http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Blog.html Living and gardening sustainably<br/>in Brisbane’s continually surprising climate.<br/>Is your family 21st century compliant?<br/>Jerry Coleby-Williams iWeb 3.0.4 http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Blog_files/shapeimage_1.jpg http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Blog.html http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2012/2/4_In_Production_Today_-_February_2012.html 8d55bc90-da46-409f-b7c9-3807d81edd8e Sat, 4 Feb 2012 11:56:08 +1000 <a href="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2012/2/4_In_Production_Today_-_February_2012_files/P1100109.jpg"><img src="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Media/object001_3.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:364px; height:490px;"/></a>Plants in production at ‘Bellis’, February 2012<br/><br/>One regular question I get asked by subtropical gardeners is what to grow during summer. Summer is when I grow the smallest range of crops. It’s not because you have to regularly control grasshoppers and caterpillars, I just stick with ones that fare well if we get baked or flooded.<br/><br/>This January the weather had two weeks of both conditions. In the first fortnight everything got singed, and it reached an unusual 37C on 10.1.12. The following fortnight we received twice the 50 year average fall for January. The wettest day since I moved here in 2003 was on 24.1.12 when the garden received 157mm.<br/><br/>So while the pests and I have plenty to eat, my brown-green garden does look a bit shabby.<br/><br/>Crops available in quantity are marked with an asterisk *<br/><br/>Edible roots<br/>Arrowroot, Canna edulis<br/>* Cocoyam, Xanthosoma saggitifolia<br/>Ginger, Zingiber officinale<br/>Galangal, Alpinia galanga<br/>Turmeric, Curcuma domestica<br/>Hamburg parsley, Petroselenium crispum var. tuberosum<br/>Golden sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’<br/><br/>Edible shoots<br/>Choko shoot tips, Sechium edule<br/>Luffa shoot tips, Luffa cylindrica<br/>Warrigal greens, aka N. Zealand spinach, Tetragonia tetragonioides<br/><br/>Edible shoots and leaves<br/>Jute, aka Egyptian spinach, Corchorus olitorius<br/>Celery stem taro, aka Tahitian spinach, Alocasia esculenta<br/>Chinese celery, aka smallage, Apium graveolens<br/>Welsh onion, aka spring onion, scallion, Allium fistulosum<br/>Purslane, Portulaca oleracea<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/><br/>Edible seeds<br/>Sorghum, Sorghum bicolor ‘Milo’<br/><br/>Edible leaves<br/>Arrowroot, Canna edulis<br/>Huauzontle, Chenopodium berlandieri<br/>Green amaranth, Amaranthus viridis<br/>Love-lies-bleeding, Amaranthus caudatus<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Calaloo’<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus tricolor<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus tricolor ‘Flying Colours’<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus ‘Mekong Red’<br/>Parsley, Petroselenium crispum ‘Triple Curled’<br/>Hamburg parsley, Petroselenium crispum var. tuberosum<br/>Native lemongrass, Cymbopogon ambiguus<br/>Native mint, Mentha satureioides<br/>Golden sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’<br/>Curry leaf, Murraya koenigii<br/>* False cardamom, Alpinia nutans<br/>Moroccan mint, Mentha spicata ‘Nana’<br/>Chives, Allium schoenoprasum<br/>Garlic chives, Allium tuberosum<br/>Society garlic, Tulbaghia violacea ‘Variegata’<br/>Kaffir lime, Citrus hystrix<br/>Radicchio, Cichorium intybus<br/>Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum<br/>Dwarf Greek basil, Ocimum minimum<br/>Sacred basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum<br/>Perilla frutescens ‘Purpurea’<br/>Cassava, Manihot esculentum<br/>Variegated cassava, Manihot esculentum ‘Variegatum’<br/>Vietnamese mint, Persicaria odorata<br/>Variegated four seasons