Gardening Australia episode 26 2023 – Embark on a delightful journey with Hannah as she steps into a breathtakingly beautiful small garden, a secret haven where every flower whispers tales of color and life. Witness the delicate interplay of sunshine and shade, and let the fragrance of blooming wonders waft over you, painting a picture of serene beauty in your mind. Journey alongside Costa, our intrepid explorer of the lush and leafy world of ferns. Traverse the verdant pathways where ancient ferns unfurl, their fronds painting intricate patterns against the light. Marvel at the diversity of forms, each one a living testament to nature’s artistry and resilience.
Step inside with Tammy, our connoisseur of indoor blooms. Let her guide you through the enchanting world of houseplants, where every blossom has a story to tell. Discover the joy of nurturing life indoors and watch as each bloom unfurls to add a burst of color and vitality to every space. Join Jerry on a unique expedition as he tours a backyard transformed into a thriving laboratory. Peer into the intricate world of plant research and innovation, where seeds of knowledge sprout, and every experiment cultivates a deeper understanding of the world’s green wonders.
Dive into the fun and fascinating world of tomato trivia with Josh. Unearth the secrets behind the succulent red fruits, and discover the myriad varieties that grace tables around the world, each one packed with a burst of flavor and a treasury of nutrients. Accompany Millie on a guided tour of a native nursery, a vibrant world where indigenous plants flourish. Explore the rich diversity of local flora, and delve into the critical role they play in sustaining the environment and nurturing biodiversity.
Lastly, meet an extraordinary chef who has embraced the farm-to-table philosophy wholeheartedly. Explore a garden brimming with Thai ingredients, where every herb and vegetable is a culinary adventure waiting to unfold. Witness the seamless blend of growth and gastronomy, as exotic flavors grow under the watchful eye of a culinary maestro, ready to be transformed into delectable dishes. Embark on these captivating adventures and let your senses revel in the diverse and delightful world of gardens, plants, and blooms. Your journey into the verdant realms of nature’s wonders awaits!
Gardening Australia episode 26 2023 – Exploring the Bountiful Harvests and Botanical Wonders of Gardening Australia
Gardening Australia’s episode 26 showcases the passion and expertise of the country’s best gardeners, designers, experts, and plants people. From a stunning small urban garden to magnificent ferns, this jam-packed episode highlights the creativity and know-how required to grow a thriving, productive, and beautiful garden.
Touring an Impressively Designed Small Garden in Melbourne
For inner-city gardeners lacking ample space, this segment proves that limited area needn’t limit creativity or productivity. Gardener Judy Sederof gives viewers a tour of her intelligently designed 66 square meter garden in suburban Melbourne.
Despite its compact footprint, Judy’s garden overflows with plants, color, style, and edible bounties. Her eclectic, vibrant planting style emphasizes foliage textures, forms and colors. An interior designer by trade, Judy artfully mixes mirrors, ornaments and architectural elements to provide visual interest when plants are dormant.
Judy strategically places sun-loving edibles like tomatoes and salad greens in her small but deep south-facing patch. This highly fertile, organically enriched soil retains moisture and warmth. The remainder of her narrow site sits atop pure rock, so Judy builds up garden beds to improve drainage and fertility. Here she highlights hardy potted specimens and colorful annuals.
Water conservation and sustainability underpin Judy’s design. Rainwater tanks supply irrigation needs. Lush, dense plantings curb weeds and retain moisture. Judy propagates many plants from cuttings and divisions, while hardscape materials like grape picking baskets are upcycled from salvage.
For texture and vertical accents, Judy erects small tents and utilizes walls and fences. An arching passionfruit vine and espaliered fruit trees maximize space. Despite extreme space constraints, Judy’s trove of tips and tricks prove that small gardens can be productive, eco-friendly and dazzling.
