What are Thrips? Thrips are small sucking insects that damage their host plants. Known as Thysanoptera in the insect kingdom, these insects are distinguished by their feathery wings and long flat shape. There are currently approximately nine hundred species of thrips in Australia, which are causing problems for gardeners across the country. How do you
Problems with rose leaves can always be traced to an underlying issue affecting the plant as a whole. This could be a fungal infection, an insect infestation, nutritional imbalance, soil problem, heat stress or something else. Whatever the cause, the foliage of roses is generally the first place you’ll see the telltale signs of a
Roses are a popular choice in any garden and are well regarded as one of the most beautiful species of flowering plants worldwide. With over 300 different species of roses, and thousands of different cultivar varieties, there really is a look, fragrance, and colour for everyone. Once you have chosen a cultivar that thrives in
Have you ever seen a few black spots on your roses and been left puzzled as to what exactly caused them? ‘Black spot’ is the name given to the airborne fungus that is usually found in conditions that are warm or humid. Aside from temperature and climate being responsible for this fungus breeding, black spots
Powdery mildew is one of the most common fungal conditions affecting Australian flora, with roses being particularly susceptible. Mildew on roses is diagnosed by visually examining the plant – if you see a soft whitish coating on the leaves and flower buds of your roses, it’s likely that your rose has picked up powdery mildew
What are Aphids? If you have seen small green bugs on roses in your garden, there’s a good chance that you have aphids. There are two species of aphids that attack roses, known as Macrosiphum rosae and Macrosiphum euphorbiae. These aphids are sap-sucking insects that attack roses and spread viral diseases between plants. Aphids are
I have white scale on my roses – what does it mean? Seeing little white scales or bumps on your rose stems can often be a stressful experience. Gardeners often wonder to themselves if the white scale coating they see is simply part of the rose bush as it’s grown, or if it’s the result
When it comes to adding vertical interest to a garden, climbing plants are a must-have, scrambling upward along trellises and fences. Gardeners in frost-prone areas need not miss out on adding these beauties to their garden – read on for some of our favourite varieties for cool climates. Frost and your garden In general, the
Can you grow veggies in a frost prone area? The answer is yes! In fact, quite a few of the most popular vegetables thrive in cooler climates, and some are even made tastier by light frosts. While Australia’s cold season is fairly mild compared to other parts of the world, you’ll need to put in
Succulents are popular for a reason. As well as showcasing unusual, sculptural shapes, striking colouring in their fleshy leaves, they’re also versatile, low-maintenance and water efficient. What more could you ask for? For those of us living in the southern parts of Australia, there is one more thing: frost tolerance. Here, we give you the