herb, Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegatus’<br/>Lemongrass, Cymbopogon flexuosus<br/>Lovage, Levisticum officinale<br/>Phillip Island hibiscus, Hibiscus insularis<br/>* Aloe vera<br/>Aptenia cordifolia<br/>Chaplu, Piper sarmentosum<br/>Dwarf rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Benenden Blue’<br/>Fastigiate rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Miss Jessopp’<br/>Milk thistle, Sonchus oleraceus<br/>Cobblers’ pegs, Bidens pilosa<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/>Ceylon spinach, Basella alba<br/>Mixed loose-leaf lettuce, Lactuca sativa<br/>Golden oregano, Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’<br/><br/>Edible flowers<br/>Luffa, Luffa cylindrica<br/>Society garlic, Tulbaghia violacea ‘Variegata’<br/>Pumpkin, Cucurbita moschata ‘Jap’<br/>Chives, Allium schoenoprasum<br/>Aptenia cordifolia<br/>Daylily, Hemerocallis sp.<br/>Marigold, Tagetes patula<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/>Turmeric, Curcuma longa<br/>Dahlia, Dahlia x hybrida<br/><br/>Fruit<br/>Ficus carica ‘Preston Prolific’ (the first crop since I transplanted it in 2010)<br/>Kaffir lime, Citrus hystrix<br/>Lime, Citrus latifolia<br/>Luffa, Luffa cylindrica<br/>Garden strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa ‘Red Gauntlet’<br/>Naranjilla, Solanum quitoense<br/>Chilli, Capsicum annuum ‘Cayenne’<br/>Chilli, Capsicum annuum ‘Siam Gold’<br/>Mouse melon, Melothria scabra<br/>Eggplant, Solanum melongena ‘Early Purple’<br/><br/>Spice<br/>Cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum<br/><br/>Medicinal<br/>Greater celandine, Chelidonium majus<br/>Bulbine frutescens<br/>* Aloe vera<br/><br/>Jerry Coleby-Williams<br/>4th February 2012 http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2012/1/1_In_Production_Today_-_January_2012.html a0a24285-8a64-443d-8e88-7563107fc9d3 Sun, 1 Jan 2012 09:21:51 +1000 <a href="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2012/1/1_In_Production_Today_-_January_2012_files/P1090043.jpg"><img src="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Media/object001_2.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:364px; height:521px;"/></a>This is what’s ready to eat in my garden this month. The two year-old Italian flat-leaved parsley is flowering profusely, and the triple curled parsley is just beginning to flower. Despite reading that ‘Red Gauntlet’ strawberry is unsuited to the subtropics, it continue fruiting, in fact they haven’t stopped since May.<br/><br/>The 300 sq metre food garden is currently producing more than we can eat, and the guinea pigs can’t keep up either. Please note that many of these home grown plant products can be highly perishable - huauzontle makes a brilliant spinach, but it wilts within minutes of being picked. Some crops can be damaged by adverse weather (eg mildew on zucchini). Others may only be available in very small quantities, unless marked with an asterisk *, but they’re all handy things to have in a 24/7 organic food larder...<br/><br/>Edible roots<br/>* Cocoyam, Xanthosoma saggitifolia<br/>Ginger, Zingiber officinale<br/>Galangal, Alpinia galanga<br/>Turmeric, Curcuma domestica<br/>Hamburg parsley, Petroselenium crispum var. tuberosum<br/>Golden sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’<br/>Radish, Raphanus sativus ‘French Breakfast’<br/><br/>Edible shoots<br/>Choko shoot tips, Sechium edule<br/>Warrigal greens, aka N. Zealand spinach, Tetragonia tetragonioides<br/><br/>Edible shoots and leaves<br/>Celery stem taro, aka Tahitian spinach, Alocasia esculenta<br/>Celery, Apium graveolens<br/>Chinese celery, aka smallage, Apium graveolens<br/>Welsh onion, aka spring onion, scallion, Allium fistulosum<br/>Purslane, Portulaca oleracea<br/>‘Golden purslane’, Portulaca oleracea<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/><br/>Edible seeds<br/>Sorghum, Sorghum bicolor ‘Milo’<br/><br/>Edible