Dig It Down Under - Gardening Podcast

* Wilderness & Biodiversity Gardening  - Taking over rooftops, industrial estates and maybe even coming to a corner of your garden. * Growing mushrooms at home - I chat over the back fence with Mark from 'The Mushroom Shed' * I reveal the secret world of lichen - It can make a garden look established, charming and rustic - but is it all that it seems? * Work continues in the triangle which is now dubbed The Bush hut The Veggie Patch report: * The final tally for the horticultural fiscal year ending 21st of June 2010 * I pour over the latest catalogs, looking for the new and unusual. ____________________________________________________________ The Birthday Gift::::: (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mayple-planting-102.jpg) My number 1 Gal pal and I getting ready to plant. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mayple-planting-101.jpg) Here we are again, planting the coral bark Maple for her birthday. ____________________________________________________________ Growing mushrooms at home - Details for sourcing supplies. If you live in and around Melbourne (Australia), you can pick up small mushroom growing kits (April to October) and order supplies for larger scale mushroom growing from Mark and Helen at the markets listed below. If you're interested in growing mushrooms at home and you don't live in Melbourne - you can purchase mushroom growing kits at most major hardware stores and gardening centres.  If you would like to grow your own on a larger scale, check your local phone book for a person nearest you, who produces compost for mushroom growing.  They usually also stock the other materials you'll need such as the peat/lime casing etc..  (The kind of mushroom compost you'll need is not to be confused with buying mushroom compost from a nursery. Nursery compost is the kind of mushroom compost that has come from mushroom growers after the crops have finished and is used as mulch for the garden.) The 'Mushroom Shed' Market day details: (Melbourne -Australia) Saturdays: 1st Saturday/month – Bundoora Farmers Market, Bundoora Park, Bundoora All other Saturdays – St Andrews market, St Andrews Sundays: 1st Sunday/month – Hurstbridge Farmers market, Fergusons Paddock, Hurstbridge 2nd Sunday/month – Whitehorse Farmers market, 397 Whitehorse Rd Civic Centre, Nunawading 3rd & 5th Sunday/month – Latrobe Uni market, Latrobe Uni, Bundoora 4th Sunday/month – Templestowe Farmers market, 1 Thompsons Road, Templestowe Weekdays: Wednesday: Monash Uni market (during semester) Thursday: Latrobe Uni market (during semester) ____________________________________________________________ Lovely Lichen - the living garden accessory... Here are some pictures of Lichen  from my walks about the Dandenongs (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mossy-lichen.jpg) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/leafy-lichen.jpg) ____________________________________________________________ Dig It Down Under Community : In the members area this month there is a competition/givaway of Emma Cooper's wonderful book 'The Alternative Kitchen Garden an A to Z'.  Entries close 25th July 2010.   Also there is an article on collecting and growing Lichen in your garden, including recipes and instructions. It’s simple to register to be a part of the Dig It Down Under Community, just REGISTER HERE (http://digitdownunder.com/community/?/register/ERjv19) It’s free to join and your privacy is respected.

