How To Grow Lilies

10/02/2025 11:57:00 AM | Sandra Ross

Sandra Ross gives us all the tips on growing lovely liliums.

In the Veggie Patch

10/02/2025 11:58:27 AM | Sandra Ross

Sandra and Graham talk about the veggie patch - a great thing to do while at home.

Autumn Garden Tips

10/02/2025 11:58:39 AM | Sandra Ross

Sandra gives us three topics to get your autumn garden productive - Bulbs to plant now, Magic Mulch, and some tips about autumn roses.

The Little World of African Violets

10/02/2025 11:59:00 AM | Linda Ross

Today we travel to Tanzania, metaphorically, to chat about a forest groundcover that we in Australia grow inside – a plant you’ll see at Nanna’s house – the African Violet.

A mauve-tinted expedition

10/02/2025 11:59:12 AM | Linda Ross

The Garden Clinic heads off to Japan this week for a very special mauve-tinted expedition to see the wonderful wisteria.

Frangipani My Favourite

10/02/2025 12:00:49 PM | Linda Ross

I have loved frangipanis as long as I can remember. They fragrance transports me back to simple summer days at the beach collecting flowers for float bowls and smelling like sunscreen.

More people grow tomatoes than any other fruit or vegetable. But results can be mixed. Set yourself up with the right advice for a bounty harvest in an Australian environment. There is much joy to be had in picking sun-ripened, richly flavoured sweet tomatoes from your own garden. But it’s not easy - with summer temps set to soar into the forties - it’s time to get serious about garden grown tomatoes.

Meet the Geraniaceae Family

10/02/2025 12:05:20 PM | Linda Ross

Geraniums are an excellent choice for our changing, warming climate. They thrive in bright sunny gardens, hanging out of window-boxes and adorning pots on balconies. And scented varieties are wonderful when picked and placed in a soothing hot bath!

Milkwood

10/02/2025 12:18:38 PM | Linda Ross

Linda chats to Milkwood co-founder Nick Ritar about harvesting seaweed for the garden, starting a summer tomato patch and growing your own mushrooms.

It takes a village

10/02/2025 12:19:26 PM | Linda Ross

In their new book ‘The Village’, Matt and Lentil describe connecting to your village may just bring the good health, happiness and longevity you seek.

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FAQ

Have questions about gardening?

Check out the below FAQ section for expert advice, tips, and answers to all your gardening queries—from planting and care to troubleshooting and seasonal maintenance.

When do roses flower in Adelaide?

Spring and autumn (generally September to November and March until May) are when you can enjoy the beautiful classic blooms and fragrance of roses.

What is the best time and method to propagate daphne?

Any time from spring to autumn is suitable for taking daphne cuttings. Take a cutting of approximately 10cm length, including a node (a swollen section of stem where leaves, stems, roots originate). Dip this into rooting hormone gel or powder and place into propagation mix deep enough so that it stands by itself. A plastic cover over the pot will help retain humidity. Place in a protected position out of direct sunlight. Keep moist and expect roots in a couple of months.

We recently had our 30-year-old lemon scented tea tree pruned back. I feel it wasn't a very professional job and the result was very severe. Can you please tell me whether you think it will re-shoot successfully? I'm concerned that it will struggle with new growth from those bare branches

While the pruning does seem severe, tea trees are very resilient, so your tree will recover.

I’ve never had success growing chokos but everyone tells me it’s easy. Any tips?

You’re right. It is easy, so here are my tips.

I always describe myself as a ‘Mug Gardener’ at best, but never cease to be amazed at the surprises nature deals out. I have had agaves for over 30 years and never have I ever had one flower. Isn't this a beauty! I read that it only happens every 10 years, but on my honour this is the first one I have seen. As I say, the joys of gardening never cease to amaze!

We love it Phil, and yes, we too are constantly amazed at what nature provides.

You spoke on the radio a while back about a ‘coffee’ or ‘cappuccino’ coloured rose, but I’ve forgotten its name. My local florist uses it all the time in arrangements but doesn’t know its name either. Appreciate your help.

It’s ‘Julia’s Rose’, an American-bred variety.

Every year my azalea leaves go silvery, and now they’re becoming leggy. What should I do?

I’ve changed my ideas about growing and caring for azaleas after visiting Japan many times. Azaleas should be trimmed straight after flowering, and again once new growth is 3-4cm long.

A pest is producing little black beads all over the stems and leaves of my mandarin tree?

These are the sap-sucking pest, scale, and you have done the right thing by spraying with Eco-oil, as this is good for preventing scale and controlling larvae.

FAQ