leaves<br/>Huauzontle, Chenopodium berlandieri<br/>Green amaranth, Amaranthus viridis<br/>Love-lies-bleeding, Amaranthus caudatus<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Calaloo’<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus tricolor<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus tricolor ‘Flying Colours’<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus ‘Mekong Red’<br/>Parsley, Petroselenium crispum ‘Triple Curled’<br/>Hamburg parsley, Petroselenium crispum var. tuberosum<br/>Native lemongrass, Cymbopogon ambiguus<br/>Native mint, Mentha satureioides<br/>Golden sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’<br/>Curry leaf, Murraya koenigii<br/>* False cardamom, Alpinia nutans<br/>Moroccan mint, Mentha spicata ‘Nana’<br/>Chives, Allium schoenoprasum<br/>Garlic chives, Allium tuberosum<br/>Society garlic, Tulbaghia violacea ‘Variegata’<br/>Kaffir lime, Citrus hystrix<br/>Radicchio, Cichorium intybus<br/>Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum<br/>Dwarf Greek basil, Ocimum minimum<br/>Sacred basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum<br/>Perilla frutescens ‘Purpurea’<br/>Cassava, Manihot esculentum<br/>Variegated cassava, Manihot esculentum ‘Variegatum’<br/>Vietnamese mint, Persicaria odorata<br/>Variegated four seasons herb, Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegatus’<br/>Lemongrass, Cymbopogon flexuosus<br/>Lovage, Levisticum officinale<br/>Phillip Island hibiscus, Hibiscus insularis<br/>* Aloe vera<br/>Aptenia cordifolia<br/>Chaplu, Piper sarmentosum<br/>Dwarf rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Benenden Blue’<br/>Fastigiate rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Miss Jessopp’<br/>Milk thistle, Sonchus oleraceus<br/>Cobblers’ pegs, Bidens pilosa<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/>Ceylon spinach, Basella alba<br/>Mixed loose-leaf lettuce, Lactuca sativa<br/><br/>Edible flowers<br/>Society garlic, Tulbaghia violacea ‘Variegata’<br/>Zucchini, Curcubita pepo ‘Goldrush’<br/>Chives, Allium schoenoprasum<br/>Aptenia cordifolia<br/>Daylily, Hemerocallis sp.<br/>Banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Ladyfinger’<br/>Banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Goldfinger’<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/>Turmeric, Curcuma longa<br/><br/>Fruit<br/>Green banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Goldfinger’<br/>Green banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Ladyfinger’<br/>Ripe banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Ladyfinger’<br/>Garden strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa ‘Red Gauntlet’<br/>Naranjilla, Solanum quitoense<br/>Chilli, Capsicum annuum ‘Cayenne’<br/>Chilli, Capsicum annuum ‘Banana’<br/>Chilli, Capsicum annuum ‘Siam Gold’<br/>Zucchini, Curcubita pepo ‘Goldrush’<br/>Choko, Sechium edule<br/>Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus ‘Burgundy’<br/>Snake bean, Vigna unguicularis<br/>Mouse melon, Melothria scabra<br/>Eggplant, Solanum melongena ‘Early Purple’<br/><br/>Spice<br/>Cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum<br/><br/>Medicinal<br/>Greater celandine, Chelidonium majus<br/>Bulbine frutescens<br/>* Aloe vera<br/><br/>Jerry Coleby-Williams<br/>1st January 2012 http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2011/12/7_In_Production_Today_-_December_2011.html 872a25bc-8208-4faa-a6eb-95067745cf71 Wed, 7 Dec 2011 07:39:58 +1000 <a href="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2011/12/7_In_Production_Today_-_December_2011_files/P1070986.jpg"><img src="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Media/object003_1.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:364px; height:550px;"/></a>I think I have found an alternative to parsnip for the subtropics.