They can be eaten raw in various ways, roasted, fried, chocolate coated or as flavouring to ice cream. They also provide a tasty addition to cooked recipes and are used in nut butters, biscuits, cakes and pies.

Macadamias are native to the subtropical east coast of Australia and are regarded by some as being the best quality nut in the world.

Macadamia trees can be grown from seed as well as cuttings. However, grafted varieties will usually produce the best results, in a much shorter time frame. Trees can reach 15 metres in height, although new, dwarf varieties are now available. These are suitable where available space is limited.

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The dwarf varieties produce a large crop of smaller sized nuts. They should be grown in large pots. The potting mix should be changed every couple of years. Nut production will be slower in cooler climates. However, commercial quantities are grown locally.

Trees produce long sprays of delicate, sweet-smelling white or pink blossoms. Each spray of 40-50 flowers produces up to 15 nutlets which will eventually mature into nuts. The nuts fall to the ground between March and September each year.

The nuts of the Macadamia are encased in a hard, woody shell, which is protected by a green-brown fibrous husk. The husk will require sharp blows from a hammer or similar tool to open. Some people recommend storing the nuts for up to six months so that they become sweeter tasting.

The discarded outer husks make good, long-lasting garden mulch.

Two edible species are grown. Macadamia tetraphylla originates from northern NSW and Macadamia integrifolia, from SE Queensland, are the main commercial varieties.

Many gardeners will be familiar with the large flowers that cover rhododendron plants during spring. A cool climate is generally required for successful growth; therefore, they are not a common sight in local gardens.

Finding a cooler, shady position, with the selection of a variety that is more suited to warmer climates should result in success in growing this type of rhododendron.

However, there is a variety that will produce the long, tubular blooms, in a wide range of colours in local area. These plants are vireyas, otherwise known as tropical rhododendrons.

Tropical rhododendrons originated in South East Asia, the Philippines and tropical areas of Australia.

Extensive hybridization has produced plants that produce beautiful colours and that are suitable for growing in local gardens. With growth height varying from prostrate forms through to plants that reach 4 metres, varieties can be selected to suit most garden positions and requirements.

Colours include pink, white, red and lavender, which can be found in traditional varieties, but also extend to yellows and oranges. Some varieties are also perfumed.

Vireyas have certain requirements if they are to be grown successfully.

A good level of moisture should be maintained, although the soil must remain well-drained.

A position with good natural light is preferred, including some direct sun light, although exposure to strong afternoon sun may result in burnt foliage. A position of light shade is also suitable.

Plants prefer reasonably stable temperatures.

Vireyas can be grown in garden beds that have been enriched with organic matter. Containers and hanging baskets are also suitable for appropriate varieties.

Regular pruning will help achieve a bushy plant, resulting in a more attractive plant that will carry a good display of blooms.

Autumn through to winter and early spring is the main flowering period for vireyas, although some flowers can appear at most times of the year. Selection of a plant in bloom will ensure the preferred colour is obtained.

Selected varieties might include: "Carillion Bells", producing red-pink flowers; "Hallowed Gold", with rich orange-yellow flowers; "Robert Bates" with soft pink flowers; and "Simbu Sunset", producing orange tubes with yellow centres.

Rhododendron lochiae, and R. notiale, with trusses of deep red tubular flowers, are both native Australian varieties.

Indoor Modern decorating trends often incorporate indoor plants. These plants usually need to have minimal maintenance requirements but look attractive at most times.

The Peace Lily has found a place in many indoors areas as it produces glossy green leaves and pure white, hooded flowers. Plants grow to between 30 and 40cm high. With the right conditions, Peace lilies will flower throughout the year. Flowers will form if the plant has been placed into a position of quite low light, although more light will improve flowering. The leaves on the plant will droop if it requires watering.

Pelleted fertilisers that have been developed for indoor plants may be used, although indoor plants grow quite slowly and have lower feeding requirements.

Zanzibar Gem is a more recent development in plants that are most suitable for growing indoors. It has glossy, waxy, green leaves that are divided into a number of smaller leaflets. New leaves first appear as upright spikes that gradually unfold to reveal the leaflets.

Zanzibar Gem originates from Africa, where it grows in dry, shaded sites and is tolerant of periods of neglect. Its main requirements are being kept in a warmer position and not being over-watered. Plants tolerate positions of low light, although, as with most other plants, a brightly lit indoor area will produce the better plant. Leaves can be kept clean by occasionally wiping them with a damp cloth.

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Maitland and District Garden Club