ABC Organic Gardener Magazine October 2018

In the latest edition of ABC Organic Gardener’s Essential Guide we celebrate the incredible bounty of old-world fruit and vegies. Known as heirlooms, they’ve been grown for centuries around the world. From 900-year-old ‘Purple Dragon’ carrots, to apples and oranges that arrived with the First Fleet, we show you just how easy it is to grow your own, and recommend the best cultivars for your patch. Plus, we share the delights of bygone beauties: there are old-fashioned flowers to grow, rare chooks and pigs to rear, and hand-forged tools to lighten your gardening load. The 132-page ABC Organic Gardener Essential Guide: Heirlooms is on sale now online at organicgardener.com.au or at newsagents. RRP: $10.99.…

Spring would have to be one of a gardener’s favourite times of year – the weather’s warming and new growth abounds, from sprouting vegie seeds to sweet-smelling jasmine and wisteria blooms. To mark this, we look into the world of fragrances, both good and questionable. Penny Woodward shows you how to grow your own perfume garden and then turn the flowers into heavenly scents to wear (page 36). We also investigate the chemicals in commercial fragrances and chat to best-selling Australian author Kate Grenville about the ill effects they can have on the human body (page 75). Speaking of, we also talk to Carey Gillam, author of Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer, and the Corruption of Science, about the agtech multinational Monsanto and the chemical glyphosate used…

WICKING MAGIC Recently I built four large wicking beds, following the ideas of Sophie Thompson on Gardening Australia . I find the beds a nice height and easy to maintain, and best of all, they work well. I have just now added a shade system that your readers may find advantageous. Two poles each end with galvanised clothesline joining each pair, heavy duty shade cloth one end, light shade cloth the other. Simply pull either one along the line to protect the plants, and open up when not so hot. Also protects from winter frost. Love your magazine and fresh ideas I can use in my own backyard garden, so keep it up! John Best, Bluehaven (NSW). CARING FOR ‘HENSIONERS’ Reading a library copy of Nov/ Dec 2017 OG I was delighted to see…

RAINFOREST SEED RESCUE Seedbanking is urgently needed to preserve the rainforests of the South Pacific according to researchers from the Australian PlantBank at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan in western Sydney. The team is investigating the best ways to preserve rainforest seeds as thousands of rainforest plant species are at risk of extinction due to land clearing, logging, and pests and diseases. “Our research shows the urgent need to support neighbouring countries to establish seed-collecting programs and protect what is left of some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse rainforests,” says Dr Karen Sommerville of the Australian PlantBank. “Seeds are typically dried and frozen for longterm storage, but many rainforest species have large seeds that do not tolerate these processes. “We are continuing work on a long-term project to determine which rainforest…

KITCHEN GARDEN FUNDRAISER Visit Stonefields, Paul Bangay’s private country garden, this November and help raise funds for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation. The renowned landscape designer’s seven-acre garden near Daylesford in Victoria features a new lilac walk, including 100 different lilacs in bloom, and a revamped kitchen garden. Bangay, who sits on the Board of the Kitchen Garden Foundation, said raising funds so more children can learn the joys of growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh, seasonal, delicious food is vital. Visitors can meet Bangay and Alexander, enjoy a selection of fine food and beverages, and browse the vibrant community market of rare plants and more. WHEN: 17-18 November; 10am to 6pm WHERE: Daylesford, VIC. COST: $30 per person. DETAILS: kitchengardenfoundation.org.au/stonefields RIVENDELL FLOWER SHOW Join in the floral fun of the second annual Rivendell Flower Show this…

All abuzz Having trouble with bees? Beekeeper from Amgrow is an effective liquid that is simply mixed with water and sprayed onto plants to attract bees and improve pollination. The formulation can be used on fruit, nut, vegie and legume crops to help improve not only foraging bees but also increase fruit and vegetable yield. Beekeeper is available for $19.98 from Home Timber Hardware, Mitre 10 and garden centres. For more visit amgrow.com.au; 1800 264 769. Essential perfumes If you are looking for an alternative to synthetic fragrances then check out the 100 per cent natural perfumes by Vanessa Megan. The range is alcohol-free, so won’t dry or harm the skin, contains organic essential oils, and includes Darling (with neroli, blood orange, clove and vetiver) and Autumn Afternoon (with mandarin, lavender, patchouli and…