10 Plants move across the globe naturally and by human intervention. Formal records have been created by botanists and at botanic gardens for centuries, and First Nations Peoples of most countries have a wealth of knowledge. Spreading to the far west of Ireland, to the rocky area known as the Burren in County Clare, Bloody Cranesbill, Geranium sanguinum, is a low-growing, clumping perennial. Now it is more commonly seen in gardens as one of several cultivated forms. An amazing little survivor starting its westward journey from Western Asia, and spreading across most of Europe, Great Britain and Ireland in both temperate to sub-Arctic conditions, from sea level to 1200m ASL. A wooden box with glass windows, known as the Wardian Case (pictured bottom left), was first created in 1833. It became the catalyst for the movement of plants across the world, and so much faster than the evolutionary journey experienced by the Bloody Cranesbill! Many plant species in pots or cuttings made the long sea journey from their origins to the nurseries and botanic gardens of Britain and London, including the extensive Pelargoniums of Southern Africa. Some eventually reached the Botanic Gardens, estates and nurseries in the colony of New South Wales. Austral Storksbill, Pelargonium australe, made its way to London first as a dried specimen collected in 1770 in Botany Bay. The Wardian Case made it possible for the dainty, pink-flowering Australian Austral Storksbill to reach the gardens of Britain and Europe. It continued to be collected and recorded by plant explorers growing on coastal dunes and inland rocky outcrops in every state. It is suitable for today’s gardener as a fast-growing ground cover for full sun or semi-shade. It will spread, possibly becoming a problem, or in many cases, a bonus where a fast-growing, hardy ground cover is needed. Its flowers attract some species of native bees and butterflies. Today, Pelargoniums, or Geraniums, are popular with gardeners across every continent – in gardens, pots and glasshouses. The charm of many hundreds of species and hybrids, including the natural genetic mutation Geranium hortorum x Apple Blossom Rosebud. It was first popular in the Victorian era and is often described as a favourite of Queen Victoria. Don’t let the two Genus names confuse. Initially described as one Genus, they have had changes due to differences in the arrangement of the flowers. Call them whatever you like, but most of all enjoy them for their hardiness, colour, and in some cases, their interesting history. Footnote: The Wardian Case had both positives and negatives, often delivering plants that became a weeds in their new location. Gardening by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG, Botanic Garden Consultant Zonal Pelargonium Apple Blossom Rosebud Pelargonium astrale Storksbill Geranium Bloody Cranesbill Geranium sanguinum 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
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