| Description | Allium tuberosum
Garlic chives are not mentioned in many of the old western herbals, but have been used in Asian cuisine for centuries. Like normal Chives, the are a hardy herbaceous perennial. The only differences being they have a mild garlic and onion flavour, and small white starry like flowers. They are great in pots or in the ground, preferring full sun to part shade. They can grow up to 50cm tall, and splitting the plant every few years will help ensure the plants survival. When harvesting, cut the leaves near to the ground, as it's better for the plant. Garlic chives are great used in salads, stirfrys, rice, and as a garnish for curries, soups, and potatoes. They will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Alternatively you can preserve them in butters, oils and vinaigrettes.
4"/10cm pot size. | Quercus robur
English Oaks are famous for being solid and strong. The trunk and secondary branches are very solid and are covered in thick blackish-grey bark which makes it quite a sight.
The autumn foliage is a rich, dark brown. As the foliage is smaller than other deciduous trees, fallen leaves are not particularly difficult to eliminate and will not clog drains.
10"/25cm pot | Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssop is a perennial shrub in the mint family. It is a narrow, upright shrub that grows to about 70cm tall and only about 15cm wide. It loves sun, so a hot sunny position with well drained soil is best. When this plant is nourished enough it will produce small vibrant blue flowers. It looks very attractive in the garden, and bees love it. It's also a favourite with butterflies and hummingbirds. Traditionally Hyssop was used in ancient times as an insecticide, therefore, it makes a very good companion plant. It will repel flea beetles and cabbage moths, so planting near your cabbages and grapevines is a great place for this plant. Hyssop is a flavourful addition to salads soups and stews. Although the Hyssop is not for everyone, as it has quite a bitter aroma and flavour. Extracts of this plant have been used in soaps and perfumes, and to flavour liqueurs, puddings, and candy. When harvesting hyssop, dry the stems indoors away from sunlight, then remove the leaves and flowers. You can then grind these and store in a jar or air tight container away from sunlight. The woody stems lack flavour. To harvest the seeds, let the seed pods brown and dry out, the seeds are then easily removed, also store these in an air tight container out of the sun. Hyssop has expectorant, anti inflammatory and tonic affects. It can also lower fever. The flowers can be used for coughs. And the entire plant is used for fevers, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and colds. It can also be used to aid digestion, and to ease flatulence and colic. The flowers and leaves are also used on cuts and bruises. And the essential oils of this plant can be added to baths to help chest and bronchial problems. This also helps combat exhaustion. All in all, this herb is a great little all rounder that's easy to grow! | Prunus cerasifera elvins
Tis called a plum! But a fruiting plum it is not! The Elvins Flowering Plum is a perfect little round deciduous tree with stunning autumn colours, come spring time pops of blossom unfurl into white flowers which magically change colour to coral pink. What a journey! The best option for a smaller garden as this tree may be little but mighty in personality.
Loves full sun and moist well draining soil.
Grows approximately H: 3 Meters W: 3 Meters
8"/20cm pot size. | Pyrus calleryana 'Winter Glow'
The only evergreen ornamental pear currently on the market, making it a highly sought after specimen tree.
• Spring blossoms on semi bare branches
• Ideal for screening or as a shade tree
• Green glossy leaves with a silvered backing
Everscreen Pears will only retain leaves in warmer climates. Cool climate areas such as rural Victoria are likely to see leaf drop in the winter but usually for only a period of up to 5 weeks. In cool climates it the Everscreen will get an autumnal colouring prior to leaf drop.
