August 10th, 2017
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Indoor Plants: Care and Maintenance
Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about what plants you can grow indoors wherever you live in Australia.
Quite a few in fact can cope with all weather conditions for the far north of Australia to Tasmania.
Despite all your loving attention though, some plants can be susceptible to pest attack, or just like plain unhealthy, making you think you did something wrong.
|
|
|
Bad case of scale photo M Cannon
|
|
Not necessarily true, so let’s find out about looking after indoor plants
That was Julia Levitt Director of www.sticksandstonesld.com.au
PLAY: Indoor plants-pests_2nd August 2017
Even the best plant owner will come across pests.
- If your plant is showing signs of:
o Wilting
o Loosing it’s leaves prematurely
o Leaves turning yellow and patchy
o Leaves have a black dusty look or are sticky
- Look for one of these pests as they could be causing the aggravation: Fungus Gnats, Whiteflies, Mealy Bug, Aphids, Spider Mites, Scale and Thrips.
The trick is to keep an eye on your plants and act quickly as soon as you see something wrong with your indoor plant.
Why are we having plants indoors again?
Apart from plants reducing carbon dioxide levels in your home, did you know that people with plants in their homes have less stress, and plants have been known to contribute to lower blood pressure?
August 10th, 2017
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.
TOOL TIME
Weeding Lawns
Did you know that knee problems start with gardening on your knees for long periods of time?
But you don’t have to get down on your knees to do weeding these days if you’ve got the right tools.
Even weeding lawns is possible without spraying and kneeling.
So let’s find how to make that weeding job in the lawn a little bit easier.
I'm talking with Tony Mattson General Manager of www.cutabovetools.com.au
PLAY: Weeding Tools part 1_26th July 2017
The Weed Hoe (pictured right) is exclusive to Cut Above Tools.
Operation is by a foot pedal to lever out the weed and the two handles to take the weed out of the lawn or garden bed.
Real World Gardener's Tip for Lawn Weed Control.
Get to know your grass type and the ideal cutting height for good health and strong growth.
When cut no lower than that height, and when cut before it gets too long, the grass will usually out-compete weeds as long as it’s also fertilized and watered properly.
If you have any questions about weeding tools why not email us realworldgardener@gmail.com or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675
August 3rd, 2017
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Abelia grandiflora
 |
|
Abelia grandiflora in my garden.
|
Fabulous shrub that is a must for most gardens either as a hedge, topiary or stand alone shrub.
The species grows 2 x 2 metres but there are also dwarf cultivars like Abelia Frances Mason.
Did you know that Abelia is named after British consul general in China 1817 - Dr Clarke Abel?
Abelias mainly flower in summer but can flower in autumn as well.
Long flowering with the creamy white changing to a reddish color as they age, often have red calyces behind the flowers.
Flowers have a nice sweet fragrance. They have trumpet shapes that form in little balls at the end of the stem.
Flowers are bee attracting
Talking with Hugh Mandelidis and Lewi Beere about Abelia grandiflora.
In autumn the leaves colour up to a reddish-bronze look but this depends on your climate.
If you live in a cold area such as Bathurst where temperates can fall to -10 C overnight, expect your Abelia bush to have the reddest of red leaves.
August 3rd, 2017
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Indoor Plants for Cool Climates
It’s been said that indoor plants remove pollutants from inside your home but did you know that plants can help fight colds?
Yes, that’s right, indoor plants have been shown to reduce cold related illnesses by more than 30%.
This is due to their effect of increasing humidity levels and decreasing dust.
|
|
|
Chamaedora seffirzii can also be grown indoors in cool climates
|
|
| |
This series on indoor plants is to suit everyone around Australia so this week we’re focusing on what plants that you can grow indoors if you live in a cool climate.
Let’s hear some more.
I'm talking withJulia Levitt Director of www.sticksandstonesld.com.au
PLAY: Indoor plants-cool climate_26th July 2017
Did you know also that plants can stop your headaches?
That’s right, because they’re removing those VOC;s(volatile organic compounds.) that your appliances, carpet, and furniture are giving off every day.
Plants in the home have also been shown to lower blood pressure.
