Bangkok Rose by Ann Oram
Gardening Neil Fisher
Premium Content BANGKOK S FINEST No matter where you live in Central Queensland you cannot avoid the heat of summer. Whether it is the blustering dry heat of the west to the obsessive humidity of the coast it is uncomfortable outside in the middle of the day. Even many plants in the garden are showing signs of heat stress. But not all plants are suffering some plants are flourishing many are in full bloom. One plant that has been a star performer this summer is the Mussaenda or Bangkok Rose. The colourful Mussaenda is native to Asia so this summer was more like its natural climate. Driving around most towns in Central Queensland at the moment you will notice some of these shrubs producing spectacular colour displays.
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No matter if you drive north, south or west of Rockhampton at the moment, you will no doubt notice one of the best loved, longest flowering plants that is best suited to our region, and flowers from late winter/early spring through summer.
Over the last few weeks with my own travels I could not help but notice the beautiful displays in some of our western towns, like the entrance of Emerald and its many roadside displays.
Other town like Roma and Taroom also are just a mass of Bougainvillea colour at the moment, the colour displays must also help in towns’ tourist attraction.
Neil Fisher
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Across Central Queensland we have some fantastic garden walks.
I had to make a quick trip to Mackay this week for a meeting. After completing the meeting I decided to visit the Mackay Botanic Gardens and walk the gardens walking circuit.
What caught my eye on the walk was the number of Bottlebrushes in full bloom.
I am often asked whether Bottlebrushes or Callistemons came in colours other than red. Walking the Mackay Botanic Gardens walking circuit easily answers that question.
The answer is - yes, Callistemons do come in different colours.
Did you know that the name Callistemon means ‘beautiful thread’ referring to the flowers and that there 34 species of Callistemon currently recognised and all but four are native to Australia.
Neil Fisher
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This weekend I thought I would highlight some very interesting plant varieties that will make coastal gardeners envious.
Have you ever taken the time to walk around the streets of you own town or suburb?
Some of the most interesting trees and shrubs can be seen growing within walking distance on our homes.
It does not matter if you live in Biloela, Rockhampton or Winton all our towns have some spectacular street plantings.
I spent Friday night in the town of Roma in the Maranoa Region.
So Saturday morning I decided to go for for a very long walk through the town.