16 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 As well as the destruction and damage of homes and businesses, the last weeks of tremendous storms have also devastated areas of natural vegetation. Everyone in horticulture, conservation and the garden media recognise the challenges ahead in gardens and natural areas, and many are involved in clean-ups and providing support for some of those affected. The heat and humidity have been intense. Even the smallest of gardens can help reduce the effects of the sun! On the hottest of days, we all head for the shade. Some of the loveliest of small trees are in flower now and a trip to Brisbane or the older suburbs of the Gold Coast will see mature Crepe Myrtles in bloom. Many that grow in Brisbane’s parks including New Farm and the City Botanic Gardens are a legacy of Harry Oakman (1906-2002) Director of Brisbane City Parks from 1947- 1963. He was also a prolific author and champion of gardens and trees for South East Queensland. The delicate mauve form is close to a century old and grows in a heritage garden on the Gold Coast. Lagerstroemia indica is one of around fifty species of Crepe Myrtle from sub-tropical climates, first introduced to Australia in Sydney in 1836 and then available to the public through Camden Park Nursery Catalogues in 1843. It is a delightful tree, with special forms available for many years and recent cultivated forms allowing for the selection of mature tree size and flower colour. There are also dwarf forms and ground covers. And an Australian native species Lagerstroemia archeriana from the Rockhampton region which is equally delightful. The panicles of individual flowers, each 6 – 10cm across are from white to soft mauve or brilliant hot pinks develop along branch tips. Moderate pruning through the short deciduous winter period will encourage more branches and thus more flowers. Not to be outdone by the brilliant flowers, the bare winter trunks are equally beautiful with smooth mottled trunks. Crepe Myrtles require an open full sun position, and are not too fussy about soil types but the moist humid conditions may cause some mildew problems on foliage. They are in flower now at the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. The effects of the sun can be alleviated with careful planning and planting. Even a group of large pots planted with trees offers respite in a small courtyard. It’s not only the shade offered, but also the cooling effect as hot air passes through the leaves and moisture evaporates into the atmosphere. Stay safe in the heat and the storms... Kate Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Rosser Park, 232 Ashmore Rd, Benowa Visit www.friendsgcrbg.org.au or www.facebook.com/friendsgcrbg Gardening by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG, Botanic Garden Consultant Lagerstroemia indica Lagerstroemia indica
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