CLIVIA

Clivia is a genus of monocot flowering plants native to southern Africa. They are from the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. Common names are Natal lily or bush lily. They are herbaceous evergreen plants, with green, strap-like leaves. Individual flowers are more or less bell-shaped, occurring in umbels on a stalk above the foliage; colours typically range from yellow through orange to red. Many cultivars exist, some with variegated leaf patterns.

Species of Clivia are found only in South Africa and Swaziland. They are typically forest undergrowth plants, adapted to low light (with the exception of C. mirabilis from the Western Cape). Clivia miniata grows into large clumps and is surprisingly water wise. It is also reportedly naturalised in Mexico. It is a popular plant for shady areas and is commonly seen growing in older established suburbs in most Australian states. It is also popular in New Zealand, Japan, China and southern parts of the USA , particularly California. It grows to a height of about 45 cm, and various varieties have flowers that are red, orange or yellow, sometimes with a faint, but very sweet perfume.

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AUTUMN ROSE

A few roses in our garden are persisting to bloom, including this beauty, Rosa 'Mr Lincoln' a fragrant, showy rose.

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HEUCHERA

Heuchera is a genus of largely evergreen perennial plants in the family Saxifragaceae, all native to North America. Common names include alumroot and coral bells.

Heuchera have palmately lobed leaves on long petioles, and a thick, woody rootstock. The genus was named after Johann Heinrich von Heucher (1677–1746), an 18th-century German physician, and Professor at Wittenberg University. There are approximately 37 species, but the taxonomy of the genus is difficult because the species often intergrade with one another, hybridization is common, and the flowers change markedly in proportion as they develop.

The majority of Heuchera sold for gardens are hybrids of H. americana, such as 'Green Spice'. Shown here is a Heuchera sanguinea hybrid called ‘Firefly Red’.

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PETUNIAS

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JONQUILS

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CINERARIA

Cineraria is now generally treated as a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to southern Africa. The genus includes herbaceous plants and small sub-shrubs. In the past, the genus was commonly viewed in a broader sense including a number of species from the Canary Islands and Madeira which are now transferred to the genus Pericallis, including the Florist's Cineraria (Pericallis x hybrida). The uses for Cineraria include topical application for the treatment of cataracts.

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CYMBIDIUM

Cymbidium, or boat orchids, is a genus of 52 evergreen species in the orchid family Orchidaceae. One of its first descriptions come from Olof Swartz in 1799. The name is derived from the Greek word kumbos, meaning 'hole, cavity'. It refers to the form of the base of the lip. The genus is abbreviated Cym in horticultural trade.

This genus is distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia (such as northern India, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Borneo) and northern Australia. The larger flowered species from which the large flowered hybrids are derived, grow at high altitudes. 

Cymbidiums became popular in Europe during the Victorian era. One feature that makes the plant so popular is the fact that it can survive during cold temperatures (as low as 7˚C).

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RUDBECKIA 'OPHELIA'

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CHRYSANTHEMUM

First Chrysanthemum of the season. A double, burgundy hybrid growing in our garden.

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ASTILBE

Astilbe chinensis, commonly known as false goat's beard, tall false-buck's-beard or Chinese astilbe, is a plant in the saxifrage family, Saxifragaceae.

It is a herbaceous plant with alternate, pinnately compound leaves, on thin stems. The flowers are purplish-pink, borne in summer. The plant prefers full sun and is planted in moist clay soils.

The variety shown here is the hybrid Astilbe chinensis "purpurkerze".

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ROSA 'PINK INTUITION'

Rosa 'Pink Intuition' is a sport of 'Red Intuition', which was voted International Cut Rose of the Year 2000. Like its sister rose, 'Pink Intuition' is prized for the perfection of its large, perfect, classical Hybrid Tea-shaped flowers, all massed with petals. Tall graceful buds open into blooms, a whirling palette of pinks – bright, rich, magentas slashed with delicate and buoyant pastels – stripes of pinks on pink.

