them up and potted them,
and now they’re thriving. Beside these pots, thorny berries,
including loganberry, have been planted directly in the soil.

Making the most of the garden’s bounty, Robyn and her
daughter, Jess, have created the business Short Street Kitchen
(shortstreetkitchen.com.au), where they run workshops on
a range of topics, including how to grow blueberries, ferment
foods and make healthy treats. Workshop participants are
also taken on a guided tour of the gardens and orchards.

LEFT, FROM TOP
Recycled jamwood posts from a family farm have been used to
construct a fence alongside ‘Cornelia’ rosebushes; a pizza oven
made of recycled kiln bricks is flanked by the vigorous rose
‘Constance Spry’; herbs and leafy greens in raised wicking beds.

OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP
Local coffee rock has been used for garden walls; birch trees are
underplanted with valerian; the fragrant rose ‘Albertine’ rambles
over a bush-pole arch, with clivias thriving in the dry shade below.



GARDEN

LABOUR OF LOVE What’s even more delightful is that CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT PHOTO JOSH BYRNE (PLATTER)
The entire family works production on the property involves the Robyn Longley’s daughter, Jess,
together to make this productive entire Longley family: parents Robyn and picking blueberries; Robyn in the
John, and their grown-up children. Their berry enclosure, which contains
property a very special place, daughter, Jess, helps run the boutique mostly raspberries and loganberries,
says JOSH BYRNE business Short Street Kitchen, which with experimental plantings of red
produces all sorts of preserves and other and black currants; the food platter
There’s a great deal to love about clever things to add value to their produce. prepared for Josh Byrne and the
the Longleys’ home and extensive Their son, Chris, is an expert blueberry team; mulberries ready for harvest.
garden in the Perth Hills. But what grower who has a collection of delicious
impressed me the most when I visited varieties that would make even the most We got a real surprise at
with the Gardening Australia TV crew serious fruit grower envious. unchtime. We had an early start
was the fabulous food production. lming that day, and were taking
late lunchbreak. Robyn and
Years of practice and trial and error Jess kindly invited us into their
have gone into refining the various ommercial kitchen, where Jess
growing systems, including the intensive ad prepared a share platter for
vegie garden, mixed orchard, netted berry he crew using produce from the
enclosure and large poultry pen. There arden and the surrounding region.
was plenty in season when we visited, and Well, we just about fell over
we were invited to pick what we wanted. when we saw what was put in front of
What a treat! The citrus, blueberries and us – a platter laden with local cheeses,
raspberries were all bursting with flavour. flatbread, olives, relish, pickles and
homemade hummus, plus home-grown
tomatoes, cucumbers and baby carrots.
It was also dotted with strawberries
and blueberries, as well as homemade
chocolates and honeycomb.
It was a most magnificent lunch, grown
and prepared by people who really value
the importance of good food for the health
and wellbeing of people and the planet. GA

36 N OV E M B E R 2020 G A RD ENIN G AUS TR A L I A

Create your own
native bird haven.

Creating a native bird haven in your
garden is a simple and fun way for you and
your family to get closer to nature. Plant
some native trees, put out some clean
water in a bird bath & some food in your
bird feeder and you’ll be well on your way.

HARMONY™ Wild Bird seed mixes and
treats have been specially formulated
with a selection of seeds, fruit and nuts to
attract a wide variety of native birds into
your garden, whilst providing them with

a healthy supplement
to their natural diet.

HARMONY™ loves Lorikeets and
Insectivores too! They aren’t seed eaters, so
HARMONY™ Lorikeet & Honeyeater Mix and
HARMONY™ Insectivore Mix are specially
designed to meet their unique needs.

The choice of responsible
wild bird feeders.

www.harmonywildbird.com.au

the JOY of

L

BIRDS

WILDLIFE

Quieter and less obtrusive than some of their flashier

counterparts, small birds such as honeyeaters, finches

and fantails add special charm to the garden – and they

need our help. Here are practical ways to make them

Ifeel welcome, by wildlife expert LEONARD CRONIN
love the emerald-green flash of king take a bird’s-eye view of your local area
parrots sweeping through our treetops, (try Google Maps), you can see how your
the fluting melodies of currawongs, garden connects to surrounding habitats.

and the inquisitive nature of our local Each piece is vital to the birds in your area.

