GARDENING IN PARADISE
Bromeliads are easy to grow and many add beautiful colour in their leaves.
Tillandsias are such easy-care beautiful plants
Another great way to use Tillandsias.
The beautiful moonflower.
GARDENERS in our Tropical paradise have had to work hard to try to keep their beautiful plants thriving through this prolonged dry time we have been experiencing. We know that the rain will come, we just do not know when and it is becoming difficult for so many to try to keep their beautiful plants thriving. Deep watering, mulching, providing some shade in the hottest time of day (if possible) are some ways to assist keeping plants looking good in this weather. I usually don’t recommend watering very late in the day as the water will sit on the plants through the night, causing problems, but while it is so hot and dry, it is good to water late in the day and give the plants a chance to absorb the water before the hot sun begins to evaporate it. Despite this, many fruiting trees such as lychees, dragonfruits, longans limes, avocadoes, oranges and more are happily producing their new fruits and we shall soon have a wonderful feast of tropical fruits! Bromeliads are quite hardy plants to grow in the tropics, and cope quite well in the dry times, so long as they have water put into their ‘cups’ in the centre of the plants. There are many bromeliads that will grow in full sun and others require filtered sunlight or shade. There is such an amazing range of plants in this family and they add colour and interest to the garden. Some also produce stunning flowers while others take pleasure in producing gorgeous colours in their leaves to brighten our gardens. Bromeliads may be grown in containers, using an open mix such as quincan, or in the garden beds, on trees or large rocks, on well-washed driftwood, or even tied to trunks of palms. These plants only use their roots to hold them in position and this is what makes them such a versatile plant to use in many ways. Tillandsias, commonly known as air plants, are part of the bromeliad family and are so very easy to care for either in the garden or as an indoor plant. They may be grown in quincan in containers, or hot glued to driftwood, rocks or even tied on hanging strings to make a tillandsia curtain. They should not be planted in potting mix or garden soil as these can hold too much water and the plants will rot. We have some beautiful Tillandsias in stock at Mitre 10 Garden Centre at the moment. Spray them with a misting sprayer every day or two and if required, immerse in water quickly once a fortnight....make sure these plants never sit in a pool of water as this will rot them. I love to recycle containers such as old mugs, jugs, glasses pans, etc that have a chip or crack and I buy some from op shops or garden centres, etc. to use for these easy-care plants. Have some fun with these and enjoy how easy they are to maintain as they add personal touches to your garden. Another very easy to grow and beautiful plant is the Moonflower vine. This vine is related to the sweet potato and the morning glory, but care needs to taken as they are very toxic and should not be grown if you have children or pets that could find any part of the plant looking good to eat, especially the seeds. The true name of the moonflower vine is Ipomoea alba. These vines will climb up the trunks of small trees or can be planted in containers with support from a trellis for them to climb.
Pinching out the growing tips at the top of the vine will induce more flowering. The beautifully perfumed flowers open late in the afternoon, the long buds start to quiver as they are about to start their slow motion opening, which is amazing to watch, and the 15 cm flowers then open fully and spread their perfume through the garden. Seed pods form after the flowers finish, usually they have two in a pod, and these can be saved for planting at a later time or planted immediately. I know we are all getting our gardens into shape for the Christmas period but I urge everyone to take some well-deserved time out to relax in the shade and enjoy the beauty of their gardens and the wonderful wildlife that love it also. I cannot go without letting you know that we have some stunning new pot plants in at Mitre 10 Garden Centre which will look fantastic in the garden and some very exciting pots, garden ornaments, etc., which would make gorgeous Christmas presents for a loved one...or for yourself! ;) Until next month, Happy gardening,
Gardening Gifts for Christmas
$95
Come and see our extensive range of Plants,trees, seedlings,pots,mirrors and special gifts for your loved ones 59 Butler Street, Tully, QLD 4854 Ph: 07 40684900 Fax: 07 40682351
Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, November 28, 2019 Page 7