PLANTS mentioned
- Palms-Bamboo palm (Chamodorea seifrizii), Bangalow palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii), Fishtail Palm(Wodetia bifurcata), Parlour Palm, ( Chamaedorea elegans), Walking Stick Palm (Linospadic monostachyia)
- · Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) for clean air
- · ZZ plant(Zamioculcas zamifolia)-minimal watering
- · Sago palm ( Cycas revoluta) withstands cool winter temps.
There’s more, but I’ll fill you in next week.
If you have any questions about indoor plants for cool climates why not email us realworldgardener@gmail.com
July 28th, 2017
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
Indoor Plant Series part 2
|
|
|
Phaelenopsis orchid
|
|
|
Phaelenopsis orchid
|
Indoor plants for warm climates.
So you live in a climate that's warm all year round.
Does that mean you need to grow anything indoors?
True, you can grow almost anything indoors in tropical and subtropical climates, as well as outdoors too.
All you need to remember ks that the most important elements required for healthy houseplants include light, water, temperature and humidity.
If any or all of these factors aren’t properly met, your houseplants will inevitably suffer.
You might be sweltering under the fans in the heat of a subtropical summer but what about your indoor plants?
Can they cope or is this the climate where they thrive the best?
So let’s find out more in this new series on indoor plants.
I'm talking with Julia Levitt, Landscape Designer and Director of www.sticksandstonesld.com.au
The good news is that tropical plants usually enjoy warmer conditions and don’t perform well once indoor temperatures fall below 130-160C.
Plus they like a lot of humidity, that means at least 50%, but better at 70% or more.
Most of the tropical, ornamental indoor plants with attractive foliage & colourful leaf patterns are suitable for hot & humid climates.
For example Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane, Dracaena, house ferns of many kinds, Tricolor plant, snake plant, Philodendron, Money plant, Syngonium etc
If you have any questions about indoor plants why not email us realworldgardener@gmail.com or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675
July 28th, 2017
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.
THE GOOD EARTH
Keeping Goats with Robyn Rosenfeldt editor of PIP permaculture magazine
Have you ever kept a sheep goat or pig in your backyard in suburbia?
Sounds a bit far fetched but I do remember see a couple of sheep keeping the lawn down in the front yard of near where I used to live which was only 8km from the CBD.
So what questions should you ask yourself about goat keeping and why would you want to anyway?
What are the benefits?
On the line is Robyn Rosenfeldt, editor of PIP magazine whose standing by to answer all these questions and more.
Hello and welcome to Real World Gardener Robyn.
First why keep a goat or two in suburbia?
How much space do you need for say 2 goats?
Do You Want to Keep Goats So That You Will Never Have to Mow Your Lawn?
If so, think again. Goats will eat your rosebushes clean, carefully devouring every single leaf and flower. However, they’re not going to mow your lawn.
They’ll nibble at grass here and there in a sort of unorganized fashion, creating a look very similar to Rod Stewart’s hairstyle.
How much work is involved? Ie milking, feeding, building a goat pen?
Do goats make good pets?
Do I need to exercise my goat and take my goats for a walk?
What information does the prospective goat buyer need before getting their first goat?
July 13th, 2017
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Albany Woolly Bush
Adenanthos sericeus
Are you a fan of Western Australian plants?
They grow so many wildflowers, banksias, and Eucalypts with huge inflorescences or inflo’s as those in the now like to call them.
But how do they do in other parts of Australia, particular if they’re grey and fluffy and have been used mostly as a Christmas tree?
|
|
|
Albany woolly bush flowers
|
Let’s find out …I'm talking with Karen Smith, editor of Hort Journal www.hortjournal.com.au a
PLAY: Adenanthos Silver Lining_5th July_2017
The greyness and upright growth of the Albany woolly bush makes it look sort of snow covered making it the perfect choice if you want a real Australian Christmas tree.
NEW VARIETY OF WOOLLY BUSH
Adenanthos Silver lining (40 cm x 1.5 m) is a very attractive native ground cover with fine, silvery grey foliage that is both soft in appearance and to touch,
'Silver Lining' is a low water user, thriving in dry conditions.
|
|
|
Adenanthos Silver Lining image supplied by Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au
|
All Adenanthos are particularly well suited to coastal zones as long as you proived them with well drained or sandy soils.
Susceptible to borers and dieback (Phytophthora)
Woolly bush is best suited to dry summers rather than humid climates.