magpie families. Our dawn chorus is garden design
dominated by noisy miners, currawongs,

kookaburras and other large birds, yet Small birds disperse seeds, pollinate

what intrigues me is the background vocal flowers and keep insects under control.

tapestry of trills, pings, soft pipings and To thrive, they need food, water, and safe

whistles. Rich in content and mysterious places to raise their young and to hide

in their complexity, most of these varied from the large, aggressive birds that often

and delightful calls are conversations dominate urban landscapes. Butcherbirds

between small songbirds. and currawongs may sing like seraphim, but

There was a time, not long ago, when they will happily skewer the nestlings of

our woodlands resounded with the singing other birds for dinner, and wattle birds and

of wrens, robins, thornbills, pardalotes, noisy miners terrify smaller birds, chasing

babblers, whistlers, fantails, honeyeaters them out of their nesting and feeding sites.

and countless other small birds. Since Large birds love open spaces with

European settlement, and increasingly in scattered trees, lawns and paved areas.

the past few decades, 80 per cent of our So plan your garden to deter the bullies,

temperate woodlands have been cleared, and create a well-structured shrub and

leading to a worrying decline in woodland mid-storey layer to provide shelter, safety

birds, with one in four listed as threatened. and food resources for smaller birds.

Small birds are very sensitive to creeping Begin by reshaping and reducing lawns

urbanisation, but we are in a position to and paved areas by curving them around

help reverse their decline by encouraging densely planted garden beds. Divide your

them back to our gardens and creating garden into discrete spaces and plant

habitat webs that extend through urban a mix of shrubs, trees of various heights,

areas. While you may regard your garden grasses and groundcovers. If you have

as an isolated unit, from a bird’s perspective space, plant small groups of shrubs to

it is part of a habitat web that connects provide a mini habitat. Avoid planting exotic,

See more about parks, gardens, open green spaces and berry-producing shrubs that attract pied
birds on Friday,
Oct 23 at 7.30pm remnant bushland, offering food, shelter, currawongs. Use indigenous (locally

on ABC TV and nesting and roosting sites. If you native) plants, as they are suited to the

area and are traditionally used by local

PHOTO ALAMY LEFT birds. If you’re not sure which plants to
Found in urban areas with lots of eucalypts, use, or which birds are likely to be found
the tiny spotted pardalote gives its presence in your area, ask your council for a list.
away with its repetitive sleep-may-be call.

G A R D EN IN G AU S T R A L I A N OV E M B E R 2020 39

WILDLIFE

plant choices shrub to provide small birds with a place Food It eats wasps, flies, bees, dragonflies
and bugs, which it catches in flight.
It can take a few years for new plants to to hide when larger birds come by. Keep Garden habitat This bird is attracted to
densely planted gardens, and needs trees
become established, so plant or replant the birdbath clean, and change the water to build its wineglass-shaped nest in a fork
2–5m high. It will use a birdbath if it can
small patches at a time to retain the birds daily. Position the birdbath so you can see hide from predators in adjacent shrubbery.

that already use your garden. Small, dense it from a window or patio, where you can 3 SILVEREYE
Zosterops lateralis
shrubs such as dwarf lillypilly (Acmena sit back and enjoy the avian antics. Tasmania, eastern, southern and
south-western Australia from Cape York
smithii var. minor) and miniature baeckea (Queensland) to Shark Bay (WA)
Tough and hardy, this lively, chirpy bird
(Baeckea virgata nana) create shelter and know your birds can live to be 10 years old. It flies great
nest sites for small native birds, while spiky Here are 10 beautiful small bird species distances to escape winter, with some
Tasmanian residents travelling more than
plants such as sweet bursaria (Bursaria found in Australian gardens. Enjoy getting 1600km to south-eastern Queensland.
Food It finds bugs and insects in the dense,
spinosa) and the compact Hakea bakeriana to know your backyard visitors a bit better, shrubby understorey. It loves the nectar
of native trees and shrubs, and the fruit of
are no-go areas for predator birds. Prune and take satisfaction in creating garden spreading flax-lily (Dianella revoluta) and
beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorus).
regularly to give a more formal look to your spaces that make them feel welcome. Garden habitat It builds a tiny nest in a
1garden and encourage extra bushiness. tree fork up to 5m high, so keep an eye out
Small birds eat nectar, seeds and insects, EASTERN SPINEBILL if pruning between August and February.
so the right mix of plants can provide them Plant soft shrubs and spiky bushes 1–2m
with a wide variety of food for most of the Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris high to give protection, as this bird travels
Great Dividing Range, eastern between tall trees and the ground.

