skip to main content

Gardening in Oz

New gardener in Melbourne

13 years ago

I'll be starting my daughter's garden in Melbourne, next Dec./Jan. Since I am a Canadian and only visiting Oz, I know nothing of suitable plants for that area. I would welcome any suggestions for a relatively small, sunny area that is fenced. Also, is it possible to grow lemon/lime/orange trees in large pots, or must they go directly into the soil?

Any suggestions, esp. for flowering shrubs, would be very welcome. Also, for small border plants at the base of the fence.

Many thanks, in advance!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

funnelweb
13 years ago
Well, that's a BIG question, westgate. My shortlist off the top of my head would be Philadelphus, any variety; Dogwood; Daphne; Camellia Japonica, especially 'Polar Bear'; snow flakes; Clematis; Magnolia Yunnanensis (excuse spelling, the white magnolia); a selection of Rhododendruns - check out the local nurseries; and maybe a flowering cherry if it gets cold enough in winter. That's just a few, a couple more I have in mind but just can't think of their names, if I remember I'll get back to you.

Regards
Bill
funnelweb
13 years ago
A follow up: The magnolia I refered to is in fact Mag. Denudada, not yunanensis, sorry about that, it's a tree that grows 4 to 5 metres high. I'd also consider: Viburnum plicatum 'mariesii'; Malus ioensis 'flora plena'; Magnolia stellata 'Leonard Messell'; Geranium magnificum; and also a few hostas.

Regards
Related Discussions
New House, New garden, Termite nest in garden spot.
Q
Comments (3)
Take a look at the link below, from WIKI ANSWERS. It has a good bit to say about orange oil, and what kind, and also a few other methods of killing these critters. Including heat....but that would be in a house with wooden framing etc, not out in the ground. If you have a huge hot water tank, connect your garden hose to the drain (after turning the tank up to the max and getting the water the hottest you can) and try it. Couldn't hurt. I think what you want to do is kill the queen. So jabbing a sharp stick down into the middle would be a good way to penetrate deeper. But read about the orange oil just in case. Here is a link that might be useful: Does orange oil kill termites?
...See More
Must see garden/nursuries in Melbourne?
Q
Comments (9)
DiTTO on Rock City Gardens!! Though it's really closer to Vero Beach it's truly worth the extra drive for how beautiful it is. My favorite garden center in Melbourne is South Brevard on 192--I used to go there every week pretty much and the people there are GREAT! Believe it or not...the Brevard Zoo also has quite a nice garden throughout...they also offer on-site kayaking through their African Wildlife area (no gators or hippos in the water...don't worry). In my opinion, a must-go for the area. Valkaria Tropical Gardens is also worth a visit! It's only open a few weekends every year, but it's very inspiring and chock-full of plants (literally). Dr. Frank has bromeliads stuffed into everything and he has mature palms of all kinds; namely Teddy Bear, Bismark...and awesome clumpbs of exotic bamboos too!
...See More
Ideas for a new garden and new gardener.
Q
Comments (1)
Hi Dave, welcome to Gardenweb. I don't have answers to these questions, but wanted to suggest you might get more responses on the organic or Alabama forums. Good luck!
...See More
Floral arrangements from the Melbourne Garden Show
Q
Comments (5)
WOW :) Very beautiful. I have never seen arrangements with oranges and last pic had half oranges...very colorful. It sounds like fun. I love last two pics due to splash of colours :) Jin
...See More

Related Stories

INSPIRING GARDENS A Melbourne Backyard Entices Everyone Outside

By Annie Thornton

Music lovers add a pool, pizza oven and fire pit for a yard that’s a big hit with the whole family

TRAVEL BY DESIGN Travel Guide: Melbourne, Australia, for Design Lovers

By Elements of Style

This 'most livable city' offers a wealth of visually inspiring hotels, restaurants, sights and shops for travelers too

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: A Vibrant Makeover for a Melbourne Apartment

By Kate Hansen Photography

Collected midcentury pieces and personal objects help a designer transform her 1960s rental into a friendly, colorful home

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Modern Melbourne Home Finds Its Soul

A scattering of animal prints, organic decor and generous helpings of wood bring personality to an Australian couple's modern home

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Senses and Sensibility Make a Melbourne Patio Magical

By Vanessa Brunner

Plants that appeal to the 5 senses, one-of-a-kind fences and plenty of space for entertaining cast a pleasing spell on the whole family

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Design Moves Open Up a Melbourne Cottage

By Joanna Tovia

A renovation rejiggers rooms and adds space. Suspended shelves and a ceiling trick make the living area feel bigger

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Local Cafe Culture Inspires a Melbourne Makeover

By Rebecca Gross

An Australian family renovates its bungalow to connect with relatives, friends and community

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Gaura Lindheimeri

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Delicate, butterfly-shaped flowers ‘float’ above the foliage of this lovely, drought-tolerant perennial

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Wild Gardens Bring Excitement and Beauty to Landscapes

By Donald Pell - Gardens

Forget what’s expected and ‘fashionable.’ Bold gardens teeming with site-appropriate plants make for a richer experience

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: An Australian Cottage with a Vintage Twist

By Vanessa Brunner

A Melbourne Blogger Outfits Her New Home in Quirky Second-Hand Finds

Sponsored

HomeCraft Remodeling

4 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Build Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio