Eremophila, commonly known as emu bush, produce somewhat unusual flowers that often have spotted petals and are in bright colours.

They prefer well-drained situations, although they are tolerant of a wide range of situations.

Some varieties are available as grafted specimens, as these varieties, as with some varieties of gum trees, are more intolerant of humid conditions.

Grafting of Eremophila wood onto myoporum stock has also led to the availability of some less-common varieties that have been difficult to propagate from cutting materials.

Some eremophilas have grey foliage which contrasts well with the orange or blue flowers.

Callistemon Pink Champagne grows into a dense shrub about two metres tall, with stiff, aromatic leaves and large, deep pink brushes.

The flowers fade as they age so that at any given time the plants carry brushes of various shades of pink. Honeyeaters are attracted to the flowers.

Pink Champagne is a hardy and colourful plant suitable for shrubberies.

Careful and deliberate breeding techniques have resulted in an increasing variety of new kangaroo paw plants that have improved forms, a wider variety of flower colour and increased disease resistance.

Kangaroo paws (anigozanthus) grow naturally in the western areas of Australia, preferring a drier summer.

However, the newer varieties are more tolerant of humidity and are available in differing heights ranging from small plants which are ideal for garden borders or pot culture, through to much taller varieties.

The taller varieties are, in general, tougher plants.

To encourage good flowering displays the plants should be well pruned almost to ground level.

Dwarf pink, dwarf orange and Bush Tango, with bright orange flowers make attractive clumps, producing flowers on tall, stately stems.

Westringia Jervis Bay is a very hardy and adaptable shrub. It forms a rounded shrub 1-1.2m tall by 1-1.5m wide.

Blue-mauve flowers most of the year feature most of the year.

Plants prefer full sun to part shade. In addition to being a most useful plant in a native plant garden, Westringia Jervis Bay is also most suitable for formal gardens as it can be pruned into shapes and low hedges.

Agonis flexuosa burgundy, with its graceful weeping habit and strong burgundy new growth would make a most suitable companion plant for Westringia Jervis Bay.

Other plants that would create most effective displays include; Acacia Limelight, which produces lush green foliage, with a compact growth habit, is very suitable for use in small gardens, patios and courtyards, in gardens that feature native, exotic, oriental or tropical styles; and Leptospermum Copper Glow, which is a rounded shrub that may reach a height of three metres.

The stems are reddish and the leaves are small, copper coloured and narrowly elliptical.

Flowers are rather small and white.

The dark foliage is an eye-catching feature that contrasts with the more “conventional” foliage colours of other shrubs in the garden.

Native violet, Viola hederacea, displays small white and violet flowers on stems to 15cm for most of the year. It is a ground cover forming mats to around 50cm wide and likes damp areas and shady situations though it will tolerate full sun. Native violet is a very hardy perennial that can be used in hanging baskets and containers.

It is important to observe plants closely at this time in order to notice any signs of stress from a lack of water, because a lack of water can also lead to nutrient deficiencies in plants. This may lead to plants being unable to utilize available water, chlorophyll and other elements efficiently, as sap flow can be affected.

Deficiencies in boron, magnesium and potassium are the most common.

Boron deficiency is common in many areas of Australia, particularly in coastal areas. Vegetables that have been grown intensively in soils lacking in compost may also suffer. A mixture of 4 grams of borax powder in 4.5 litres of water will treat about 4 square metres of garden area. This application will remain effective for several years.

Mottling of leaves may be an indication of magnesium deficiency. Gardenias, rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, roses and citrus may all be subject to this problem. A mixture of Epson salts in water will rectify the problem. Magnesium is important for plants as it is necessary for chlorophyll production.

A deficiency in potassium will affect the flow of sap in a plant, as well as the formation and flavour of fruit. A soluble form of potash, mixed with water at the recommended rate, applied several times during the year will correct this problem.

Plants that are drought-stressed will also provide a haven for pests.

Citrus gall wasps will attack trees at this time.

Evidence of their presence will be in the form of swellings on young shoots, where the wasp has laid the eggs.

If left for a period of time, they will cause effected parts of the plant to die, causing the tree to become unproductive.

Control consists of cutting off the affected parts.

Spring and summer are the active periods for this pest.

Ensure affected pieces are placed into plastic bags and disposed of in the general garbage.

Placing the pieces into the compost bin will only assist in the further spreading of the pests.

Remove spent plants, clear areas of weeds and top up organic matter when preparing garden beds for autumn vegetables.

Water plants first thing in the morning, giving a nice, deep drink a couple of times a week during the hot weather.

Plant out a mix of basil plants, including some purple, Thai and lemon basils, as well as sweet basil.

Maitland and District Garden Club