In this episode of Dig It Down Under: * I get into the nitty-gritty of grafting with Tony from the Dig It Down Under community. We talk about getting started, techniques, grafting heirloom apples, fruit trees and more. * Tony and I talk about favourite heritage apple varieties. * I discover a mystery tomato disease when I pull up my plants and I go in search of answers * There are plans afoot for a major upgrade in the Veggie Patch and work begins ____________________________________________________________________ Grafting links: Videos of grafting techniques (Including Gene Yale's Amazing Garden of Heritage grafted fruit trees): http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/category/grafting/ (http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/category/grafting/) Grove Nursery: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter-nsf/WebPages/LBUN-5NU7KK?open (http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter-nsf/WebPages/LBUN-5NU7KK?open) Tony's top picks for heritage apples: * Granny Smith; * Fuji; * Freyburg; * Splendour; * Spartan; * Cox’s Orange Pippin; * Lord Lambourne; * Kidds Orange Red ____________________________________________________________________ Tomato Affliction: Here is a picture of my mysterious tomato affliction - root systems were severely affected. This was not root knot nematode, which is relatively common but something more sinister again... Notice how the vascular tissue which carries water and nutrients has rotted and fallen away.  The soil was kept on the dry side...this was no case of 'wet feet'. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/tomato-diseased-root.jpg) ____________________________________________________________________ Veg patch upgrade: Here is a picture inside the first igloo with  crops of beetroot, mignonette lettuce and seedling dwarf variety peas  in the background. Current winter daytime temperatures in Melbourne are between 10 and 15 degrees celsius with heavy frosts overnight. Watering systems are installed under a very thin layer of mulch so the humidity is reduced in the igloo.  Veggies stay dry and cosy. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/igloo-side-paddock.jpg) ____________________________________________________________________ Costa's garden : The backyard revolution Below is a link to a series of videos featuring a makeover of a suburban backyard. Costa installs an aquaponics system, self watering Veggie Patch, fruit trees, a chook run and much much more Costa's backyard revolution, please click here. (http://www.sbs.com.au/shows/costa/listings/page/i/1/h/Backyard-Revolution/) ____________________________________________________________________ Here is the address of the salvia garden: Nobelius Heritage Park, Crighton Ave, Emerald Mel 127 G4 More information: http://www.salvias.org.au/Collections.htm (http://www.salvias.org.au/Collections.htm) ____________________________________________________________________ Dig It Down Under Community : In the members area this month there will be more links and information regarding grafting. The site is temporarily down for maintenance as of mid June 2010. It’s simple to register to be a part of the Dig It Down Under Community, just REGISTER HERE (http://myfabstore.com.au/DDUmembers/?page_id=13&reg=1258152825) It’s free to join and your privacy is respected.

* Going Bush - Seed Collecting :  Collecting native seed for private use.  Everything you'll need to know.  Interview with Dr Rolf Willig from the Department of Sustainability and Environment Victoria. * Guilfoyle's Volcano : Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - fancy folly or clever water management system?? * Book Review : The Alternative Kitchen Garden an A - Z by Emma Cooper with foreword by Marc Diacono - River Cottage head gardener. * Heirloom Garlic Varieties - A Primer.   All about the different types of garlic and how to choose which ones to grow and why. * She-oaks - Whimsical, Windbreaks, Screening, hardy and adaptable to many soils and environments - but wait there's more..... * Stage one of planting for the 'triangle room' in the garden begins. * Extras for Members - Book give away 'The Alternative Kitchen Garden an A - Z by Emma Cooper" and a short list of plantings for Guilfoyle’s Volcano __________________________________________________________________ Guilfoyle’s Volcano Photos reproduced with kind permission from the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/rbg-melbourne/landscape-projects/guilfoyles-volcano (http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/rbg-melbourne/landscape-projects/guilfoyles-volcano) __________________________________________________________________ Going Bush - Seed Collecting - Further Information The information in this episode is relevant to parts of Victoria Australia but the principles remain the same.  Depending of where you are collecting, check with your local conservation/park authorities, local councils, land owners and road authorities before collecting native seeds.  You may need one or more permits/permissions.  Remember that you will also need to consider OH&S and you may need some training before you can pack your lunch and thermos for a day out seed collecting. Here is a link to Flora bank with a great .pdf download with guidelines to collecting native seeds. http://www.florabank.org.au/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=878 (http://www.florabank.org.au/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=878) __________________________________________________________________ Sheoaks - up close and personal (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/sheoak-elegant-ddu.jpg) Forest or Rose Sheoak - (the jury is still out on the variety).  The corky bark in the foreground and the whispy weeping foliage in the background.  As I mentioned on the podcast, this is the best photo I can get of the foliage as there is so much greenery in the background that the fine weeping branchlets are hard to see. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/sheoak-folliage.jpg)Up close with the fine foliage.  These trees are sometimes thought to be conifers but they are true flowering plants. __________________________________________________________________ Book Review : The Alternative Kitchen Garden by Emma Cooper (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/AKG-Book.jpg) For further information about our feature book review and ordering please see : http://coopette.com/books (http://coopette.com/books) __________________________________________________________________ Dig It Down Under Community : In the members area this month there is a competition/givaway of Emma Cooper's wonderful book 'The Alternative Kitchen Garden an A to Z'.  There is also a list of the Top 10 plants used around Guilfoyle's Volcano. It’s simple to register to be a part of the Dig It Down Under Community, just REGISTER HERE (http://myfabstore.com.au/DDUmembers/?/register/pLq9Ej) It’s free to join and your privacy is respected.

