Episode: #10 4/11/06
Presenter: Melissa King

Spring is in the air, the days are warmer and plants have well and truly shed their winter skins. So where better to come for fresh spring planting ideas than the Greenery in Templestowe?

Chinese Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a climber that is versatile, beautiful and looks good year round. It is not a true Jasmine however. It got its common name because the white flowers that appear from mid spring onwards exude the most delicious jasmine like fragrance. Use it to cover fences and pergolas and also looks great in urns or containers.

There is nothing like a Crab Apple in bloom to remind you that spring is here. The Betchel Crab Apple (Malus ionensis plena) has an explosion of double, pale pink flowers that have a delicate almond scent. Come autumn you get the bonus of brilliant foliage colour.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis ?Forest Pansy?) flowers are just magic with clusters of tiny, rose-purple, pea-like flowers in early spring just before the new growth emerges. In gardens it gets to around 3 metres tall and with decorative purplish foliage through most seasons, it is one of the best choices for small gardens. In autumn the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange.

While you are there make sure you scan the seedling building for inspiration because all of those summer vegetables, herbs and annuals ready to go in the ground now.

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana cv.) are outstanding performers ? they flower from spring right through to autumn and light up shady areas of the garden. They are also great in pots or hanging baskets and look terrific when massed displayed.

It is great time to buy roses because you can see what you are getting and the Greenery has a great selection from latest new releases like ?Burgundy Iceberg? to fragrant, old fashioned favourites such as Blue Moon. You will also fine Melissa?s favourite the David Austin Roses which combine old fashioned form and fragrance with the repeat flowering characteristic of the newer roses.

With so much on offer the choice is never easy ? but there?s nothing like going to a great garden centre for inspiration and I guarantee you that a visit to the Greenery in Templestowe will get your spring planting off to a great start.

www.thegreenery.com.au

TEMPLESTOWE
107 Porter St
Templestowe Vic 3106
Tel: 03 9846 2255
Fax: 03 9846 4770
templestowe@thegreenery.com.au