Delving Into the Diversity, Adaptability and Beauty of Ferns
Costa explores the innate resilience, endless variety and ornamental charm of ferns – ancient plants that have thrived for over 300 million years. A look inside the Royal Botanic Garden’s Fernery and greenhouses reveals the sheer diversity of ferns available to gardeners. From groundcovers to massive tree ferns, Costa details proper selections and care for gardens of every size and climate.
The Stately, Hardy Majesty of Tree Ferns
Tree ferns make excellent vertical accents in the garden. Many are supremely adaptable, tolerating sun, wind and even frost once established. Costa showcases the stiff rough tree fern, whose prickly trunk hairs and large leaf scars identify it. Extremely hardy, it grows in full sun if well-watered.
For a graceful refined look, the soft tree fern has huge arching fronds. Naturally preferring a shady streambank habitat, generous water and mulch are key to growing this fern in the open garden. Proper siting and care lets these resilient giants thrive in varied conditions.
Ethereal Epiphytic Ferns for the Canopy
Growing naturally on tree trunks and branches, epiphytic ferns like elkhorns and staghorns bring the rainforest indoors. Slow to establish but worth the wait, their intricate pendant fronds can reach several meters long. Container culture and free-draining media suit them best. Diluted liquid fertilizer applied to the roots occasionally will promote lush growth.
Rare Tropical Beauties
Behind the scenes, the Botanic Garden’s Fernery mimics a steamy north Queensland jungle. Here, rare tropical ferns from monsoonal areas flourish. Costa admires the huge, deeply-dissected leaves of the fishtail fern and the specialized fronds of the intriguing knob spike fern Drynaria meyeniana. Understanding the native habitat of exotic ferns is key to providing suitable conditions in the home garden.
For gardeners willing to do their homework, ferns offer superb versatility. Costa proves that the right fern can thrive just about anywhere, injecting gardens with primeval allure.
Illuminating the Best Flowering Plants for Growing Indoors
Bringing vibrant blooms indoors can brighten up the home and spirits. Tammy reveals her top recommendations for flowering houseplants guaranteed to inspire.
The Captivating Flowers and Easy Care of Orchids
The gorgeous sprays of phalaenopsis orchids will elicit compliments for months on end. Once the last blooms fade, clipping off the bare flower stalks just above a node may trigger re-blooming. For prolific blooms, situate orchids in bright indirect light and use specialized potting media. Apply weak liquid fertilizer every two weeks during warm months.
Dazzling Bromeliads With Low Demands
Bromeliads produce their vivid, exotic flowers from the center of their leaf rosettes. After flowering, pups will eventually form at the base, allowing you to detach and pot up new plants. Match bromeliads’ epiphytic nature by using a fast-draining potting mix. Some sun with occasional watering keeps these carefree plants content.
Anthuriums for Long-Lasting Tropical Color
Anthurium’s glossy foliage and spectacular heart-shaped blooms have made them indoor darlings. Seek out time-tested cultivars boasting brilliant red, pink or purple flowers. Give them partial sun to initiate blooming. Use an orchid bark mix and avoid overwatering for healthiest growth. Feed with controlled-release fertilizer to prolong the floral display.
The Exotic Waxy Blooms of Hoyas
Though primarily grown for their foliage, hoyas will reward patient growers with abundant clusters of waxy, star-shaped blooms. Give young plants 3-5 years to reach maturity and commence flowering. Situate hoyas in very bright light to initiate blooming. As epiphytes, they prefer airy soil mixes. Avoid repotting too frequently, and fertilize during spring and summer for heaviest flower production.
By providing key cultural conditions, Tammy proves flowering houseplants can transform indoor spaces with vivacious, mood-lifting color.
Touring a Brisbane Backyard Transformed Into a Botanical Laboratory
In this segment, Jerry Coleman visits the suburban Brisbane home of botanist Erik van Zuilekom. Erik has converted his backyard into an experimental living laboratory to trial plants for living architecture projects.
