Book review: Creating an Australia Garden

 

 

Creating a Australian Garden

By Angus Stewart

There are thousands of native plants we’d do well to get to know and broadcaster, plant breeder and Ross Garden tour leader Angus Stewart is just the man to make the introductions. His new book shines a light onto the improved cultivars of natives that have come onto the market in the last decade as a result of plant breeding. He outlines the qualities of the plants and offers advice on how to use them. For instance he recommends dwarf kangaroo paw such as ‘Bush Pearl’ and ‘Bush Diamond’ as short-term displays in pots. Tall kangaroo paws (A. flavidus). such as ‘Lilac Queen’ (yes, a lilac kangaroo paw!). make a perfect backdrop to lower-growing natives - with the added benefit of attracting delicate spinebills and honeyeaters.

 

Allen and Unwin, rrp $49.95

Text: Linda Ross

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