<br/><br/>Yesterday I had fun cooking my first Hamburg parsley roots (Petroselenium crispum var. tuberosum). I haven’t grown this herb/ vegetable since I was fifteen and gardening in London. Hamburg parsley is a cool climate crop that, historically, was displaced in favour of the orange-coloured carrots being bred in Europe.<br/><br/>I’m pleasantly surprised that it grows so well in the subtropics. Ironically Hamburg parsley is sown in May and harvested from November in London (where it’s now winter) and Brisbane (summer). The big difference is that in Brisbane Hamburg parsley can’t be stored in the ground - its roots rot in hot, damp soil. <br/><br/>I trialled this crop as Brisbane’s autumn and winter are too short and its spring too hot and dry to grow parsnip. In August we filmed Hamburg parsley being planted for ‘Gardening Australia’, so mine have matured in 18 weeks - fairly quickly. One thing I must do better next time: Hamburg parsley roots tend to fork if they aren’t watered well enough, so I must consider deeper daily watering in 2012.<br/><br/>This is what’s ready to eat in my garden this month. Radicchio is far more durable than endive, and while Italian flat-leaved parsley is more productive than triple curled parsley, it is shorter lived. ‘Red Gauntlet’ strawberries continue fruiting - they haven’t stopped since May.<br/><br/>The 300 sq metre food garden is currently producing more than we can eat. Please note that many of these home grown plant products can be highly perishable - huauzontle makes a brilliant spinach, but it wilts within minutes of being picked. Some crops can be damaged by adverse weather (eg mildew on squash). Others may only be available in very small quantities, unless marked with an asterisk *, but they’re all handy things to have in a 24/7 organic food larder...<br/><br/>Edible roots<br/>* Cocoyam, Xanthosoma saggitifolia<br/>Ginger, Zingiber officinale<br/>Galangal, Alpinia galanga<br/>Turmeric, Curcuma domestica<br/>Hamburg parsley, Petroselenium crispum var. tuberosum<br/><br/>Edible shoots<br/>Choko shoot tips, Sechium edule<br/>Warrigal greens, aka N. Zealand spinach, Tetragonia tetragonioides<br/><br/>Edible shoots and leaves<br/>Celery stem taro, aka Tahitian spinach, Alocasia esculenta<br/>Celery, Apium graveolens<br/>Chinese celery, aka smallage, Apium graveolens<br/>Welsh onion, aka spring onion, scallion, Allium fistulosum<br/>Purslane, Portulaca oleracea<br/>Golden purslane, Portulaca oleracea<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/><br/>Edible seeds<br/>None<br/><br/>Edible leaves<br/>Huauzontle, Chenopodium berlandieri<br/>Green amaranth, Amaranthus viridis<br/>Love-lies-bleeding, Amaranthus caudatus<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Calaloo’<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus tricolor<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus tricolor ‘Flying Colours’<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus ‘Mekong Red’<br/>Parsley, Petroselenium crispum ‘Triple Curled’<br/>Hamburg parsley, Petroselenium crispum var. tuberosum<br/>Native lemongrass, Cymbopogon ambiguus<br/>Native mint, Mentha satureioides<br/>Golden sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’<br/>Curry leaf, Murraya koenigii<br/>* False cardamom, Alpinia nutans<br/>Moroccan mint, Mentha spicata ‘Nana’<br/>Chives, Allium schoenoprasum<br/>Garlic chives, Allium tuberosum<br/>Society garlic, Tulbaghia violacea ‘Variegata’<br/>Kaffir lime, Citrus hystrix<br/>Radicchio, Cichorium intybus<br/>Queensland arrowroot, Canna edulis<br/>Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum<br/>Sacred basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum<br/>Cassava, Manihot esculentum<br/>Variegated cassava, Manihot esculentum ‘Variegatum’<br/>Dill, Anethum graveolens<br/>Vietnamese mint, Persicaria odorata<br/>Variegated four seasons herb, Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegatus’<br/>Lemongrass, Cymbopogon flexuosus<br/>Lovage, Levisticum officinale<br/>Phillip