Magnolia X soulangeana

Magnolia x soulangeana

This Magnolia is at its peak of flowering at the moment . There are lots of new cultivars available as well but this one is the hardiest and easiest to grow. It used to flower in August but like many plants it has responded to milder Winter temperatures and comes into flower from mid July.

Banksia media

Banksia media with a flower the colour of the Maillot Jaune

Banksia media
 Southern Plains Banksia

A Banksia from Western Australia which is in flower now at the Illawarra Grevillea Park. This is one species which does well on the east coast The flowers are a remarkable glowing yellow and visible from quite a distance . This specimen was about 2 metres tall and of fairly open straggling habit, suggesting that pruning to shape may be needed to give it a better overall appearance.

The Geraldton Wax, Chamaelaucium uncinatum

Chamaelaucium uncinatum
 Geraldton Wax

Native to the coastal sands of the Irwin district of Western Australia, this shrub has been in cultivation for a long time and is well known in the cut flower trade both here and overseas. It is a fine leafed shrub with an open habit which grows to about 2 metres. Flowers vary in colour from white to all shades of pink.It has the reputation for being a bit difficult to grow in the garden as it requires a well drained but moist soil and a climate of low summer humidity. Because its growth habit tends to be sparse, it is best planted in groups of 5 or more and kept well pruned after it has finished flowering. It is a great shrub for seaside gardens and the flowers release a honey fragrance in the warm days of late winter and early spring.

Illawarra Camellia Show 2009

"Violet Bouquet"

"Kogane Nishiki"

"Ted Craig"

"Hikareugenji"

"Courtesan"

Illawarra Camellia Show 2009

The 57th Annual Camellia Show presented by Camellias Illawarra Inc July 18th ,19th 2009

Champion Collection of seven

"Man-Size" Champion Miniature

"Grand Slam" Reserve Champion of Show

"Al Gunn" Grand Champion of Show

Susie Fortson" Champion Illawarra Exhibit of Show

"Dr Louis Polizzi" Champion Collection of three

"Spring Daze" Champion Non-Reticulata Hybrid

"Tony Hunt" Champion Australian Raised Cultivar.

Greenhood Orchid, Pterostylis sp.

Pterostylis species
  Greenhood Orchid

There are more than 70 species of this Australian Orchid found growing in coastal habitats, the dry inland and alpine areas. They adapt well to cultivation and make interesting plants to grow in pots requiring a well drained but evenly moist potting compost containing sand and humus. Kept in a shaded protected location and feed using a weak solution of liquid manure, most species make rapid growth producing flowers at various times of the year depending on the species.
2017 update: Did see some for sale last year from a grower.

Elegia capensis, Fountain Rush

Elegia capensis
  Fountain Rush

This is a striking foliage plant from South Africa which forms a large clump to about 3 metres tall. It naturally grows close to streams in Winter rainfall areas which dry out in Summer, so technically it could be included with water plants. Trouble is, in areas with summer rainfall it can rot and die back especially under humid coastal conditions. This was the case when I grew it. It is probably better suited to places with a cool temperate or Mediterranean climate or, if growing on the coast, it needs to be placed in a raised garden bed. It is an excellent contrast plant with spiky or stiff foliaged plants.The stems also make wonderful cut flowers when they produce the red-brown arching tassel flower in Spring.
2017 update: Have not seen it available in the nursery trade for a number of years.