In this episode of Dig It Down Under: * The good dirt on Biodynamics - Interview with Anne Tillett from the Biodynamic Agriculture Association of Australia. * The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - Review and Highlights * Strange Fruit  - I review Peruvian Ground Cherries and the Pepino with notes on how to grow them. The Veggie Patch Report : * I finally build my strawberry towers * I finish my winter planting - just in time * I follow up on a possible cure for the powdery mildew on my zucchini squash. _________________________________________________________________ Highlights of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS)(http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/yates-globe-DDU-300x225.jpg) The Rotating Globe from the 'Yates Tree & Shrub Growers Victoria' Stand. _________________________________________________________________ (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/MALM-haggis-plant-DDU.jpg) MALM - The Haggis Plant by Michael Strownix won the Gold for best floral feature. _________________________________________________________________ (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/green-trick-dianthus-DDU1-224x300.jpg) A box of the stunning Green Trick Dianthus. More information can be found at carnations.com.au (http://carnations.com.au). _________________________________________________________________ Biodynamic Gardening: More information about Biodynamic gardening and farming can be found at: http://www.biodynamics.net.au/ (http://www.biodynamics.net.au/) _________________________________________________________________ Peruvian Ground Cherries: (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/ground-cherry-DDU1.jpg) _________________________________________________________________ Pepinos: (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Pepino-DDU.jpg) _________________________________________________________________ My Strawberry Towers: (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/strawberry-tower-DDU.jpg) _________________________________________________________________ Rock dust minerals can be purchased at: http://rockminerals.com.au (https://rockminerals.com.au) _________________________________________________________________ In the members area this month: The free .pdf download this month is an introduction to Biodynamic gardening summary from our guest speaker this month - Anne Tillett of the Biodynamic Agriculture Association of Australia. It’s simple to register to be a part of the Dig It Down Under Community, just REGISTER HERE (http://myfabstore.com.au/DDUmembers/?/register/pLq9Ej) It’s free to join and your privacy is respected.

Bumper seed saving special: * Getting started with seed saving * Interview : Michel and Jude Fanton, founders of the Seed SaversNetwork. How it all began and what they're up to now, all over the world! * The seed savers Network - I chat over t...

* The Secret Garden and the wonderful world of the Hoya. * Tomato Blight and it's control :  I go in search of the Tomato Dust of my youth and get the full story from Judy Horton from Yates. A Bumper Veggie Patch Report including: * What to plant now in cool temperate areas * The final results of the ''No dig' experiment * Keeping the patch going while harvesting over summer and seeding for winter at the same time. * I calculate what I've spent in the patch and the worth of the harvest so far and reveal the total. ______________________________________________________________ The Secret Garden and the wonderful world of The Hoya This cluster of flowers is half in bloom.  Even the buds are interesting. Below is the link to the fabulous page with lots of pictures of stunning Hoya varieties: (Give it time to load as it's a long page!) http://www.rare-hoyas.com/Catalog.htm (http://www.rare-hoyas.com/Catalog.htm) Here are some more worthy Hoya links: http://www.succulent-plant.com/families/asclepiadaceae/hoya2.html#fhoya (http://www.succulent-plant.com/families/asclepiadaceae/hoya2.html#fhoya) http://asgap.org.au/h-aus.html ( http://asgap.org.au/h-aus.html) http://members.tripod.com/asia_flora/hoyas__iv.htm (http://members.tripod.com/asia_flora/hoyas__iv.htm) http://www.international-hoya.org/ (http://www.international-hoya.org/) ______________________________________________________________ The Veggie patch report :  Harvest Pictures (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/hanging-pumpkin-DDU-300x239.jpg) This heirloom pumpkin has grown through the kafir lime tree and hangs from the vine in amongst the chives. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/button-squash-DDU-300x239.jpg) There are more pictures of what's up in the veggie patch here: http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/ (http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/) ______________________________________________________________ Woods Sherbrooke Kitchen Garden: Follow Woods Sherbrooke Kitchen Garden Progress here: http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?cat=172 (http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?cat=172) ______________________________________________________________ The Veggie Patch Ledger sheet: Here is the link to the page with the ledge sheet for the harvest of the Dig It Down Under - Veggie Patch fiscal Year - 21 June 2009 to 21 June 2010.  This keeps a tally of what is spent on the patch and the estimate of what is consumed from the harvest. http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?p=812 (http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?p=812) ______________________________________________________________ What I did on my holidays: Check out Riley's new songs here: http://rileyjordan.com.au/music-artists/ (http://rileyjordan.com.au/music-artists/) Listen/rate on itunes HERE (http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/brand-new-day/id350977418?i=350977423) ______________________________________________________________ Members Area : This months extras * An article on striking cutting with thanks to Yates. * The ultimate trellis for your peas!!!!  How to build it. * Garden additives : A summary of additives such as lime, rock dust, dolomite etc... * Video : A simple technique to layer straw into the soil. Not a member?  It's free to join - come and be a part of the Dig It Down Under community.  Register HERE. (http://myfabstore.com.au/DDUmembers/?page_id=13&reg=1258152825)

Welcome to the special edition of Dig It Down Under.  I'm taking a break over the summer and so I've put together some garden related stories for this month. Featured are: * A book reading by author Sara Hardy from 'The unusual life of Edna Walling' * Monika's Story - The woman who lived in her garden * The Bird from Berwick - Running out of space to plant veggies?  Front lawn??  Now you see it, now you don't! _________________________________________________________________ (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image001.jpg) If you wish to purchase the book 'The Unusual Life of Edna Walling' you can do so from the following web site. http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=311&author=485 (http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=311&author=485) Simply go to the ‘shopping basket’ at the top right hand corner of the site. _________________________________________________________________ Pictures from the Berwick Food Bowl - the garden of  'The Bird from Berwick'. http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?p=202 (http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?p=202) _________________________________________________________________ There is no download this month but next month I'll be back in full swing with a jam packed new episode and new downloads.

* Gardening in Bushfire Zones - Interview with Dr Kevin Tolhurst from the University of Melbourne - Dept. of Forest and Ecosystem Science. * My day at the Yarra River in Warburton and how I went over for a duck * Work begins at Woods Sherbrooke - Rejuvenating and old kitchen garden * Pest Control with Predator Bugs Pt II - Interview with Russell Fox * Riley makes up her garden wishlist for Santa - but has she been naughty or nice?? * The Veggie Patch Report * Free Gift for members of the Dig It Down Under Community - A download of the 5 top flowering plants for balcony, rooftop garden or that hot spot in the garden including top tips for keeping out door potted plants alive though summer. _________________________________________________________________ Gardening in Bushfire Zones You can find out more about Dr Tolhurst Here (http://www.forestscience.unimelb.edu.au/people/staff/kevin_tolhurst/index.html) Here's more information about fires, gardens and fire retardant plants. Fires, gardens and fire retardant plants (http://www.anbg.gov.au/bibliography/fire-plants.html) _________________________________________________________________ Woods Sherbrooke Kitchen Garden (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Woods_Kitchen_Garden_Day_1_DDU.jpg) Follow Woods Garden Story Here http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?cat=172 (http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?cat=172) _________________________________________________________________ The day I went over for a duck..... (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/duck-yarra-river-warburton2.jpg) You'd never guess from this serene picture of a duck, on the Yarra River at Warburton,  that intrigue and and attempted murder were just around the corner!!!! _________________________________________________________________ Free Gift for members of the Dig It Down Under Community - A pdf download of the 5 top flowering plants for balcony, rooftop garden or that hot spot in the garden including top tips for keeping out door potted plants alive though summer.  It's easy and free to become a member, simply register to join and you're in!  You'll not only be able to download free articles but you can also get a discount on garden related goodies from the shop.

