Global warming sceptic - Jun 09, 2011
Trees are one of the solutions to combat global warming so I get excited when ever I see a tree that is suitable for small gardens.
A couple of weeks ago I was driving down a street in Balgowlah that had these amazing small trees planted on the nature strip. The trees were about 5 metres high and they were covered in white bottle brush like flowers that made the branches weep down. The flowers had a sweet honey smell that was attracting honey eating native birds.
These Australian native trees are called Ivory Curl Flower or Buckinghamia celsissima. They are a tropical rainforest trees that can be grown successfully in the Macarthur area if you don’t live in an area that gets heavy frost. The flowers are huge up to 200mm in length and they cover the plant in late summer and autumn. The leaves are very attractive too. The new growth is coppery coloured before turning glossy green.
What I like best about this tree is it has a very upright habit so it won’t take up a lot of room in your garden. This is very important with gardens getting smaller. It also keeps its leaves on over winter so you won’t become a slave to the rake. This tree is so ornamental it can also be grown in large pots on patios. Use a good quality native potting mix for best results.
If you’re planting this tree in your garden mix some Green Gold planting compost with your existing soil and plant the tree on a mound. Mulch around the base and water often until it is established. Eventually it will survive on rainfall only.
Trees are a solution to global warming so take responsibility for your piece of the world and plant a few more trees.
Tim Pickles is a CNP horticulturist and director of Tims Garden Centre 2 Queen St Campbelltown 46267022.