Growing Gardens

with Julia Hancock

Gardens with texture

Evergreen wintergardens are something of a misnomer, because the greens conjured by such a monika are commonly thought of as plain green, but in fact leaves come in every colour, shape and scent at this time of the year.

Particularly striking are the vivid velvet plant (Gyneura aurantica) with its regal purple bloom on the soft, slightly succulent leaves. Also with purplish overtones, but this time of a metallic nature, the Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyeranus) is an intriguing plant that demands scrutiny at close quarters. Cotinus coggygria is an ugly name for a delightful small tree which always looks cloaked in autumn splendour because its leaves are a deep maroon all year around. It makes a perfect understorey specimen in a mixed plantation.

Shape is a vital element in any garden and even the smallest backyard can boast some intriguing forms if it contains palms, ferns and perhaps come cacti in containers. I love looking out onto the large clumps of ornamental grass (Pennistetum and Miscanthus spp.) that ripple around my pond when the morning dew spangles them with diamonds. In contrast I've got the leathery leaves of alpinia and other ornamental gingers, the feathery grey of wormwood (Artemesia spp), and the dark blood red of canna as their neighbours.

Perfume to me is so much more important in a winter garden than a summer garden when the heat itself seems to bring forth all sorts of aromas from the atmosphere. Plants with perfumed evergreen foliage are worth seeking out and installing in a special spot away from the house to encourage a small walk on a cold day. The tangy Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle) never lets one down, neither do the rose and peppermint geraniums which just need to be brushed to release their exquisite scent.

Lismore Garden Club News

The next meeting of the Lismore Garden Club is on Thursday August 5, at the Lismore Workers Club at 1.30pm.

One most beautiful and exotic of creepers is cardinal creeper (Ipomoea Horsfalliae).

It is flowering at present with clusters of small trumpet shaped, waxy looking red blooms and dark green glossy foliage.

It doesn't like frost, however, it does well in a sunny location around our local higher frost-free areas. Cardinal creeper is not easy to find in nurseries but is well worth the effort to find it.

Now that the frosts have begun in the lower lying areas it's important to monitor the situation, watch the weather forecast and cover up those frost tender plants at night. If you happen to have plants burnt by frost do not prune back the damage. Dead leaves don't look so good but by leaving them in place they will protect the plant from further frost damage.

Tip: For those of us that have goldfish in a garden pond. In winter their metabolism slows down and they will only need to be fed once a week.

Happy gardening
Ron Burns