Island hibiscus, Hibiscus insularis<br/>* Aloe vera<br/>Aptenia cordifolia<br/>Chaplu, Piper sarmentosum<br/>Dwarf rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Benenden Blue’<br/>Fastigiate rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Miss Jessopp’<br/>Shallot, Allium cepa var. aggregatum<br/>Milk thistle, Sonchus oleraceus<br/>Cobblers’ pegs, Bidens pilosa<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/><br/>Edible flowers<br/>Society garlic, Tulbaghia violacea ‘Variegata’<br/>Zucchini, Curcubita pepo ‘Goldrush’<br/>Squash, Cucurbita pepo ‘Button’<br/>Chives, Allium schoenoprasum<br/>Aptenia cordifolia<br/>Daylily, Hemerocallis sp.<br/>Banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Ladyfinger’<br/>Banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Goldfinger’<br/>Marigold, Tagetes patula<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/><br/>Fruit<br/>Green banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Goldfinger’<br/>Green banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Ladyfinger’<br/>Garden strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa ‘Red Gauntlet’<br/>Naranjilla, Solanum quitoense<br/>Chilli, Capsicum annuum ‘Cayenne’<br/>Chilli, Capsicum annuum ‘Banana’<br/>Chilli, Capsicum annuum ‘Thai Gold’<br/>Zucchini, Curcubita pepo ‘Goldrush’<br/>Squash, Cucurbita pepo ‘Button’<br/>Davidson's’ Plum, Davidsonia pruriens<br/><br/>Spice<br/>Cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum<br/><br/>Medicinal<br/>Greater celandine, Chelidonium majus<br/>Bulbine frutescens<br/>* Aloe vera<br/><br/>Jerry Coleby-Williams<br/>6th December 2011 http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2011/11/26_In_Production_Today_-_November_2011.html 928e41d9-4d2d-4aae-966a-a815ec18ef5e Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:07:31 +1000 <a href="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2011/11/26_In_Production_Today_-_November_2011_files/P1070286.jpg"><img src="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Media/object007_1.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:364px; height:436px;"/></a>It’s been a hot, dry, sunny, windy month. The celery and celeriac have only survived as a result of getting two drinks a day...<br/><br/>It seems like my 300 square metre productive garden is growing a long list of edibles. Main crops are indicated by an asterisk *. However, it doesn’t take very long, or much effort, to establish a diverse larder like this.<br/><br/>The trick is to allow volunteer seedlings to fill gaps in under used spaces...<br/><br/>Edible roots<br/>* Cocoyam, Xanthosoma saggitifolia<br/>Ginger, Zingiber officinale<br/>Galangal, Alpinia galanga<br/>Turmeric, Curcuma domestica<br/><br/>Edible shoots<br/>Choko, Sechium edule<br/>Warrigal greens, aka N. Zealand spinach, Tetragonia tetragonioides<br/><br/>Edible shoots and leaves<br/>Celery stem taro, aka Tahitian spinach, Alocasia esculenta<br/>Celery, Apium graveolens<br/>Chinese celery, aka smallage, Apium graveolens<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus cruentus ‘Red Calaloo’<br/>Chinese spinach, Amaranthus ‘Mekong Red’<br/>Welsh onion, aka spring onion, scallion, Allium fistulosum<br/>Purslane, Portulaca oleracea<br/>Golden purslane, Portulaca oleracea<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/><br/>Edible seeds<br/>Mustard seed, Brassica juncea ‘Osaka Purple’<br/>Corn, Zea mays ‘Supersweet’ <br/><br/>Edible leaves<br/>Huauzontle, Chenopodium berlandieri<br/>Love-lies-bleeding, Amaranthus caudatus<br/>* Parsley, Petroselenium crispum ‘Triple Curled’<br/>Parsley, Petroselenium crispum ‘Giant Italian Flat-leaved’<br/>Hamburg parsley, Petroselenium crispum Radicosum Group<br/>Native lemongrass, Cymbopogon ambiguus<br/>Native mint, Mentha satureioides<br/>* Golden sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas ‘Marguerite’<br/>* Curry leaf, Murraya