An esteemed bush tucker and one of my favourite garden ornamentals in the Myrtaceae family, Syzygium oleosum is a truly exquisite specimen - full of life, colour, and character in outdoor spaces. Lilly pillies are some of Australia's most popular bush tuckers, cherished for their showy edible fruits, fragrant foliage, and useful forms for home gardening. I believe this particular species has so much to offer - long-lasting fluffy cream-white flowers, exciting bronzy new growth, attractive and tasty fruits, and stunningly fragrant oval foliage. Needless to say, this native tree will look fanta ..read more

Native Australian wisteria is a beautiful ornamental climber with twining vines and unusually enticing flowers. It has the charming, regal presence of a thoroughly bred cultivar but is actually one of our most wonderful wildflowers.  Whilst in flower, native wisteria will attract a plethora of pollinators to its typical but stunning pea-shaped flowers. Adorned on drooping racemes of purple and lilac, each flower has two little white eyes with dots of green on both standards. Unopened flowers look like little purple baby boots hung out to dry on a washing line.  Native wisteria can b ..read more

Creeping thyme is a broad collection of species including wild thyme which typically flower at the beginning of Spring. There are over 350 species in the genus Thymus and all are edible.  Its fragrant foliage forms a lush carpet and thrives in Australian gardens, usually creeping thyme is grown for ornamental purposes and can totally transform your outdoor space. Thymus vulgaris is normally the first choice for edible purposes however Thymus Coccineus Group plants (red creeping thyme) can also be used to flavour your culinary dishes. It has a refreshing and mint-like aroma as it belongs ..read more

Prostanthera incisa is commonly named as the cut-leaf mint bush, referring to its slightly scalloped to pointed leaf edges. This overlooked but beautifully ornamental shrub is considered to be our own native Australian thyme.  With a powerfully enticing aroma likened to rosemary, lemon, mint and that moreish peppery scent bringing it all together, native thyme is a ‘bouquet garni’ of all your favourite herbs in one plant. It has historically, and remains, an iconic part of bush tucker planting but is so underused ornamentally in our gardens. If you’d like to learn how to grow this incred ..read more

Aeroponics offers space-saving gardening solutions for anybody and everybody. Whether you’ve got a tiny balcony garden or a vast plot with acres of space to play with, having more space is always at the top of gardeners’ wish lists. Aeroponics has evolved from hydroponics, which developed into tower gardens to tackle that exact problem. Hydroponics offers a safer, cleaner way to grow fruit and vegetables without the risk of soil funguses, and poor water management that comes with traditional gardening. Aeroponics takes it to another level, removing further pest and disease problems, and reduc ..read more

Cymbopogon ambiguus is more commonly known as Australian lemon-scented grass and is our own native lemongrass. Lemongrass has its roots deep in Australian Aboriginal history as with other native lemongrasses around the world. Their unique medicinal properties have solidified the use of lemongrass in herbal and holistic treatments right up to the modern day.  Belonging to the Poaceae family, Cymbopogon ambiguus is one of a large selection of grasses characterised by its monocotyledons; they have just one seed leaf. Poaceae are truly ubiquitous and are found growing on all continents, gras ..read more

Bush Basil is actually not a basil at all, it’s in the mint family. Commonly named Five Spice Plant by early European settlers due to its versatility in cooking, the complex aroma is likened to basil, sage and mint lending itself to a whole host of culinary dishes.  This perennial shrub boasts unique, broad and slightly fluffy, sticky leaves with scalloped edges that are an ornamental event throughout the year. In the warmer months, small purplish blue Agastache-like flower spikes grace growing tips. But, for many of us bush tucker enthusiasts, most of that is nothing compared to the she ..read more

There are ten Diploglottis species worldwide, but Diploglottis australis is the only Australian native tamarind. Though accepted as australis it may also be referred to as Diploglottis cunninghamii or the Large Leaf Tamarind.  If you’ve ever tried tamarind, you’ll know how captivating it is as a flavour, but the plant is potentially even more interesting, and this native tree is definitely worth considering as a feature, thanks to its distinctively rippled foliage and neat, upright, silvery stems. Lear how to grow, identify and harvest this incredible bush tucker right here ..read more

Out of more than one hundred flowering species of Curcuma (turmeric), Curcuma australasica is the only native turmeric plant, making it a special addition to any serious native garden collection. Its bright yellow roots are edible and have tons of potential medicinal uses too, and unlike other members of the ginger family, it is exceptionally easy to grow and store. Its long-lasting pinkish mauve bracts and bright yellow flowers will compliment even the most ornamental border, and if you’re lucky enough, you may come across a rare white specimen in the wild.  We’ve been growing these inc ..read more

Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as Purslane, is a sub-tropical Australian native which doesn’t often get the credit it deserves. If you’re looking for an addition to an authentic bush food garden, purslane will prove its value year after year.  This unassuming plant really does look after itself but will reward you with a strong supply of spinach-like salad leaves packed with nutrition.  ..read more