8 0417 294 778 A Touch of Grass Garden Care GARDEN CLEANUPS / REJUVENATION & MAKEOVERS A SPECIALTY We offer an experienced, professional and reliable service Call Jeremy on ... Est. Gold Coast since 2001 Let us create your new and rejuvenated garden where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings ... Specialising Garden Makeovers & Rejuvenation * Garden Care * Plant Selection * Soft Landscaping Gold Coast gardeners might sometimes wish they could grow the wonderful spring bulbs that feature in cold climates. Most of our summer-loving bulbs are equally lovely, needing only occasional care once established. Those noted below belong to the widely planted Plant Family Amaryllidaceae, and, like many plants we enjoy in our gardens, come with a reminder that the bulbs and other parts of this plant family are toxic and should always be handled wearing gloves. My favourites include the commonly named Rain Lilies. Most are native to Southern American countries, including Brazil and Argentina, with some also growing naturally in the warmer southern states of America. Two easy-to-grow Rain Lilies include Habranthus species and Zephyranthes species. Their joint common name, Rain Lily, comes from their habit of flowering soon after rain. Commonly grown locally would be Habranthus robustus, one of around 30 species and cultivars. It has narrow, strap-like leaves and pink flowers, and although they last just a few days, they quickly develop a new flush. Like the dainty white Zephyranthes candida, Habranthus flourish in moist, well-composted soils, but will quickly come to life following a shower or good heavy watering after a dry spell. Both prefer slightly acidic or neutral soils. Different colours in both species can be sourced through online bulb companies. Crinum is another genus belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae. Its 100-plus species are widespread across Australia, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Like all plants in the Amaryllidaceae family, the flowers are borne on leafless stems that sit above the basally arranged foliage. There are several species native to Queensland, including Crinum arenarium Field Lily. It is a small growing Crinum from North Queensland to 1m with spidery flower petals and narrow foliage. Like the tall growing Crinum pedunculatum Swamp Lily, they mostly originate in damp to swamp conditions, but can be grown in drier gardens. The pink Crinum flowers against burgundy foliage are a show stopper! The strappy leaves of these species are a haven for frogs, while the flowers often attract butterflies and birds. While popular garden plants across the globe, it is important to recognise that the Amaryllidaceae family is one of the Plant Families that are poisonous. The family includes Agapanthus, Clivea, Hippeastrum, Daffodils, Proiphys and many more species, all poisonous if ingested by humans and pets. Gardening by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG, Botanic Garden Consultant Pink Crinum Zephyranthes candida Habranthus flowers
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