Episode: #4 23/09/2006
Presenter: Melissa King

Kuranga Native Nursery in Mount Evelyn specialises in Australian flora and they are blowing the myth that natives are dull completely out of the water with their showy, inspirational displays.

Kuranga has the biggest range of Australian plants you will ever find in one place, with over 3500 varieties to choose from. You will find a great collection of easy-to-grow plants plus showy varieties perfect for smaller gardens and containers and even some rare and unusual beauties.

Every time you visit, you are greeted by a colourful display, which refects the best flowers of the season and right now it is the native heaths, hardenbergias and kangaroo paws which are taking centre stage.

Kuranga has been propagating and selling Australian plants since 1983 but a lot has changed since then. Extensive hybridation and selection has resulted in a huge range of garden-worthy natives with showier colours, more compact habits and longer flowering.

We have also seen a huge increase in the sheer number of species available to grow. Banksias are a classic example: An old nursery catalogue from the early 70?s list only one Banksia spinulosa. Today Kuranga offers some 20 different forms, with different flower colours, from lemon to gold and red tinged, plus more compact forms.

Everyday, new or previously undiscovered plants are being trialled and bought into cultivation. The blood-red variety of the Cinnamon Wattle called Scarlet Blaze is normally yellow flowering and was discovered growing in the wild in Victoria by a group of bush walkers. Now this horticultural wonder is available to grow at home.

Developments in grafting have also made prized and previously hard to grow varieties more accessible like the bell Darwinias, Qualop Bells, Flowering gums and dry climate Grevilleas are now more reliable to grow in Melbourne.

The native theme is also carried through to the gift shop and caf? whose menu features tantalizing bush foods and flavourings.

If you haven?t caught the Australian plant bug yet then Kuranga will change the way you think about our native flora forever. Don?t forget to visit the nursery this weekend or next and mention the Garden Gurus to get a free Brachycome daisy to fill your garden with spring and summer colour.

Kuranga Native Nursery and Paperbark Cafe
118 York Road, My Evelyn, Victoria, 3796
Tel: (03) 9760 8100
http://www.karanga.com.au
info@karanga.com.au