year. Native grasses are sought after by and south-eastern coastal areas 4 SCARLET ROBIN
Petroica boodang
robins, whistlers, fantails and wrens for from Cooktown (Queensland) to the Tasmania, south-western WA, south-
eastern Queensland to south-eastern SA
seeds and nesting materials, and the seed Flinders Ranges (SA), Tasmania This species is curious and often quite
tame. The male has brighter plumage than
heads often last for months. Clumps of This curious bird may approach to the female. In the breeding season, the
male gathers food for the brooding female,
lomandra, kangaroo grass (Themeda investigate if you move around the garden and fiercely defends their territory. They
often migrate to higher altitudes in summer.
triandra), wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia making squeaky sounds. It uses its long, Food It eats bugs, insects and spiders,
foraging mainly on the ground in winter,
spp.), plume grass (Dichelachne crinita), curved bill to tap into nectar at the base of and in the tree canopy in summer.
Garden habitat Plant a dense undergrowth
tussock grass (Poa spp.) and speargrass slender, tubular and bell-shaped flowers. of different-sized native shrubs, such as
native rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) and
(Austrostipa spp.) produce lots of seeds It visits hundreds every day, making it one hairy wattle (Acacia vestita), to provide cool
shelter. Mulch well, and retain fallen wood
and look great in beds and borders. of our most important pollinators. and leaf litter as habitat for invertebrates.

Honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding Food It feeds on flowers in the early

birds can’t resist the copious nectar morning, drinking the nectar that has built

produced by grevillea, bottlebrush and up overnight. It also takes insects from

banksia. A mix of these long-flowering the foliage and branches of trees.

plants provides food in autumn and winter Garden habitat Plant plenty of spiky

when little else is in bloom. Choose small shrubs for this bird to hide in, along with

local natives rather than the large, showy grevillea, callistemon, eremophila, native

hybrids that attract large, aggressive peas and other nectar-rich plants. It will

mynas, lorikeets and honeyeaters. visit your birdbath in the late afternoon,

Superb fairy-wrens, robins and thornbills sallying in from a nearby branch.

feed on insects and other invertebrates 2GREY FANTAIL
found in leaf litter, on bark and among Rhipidura albiscapa
foliage. They also need to be in, or close

to, dense vegetation to feel secure. Small Australia-wide

flowering shrubs, such as wattle and This inquisitive little bird is always on

tea-tree, provide food and shelter for both the move, twisting and turning in flight,

insect-eating and nectar-feeding birds. catching insects in midair, and swishing

Mulch well, and spread garden prunings its tail from side to side when perched.

and twigs beneath shrubs, where they will It is very curious, following people through PHOTOS ISTOCK

become food for all kinds of invertebrates. the bush, and often approaching if you

Water is essential, and is easily catered imitate its tinkling, whistling call or make

for with a birdbath. Place it next to a dense kissing or humming sounds.

40 N O V E M B E R 2 02 0 G A R D EN I N G AU S T R A L I A

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34

WILDLIFE

bJiOrIdN cINoTuHnE t
The annual Aussie Backyard

5 RED-BROWED FINCH Bird Count is on, and you can be
Neochmia temporalis
Eastern and south-eastern coastal a part of it. Between October 19 and 25,
areas from Cape York (Queensland) to
the Mount Lofty Ranges (SA) Both have a bright reddish-brown simply spend 20 minutes in one spot in
Sporting an unmistakable bright red
eyebrow, beak and rump, this chirpy, eyebrow and rump, and fan their your backyard – whether that’s a suburban
gregarious bird usually feeds in flocks of
10–20 individuals, often with other finches, tails constantly. Although fast and garden, local park or nearby patch of bush –
parrots and families of superb fairy-wrens.
Food It feeds mostly on grass and sedge flighty, this fantail is wary of people, and note the birds you see. Submit your
seeds taken from the ground or while
balancing on seed heads, and occasionally and often hides in bushes. However, count via the Aussie Backyard Bird Count
eats small insects from foliage.
Garden habitat Plant native grasses if you stay still and quiet, it may come website or app, and know that you’ve
(and allow them to seed) interspersed
with dense understorey shrubs. This bird close to check you out. contributed to one of Australia’s biggest
will come to a feeding station if the seeds
are small, and if large birds are excluded. Food This bird feeds mostly on insects citizen science events. Visit