Flowering continually from Spring to late Autumn, stems are laden with bunches of bright, unfading blooms. Long flower stems are ideal for cutting, having an exceptionally long vase life. Flowers do not droop. Blessed with a vigorous growth habit, Pink Intuition thrives in full sun, relishes regular feeding and mulching. Pink Intuition may be planted all the year round. Grows to approximately 150cms high.

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KOTOBUKI BEGONIA

Begonia rex 'Kotobuki' is an exotic foliage plant with large heart-shaped soft leaves, vibrantly patterned. 'Kotobuki' has leaves marked in iridescent pinks and purples. It is a popular houseplant in warm humid rooms and also makes a striking hanging basket or container plant for summer. Ideal outdoor underplanting in shaded and semi-shaded tropical gardens.

Plant in a shaded or semi-shaded location with filtered light or indirect sunlight. Begonia rex appreciates a humid atmosphere so if the air is dry, give it a light mist spray with water. Water lightly but regularly during the first 12 weeks or until the plant is established. Avoid over-watering or over-feeding Begonia rex.

Apply liquid fertiliser at half dilution every 8 weeks for best results. Foliage may die back during the cooler months when plants become dormant. Avoid feeding and reduce watering until plants develop new leaves. Repot during spring only if plants become rootbound. Protect from frost.

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SUNFLOWER

Helianthus x multiflorus 'Flore Pleno' is a robust, perennial plant that produces double yellow flowers throughout the summer. Its deep green foliage is an excellent screen or foil to showcase small plants. Flowers of Helianthus x mult. 'Flore Pleno' are scattered all throughout this "green wall" which makes it an excellent choice for the back of your border.

This is a good plant for cut flowers and blooms for 4 weeks or more. It can be planted in containers and attracts butterflies. Prefers average, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Well drained soil is good for overwintering, but give Helianthus a good soaking if August begins to overpower. Can be divided in spring every 3-4 years. Cut back by one-half in early to midsummer to prevent staking.

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HIBISCUS

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PINK HIBISCUS

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, known colloquially as Chinese hibiscus, China rose, Hawaiian hibiscus, and shoeblackplant, is a species of tropical hibiscus, a flowering plant in the Hibisceae tribe of the family Malvaceae, native to East Asia. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a bushy, evergreen shrub or small tree growing 2.5–5 m tall and 1.5–3 m wide, with glossy leaves and solitary, brilliant red flowers in summer and autumn. The 5-petaled flowers are 10 cm in diameter, with prominent orange-tipped red anthers. Numerous hybrids have been developed in a variety of flower colours, such as this fine pink specimen.

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DAHLIA

Dahlia Hybrid ‘Hypnotica’ is a garden variety adored for their large and uniquely shaped flowers coming in a range of colours ('violet' shown here). Great for cut flowers and adding a range of colour to the garden over the warmer seasons of the year.  Flowers from Spring through to Autumn.  Grows best in fertile soil in a full sun to part shade position.  Water regularly during establishment and maintain through the warmer months. Fertilise during spring and follow up in summer to help encourage healthy growth. Prune as required to maintain bushy form.

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RHODODENDRON 'KATE'

Rhododendron (from Ancient Greek ῥόδον rhódon "rose" and δένδρον déndron "tree") is a very large genus of about 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). They can be either evergreen or deciduous. Most species are native to eastern Asia and the Himalayan region, but smaller numbers occur elsewhere in Asia, and in North America, Europe and Australia.

This is Rhododendron 'Kate' a garden hybrid, which is a bushy, rounded, evergreen shrub with elliptic, leathery, glossy, dark-green leaves. Masses of bright red trusses appear in October. It will perform best with rich soil and protection from the hot afternoon sun and hot winds.

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CAMPANULA

Campanula glomerata 'Emerald' is a clustered bellflower that offers an interesting colour departure -- the flowers are sky blue to lavender blue with occasional darker flecks of purple-blue along the edges of the petals. The foliage is a lush emerald green.  An unusual cut flower and will rebloom if deadheaded.

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PANSIES

Spring display of bedded pansy hybrids.

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TEA TREE

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly called mānuka, mānuka myrtle, New Zealand teatree, broom tea-tree, or just tea tree, is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae, native to New Zealand (including the Chatham Islands) and south-east Australia. Its nectar produces Mānuka honey.

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