. In this episode of Dig It Down Under: * Edna Walling : Landscape gardener and Queen of Green. Interview with Sara Hardy, author of 'The Unusual life of Edna Walling'. * I chat over the back fence with Russel Fox, Agronomist and consultant to the Stone Fruit Industry of Northern Victoria, about pest control in the home garden using predator insects.  Part 1 of 2. * I visit Cruden Farm, Dame Elizabeth Murdock's garden at Langwarren, and the unusual circumstances that lead me there. * I report on my big day out at the Tulip Festival and how I lost my heart. * Veggie Patch Report : The weather warms up quick smart and the veggie patch goes off like a rocket. * Free Download of the month for Members of the Dig It Down Under Community : A feature report identifying the main predator insects in the home garden - learn about them and what they look like. Courtesy of Russel Fox. _______________________________________________________________________ Edna Walling - The Queen of Green (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Edna-Walling-pond-stone-stonework-DDU.jpg) Here is a fine example of the stone work, layers of green and tranquil water features that Edna Walling was renowned for.  This garden is in Sherbrooke Victoria and is one of the most complete examples of Edna's work that remains. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image001.jpg) If you wish to purchase the book from the following web site, nationally or internationally, just go to the ‘shopping basket’ at the top right hand corner of the site. http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=311&author=485 (http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=311&author=485) _______________________________________________________________________ My Big Day out at the Tulip Festival How I fell in love with Tulips - The rows of Tulips lay down before me in rows of color reminiscent of an open packet of enourmous color pencils! (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Tulip-festival-12cm.jpg) _______________________________________________________________________ The predator traps as mentioned on the podcast will be available shortly at this site: https://myfabstore.com.au/garden-gifts/ (https://myfabstore.com.au/garden-gifts/) Members of the Dig It Down Under  Community:  Simply log into the members area to purchase products with a membership discount. This new membership area will be up and running shortly. https://myfabstore.com.au/DDUmembers/ (https://myfabstore.com.au/DDUmembers/) _______________________________________________________________________ Free Download of the month for Members of the Dig It Down Under Community : A feature report identifying the main predator insects in the home garden - learn about them and what they look like. Courtesy of Russel Fox. To become a member of the Dig It Down Under Community, simply subscribe to the newsletter.  The subscription form is in the right hand column.  Your privacy is respected. _______________________________________________________________________

. * Romancing the Rhododendron - Joseph Hooker - The Indiana Jones of plant hunting. * Exotic Toad Lilies - A touch of paradise in cool climate shade. * Rosebud Community Garden - Their Story from the beginning and thoughts on starting a community garden. * My Bamboo Odyssey begins - Will my tropical Java Black Bamboo seeds sprout?? * I visit the National Rhododendron Gardens.  The garden jewel of the Dandenong Ranges. * My Number One Gal Pal, takes me on a birthday trip to the St Kilda Community Gardens. * The Veggie Patch report including: -The growing of 1000 water chestnuts starts with just one - growing my first water chestnuts. -Tassy Gal's garden update ________________________________________________________ Romancing the Rhododendron (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Purple-Splendour1.gif) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Mauve-Rhododendron1.gif) Sir Joseph Hooker was an intrepid plant hunter, trekking the Himalayas and risking life and limb to discover 45 Rhododendron Species circa mid 1800s. ________________________________________________________ Toad Lily - Trycyrtis (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Toad-Lily-DDU-8cm-2.gif) Exotic herbaceous plant which apart from needing a little moisture, offers easy care pretty flowers in part to full shade. ________________________________________________________ National Rhododendron Gardens The Rhododendron Gardens are like a jewel in the Dandenongs. Here is a picture of one of the sweeping vistas from the gardens. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/rhododendron-gardens-pan.jpg) If you'd like to see more pictures, here is the link to the Walkabout page. http://digitdownunder.com/walkabout/?p=235 (http://digitdownunder.com/walkabout/?p=235) Information on how to get there and the official site can be found at: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=162 (http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=162) ________________________________________________________ Rosebud Community Gardens Lawsons Park, Leon Ave, Rosebud. Victoria Melway K17 486 Visitors Welcome - If the gardens are locked simply go to the organization "Connections" on the other side of Lawsons Park and they will give you a key.  If a member is working in the garden then it will be open. For further information about the Rosebud Community Garden or to enquire about becoming a member contact Amalia Sintihinki from the Rosebud Community Garden on (03) 5986 3467. http://www.peninsulahealth.org.au/news/Callingallgreenthumbs (http://www.peninsulahealth.org.au/news/Callingallgreenthumbs) ________________________________________________________ St Kilda Community Gardens Here is a one of many pictures taken on my birthday trip to the St Kilda community gardens. Luna Park is in the back ground. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/St-Kilda-Community-Gardens-luna-park.jpg) More pictures here: http://digitdownunder.com/walkabout/?p=212 (http://digitdownunder.com/walkabout/?p=212) ________________________________________________________ Pictures and updates of  Tassy Gal's garden can be found at: http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?p=783 (http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?p=783) ________________________________________________________ The 'no dig' garden bed begins: (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Crop-Circle-no-dig-garden-straw-only.jpg) Now this is what I call crop circles.  The outside pads of hay form the walls and the inside of the doughnut has pads at the bottom and loose straw on top.  Time to fill the middle with compost, rock dust and organic fertilizer pellets.  Then the zucchini can be planted.  More information is available on the Vegetable Garden page.