6 SUPERB FAIRY-WREN caught in flight, usually quite close to aussiebirdcount.org.au
Malurus cyaneus
Tasmania, south-eastern Australia from the ground. It often teams up with other
Tropic of Capricorn to south-eastern SA
Perky and bold, this endearing bird is birds to flush out insects into the open.
usually seen in family groups. Males are
brightly coloured, and females and juveniles Garden habitat Plant an understorey give its young a chance to hide in shrubs.
are dull brown. The male sings to his eggs
so his chicks learn to reproduce his unique of dense, spiky, local native shrubs, with It has a cheeky disposition, and hops
song. In the dark of the nest, this allows
parents to identify their own chicks and a birdbath placed close by. around the garden chatting to other brown
evict those of cuckoos.
Food This bird eats crickets, other insects 8 SCARLET HONEYEATER thornbills with its frenzied, buzzing calls.
and small bugs, and usually feeds on the Myzomela sanguinolenta Food It eats mainly insects, supplemented
ground with family members. with seeds, nectar and fruit, and feeds in
Garden habitat Grow thickets of shrubs
with prickly branches or leaves to provide East coast from Cooktown (Queensland) pairs or mixed flocks with other thornbills,
nesting sites and protection from predators.
Piles of mulch and branches create habitat to Gippsland (Victoria) mostly in the undergrowth.
for bugs and insects.
The male of Australia’s smallest honeyeater Garden habitat Provide dense, prickly
7 RUFOUS FANTAIL
Rhipidura rufifrons has a vivid scarlet head and back, while shrubs for it to hide in and build its domed
Northern and eastern coastal
regions of Australia the female is dull brown above, and nest, and native grasses for nest-building
Unlike many other bird species, the female
rufous fantail is as colourful as the male. is much quieter than her male partner, material. Allow mulch and old timber to

whose tinkling call gives him away. support the bugs and insects it eats.
10 DOUBLE-BARRED
This bird travels around urban areas FINCH
looking for its favourite flowering plants, Stizoptera bichenovii
especially in winter when food is scarce.
Food Pairs often forage together for

nectar, which is supplemented with fruit, Northern and eastern Australia

and insects gleaned from foliage. Large, The facial markings of this tiny bird

aggressive honeyeaters often chase this resemble the facial disc of the barn owl,

bird from its feeding sites. hence it is often referred to as the owl PHOTOS ISTOCK, MARK SANDERS (ECOSMART ECOLOGY), ALAMY

Garden habitat Plant winter-flowering, finch. This sociable bird feeds in flocks

smaller grevillea, callistemon and banksia, of up to 40, and sleeps with up to five

and prune regularly to keep them dense. other birds crammed into a domed roost

Provide a dense, prickly understorey for built in dense shrubbery.

shelter, with a birdbath nearby. Protect Food Seeds taken while hopping around

any tall, mature trees that may be used on the ground are supplemented with

by this bird for nesting. the occasional insect.
9 BROWN THORNBILL
Acanthiza pusilla Garden habitat Plant native grasses for
Eastern and south-eastern food, and dense shrubbery for this bird
to nest and hide in. Never going far from
water, it drinks frequently and will come to

Australia, Tasmania your birdbath if there is the protection of

This clever bird mimics the alarm calls thick shrubbery close by. You may also see

of other birds to distract approaching it nesting in the eaves of a building, often

predators (such as pied currawongs) and next to a wasp nest for added security. GA

42 N O V E M B E R 2 02 0 G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A

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78
9 10

i ae yedisesof il

c

Clay isn’t ideal for your plants... or
your back. But it’s not all bad either.
TINO CARNEVALE explains how to
make dense, heavy soil workable