koenigii<br/>Swinecress, Coronopus didymus<br/>* False cardamom, Alpinia nutans<br/>* Moroccan mint, Mentha spicata ‘Nana’<br/>Chives, Allium schoenoprasum<br/>Garlic chives, Allium tuberosum<br/>Multiplier leek, Allium ampeloprasum var porrum<br/>Wild leek, aka elephant garlic, Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum<br/>Multiplier spring onion or scallion, Allium fistulosum<br/>Society garlic, Tulbaghia violacea ‘Variegata’<br/>Society garlic, T. violacea ‘Fairy Stars’<br/>Kaffir lime, Citrus hystrix<br/>Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus<br/>Radicchio, Cichorium intybus<br/>Endive, Cichorium endivia ‘Green Bowl’<br/>Queensland arrowroot, Canna edulis<br/>Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum<br/>Cassava, Manihot esculentum<br/>Variegated cassava, Manihot esculentum ‘Variegatum’<br/>Dill, Anethum graveolens<br/>Ethiopian cabbage, Brassica sp. ‘Old Women Meet &amp; Gossip’<br/>Caraway, Carum carvi<br/>Vietnamese mint, Persicaria odorata<br/>Hamburg parsley, Petroselenium crispum var. tuberosum<br/>Lettuce, Lactuca sativa ‘First Fleet’<br/>Variegated four seasons herb, Plectranthus amboinicus ‘Variegatus’<br/>Lemongrass, Cymbopogon flexuosus<br/>Lovage, Levisticum officinale<br/>Phillip Island hibiscus, Hibiscus insularis<br/>* Aloe vera<br/>Aptenia cordifolia<br/>Chaplu, Piper sarmentosum<br/>Dwarf rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Benenden Blue’<br/>Fastigiate rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Miss Jessopp’<br/>Shallot, Allium cepa var. aggregatum<br/>Green amaranth, Amaranthus viridis<br/>Milk thistle, Sonchus oleraceus<br/>Cobblers’ pegs, Bidens pilosa<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/><br/>Edible flowers<br/>Mustard, Brassica juncea var. foliosa ‘Giant Red’<br/>False cardamom, Alpinia nutans<br/>Native ginger, Alpinia arundelliana<br/>Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus<br/>Zucchini, Curcubita pepo ‘Goldrush’<br/>Orchid, Coelogyne cristata<br/>Chives, Allium schoenoprasum<br/>Multiplier leek, Allium ampeloprasum var porrum<br/>Wild leek, aka elephant garlic, Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum<br/>Multiplier spring onion or scallion, Allium fistulosum<br/>Society garlic, Tulbaghia violacea ‘Variegata’<br/>Society garlic, T. violacea ‘Fairy Stars’<br/>Aptenia cordifolia<br/>Daylily, Hemerocallis sp.<br/>Dill, Anethum graveolens<br/>Johnny-jump-up, Viola tricolor<br/>Banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Ladyfinger’<br/>Banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Goldfinger’<br/>Marigold, Tagetes patula<br/>Wild leek, aka elephant garlic, Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum<br/>Scurvy weed, Commelina cyanea<br/>Alyssum, Lobularia maritima<br/><br/>Fruit<br/>Green banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Goldfinger’<br/>Green banana, Musa x sapientum ‘Ladyfinger’<br/>Garden strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa ‘Red Gauntlet’<br/>Naranjilla, Solanum quitoense<br/>Chilli, Capsicum annuum ‘Cayenne’<br/>Chilli, C. annuum ‘Thai Gold’<br/>Chilli, C. annuum ‘Banana’<br/><br/>Spices<br/>Cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum (pictured)<br/>Mustard seed, Brassica juncea ‘Osaka Purple’<br/><br/>Medicinal<br/>Greater celandine, Chelidonium majus<br/>Bulbine frutescens<br/>* Aloe vera<br/><br/>Jerry Coleby-Williams<br/>26th November 2011 http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2011/10/19_Where_Can_I_Get_A_Greengage_Fruit_Tree,_And_How_Do_I_Grow_Them.html 8334cbdf-d6fc-4cf2-bae3-43078903e018 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:36:53 +1000 <a href="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Entries/2011/10/19_Where_Can_I_Get_A_Greengage_Fruit_Tree,_And_How_Do_I_Grow_Them_files/Green%20Gages%201.jpg"><img src="http://www.bellis.info/Site_3/Blog/Media/object001_2.jpg" style="float:left; padding-right:10px; padding-bottom:10px; width:364px; height:588px;"/></a>Question<br/>I recently visited France and was lucky enough to eat a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greengage">Greengage</a>, it tasted amazing. I already grow one and I think it is a ‘Doree’ cultivar.  