. * I visit the Orchid show and learn about growing Australian Native Orchids * Permaculture - A view from the outside looking in. * The Dirt on Rock Dust - a chat over the back fence with Tim Bratton from FCRD. * Luculia vs Hydrangea * Fukuoka Revolutionary Gardener * Quick Start Veg Patch in a weekend ______________________________________________________________________ Luculia vs Hydrangea If you have the room, Luculia doesn't require as much water as hydrangeas, although it is a bigger plant. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Luculia-pink-DDU.gif) Pink Luculia Flower ______________________________________________________________________ My favourite orchid from the Orchid show - the Upside Down Orchid. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Upside-Down-Orchid-DDU.gif) Cockleshell Orchid - Encyclia Cochleata (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Australian-Orchid_Cheeky-white-DDU.gif) Australian Native Orchid - Cheeky More pictures from my day out at the Orchid show : http://digitdownunder.com/walkabout/?p=200 (http://digitdownunder.com/walkabout/?p=200) ____________________________________________________________________ Masanobu Fukuoka : more information http://fukuokafarmingol.info/ (http://fukuokafarmingol.info/) ______________________________________________________________________ Rock dust is available to purchase Australia wide at: https://myfabstore.com.au/garden-gifts/ (https://myfabstore.com.au/garden-gifts/) Dig It Down Under Members can purchase (from 22 Nov 2009) at: https://myfabstore.com.au/DDUmembers/? (https://myfabstore.com.au/DDUmembers/?) ______________________________________________________________________ Quick start veg patch cheat sheet is available for download from the members area.  It's free to join and you will have access to all the information sheets and any special offers in the future.  Simply sign up for the newsletter. I respect your privacy and will not pass on your details to third parties. ______________________________________________________________________

. . * Review : Beleura house on the Mornington Peninsula with its grand garden. * Weird & Spooky plants -  Gympie Gympie and Colletia. * Day Lilies - more than meets the eye. * Helleborus -   Heirloom favourite back in fashion * Book review : Growing Chinese Vegetables by Geri Harrington * Inspirational gardener : Peter Andrews, bringing life to barren land. * The veggie patch report including a look in the latest Diggers Seed Annual. * An chat over the back fence with my friend Annie.  We chat about her unusual garden, her love of ferns, her mosaic mermaids and we have a bit of a laugh. _______________________________________________________________________ Beleura house and garden on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, is open to the public on set open days. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Beleura-Folly-8cm.gif) For more information or to book in for a tour : http://www.beleura.org.au/ (http://www.beleura.org.au/) or call (03) 5975 2027. _______________________________________________________________________ Helleborus : (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/frilly-white-helleborus-8cm.gif) Here are links to gallery pages showing some of the different ranges of flower types found in Helleborus. http://digitdownunder.com/flowers/?p=407 (http://digitdownunder.com/flowers/?p=407) http://www.hellebores.org/gallery.html (http://www.hellebores.org/gallery.html) _______________________________________________________________________ Colletia : beauty from the beast.  The vanilla scent is quite divine. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Colletia-DDU-8cm.gif) _______________________________________________________________________ Day lilies (Hemerocalllis fulva) : Some species of day lily have edible flowers (don't eat the leaves or stems).   The Chinese use them in stirfries, soup and more.  It's best to make sure you have the right variety as some lily species are poisonous. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylily (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylily) http://www.missouriplants.com/Redalt/Hemerocallis_fulva_page.html (http://www.missouriplants.com/Redalt/Hemerocallis_fulva_page.html) _______________________________________________________________________ Peter Andrews is an inspiration to all gardeners.  Here is a link to the ABC TV website which has video footage of a show that featured his story and how he brought dead and barren soil back to life : http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2005/s1383562.htm (http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2005/s1383562.htm) _______________________________________________________________________ Book review : Growing Chinese Vegetables in your own backyard by Geri  Harrington _______________________________________________________________________ Gympie Gympie - A spooky Australian native plant. http://asgap.org.au/APOL2007/sep07-s2.html (http://asgap.org.au/APOL2007/sep07-s2.html) _______________________________________________________________________ (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/wallaby-gal-pal.gif) Here's a picture of the Wallaby who prunes number one gal pals garden.  Cute and rather well fed wouldn't you say? _______________________________________________________________________ Download of the month : They said my avocado tree would never hold up to the wind, especially the way I was planting it.  But five years later its going strong and has withstood winds up to 130 km/h.  Find out how I staked the sapling to help it anchor in the wind.  Simply download the two-page PDF from the Dig It Down Under community members area. To access the download page and all the downloads from previous episodes, simply sign up for the newsletter. It's free.