KNOW HOW

PHOTOS FIONA WALSH, ISTOCK C lay soil has many positive 2 Add sand and gravel mulch, such as straw or bark, defends the
qualities. It’s good at holding When I was younger, I remember soil against the harmful effects of the sun
moisture, and when it allows gardeners adding coarse sand and fine and wind, and slows water to give your
plant roots to grow deeply, it gravel to help improve clay soils. When clay soil more time to absorb moisture,
provides excellent anchorage and a nice you mix these larger particles with the thus preventing erosion.
stable temperature. It’s often pretty fertile, tiny clay particles, it separates the clay,
too, as it has the ability to store a range which aids drainage and aeration. You Well-rotted compost and manures can
of essential nutrients for plant growth. need a lot of materials to do this well, and also be laid on the surface, instead of dug
when coupled with the labour involved, in. Indeed, with a hard-to-dig clay, this may
However, as the smallest member of it’s not really feasible on a large scale if, be the only option. Worms will find their
the soil-particle gang (which includes silt say, you want to do your entire garden. way there and eventually work the organic
and sand), it’s a sociable little thing with However, it can work a treat in a special matter into the soil for you. Like the old
a strong desire to bond with its fellow area, such as a vegie patch, or when saying goes, work smarter, not harder.
clay mates. Because of that, clay soils tend you’re trying to establish individual plants.
to become waterlogged and compacted, 5Grow green manures
which makes it difficult for fledgling plants 3Add calcium Green manures are crops grown
to establish a good root system. Clay soils that are sodic (high in purely to assist the soil by increasing
sodium) tend to have poor structure, organic matter and improving fertility,
If you’re dealing with clay soil that has while clays that are rich in calcium often and they’re great for improving a clay
the density of a rubber tyre, don’t despair. have good structure, allowing air, water soil. Good examples include bulky, leafy,
‘The Patch’ at the Royal Tasmanian and plant roots to penetrate more easily. fast-growing plants such as oats, millet,
Botanical Gardens in Hobart is built on Calcium improves the soil’s structure by buckwheat, alfalfa, peas and mustard.
clay, and is proof that with good soil enhancing aggregation, helping to join Before the crops set seed and reach
management practices and a bit of work, organic matter to clay particles. So instead maturity, you chop up the plants and
you can improve heavy clay to create of forming a fine dust or dense clods, the leave them on the surface to break
soil that’s a pleasure to garden with. clay particles combine to create multiple down and feed the soil. If you leave
Here are five ways to treat clay soil. small groupings, or aggregates, with lovely the roots in place to break down in the
air spaces between them. soil, they create channels that become
1Cultivate the soil pathways for the movement of air,
This is the most rudimentary but Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is a common water, nutrients and soil organisms. GA
accessible way to get started. All you need soil additive, and is known as the ‘clay
is a digging implement, such as a spade breaker’ because of its ability to replace
(and perhaps a crowbar), and some sweat. sodium with calcium. Adding a handful
The idea is to simply loosen the topsoil to of gypsum per square metre of clay soil
about a spade’s depth and break up the helps to improve the structure of the top
clods, to enable water, air and roots to layer of the soil. However, bear in mind
penetrate more easily. Never dig clay when that gypsum is a short-term solution, and
it’s wet – it’s bad for your back, and bad for is best combined with other methods of
your soil, as it leads to further compaction. soil improvement for long-lasting results.

While cultivation can make compacted 4Add organic matter
clay soil more workable for you, too much Any organic material that you throw
cultivation over time can turn it from clods onto, or dig into, a clay soil is going to
to dust, making it prone to erosion and be beneficial. Whether it’s rotted animal
compaction. It’s also harmful to worms and manure, glorious compost, fresh vegie
other beneficial organisms living in the soil. scraps dug in, or mulch laid on the surface,
Contrary to what my big sister told me, these all boost biological activity by feeding
chopping a worm in half doesn’t make two! soil life, and they improve soil structure
by assisting the formation of aggregates.
LEFT, AND ABOVE RIGHT
Regular applications of compost are one of Mulch is essentially nature’s downy quilt.
the best ways to improve a hard-to-dig clay Maintaining a surface layer of organic
soil; increase organic matter in clay soil by
growing green manures such as mustard.

