Growing Gardens

with Julia Hancock

Plants might fly

Anyone concerned that genetic engineering is creating a world gone mad might like to ponder the advantages of the latest experiments by Japanese and North American plant breeders. The following are just some of the plants twenty-first century scientists think might be of benefit to the human race.

If you are fond of fish and chips, you might be tempted to buy a potato that has been spliced with the genes of North Atlantic cod to make it taste fishy. Budget-minded consumers might favour this new spud because it would offer them the experience of a full meal deal without having to outlay cash on a piece of fish.

Aquarium owners know that pond weeds help to keep the water clean, but how about a breed that floats around actually sucking algae off the pebbles at the bottom. Hybridists have modelled their plant modification technology on that of the Kreepy Crawly pool vacuum.

We've all yearned for a true blue rose - no, sorry, that breakthrough has yet to be made - but a blue camellia would satisfy many of us in the meantime. Camellia 'Blue Movie', a vivid azure, is just one of the exciting new range of these superb shrubs to be released on the market in 2005.

Sick of mowing grass? A farmer in Texas has discovered a patch of turf growing in his garden that never grows higher than 2cm. It is thought that the mutation occurred via a drift from nearbyGM grain crops. Lawn mower manufacturers will loose out big time if this grass is marketed commercially.

Nothing beats the taste of a fresh strawberry, except perhaps a strango - yes, a cross between a strawberry and a mango. This deliciously succulent new plant produces sunset orange berries, the size of a golf ball, with the benefit of being stoneless.

Too good to be true? Think about it.

Lismore Garden Club News

There are many pleasures to be enjoyed in having a garden. One of the true delights is attracting and observing our beautiful native birds. There are several key points to consider.

It is important as a first step to plant food and shelter trees. Small birds will need some dense, twiggy shrubs (and hedges) for cover and protection from predators like cats and large birds. Nectar eaters love trees such as grevillias, banksias and bottlebrush. Be sure to plant one or two close to your house, so you can observe the feeding birds from a window.

If your garden has a permanent supply of water that is safely and easily accessible, it will prove to be a magnetic attraction. A birdbath on a stand is ideal, or alternatively put up one or two hanging terracotta ones.

When springtime comes the foremost urge that possesses a bird's brain is to find a good spot to build a nest and rear their young. The food and shelter trees and shrubs will also serve well for nesting sites for some species.

However our parrots, such as lorikeets and rosellas, need weather proof nesting boxes for natural hollow logs fixed a minimum of 3 meters from the ground. The birds will repay you by their antics and by keeping garden pests at bay.

Happy Gardening
Ron Burns