. In Episode 12 - Australian Native Special Edition * Interview over the back fence with John Arnott from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne * Interview over the back fence with with Heino Lepp about Australian Native Fungi and the Fungi Map Project * Feature Plant - Pink Mulla Mulla, this pretty plant was a favourite at the recent Flower and Garden show in Melbourne * I ponder the possibilities of a bush tucker veg patch and I go hunting for plant ideas * The Veg patch report and much more... ________________________________________________________________________ Royal Botanic Gardens - Cranbourne Interview with John Arnott - Horticultural Manager RBG Cranbourne (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/RBG-Cranbourne-creek.gif) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/RBG-Cranbourne-red-bed1.gif) The dry creek bed comes alive after rain and the red soil representing the heart of Australia sets off this stunning feature bed. Information about the garden including visitor information can be found at: http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/rbg_cranbourne (http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/rbg_cranbourne) Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens - Cranbourne http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/support_us/RBG_support_groups/friends_cranbourne (http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/support_us/RBG_support_groups/friends_cranbourne) ________________________________________________________________________ Pink Mulla Mulla - Ptilotus Exaltus (Phoenix) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Ptilous-Exaltus-phoenix-8cm.gif) ________________________________________________________________________ Interview with Heino Lepp, honorary scientific associate at the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG). Fungi Map web site :  http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/fungimap_/welcome (http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/fungimap_/welcome) Heino Lepp has written articles about Australian Fungi on the fascinating 'Fungi of Australia' Web site at: http://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/index.html (http://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/index.html) You'll find Episode 20 of Gardening Australia and the segment on growing Shitake mushrooms here: http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/video/download.htm (http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/video/download.htm) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/30.gif) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/35.gif) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/37.gif) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/114.gif) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/85.gif) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/coral-fungi.gif) The first 5 photos are taken by my friend Lorraine on her Fungi Map walks.  The last picture (fluffy white) is taken by my friend Andi Crosser on one of her many bush walks. ________________________________________________________________________ Jon & Janet's Herb Spiral : (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/JohnJanet-herb-spiral.gif) Following up from Episode 11, Jon & Janet built this spiral a while back and were kind enough to send photos and information to share.  For the full story please follow this link: http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?p=470 (http://digitdownunder.com/vegetable-gardening/?p=470) ________________________________________________________________________ Some ideas for bush tucker for my garden: Vic/NSW: Tree Orchid (Cymbidium Canaliculatum) Climbing Fringe Lily (Thysanotus Patersonii) Milkmaids (Burchardia Umbellata) Dodder Laurel (Cassytha Filiformis) New Zealand Spinach aka Warrigul Greens Northern Australia: Macadamia Tree Quandong (Santalum Lanceolatum) Apricot Fig (Ficus Leptodada) Pandanus (spp) Bush Tucker resources :