Erik is growing unusual tropical species to gauge their performance in Brisbane’s climate. His towering Schizolobium parahyba tree fern from Brazil has achieved phenomenal growth in just two years. He’s assessing how various philodendron species adapt their form and foliage to sun or shade exposures. Erik is also establishing a multistory edible rainforest system with canopy trees, fruiting shrubs and groundcovers.
Several shadehouses shelter Erik’s tropical plant trials where he manipulates water, light and humidity levels. Nearby, a family veggie patch supplies homegrown produce. Erik and his family have embraced Brisbane’s subtropical environment, discovering and growing novel edibles like moringa, tamarillos and dozens of Asian herbs.
Jerry is awed by the diversity of species packed into Erik’s compact plot. Erik stresses observing how plants respond and modify their morphology to environmental conditions. By pinpointing the best selections for specific uses, Erik’s applied research benefits both homeowners and the nursery industry. His passion for plants is infectious, underscoring the knowledge to be gained by experimenting in one’s own garden laboratory.
A Lighthearted Tomato Growing Guide and Pop Quiz from Gardening Guru Josh Byrne
Homegrown vine-ripened tomatoes are the holy grail for many gardeners. In this playful segment, sustainability expert Josh Byrne shares his best tips for cultivating tomatoes and tests viewers’ tomato growing knowledge.
Josh prepares a raised garden bed by digging in compost and fertilizer. He explains key points like siting tomatoes in full sun and providing sturdy staking for indeterminate varieties. Josh has selected two proven winners – the enormous ‘Grosse Lisse’ and extra-sweet red cherry type ‘Tommy Toe’.
In a lively pop quiz, Josh asks viewers to identify the culture that gave us the word “tomato” (the Aztecs) and decipher the scientific name Solanum lycopersicum (wolf peach). He underscores important growing instructions like rotating crops, spacing plants generously, and deep planting to promote root growth. Josh stresses diligent watering and fertilizing for best harvests.
While tomatoes require minimal work, Josh reminds us that nurturing them is a beloved summer ritual. His lighthearted approach shows gardening should be fun! Josh proves that, with sound horticultural practices, backyard gardeners can achieve tomato-growing glory.
Exploring An Indigenous Plant Nursery Fostering Cultural Connections on the Mornington Peninsula
Gardens can provide space for cultural expression and community building. In this segment, Millie Ross tours an indigenous plant nursery strengthening the bond between the local Bunurong People and their native flora.
The Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association near Hastings operates a nursery propagating plants from the Mornington Peninsula. They provide employment for the Indigenous community and build awareness of the deep cultural ties Aboriginal people have with native plants.
During Millie’s visit, a women’s gathering takes place on the grounds. Elder Aunty Jen Armistead explains Willum Warrain offers a welcoming space promoting healing. Millie sees traditional uses for plants like the firestick banksia, weaving grass and culinary herbs. Interpretive signs provide language names and increase understanding of native flora.
The nursery provides plants for revegetation projects enriching the landscape. Formerly a derelict site, three new ponds now host wildlife. Millie is inspired by the nursery’s commitment to environmental repair, social justice and celebrating Indigenous culture through native plants. As Peter Aldenhoven emphasizes, connecting with plants from the local land enables the community to recapture lost traditional knowledge.
Highlighting a Chef’s Inspiring Efforts to Grow Specialty Asian Produce
The episode concludes by profiling chef Fiat Malaniyom of Peats Ridge, NSW. Fiat cultivates unique Asian herbs and vegetables on his small farm to supply leading restaurants. Intrigued by the quality produce used in his mother’s Thai cooking, Fiat aims to make ultra-fresh ingredients accessible to chefs and home cooks alike.
Fiat experiments with exotic edibles like Thai turmeric, lemon basil and yuzu. Passionfruit, bananas and heirloom veggies thrive in the rich volcanic soil. Fiat sells “chef’s packs” of whatever is ripe each week to top Sydney restaurants. He also fills individual orders for keen home gardeners wishing to explore new flavors.
