Episode: #6 7/10/2006
Presenter: Phil Dudman

There is always something in colour at Roma Street Parkland, and it is such a marvellous place to gather ideas on what is achievable in Queensland.

The sculptured Azaleas (Rhododendron indica hybrid cultivar), are a real showstopper. Keeping them trimmed is a great way to add shape and form year round and when it is time for them to flower they jump on in and take centre stage.

Lavenders (Lavandula) respond well to clipping too, and they give off such an alluring scent when you do. Planting them as a hedge makes a great impact and regular trimming is what keeps them looking their colourful best.

You don?t have to rely on flowers to create striking colour displays. Try experimenting with foliage plants like Coleus (Solenstemon scutellariodes), as they are extremely hardy and easy to grow and there are so many different colours to choose from. Once you find a combination you like, be bold and plant them in large blocks.

The fiery little numbers called Calceolaria or ?Ladies Purses? are normally grown as an indoor plant, but at Roma Street, they have used them to add a blast of colour in a shady spot which works really well.

Calceolarias could be hard to find, but if you really want something that will give you quick colour in shade, then you can?t go past Impatiens. They are readily available, and the colour range is almost endless.

Perennial petunias (Calibrachoa) will perform exceptionally well in elevated pots where they are open to lots of sun and drying wind. They add such valuable colour in difficult conditions.

If you would like to try some perennial petunias at home, then Pohlman?s have put out a terrific range of colours as part of their ?Flowing Fields? series. They come in economical cell packs of four, and you only need one plant per pot. Each spreads to about 80cm or more and make a terrific ground cover if you are looking for quick colour.

All of the plants in the Flowing Field series have been specially selected from the finest varieties around the world and tested extensively in Australia to ensure we get the best garden performers.

The spreading Ivy Geraniums always give you great colour and don?t need a lot of water or feeding. Pohlman?s have also introduced a stunning range of New Guinea Impatiens which gives you even more colour options.

Try them now for adding some long lasting colour in your garden.

Pohlmans

www.pohlmans.com.au

Roma Street Parkland
1 Parkland Boulevard
Brisbane Qld 4000

www.romastreetparkland.com