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THE GREAT GUMS A white-trunked ghost gum stands enigmatically against a mauve sky in this 2013 painting Wurlumarra (ghost gum) by Wendy Hubert, a Yindjibarndi Elder from the Western Pilbara region of Western Australia. It’s one of 163 works celebrating the beloved eucalypt in Ngarn Wa’ngal: Art of the gum tree, at the University of Melbourne. For more on this major new exhibition, and other news, see over the page. AMONG THE GUM TREES Australia’s enduring love for the gum tree is being honoured in an exhibition at the Potter Museum at the University of Melbourne. Ngarn Wa’ngal: Art of the gum tree explores the eucalypt as a national icon. Taking its title from the Woi Wurrung language – Ngarn wa’ngal means ‘breathing for us’ – the exhibition reflects the…

From the Americas, Peruvian feathergrass (Jarava ichu syn. Stipa ichu, left) forms ethereal stands (up to 1m tall and 0.5m wide) of fine, strappy foliage topped in summer by feathery, plumed flowers. Over the cooler months, the green leaves transition to shades of cream, gold and caramel. It’s a great foil for cottage garden-style plants or can be grown in a pot. Prefers full sun. newwave perennials.com.au Hellebores (Helleborus spp. and hybrids) are the evergreen heroes of a shady garden. These two from the Frostkiss range grow to about 50cm tall and 50cm wide and flower from winter to early spring. ‘Rhythm’ (above) has lightly speckled rose-hued blooms that nod prettily, while ‘Cosmio’ (inset) produces upright smoky maroon flowers that fade to a dusky pink as they mature. Both feature…

THE PICKING GARDEN Jo Turner, illustrated by Rachel Russell, Thames & Hudson If UK author Jo Turner’s words don’t have you dreaming of a picking garden, Australian artist Rachel Russell’s gorgeous illustrations will. Turner says you can even have a picking garden on a balcony, and profiles more than 50 flowering plants to choose from. There’s planting advice and tips on how to cut flowers and extend their life in the vase. But Turner encourages readers to think beyond flowers: rosehips and seed pods can also be beautiful, and bare branches can provide form and structure. While there are not many Australian natives represented (Geralton Wax is included), all the non-native favourites are there and Australian readers could add their own native heroes. THE MUSHROOMERY Buttons Mira, Smith Street Books…

Sue and Gerry Moriarty approached me about designing their garden in Woodend, Victoria, on Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, in 2011. Sue was the driving force and, having read widely, knew she wanted something in the style of Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf and US design practice Oehme, van Sweden – that is, a prairie-like planting of perennials. The house was yet to be built, but even a glance at the plans made it clear that the architecture – of contemporary, bold lines – was going to look best in an exceptionally simple, uncluttered setting. So we decided, right from the start, that the garden would be separate from the house – a ‘destination’ garden, if you like. This also allowed us to create a garden…

The magical garden at Little Oak, halfway up a hill in the Tasmanian town of Cygnet, on the traditional lands of the Melukerdee people, bursts with bees, birds and a whimsical botanical array that promises never-ending discovery and joy. A row of Japanese crabapple (Malus x floribunda) lines the front fence, hinting at the blooming bounty beyond, which wraps around the renovated 1860s weatherboard cottage and continues down the sloping 12ha site to the back gate. A neighbouring hill rises dramatically, providing privacy and the feeling of being truly nestled in nature. “That borrowed view of the valley is just like a picture,” says Ania Harvie, who, with husband Paul, purchased Little Oak in early 2022. “I FEEL I COULD WALK THROUGH NOW AND SEE PLANTS I HAVEN’T NOTICED BEFORE.”…

This is an exciting time to be a lover of Australian native plants, with a constant stream of new cultivars appearing on the market each year. Cultivars are plants selected for desirable features, such as flower colour, growth habit or disease resistance, and then propagated to ensure those traits are retained. Unique names, such as Correa ‘Dusky Bells’ and Callistemon ‘Little John’, distinguish them from other cultivars. Some cultivars become enduring favourites, while others vanish almost as quickly as they appear. With Australia’s extraordinary diversity of climates and growing conditions, it can be hard to predict which new releases will prove themselves over the long term. So, we’ve put together a list of stellar cultivars from numerous genera (groups of plants) that have earned their place in our Australian Native…

Ever bought an orchid in flower, only to have it quickly decline? Or managed to keep it alive but never coaxed it back into bloom? If so, you are not alone. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little know-how and plant maintenance (see the growing tips and troubleshooting, pages 46 and 47) you can achieve success. The Orchidaceae family is enormous, with almost 30,000 species worldwide and more than 100,000 cultivars. On the following pages, I’m focusing on five of the most popular epiphytic and lithophytic orchid groups. In nature, these orchids grow on trees and rocks, respectively, rather than in soil. Thankfully, you don’t need a tree trunk or rocky cliff to grow them at home – they’ll thrive in pots…

GENERAL Q Why are my plants putting on pale, weak growth at the end of winter? A Cold, damp winter soil can lead to root rot and root loss, resulting in feeble plant growth. Plants from warm climates that are growing in cooler areas are the most likely to be set back. The best answer is patience. As temperatures start to rise, the plants will be happier. A fortnightly application of seaweed solution can help plants get their strength back. Q Why is water sitting on the soil instead of soaking in? A Seasonal rains can saturate the soil, slowing absorption. To improve water penetration, use a garden fork to spike the soil and spread soil wetter to the affected areas. Longer-term solutions could involve incorporating gypsum into clay soil. Q Why are…

Trees can sometimes be taken for granted, but their benefits are many. They provide shade, structure, seasonal colour and focal interest, while also creating habitat for wildlife and helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect. More than simply plants, trees often become part of our lives. A tree’s height, density and canopy shape all influence its usefulness. Whether the tree is 5m or 25m tall, an upper canopy adds a priceless dimension to a garden, creating microclimates that allow us to grow shade-loving plants underneath. Trees also support countless creatures, including birds, insects, possums, lizards and even snakes. Across these pages are 24 native and non-native options to consider. WHAT MAKES A GREAT GARDEN TREE? The best tree for your garden ultimately depends on your space and needs. For…