Herbalicious & Spicy Special * Vanilla Beans - Deep in the jungle * Saffron Crocus - Exploring herbal gold * Edible Chrysanthemum - Fragrant greens * Build a herb spiral * Herbs to 'dye'  for - Henna and Indigo - a chat over the back fence. * Raspberry & Strawberry Revelations - I am such  a gardening tragic. * Veggie Patch Report - Spring planting 2009, planning starts now!! ________________________________________________________________________ (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bigstockphoto_crocus_409183.gif) Saffron comes from the Stigmas of the Crocus Sativa (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chrysanthemum-coronarium.gif) Chrysanthemum Coronarium - A herb or an edible green when young. (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bigstockphoto_vanilla_pods_705482.jpg) Vanilla pods on the vine ________________________________________________________________________ Visit the Home of Annie and her Henna Art at : http://www.goddesscafe.com.au/ (http://www.goddesscafe.com.au/) Here is the address for the interesting blog article about growing indigo in cooler climates :  http://www.sheeptoshawl.com/indigo.html (http://www.sheeptoshawl.com/indigo.html) ________________________________________________________________________ This Months Gifts : The gift for episode 11 is an article about making your own herbal tea blends written by Philip Moore. Many thanks to Renaissance herbs for the use of the tea article.  Renaissance herbs are available at all good nursery outlets.  They are in the mustard coloured pots. Also available is a schematic for building a herb spiral. For access to this and other articles that are a part of the 'Dig It Down Under' episodes please sign up for the newsletter.  It's free and your privacy is respected.  Please scroll down to the bottom right hand corner to sign up. © Vanilla Image from Mary Lane. Image from BigStockPhoto.com  Thank You ©Crocus image from Elina Gareeva. Image from BigStockPhoto.com  Thank You

* Fantasy Gardening : Tree Shaping with Becky from Pooktre. * Growing Tomatoes - Bumper Bonza Special. * Over the back fence : One listeners 'No Dig' Story - 'No Dig' Success on a terrible site. * TV garden gems to watch out for. * Veg Patch Report. Pooktre : Glorious Living Designs (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/garden-chair.jpg) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/circle-tree.jpg) (http://digitdownunder.com/shownotes/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/people-tree.jpg) You can buy these for your garden.  There is a book coming out on how to grow your own. Me thinks I need to try this! For more information on tree shaping the Web Site is :  http://www.pooktre.com/ (http://www.pooktre.com/) ________________________________________________________________________ Landline - ABC TV Show - Link to transcripts for April 2009 http://www.abc.net.au/landline/archives/landline_200904.htm (http://www.abc.net.au/landline/archives/landline_200904.htm) Around the world in 80 gardens can currently be views on the ABC's iView internet service.    You'll need broadband internet.  You'll be taken to a test page and then to a page with a choice of shows. Choose  'ABC Catchup'  or if you follow the link below you're already there, just choose Around the world in 80 gardens. There are two episodes on offer at the moment. ABC TV iView Service (http://www.abc.net.au/iview/?WT.mc_id=CORP_srch_iview&gclid=CKznobTpq5oCFZcwpAodgiNhbg#/catchup) ________________________________________________________________________ Links to Tomato Diseases and Pests Information : Tomato Diseases (http://www.greenfingers.com.au/services/digging_deeper/tomatoes_want_to_grow/5.htm) Tomato Pests (http://ipm.ncsu.edu/ag295/html/tomato_key.htm) Il Tomatina Tomato Festival  : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Tomatina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Tomatina) Gordon Graham's World Largest Tomato : http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle/articles/gordon_graham.htm (http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle/articles/gordon_graham.htm) Tomato Tree growing in Walt Disney's Experimental Greenhouse in Lake Buena Vista USA http://www.wdwnews.com/ViewImage.aspx?ImageID=101932 (http://www.wdwnews.com/ViewImage.aspx?ImageID=101932) ________________________________________________________________________ Links to other pages of this site mentioned in Episode 10: Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens Pictures:  http://digitdownunder.com/walkabout/?p=146 (http://digitdownunder.com/walkabout/?p=146) My dream orchard for the pie maker in the family:  Check out the What's Up (http://digitdownunder.com/whatsup/) Page from the 15th of May In the meantime the web site for the Heritage Fruit Trees is : http://www.yalcafruittrees.com.au/ (http://www.yalcafruittrees.com.au/) ________________________________________________________________________ The current gift for those on or joining the mailing list is: A follow up article for the Bumper Tomato special featuring a sketch of Riley's special trellis set up, a list of the top tomatoes for fresh eating and cooking and how to tell the difference.  PLUS   Instructions for setting up Riley's own seedling protection system.  Thwart the birds and cats, keep your mulch in place and it's all hidden from the eye.