Can you suggest where I might buy the cultivar <br/>‘Reine Claude de Bavay’, also known in Australia as ‘old greengage’?<br/><br/>It was a wonderful fruit, I ate it in a number of French desserts. In Australia these desserts would have been served with strawberry or raspberry, but there it was greengages and they took pride of place.<br/><br/>Greengages tasted sweet, velvety and rich. As an avid gardener and cook, I really want to grow it. <br/>We grow all our own food on our farm, a lot of work, but so rewarding. Thank you in anticipation.<br/><br/>Susan<br/><br/>Answer<br/>Dear Susan,<br/><br/>You may have to dream on about acquiring a 'Reine Claude de Bavay', but at least you can have its picture (above). However, <a href="http://www.engalls.com.au/FruitTrees/DeciduousFruitTrees/tabid/84/Default.aspx">Engall's Nursery,</a> is a reputable, NSW-based nursery. Phone: 02-9876-2177. In the past I have had dealings with them and they do supply two cultivars: ‘Coe’s Golden Drop’, with fruit ripening in mid-February, and ‘Greengage’, ripening in late January. Both cross-pollinate each other.<br/><br/>The greengage and other stonefruit<br/>Stonefruit are botanically related members of the genus <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus">Prunus,</a> and include peach, nectarine, plum, almond, apricot, cherry, damson - and greengage. Their fruit contain a large, hard and often pitted seed. Eaten fresh, dried or used in preserves and cooking, home grown stonefruit are seriously addictive. Why? Allowing them to fully ripen on the tree greatly improves their flavour, it becomes far more complex, not merely sweeter. This is something shop-bought fruit, which is picked too early, cannot equal. Flavour sounds such a minor aspect, but try the taste test if you can.<br/><br/>Cultivation<br/>Stonefruit require a cold winter in order to crop. Peaches and nectarines are the least cold-demanding and can be successfully grown in the subtropics. Sizes vary: dwarf peaches attain a height and spread of 2-3m but cherries can exceed 10m. Pruning can keep them between 4 - 7m and many can be trained as fans or cordons, which are ideal for small gardens. <br/><br/>Container-grown trees can be planted anytime and all crop well after a few years. Bare-rooted trees are sold in winter for immediate planting. Autumn is the best time to prepare ground and order your stonefruit.<br/><br/>It’s essential to plant at least two different cultivars so they can cross-pollinate each other, otherwise crops will be poor. With peach, nectarine and plum it’s wise to discuss which cultivars, including the rootstock used, which best suit your local climate, soil and also make good pollen partners before purchase. You’ll probably only find two cultivars of greengage, cherry isn’t much different and if you find a damson I’d like to know the source!<br/><br/>Planting<br/>Stonefruit flower from late winter to early spring, which means their flowers are always vulnerable to a late or severe frost. So the ideal position for stonefruit is in open ground that receives all day sunshine away from frost-collecting hollows. Planting on sloping ground reduces frost damage. Planting rows on a north-south axis and avoiding overcrowding helps reduce the risk of disease. Soak roots of bare-rooted trees in a bucket of seaweed solution for half an hour before planting to rehydrate roots and reduce transplant shock. Stake and water well.