Episode: #2 09/09/2006
Presenter: Sue

1. As the weather warms up the garden is starting to come alive. This time of year boasts spectacular shows of native plants. Large gardens also enjoy the antics of nectar feeding birds in the garden, but what about those in smaller gardens who would like to enjoy the pleasure.

We need to start thinking about using some of our natives in different ways. Many grow successfully in large pots and the Banksia Cherry Candles is no exception. It is the ideal plant for a patio or sunny courtyard and has the added bonus of not needing much water.

In fact you can turn the reticulation system off at this time of the year and water by hand only if needed. These plants will survive and thrive with dry conditions and if we don't happen to have any rain the dew is enough to keep the garden going over the next few weeks.

When we think of Grevilleas the image of large unruly shrubs comes to mind, but the small growing Grevillea Rosy Posy will flower for many months in a large pot. All Banksias and Grevilleas require is low phosphorous fertiliser for natives sprinkled around the surface at the beginning of every season and a light trim after they have finished flowering.

2. Another viewer wrote in and asked particularly about the Sturt Desert Pea. It puts on a spectacular show up North but our viewer has not been successful in germinating them at home in Perth.

These hardy waterwise annuals will take about 4 months to flower from seed and the way we get them to germinate is a little different from the norm, because they have a hard seed coat.

Crunch up a piece of newspaper, put seeds over the top, gather a few dry leaves and set it alight. If you do this where they are going to be planted, once it has gone out, just spread around, cover with a light layer of seed raising mix and water in.

They grow very successfully in a large pot with premium potting mix or in sandy garden beds, of which we have no shortage of in the west.

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