Going native!

I know it isn't an original post title, but it is accurate, as earlier this week we visited Fairhill Native Nursery at Yandina. We had spent the morning at a nearby family oriented tourist spot, which owing to school holidays, was rather busy. Lots of strollers to navigate my way around. So, the peace and tranquillity of the nursery was like an oasis in the desert!

We had a light lunch at Elements Cafe, where I could easily have settled for the rest of the afternoon.

Eventually we tore ourselves away from the serenity and toured the nursery. I always fall in love again with the Kangaroo Paw plants.

 I can see why Western Australia has this lovely native plant as its official emblem. The flowers are wonderful in flower arrangements, as well as attractive to birds. Some ever growing varieties will bloom indefinitely. Anigozanthos spp is a herbaceous plant that grows to over a metre tall, and has such lovely velvety blooms. The green is my particular favourite, though red and black are perhaps the colours most Australians recognise. The pink is very pretty too.
Kangaroo paws prefer light sandy soils, with good drainage. Bush sand can be added to the mix if the soul is heavy. Plant in full sun.They do not like frost.
It can be grown from seed, but is slow to germinate. Sew into containers rather than open ground, and transplant when about 10cm tall. Plant 40-60cm apart.  Keep the seeds moist but not wet.

A sunny spot on a winter's day!