There are arguably three types of native plant growers: the blenders of native and exotic plants; those that only grow local indigenous species; and the native plant collectors who tend to appreciate, celebrate and advocate the virtues of the diversity of Australian plants.

One inner city Ipswich garden has successfully adopted the bush resulting in a native plant collector’s haven.
Even before entering the garden, its sense of place in the street is announced by the subtle tones of native vegetation on the footpath punctuated with iconic blossoms of bottlebrushes, grevillea, kunzeas and gums.

Located in central Byron Bay, the landscape and architecture of ‘The Villas of Byron’ embrace a luxurious, contemporary Balinese influence with traditional and modern elements.

The incorporation of the day spa offers exceptional outdoor grounds and living opportunities for guests. Bold rendered walls provide privacy from the urban surroundings while adding intimacy to the courtyard gardens.

These courtyards successfully connect and merge indoors without forming an integral living space.

Nothing can be more refreshing than diving into the cool waters of your own swimming pool on a hot summer’s day. But if you haven’t planned shading for your pool it can be like a hot bath!

Shade is vital in the warm climates of the tropics and subtropics. Shade your pool with a canopy of lush green leaves (or shade sails) to protect your skin during the season when UV levels are at their highest and most dangerous.

With drought-related water restrictions affecting so many areas of Australia, it is good to know that you can water two to three indoor plants for two weeks with the same amount of water as one person runs down the drain cleaning their teeth.

Add to that international research indicating that indoor plants improve indoor air quality and in turn human health and well-being.

Xanthostemon is a group of MYRTACEAE trees and shrubs that span a number of different countries – some species are rare and endangered, some worth growing in gardens. Go to a specialist native plant nursery to source the rarer plants.

We study 4 species of Xanthostemon and introduce
4 more:
Xanthostemon chrysanthus
Xanthostemon verticillatus
Xanthostemon whitei
Xanthostemon youngii
Xanthostemon eucalyptoides
Xanthostemon oppositifolius
Xanthostemon paradoxus
Xanthostemon umbrosus

Until relatively recent times, angel’s trumpets and devil’s apples were classed as belonging to the same genus Datura and also commonly known as datura.

Despite great and obvious differences between the two types of plants, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that they were officially separated into two distinct genera – Datura and Brugmansia by Dr. Tommie Lockwood of Harvard University USA.

Today many people still call the angel’s trumpets (Brugmansia species) datura, which is incorrect.