roses

Roses are not always the easiest plants to grow, but they are among the most rewarding of all with their colourful and often fragrant blooms for much of the year. There are a few tricks to follow to get them growing well in temperate climates like Sydney and the Hunter region. Here’s our rose guide that takes the angst out...

Long dry conditions, water restrictions and the high cost of water are all here to stay. It's not all bad news, though. Low-level water restrictions shouldn’t restrict gardening, as they actually reflect best practice when it comes to watering. The cool of the early morning, or overnight when evaporation is low as mandated by water restrictions, are the best times...

Roses are some of the most romantic and classically beautiful flowers we grow in the garden, but the number of choices can be mind boggling. Choosing a colour is a great place to start, but it's important to select a rose with a habit that suits your situation too - and a level of perfume that suits your taste!  ...

There’s nothing like a vase of freshly-cut flowers and there’s nothing like growing the flowers yourself. Discover 12 flowers that make the cut.   1. Kangaroo paws Anigozanthos Colourful and distinctive, kangaroo paw is one of the most recognised and rewarding natives you can grow and it makes an excellent cut flower. Varieties like Bush Pearl and Bush Blitz flower almost...

Spoil one of your strongest senses with some of the most fragrant flowers around. 1. Murraya paniculata Also known as cosmetic bark, jasmine orange and orange jessamine, this evergreen shrub makes for a five-star hedging plant and offers a profusion of white, sweetly-perfumed flowers from spring to autumn. 2. Heliotrope or ‘Cherry Pie’ (Heliotropium arborescens) For a vision of violet in...

Let our handy guide help you care for your roses year round.   Summer Keep your plant well watered during the hottest months of the year, but don’t water the foliage - this encourages mildew and rust. Deadhead your plant, correctly. Cut it back (on an angle) to a leaf that has five leaflets. This will help produce a flowering bud...

Winter pruning is done to encourage new growth and good flowering through spring and summer.