<br/><br/>Modern cultivars are sometimes sold as virus-free, grafted trees, and these are a good investment for heavy crops, however flavour is somewhat simplified. <br/><br/>Care<br/>All stonefruit are prone to various fungal diseases, and prefer sandy or loamy soils that are well-drained, well-dug, fertile and compost rich. Clay soils must be improved by annual applications of gypsum. Installing drainage helps. Plum, greengage and cherries tolerate heavy clay soils best as long as they have been loosened by deep digging.<br/><br/>Most cultivars naturally form a vase-like tree which is the simplest way to grow stonefruit. Remove any dead, whippy or crossing branches. Prune to shape in late summer or autumn after harvesting.<br/><br/>Feed annually after flowering finishes using a complete organic fertiliser, such as poultry manure, then monthly using either seaweed or a flower and fruit fertiliser. Chemical fertilisers and drip irrigation encourage the large, bland-tasting fruit many are familiar with in supermarkets.<br/><br/>Water stonefruit during dry weather when they’re in leaf. Dripper irrigation is useful, but bore water must be high quality if used for irrigation. Avoid wetting foliage when watering or feeding.<br/><br/>Organic growers try to avoid routinely spraying with copper-based sprays as this metal can accumulate in soil. However, spraying may be necessary. Use ‘Fungus Fighter’ or lime sulphur (both are organic-approved copper-based sprays). Applications may be necessary in autumn as leaves fall, but the most important time for organic growers is spraying in winter. This is called ‘winter washing’ and this is done in early to mid-August as the flower buds swell. Winter washing simultaneously controls brown rot, leaf curl, scale, mite, aphis and mealybug. Other times spraying may be necessary to control persistent problems is when flowers open or when fruit are nearly mature. Planting orchards on a north-south axis, which allows sunlight to dry foliage and fruit, reduces or eliminates this risk or need to spray. Always observe the manufacturer’s withholding period between spraying and harvesting and wash fruit well to rinse any copper residue off.<br/><br/>Hand thinning fruit, removing one third, may be necessary to avoid branches breaking, poor fruit quality, or fruit drop.<br/><br/>Use 4cm square netting to protect fruit from birds and fruitbats; standard 1cm square bird netting can injure or kill birds. Make sure the netting is supported on a frame and not rubbing fruit or branches.<br/><br/>Fruit fly is a significant pest and in commercial fruit growing districts it is a legal responsibility to bait and spray for this pest. Early cropping stonefruit planted in temperate regions ripen before peak fruit fly season. Use Dak pots to bait male fruit flies and spray fruit with spinosad-based sprays (organic approved) to control fruit fly egg laying on mature fruit.<br/><br/>Harvest fully formed fruit, indicated when they develop some aroma and their flesh has just slightly softened. This takes experience.<br/><br/>Always remove fallen or spoiled fruit and either bury 0.5 metre deep or dispose of them in sealed plastic bags in the garbage, or burn them. Do not compost fruit. Remove all fallen foliage and hot compost or bury. This basic horticultural hygiene helps break the cycle of pests and disease. <br/><br/>European wasps are attracted to ripe fruit, which will become alcoholic. If European wasps become drunk they become extra aggressive. European wasp nests are often established beside stonefruit orchards and this invasive pest requires professional control.<br/><br/>Here are some other greengage contacts. They may now be out of date, but are worth a try if you really want a chance to grow a specimen of ‘Reine Claude de Bavay’:<br/><br/>* Bundanoon Village Nursery, ph: 02-4883-6303<br/>* Premier Nurseries, ph: 02-6962-2537<br/>* Bob Magnus’ Fruit Tree Nursery, ph: 03-6267-4430<br/>* Forbidden Fruit Heritage Nursery, ph: 03-5996-1466<br/>* Pembrooke Gardens, ph: 02-6585-9329<br/><br/>Good luck!<br/><br/>Jerry Coleby-Williams<br/>19th October 2011