 Growing Gardens
with Julia Hancock
Take to the Bottle
Bottlebrushes (Callistemon spp.) and paperbarks (Melaleuca spp., also commonly known as myrtles) are brilliant for flowers, hardiness, drought tolerance
and bird-attraction and there are so many different types to buy they really can make a feature in all but the smallest of backyards.
Callistemons and melaleucas are often tricky to tell apart as they are both evergreen trees or shrubs with papery trunks. Both produce very distinctive
bottlebrush flowers, which are rich in the nectar that is so irresistible to native birds.
The difference lies in where they like to grow - callistemons prefer moist soil, some thriving in bog-like conditions. And while a few species of
melaleucas also tolerate soggy feet, most prefer free-draining, light sandy soil, making them ideal for coastal situations.
The best-loved callistemons are C. citrinus, the lemon bottlebrush which is a medium-sized shrub with white ('Anzac'), red ('Splendens')
and lavender ('Mauve mist') flowers. One of the most attractive attributes of some bottlebrushes is their weeping habit, and the fact that they
don't grow too big: perfect for home gardens. Check out C. Harkness 'Gawler Hybrid' and C. viminalis if space is limited, or C. viminalis
'Hannah Ray' if you've got a larger garden. The weepers have scarlet flowers.
Choice melaleucas include the delightful bracelet honey myrtle (M. armillaris) which is smothered with creamy white flowers; the scarlet honey myrtle
(M. fulgens) and M. incana with palest yellow flowers in spring.
Melaleucas and bottlebrushes make excellent screening plants, stand-alone specimens and accents among other native species such as banksias and grevilleas.
If you're colour co-ordinating your garden, buy them from the garden centre in flower - they will start appearing from now until summer. If you
can't plant them out straight away because of lack of water, they will survive quite well in 250mm pots for a couple of seasons.
Lismore Garden Club News
Lismore Garden Club is always looking for new members. You don't have to be an expert gardener. All you need is a love of gardening. The Lismore
Garden Club is like a big family. They will foster new members and the experienced members are keen to share knowledge, advice and friendship. For further
info phone Mary on 6621 5293.
What to plant now:
Flowers - Alyssum, Aster, Balsam, Begonia (all types), Californian Poppy, Carnation, Cleome, Chrysanthemum, Cosmos, Dahlia, Gazania, Gerbera,
Gypsophila, Kangaroo Paw, Marigold, Nasturtium, Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Statice, Verbena, Zinnia.
Vegies - Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrot, Herbs, Cucumber, Asian Greens, Lettuce, Spring Onion, Eggplant, Radish, Rhubarb, Silverbeet, Tomato,
Pumpkin, Beans, Melon, Squash, Marrow, Sweet Corn, Zucchini.
Jobs to do now: Now is the best time to renovate and rejuvinate your passionfruit vine. If growth is excessive, prune out some of the laterals.
Feed with 1/4 cup complete fertiliser per square metre, mulch and water deeply.
Tip of the week: Is any part of your garden not performing as it should be? Perhaps the ph level of the soil is incorrect. It is simple to do
your own ph soil test and correct the ph balance yourself. Simply purchase a soil ph testing kit from your garden centre. It will give full directions on
ph testing and correction.
Happy gardening - Ron Burns
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