Banksia integrifolia Dwarf form
Banksia integrifolia is a very hardy large Australian native plant which will attract honeyeaters. The species, which grows into a small tree, is widespread in Eastern Australia and the form pictured is the smaller dwarf form which is ideal for planting under gum trees. It is frost and drought hardy and will flower in the first couple of years. Being an open shrub it displays the large lemon brushes well. It flowers in autumn and winter and provides an important nectar source for small birds. This form is readily available in the nursery trade.
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Maria's Top
Gardening Tips
May 2012 This is the time of year when I do some of my structural gardening. I have just bought six new raised colourbond vegetable garden beds made by a local man. These are sitting on the ground surrounded by a generous gravel walkway in between. The gravel has been contained with a sleeper edge. That way I can suppress any weed growth and spot spray when necessary. Inside the beds I have a generous layer of newspaper at the bottom to suppress weed growth. On top of that I put ashes from the fire, kitchen scraps that don't go to the chooks, layers of lucerne hay, compost from the chook run and black soil from the council tip. I will sprinkle some lime on top in the tomato bed in springtime. My weeds go to the chooks and they turn it into compost - that way I'm not introducing weed seeds into the new beds. So far I have planted some endive, chinese cabbage, broccoli, chives and garlic. This is an exciting project I've been planning for a long time. I will rotate the beds each season to eliminate as many plant diseases as possible. |
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