by Mark Evans
Proteus, the Greek sea god who could change shape at will, gave his name to the plant family Proteaceae, via the genus Protea. When Carl Linnaeus encountered plants that varied wildly in flower, leaf and habit, he knew exactly what to call them.
The Proteaceae family now includes around 83 genera and some 1,700 species. Australia is the great stronghold, holding roughly half the genera and the majority of species, including … Read more »
by Mark Evans
Gardening columnists like to hand out rules. Prune here, plant then, wait for this, avoid that. Advice pages tend to work that way because readers like certainty. But too many rules can make gardening sound intimidating, so it may come as a relief, or an annoyance, to hear that many of those rules are really just guidelines.
Of course, … Read more »
Most people assume the best time for planting out and expanding the garden is when spring arrives. It feels logical. Plants come alive again after winter, nurseries fill with colour and renewal is in the air.
We plant enthusiastically and, sure enough, growth follows. But as spring turns to summer and temperatures climb, that flush of new growth often struggles to cope. Despite our best watering efforts, plants wilt because the growth above ground … Read more »
by Mark Evans
The genus Salvia is the largest in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and among the biggest in the entire plant kingdom – currently ranked twenty-fifth – with 1,024 recognised species and many more cultivars and hybrids.
The type species, Salvia officinalis (common sage), serves as the genus’s botanical anchor, defining the key traits shared by all other salvia species. Common sage has a rich history in traditional medicine. The Egyptians valued its healing … Read more »
by Mark Evans
Following another successful Sculpture Bermagui exhibition (a big shout-out to all the volunteers!) I thought this month we’d explore the theme of living sculptures, particularly topiary. While topiary is one well-known living-art form, other fascinating techniques include bonsai, espalier, and even crop circles!
Topiary combines horticulture and creativity and involves the careful trimming and shaping of plants into decorative forms. These can range from basic geometric shapes to elaborate spirals, animals, or abstract … Read more »
by Mark Evans
Succulents are unique plants known for their thick, fleshy tissues that store water, helping them survive in dry or arid environments. Many of these plants have special features, such as waxy coatings, spines or rosette formations that minimise water loss. This diverse group includes familiar species like cacti, aloe and jade plants, each with its own characteristics.
Found all over the world, succulents are especially … Read more »