News
Your media releases and other news are welcome!
ANBG under pressure
The Australian National Botanic Gardens is reassessing its priorities in the face of changing environmental pressures and rising costs. In some cases, preservation efforts may be withdrawn from plants known to be held in other colections, which may have better conditions for certain species. The ANBG is collaborating with the nation's other major gardens to develop a conservation strategy for Australian plants. More information available here (PDF): New national role for the Australian National Botanic Gardens Department of the Environment and Water Resources (November 2007)
Native suggestions help gardeners in dry times
If creating a native garden, using species that occur naturally in your area can be beneficial environmentally as well as provide an extra interest to the garden. One of the problems, however, is finding information on what grew locally originally.
Toowoomba gardener and author Patricia Gardner has come to the aid of Darling Downs residents with her Toowoomba Plants book duo, the first volume of which (Trees and Shrubs) is available now. It contains detailed descriptions of 277 trees, shrubs and mistletoes.
The book isn't just for native enthusiasts, however, because Patricia concentrates on species suitable for residential properties. The range of drought-tolerant suggestions will help homeowners in the Toowoomba region and beyond create attractive gardens with less water.
There is a particular focus on "dry rainforest" species. Patricia says these are good for homeowners wanting a rainforest look at home, because they are not only drought tolerant, but they tend to be smaller-growing than species from high-rainfall areas.
For more information, including how to order, click here: Toowoomba Plants
Other news
White Beech returns to Beech Mountain
White Beech (Gmelina) will be appearing in greater numbers on the Beechmont plateau in future. It's hoped that seedlings raised in Beaudesert Shire Council's nursery from seed collected by Beechmont Landcare will be available to Beechmont residents by late 2009. The once-plentiful beech trees, from which Beechmont (formally Beech Mountain) gets its name, have been greatly diminished in number by past logging. Read more at the Council website: Putting the Beech back into Beechmont (PDF)
Kosciuszko bursts into bloom
Rain and warm temperatures in Kosciuszko National Park, have produced one of the best displays of wildflowers of recent times, including the snow gums which are flowering for the first time in years. More at Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW: Sensational wildflower season in Kosciuszko (January 2008)
Guide to Natives of Beaudesert
Beaudesert Shire Council has produced a booklet to help residents identify existing vegetation and plan new plantings on their properties. "Your Guide to the Common Plants of Beaudesert Shire". More information from Beaudesert Shire Council HERE
Flora of Australia Online
The Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS) has now published a version of Flora of Australia online, making this very important resource available to everyone in searchable form. This is a major development in the study and advancement of native plants and environment. Flora of Australia Online
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Events
If you live in Queensland, take a look at The Queensland Gardening Pages Events Diary, which includes a variety of garden events happening around the state. It's the place to look for information on shows and workshops about native plants and related subjects in Qld.
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Australian Food from Vic Cherikoff
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Warning: collection, destruction, propagation, movement, sale or purchase of any Australian native plant (including seeds or spores) may be subject to laws and regulations. Be sure to check with appropriate authorities before engaging in these activities, even on private property. Other laws may also apply to the treatment and movement of plant or soil material (for example, to control the spread of weeds, pests and diseases.) |
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