G A R D EN I N G AU S T R A L I A N OV E M B E R 2020 45



WATER

USoEr lIoTse it
In his new book, The Sustainable House Handbook,

JOSH BYRNE provides a wealth of tips for designing

an energy-efficient and waterwise house and garden,

using his own home in Perth as a model. In this edited

extract, Josh discusses permeable surface treatments,

and how hydrozoning and soil conditioning can help

you capture and use water efficiently
Stormwater is rainfall that hits
the ground. In urban areas, moisture and recharging the underlying
where the ground surface is aquifer we rely on for irrigation. Permeable
surface treatments include decking with

largely impervious because it is spaces between the boards to allow water

covered by asphalt, concrete and paving, through, and pine bark and gravel paths.

stormwater is directed to drainage basins We’ve also used gravel for the driveway.

and waterways to prevent flooding. In the To render it suitable for vehicle traffic,

process, it collects pollutants, such as lightweight recycled plastic drainage cells

nutrients from fertiliser, and hydrocarbons were installed to make the surface secure

from car tyres, oil and fuel residue. while minimising compaction. The drainage

If you intercept stormwater close to cells, which lock together, were installed

where it falls, you slow the transportation over a geotextile fabric liner that allows

of contaminants and reduce the size of the water through but prevents the cells and

downstream infrastructure required to gravel sinking into the sand. The cells were

mitigate flooding. Enabling stormwater to then filled and covered with locally sourced

infiltrate the ground supports deep-rooted coarse gravel. In addition to allowing water

vegetation, which, in turn, helps to shade to penetrate, the gravel driveway was

PHOTO ROBERT FRITH/ACORN PHOTO and cool the surrounding environment. quick to install (it took less than a day),

With that in mind, our garden in Perth was similar in cost to mid-range paving,

has been designed to act like a sponge. and looks great. We can also hear people

We’ve kept paving to a minimum, and coming as they walk towards the house.

favoured permeable surfaces that allow water management
rain to quickly penetrate, replenishing soil

Once you’ve captured your water, be it

LEFT rainwater, greywater, groundwater or
Josh has favoured using permeable surfaces, mains water, the next consideration is how
including gravel paths, in his Perth garden you use it. Plants have various water
to significantly reduce stormwater run-off.

G A R D E N I N G AU S T R A L I A N O V E M B E R 2 02 0 47

WATER

needs – native plants, for instance, have Greywater zone Turf
very different needs to lawn, fruit trees Vegetable garden Greenhouse
or vegetables. Hydrozoning involves Fruiting/ornamental and containers
grouping plants in the garden based on exotic trees Native plantings
their common water requirements. Each
hydrozone can be serviced by a separate
irrigation station (or multiple stations,
depending on the zone’s size) to enable
tailored and efficient watering.

Importantly, in each irrigation station
you can use an irrigation emitter best
suited to that group of plants. By using
the same emitter type in a zone, and
distributing the emitters to provide uniform
watering across the zone, it is possible
to accurately set an irrigation run time to
water a particular plant group without
under- or over-watering.

We have the following hydrozones and
irrigation emitter types in our garden:
Vegetable garden Irrigated with
groundwater using substrata drip line.
Fruiting and ornamental exotic trees
Irrigated with groundwater using
substrata drip line.
Turf Irrigated with groundwater using
rotary sprinklers.
Containers Irrigated with groundwater
using spray stakes.
Greenhouse Irrigated with groundwater
using misting sprinklers.
Perennial plantings Includes a mix of
herbs, shrubs, small fruit trees and vines;
irrigated with greywater (with top-up
capability using groundwater) using
substrata drip line.
Native plantings Irrigated with
groundwater (for establishment and dry
periods only) using substrata drip line.

There is a deliberate correlation between
the water requirements of the hydrozones
and their size – the largest zone (native
plants) requires the least water, while the
high-water-use zones are kept small and
intensive. Planted areas requiring irrigation
are evenly balanced with areas of decking,
gravel and mulch pathways that don’t

48 N OV E M B E R 2020 G A RDENING AUS TR A LIA

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT PHOTOS & ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF HARDIE GRANT PUBLISHING Quiet
Hydrozones in Josh’s garden enable irrigation to
be tailored; the driveway is designed to capture SHHHHHH. It’s the quietest.
stormwater; drainage cells laid under the gravel You’ll hardly know it’s there.
on the driveway provide a firm surface while WOWWW. It’s a better navigator.
allowing water to pass through; rectangular It tackles the narrowest spaces and tightest corners.
cells create a soakwell under the driveway to PHEWWW. It’s all weather.
receive overflow from the rainwater tank; the Come rain or shine, SILENO gets the job done.
cells were laid over permeable geotextile fabric.
Of course!... It’s a GARDENA.
GARDENA SILENO Robotic Lawnmowers are developed
with the help of 20 years of experience.