Gardeners east of the Great Divide and North of the Macedon Ranges as far west as the wheat belt in WA will welcome SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GARDENS as a source of practical information about gardening in the temperate parts of Australia which experience shorter or longer cold, wet winters and long, hot, dry summers.
Compiled by members of the Mediterranean Garden Society (SA branch) from experiences gleaned in the last 20 years when droughts, rising temperatures, serious bushfires and lessening rainfall have made an impact on gardens the book reflects on the plants that have not just survived but thrived.
The authors relate their experience in coastal gardens and inland gardens, on the Adelaide Plains and in the Adelaide Hills, and in areas beyond as far as Goyder’s Line which is the demarcation point between farmland and sheep grazing land. Exotic and native plants are covered in detail with planting lists for trees, hedges, flowers, shrubs, bulbs and perennials. While notes are short they are informative with asides that give additional information about successful cultivation, pruning and particular soil requirements – even for saline soils.
Of special note are the references to ‘new’ plants of recent commercial introduction which are instructive for what they do not include – the duds.
The book is published privately by the MGS (SA branch) and costs $45 plus postage.
