We’re lucky to have such a rich diversity of plants

Having just returned from a holiday in Australia, it really makes me appreciate how lucky we are in this country to have such a rich diversity of plants and colours. Our friends live out in the bush, 20 miles south of Brisbane. They yearn to have the choices we have!

Their garden is made up of many eucalyptus trees and a vast lawn. A mango tree and a lovely yellow hibiscus manage to survive the constant munching of the local wallaby population, though.

While in Queensland, we visited a friend’s garden on North Stradbroke Island, which is the second largest sand island in

the world. Plants we associate as being indoor ones grow freely outdoors – epiphytic staghorn

ferns grow in abundance on trees, and some are enormous! In stark contrast, now we’re back home, our garden looks lovely. The blossom of the apple and plum trees make for a real sensory treat. Sorbus aucuparia ‘Sheerwater Seedling’ is beginning to blossom and the bright orange tulips look stunning. I’ve been potting up tomatoes, ‘Tumbling Tom’ and ‘Fantastico’. Sweet peas have run riot while I was away, so I need to get them planted out really soon. Exochorda

macrantha ‘The Bride’ is a mass of small white flowers on arching branches. Purple alliums are popping up all over the garden, ready to break out in full bloom.

On the allotment, the garlic is looking very healthy so I’m hoping for a good crop in summer. I’ve sown parsnips as they are notoriously slow to germinate, and I’ve sown quick-growing radishes among them as a catch crop.