For more information on Ornamental Pears see our Pyrus - Ornamental Pear Factsheet
For care instructions, features and more, check out Additional Information below | Centella asiatica
When we think about herbs we think of things like parsley, sage and thyme, which all originate from Southern Europe. We don't hear much about those from Asia, let alone native Australian herbs. "Gotu kola" is more commonly known here as the arthritis plant. This herb has been cultivated in India, China, tropical Asia and Africa for centuries. It comes from the same family of plants as parsley and it has close relatives in Australia. Some of the traditional claims made about the medicinal properties of this plant include ; the extension of life, control of tuberculosis and leprosy, relief of high blood pressure and the pain and swelling associated with arthritis as well as a treatment for cancer and irritating skin ailments. It has also been referred to as Indian Ginseng because of its stimulating effects on many parts of the body. The arthritis herb has been used as a medicine for thousands of years in countries where it grew naturally. It is claimed to have beneficial effect on a number of other ailments including psoriasis, ulcers, rheumatism, acute infections and inflammation, upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, fevers and diseases of the female reproductive organs. Modern clinical tests on humans and animals have confirmed a positive effect in the treatment of skin ailments such as ulcers, burns and wounds. The recommended daily dose is two leaves of 40mm diameter per adult, or the equivalent in smaller leaves. The leaves have a bitter taste particularly if grown in full sun. You may be able to eat the leaves straight from the plant or alternatively they can be chopped up and used like a parsley garnish on salads or mashed potato. It is commonly used to flavour rice dishes in Southeast Asia. A weak tea can be made which you might like to sweeten with honey. The naturally occurring organic chemicals in the leaves include strong alkaloids and a carcinogen called asiaticoside. It is recommended therefore, that you do not exceed this dose as symptoms of headache, dizziness and insomnia have been reported. This plant also goes by the common name of swamp pennywort and this is a clue to its preferred environment, which is shady and swampy. In such a location this plant can grow very quickly. The arthritis plant can be easily grown in the home garden. It thrives under shade in pots, hanging baskets and particularly in bog gardens or by a pond. A good idea is to keep this plant in a confined position such as a tub to prevent it from escaping. And a good potting mix will see this plant take off quickly.
4" pot size. | Rosa banksiae
The Banksia Rose is a tough evergreen climbing rose with soft ruffled yellow flowers which appear in Spring. Like Iceberg Roses, it's prized as a disease resistant and hardy rose. It works well as a groundcover rose or a climber when given a support such as a trellis.
The Banksia rose is an incredibly useful and versatile climber or groundcover as it is low maintenance, thornless and tolerates full sun and part shade.
6"/14cm pot size. |
| Additional information |
| botanical name |
Allium tuberosum, or Chinese chives
|
| |
| botanical name |
Hyssopus Officinalis
|
|
| botanical name |
Prunus ?Elvins?
|
| height x width |
3m x 3m
|
| features |
During spring single white flowers entirely cover the long branches, gradually turning to coral pink
|
| conditions |
Full sun to part shade in well-drained soil,
|
| landscape use |
Specimen, group planting, street tree, general landscaping,
|
|
| Other Common Names |
Callery Pear, Ever Screen Pear, Evergreen Pear, Flowering Pear, Ornamental Pear, Winter Glow
|
| Origin |
China, Vietnam
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| Plant Type |
Tree
|
| Leaf Drop |
Semi-Deciduous
|
| Sunshine |
Afternoon Sun, Full Sun, Midday Sun, Part Shade
|
| Tolerances |
Pollution Tolerant, Poor Soil Tolerant, Salt Sensitive, Wind Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
|
| Soil Type |
Clay, Loam, Loamy – Clay, Sandy – Loam, Well drained
|
| pH |
Acidic, Alkaline, Neutral
|
| Water Requirement |
Moderate
|
| Fertilise Me |
April, March, November, October, September
|
| Fertilizer Frequency |
Bi-annually
|
| Best time to plant |
All Year
|
| Planting Distance |
2-3m apart
|
| Max Height |
10m
|
| Max Width |
5m
|
| Growth Speed |
Fast
|
| Prune Me |
Annually, Only if required, In the cooler months
|
| Size Maintained at |
5m
|
| Flowering |
Yes
|
| Flower Colour |
White
|
| Flowering Time |
November, October, September
|
| Fragrance |
Strong
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| Foliage Colour |
Green
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| Autumn Colour |
Orange, Purple, Red
|
| Fruit / Seed |
Yes – Non-edible
|
| Fruiting Time |
December, January
|
| Attracts |
Bees, Birds, Butterflies
|
| Toxic To |
Children
|
| Uses |
Fenceline, Shade Tree, Feature Tree
|
|
| botanical name |
Centella asiatica, or Hydrocotle asiatica.
|
|
| height x width |
Climber to 3-4m
|
| planting distance |
For hedge or screen: 70cm
|
| conditions |
Very hardy, likes full sun and well-drained soil
|
| landscape use |
fences, screens, cover unattractive sheds, pergolas, arbors, rotundas, trellis
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