Bonsai: Acacia howitti

Beautiful pendulous foliage of Acacia howitti, the 'Sticky Wattle', a native of Victoria.

Mansfield Park revisited

Business card of Humphry Repton (1752-1818)
'The Father of Landscape Design'

I like to read works of fiction in which gardens play a role. One such book I am enjoying reading at the moment is 'Murder at Mansfield Park' by British author Lynn Shepherd. It is a clever and funny re-imagining of the Jane Austen classic Mansfield Park. In this version, the character of Henry Crawford is a landscape gardener who is employed to make improvements to Mansfield Park. Soon after his arrival, his knowledge and abilities on the subject are challenged by the pompous James Rushworth from nearby Southerton, who sees himself as a genius and much better even than the great Humphry Repton.
The profession of landscape gardening had been 'codified' by Repton in the late 18th century with his book Sketches and Hints on Landscape Gardening which was published in 1795.
........What to wear in 1810 while inspecting the grounds for Views,Vistas and the Picturesque?
I like the idea of having a dress sword at the ready for dead-heading roses and perennials!

Our new P.M.

Rosa 'Red Star'

Congratulations to Julia Gillard, Australia's first female Prime Minister.

Agave sisalana, Sisal

Sisal Agave, Athi Plains, Nairobi, Kenya.

South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya all grow Agave sisalana for the production of the natural fibre sisal, though the main world producer is Brazil. Sisal has a high breaking strain and low extensibility and is used to make heavy twines, ropes and marine cordage, mats ,sacks, tarpaulins mops, brushes ,craft paper and cardboard. The first leaf cut is when the plant is about 3 years old or about 1.5m tall and bearing about 100 leaves.
2017 update: I do not have plants of this Agave for sale.

Agave sisalana

Gazania,Treasure Flower

A South African plant which has found a home in many parts of the world is the Gazania. In Australia it has naturalised in sandy coastal places and is much used in public space landscaping because of its ability withstand harsh conditions and its attractive display of bright flowers which appear for up to eight months of the year.There are two main types available: The clump forming larger flowered varieties ,such as the one pictured above, and the spreading silver leafed ground cover types which have bright yellow flowers in single or double. 
2017 update: i normally have plants ready in late winter or early spring.

Zantedeschia aethiopica, Arum Lily

Zantedeschia aethiopica
  Arum Lily

One of the garden escapes in my district is the South African Arum Lily. It grows beside streams which meander through lush pasture grazed by herds of Friesian dairy cattle. At the moment it is is full flower and will continue to be in bloom for most of Winter.
2017 update: I have limited stock available of the dwarf form.

Aloes of South Africa

Published by Briza Publications
PO Box 56569
Arcadia 0007, Pretoria, South Africa

The best guide available for the gardener or traveller to South Africa

Local Aloe beauties with attendant Rainbow Lorikeet