The Western hemlock is a distinctive tree that is associated with the temperate rain forests that are found along the Pacific coast of North America from the Kenai peninsula north of the Alaskan Pan Handle to the Sonoma County in…
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The Hakea is endemic to Australia with the greatest number of its 150 odd species occurring in Western Australia. The genus is part of the protea family (Proteaceae) and arguably the most hardy of the family. Although closely related to…
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Australian gardeners are mostly pleased to see birds visiting their gardens. Birds play an important part in a garden and have a role in maintaining the balance of nature. For birds to be attracted to a garden, three basic requirements…
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Acacias are from the mimosa subfamily, which is itself part of the Fabaceae family. Fabaceaes are legumes and acacias have the typical pods which split to release hard seeds. The greater percentage of acacia species are found in Australia but…
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Bougainvillea is a genus of brilliantly colored vines seen growing throughout the tropics. Originally native to South America, it has spread to warm climates worldwide because of its hardy and low-maintenance character. The vine is named for Admiral Louis Antoine…
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Coastal areas of Australia are often affected by an excess of salts in the soil. The same problem affects inland areas, especially on flat land where the water table lies close to the surface. Too much salt has a detrimental…
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The Columbine or aquilegia is a very pretty flower with a deceptively fragile appearance. Columbines are native to many countries and are suited for any of the planting zones from 3 to 9. The aquilegia caerulea (or aquilegia coerulea) is…
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There are many hardy and attractive Australian native plants which do well in coastal situations. Coastal plants have to contend with salt-laden winds and new growth may be burnt by such winds even though the older wood is not affected….
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Attracting birds to Australian gardens is not difficult. Birds need food, water and shelter if they are to feel it’s worthwhile stopping in an area. Small birds especially appreciate a dense, maybe prickly shrub where they can flee from domestic…
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The Blue Latan Palm has the botanical name of Latania loddigesii. It belongs to the tribe Borasseae and the subfamily Coryphoideae. There are three species in the genus with the robust Latania loddigesii being the most vigorous. The blue latan…
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