Some growers suggest that plants need rocks for anchorage in windy sites.
Fertilise with low P 1.6%
July 7th, 2017
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Sacred Bamboo
Nandina domestica varieties, not for plant snobs.
| |
|
Nandina L
|
|
|
Image suppled Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au
|
emlim image supplied by Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au
|
Are you a plant snob or know someone who is a plant snob?
By that I mean refuses to plant anything that’s commonly sold.
Someone who can’t imagine planting out star jasmine or murraya because it’s “oh so yesterday” and why would you want that rather than some rare species of plant that no-one else has.
The trouble is it’s the way those common plants are used that turn us off rather than
Let’s find out more…I'm talking with Karen Smith, editor of Hort Journal www.hortjournal.com.au
The varieties we mentioned were Nandina were Obsession with new red growth, Nandina Blush staying red in Autumn and Winter.
In the winter months, Blush™ Nandina turns vivid red all over. It is 20% smaller than Nandina domestica ‘Nana’, Size: 60-70cm high x 60-70cm wide, a perfect height for fences, borders or hedging.
Nandina Lemon Lime a new evergreen, with no red at all and looking more like a low bush bamboo plant. So compact that you never need to trim it.
If you have any questions about the new varieties of nandina, why not write in to If you have any questions about the new varieties of nandina, why not write in to If you have any questions about the new varieties of nandina, why not write in to If you have any questions about the new varieties of nandina, why not write in to
realworldgardener@gmail.com
July 7th, 2017
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition.
PLANT DOCTOR
Brown Rot of Stone Fruit
This fungal disease can appear on a lot of plants including veggies and a lot of fruits, but today Plant Doctor is concentrating on stone fruit.
Before you tune out, you might discover that some fruit that you purchase might have this problem.
This segment explains why that piece of fruit that’s sitting innocently in your fruit bowl can suddenly go off.
So let’s find out more about this problem and what to do about it.
That was Steve Falcioni, General Manager of www.ecoorganicgarden.com.au
The first signs can be the blossoms of your peach or nectarine trees turning brown and falling off prematurely.
You may not notice this happening in the first season, but if your trees have been infected. you will notice brown patches on your fruit that eventually cause the whole fruit to rot.
You may not have any blossoms on your stone fruit trees, but there are still things that you can be doing as preventative measures for Brown Rot.
If this has happened then next season what you need to do is then to observe your blossoms when they appear to see if they’re dying prematurely.
Of course if you’ve had this problem before you need to spray as a precaution. Sprays with copper or sulphur in them work well as do eco Fungicide that contains potassium bi-carbonate.
|
|
|
Brown rot of stone fruit can leave mummified fruit stuck to the branches.
|
These are all barrier sprays and need to followed up regularly through the growing season.
If you have any questions about Brown rot of stone fruit, or have some information to share, drop us a line to or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675
June 30th, 2017
REAL WORLD GARDENER Wed. 5pm 2RRR 88.5fm Sydney, streaming live at www.2rrr.org.au and Across Australia on the Community Radio Network. www.realworldgardener.com
REALWORLD GARDENER NOW ON FACEBOOK
The complete CRN edition of RWG is available on http://www.cpod.org.au/ , just click on 2RRR to find this week’s edition
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Today’s plant of the week is in the productive side of gardening.
If you like making preservers, jams and jellies, you might want to grow this heritage tree, whose fruit is unavailable in supermarkets or greengrocers.
Don’t know why, because it just has the most superior taste of all fruits of the same kind.
Let’s find out more…
|
|
|
Greengage plums-small and delicious.
|
I'm talking with Karen Smith, editor of Hort Journal www.hortjournal.com.au
Did you know that the first true greengage was bred in Moissac, France, from a green-fruited wild plum originally found in Asia Minor; that original greengage cultivar is known as the cultivar 'Reine Claude Verte'
Yalca fruit company write in their website that
“The Green Gage plum is an amazing eating experience – sweet and very richly flavoured but balanced with perfect amount of acidity.
Singled out by the author of the Australian Fruit Tree book, Louis Glowinski, as his favourite fruit overall (a big rave, given his book covers a fairly significant proportion of the fruit kingdom) but this is a great plum.”
Sounds delicious.
Anyone fancy an almond and greengage plum crumble?
- Older Posts »
