A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

If you enjoy making more of what you love, then you’ve come to the right place. Propagation is a natural process that involves using a parent plant to make new plants. It’s a cost-effective form of gardening that enables us to turn one plant into as many as 84, which Kristina Jensen achieved with her Libertia ixioides (page 66). All it takes is a little know-how, a few tools and some patience, and your garden will be full of your favourites before you know it.

To help you on your way, we focus on how to divide clump-forming plants (p. 18), graft your own fruit trees (p. 26) and take the best cuttings (p. 30). We also drill down to the specific requirements of particular plants, so you can learn a little more about them along the way.

For those with a growing indoor plant collection, we have practical advice that will lower your expenditure. Those gorgeous houseplants can come with hefty price tags, so why not see if you can master the art of propagating by leaf cuttings or see whether you have more success growing cuttings in soil or water (p. 12).

Even if your garden beds are small or your herb garden overflowing, propagation remains a rewarding and worthwhile task. I know my garden would not be the same if it were not for caring neighbours, family and friends who took the time to share the garden love.

So, where will you start? Does a friend need the gift of good luck in the form of a rosemary plant, are the chives in need of splitting, or do you want a mass planting of salvia? The garden is your playground.

Happy growing!