Fiat’s partner Anthony lauds the superior quality of the produce compared to supermarkets. Chef Kyle Connaughton relies on Fiat’s farm for inspiration, using his rare herbs and greens to add bold flavors to dishes. For Fiat, satisfying customer’s palates brings happiness. His family taught him food’s importance in celebrating relationships. By growing traditional ingredients from his childhood, Fiat honors his cultural roots while pioneering new culinary adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gardening Australia Episode
The Gardening Australia episode covered an immense breadth of topics that prompted many questions from curious viewers. Here are answers to some of the most common queries.
What Type of Plants Did Judy Use in Her Small Melbourne Garden?
Judy employed a highly eclectic mix of plants to maximize visual impact within her compact garden. For year-round structure, she relied heavily on woody shrubs, small trees, and perennial herbs. Vibrant annuals like marigolds, violas and nasturtiums provided pops of color. Edibles included tomatoes, leafy greens, brassicas, and fresh herbs. Judy propagated many plants from cuttings and divisions. Unusual specimens came from nurseries, friends’ gardens and street plant rescues.
What Conditions Do Indoor Flowering Plants Require?
Most indoor bloomers need very bright, indirect light to flower. South or west-facing windowsills are ideal. Temperatures between 60-80°F suit most flowering houseplants. Use porous, fast-draining potting mixes to prevent root rot. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil dries out. Feed plants monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength while actively growing. Proper humidity around 50-60% will help flower buds develop fully.
How Can You Adapt Your Yard Into a Botanical Laboratory Like Erik’s?
Converting your backyard into a botanical laboratory starts with focusing your experiments. Select a plant genus or adaptation of interest like ferns, succulents, vines, or water-wise plants. Study their native habitats and needs. Replicate challenging conditions like intense sun, wet soil, wind, or boggy ground in sections of your outdoor space. Acquire several varieties and note differences in their performance. Keep records of soil, amendments, irrigation, light levels and each plant’s response. By intentionally applying stress and observing adaptations, you gain insight into how to successfully cultivate unusual plants.
What Are Some Tips for Growing Great Tomatoes?
- Choose proven varieties suitable for your climate. Early determinate types are ideal for cooler regions.
- Start seeds 6-8 weeks before planting out. Harden off young plants slowly.
- Plant in full sun in rich organic soil. Space plants 60-90 cm apart.
- Bury stems deeply to promote rooting along the buried portion.
- Support indeterminate varieties with sturdy stakes or trellises.
- Water regularly, applying 2-3 cm of water per week.
- Feed every 2-3 weeks with liquid tomato fertilizer high in potassium.
- Mulch deeply to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
- Rotate planting sites each year to minimize disease.
What Role Do Native Plants Play in Aboriginal Culture?
For thousands of years, native plants have allowed Aboriginal groups to thrive in Australia’s harsh landscapes. Plants provide sustenance as traditional bush foods and natural medicines. Fibers are utilized for weaving, traps and watercraft. Many plants hold profound ceremonial significance or are incorporated into oral histories. Their native names embed cultural knowledge. Willum Warrain’s nursery aims to restore connections between Victorian Aboriginal communities and their ancestral plant heritage. Growing and learning about plants from the local land enables community members to reconnect with traditional ecological knowledge and practices.
Why Does Fiat Malaniyom Grow Hard-to-Find Asian Produce?
Tracing his passion to childhood memories of his family’s cooking, Fiat grows rare specialty Asian produce to connect with his heritage while pioneering new culinary arts. Many ingredients commonly used in Thai cooking were unavailable when he emigrated to Australia. By cultivating crops like galangal, Thai basil and yuzu on a small scale, Fiat can supply top chefs and markets with ultra-fresh, high-quality Asian greens, herbs and fruits. His gardens keep him in touch with his roots while providing an opportunity to fuse traditional Thai flavors with modern Australian cuisine.
