Just a week to go until festivities begin for Australia’s longest running floral event – the   Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. I’m excited to be speaking at the Flower Food and Wine Festival next Saturday and Sunday, but what I’m most looking forward to is visiting some of the competition gardens. To me the passion of the city’s home gardeners is what makes the Carnival special.

I remember being slightly dumbstruck when I visited the Roggeveen’s Grand Champion garden a couple of years ago, and found out that neither Arch or Julie have any professional gardening experience. Julie describes herself as a green thumb, and Arch is an accountant who gets home from work and starts gardening under lights. They’re passionate amateurs!

There’s a problem though. We’re part of a society that’s uncomfortable with amateurism. We widely use the word “amateurish” as negative description of something that’s second rate and the phrase “amateur hour” has gone from being positive (Major Bowes Amateur Hour was the X Factor of the 1930’s and 40’s) to being a term of derision. Rarely is the word amateur used in a positive light to describe anything.

But when you get back to the Latin root of the word, a very different meaning is revealed. The word amateur comes from the French word amator, which means lover or devotee, an enthusiastic pursuer of an objective. Applying the word in its truest sense, a professional receives compensation for his/her endeavours while an amateur is so devoted to a pursuit that love, not money, is the overwhelming motivation.

That’s not to say professionalism is unimportant. In matters of life and death, it’s essential. There’s no way I’d trust brain surgery to an amateur, however devoted, and I’d be very reluctant to travel to London in a plane being flown by an amateur ultralight pilot. But in less critical matters, my belief is that passionate amateurism is something to be celebrated, not derided.

In the sport of golf, amateurs sometimes get to compete alongside professionals in special tournaments called “pro-ams”. It’s a clunky term, but what’s happening in more and more fields of endeavour, gardening included, is a rise of the pro-am – the committed amateur working to professional standards.

This rise of the pro-am shakes some professionals to the core. They respond by seeking to defend their monopolies and they guard their knowledge protectively. The more enlightened professionals do the opposite. They see the potential for amateur passion to make the world a better place and respond by teaching, mentoring, and collaborating not just with other professionals, but with enthusiastic pro-ams.

Occasionally, I get accused of emphasising amateur gardening over professional horticulture, implying that one is nobler than the other. My response to such criticism is this: I know lots of horticulturalists and will just about guarantee that beneath the DipHort’s and BSc’s are passionate home gardeners who are hooked on plants and would get out into the garden at the drop of a hat irrespective of money. They love what they do, and all the horticulture qualifications in the world can’t take the place of pure devotion for gardening.

That doesn’t mean we should rest on our laurels. There’s always room for growth, and because horticulture is the science of plant cultivation, the professionals have an important role to play in keeping us amateurs up-to-date, and well informed. But in the end, love is what really counts. Devotion. Enthusiasm.

These values are on display in spades during the Carnival of Flowers, which I see as a big spring celebration of passionate home gardening as much as anything else. The Carnival is amateurism at its best. Home gardeners battle it out in friendly rivalry for Grand Champion, experienced gardeners help novices through The Chronicle’s mentoring programme, and there are still residents in the city who beautify their front yards in anticipation of all the tourists visiting Toowoomba for the Carnival. The city’s parks and public gardens are beautiful, but what really injects life into the Garden City concept is the amateur home gardener.

By now, you’ve probably figured out that I’m completely besotted. I’m proud to say that I’m a devoted gardener, and though I get paid to write about what I love, you’d still find me working my vegie patch whether the money was there or not. To all you fellow home gardeners reading this column, and particularly those who are involved in the Carnival of Flowers, here are three cheers for all your enthusiasm. Congratulations on your efforts, and most of all, happy home gardening for many years to come.

First published in the Toowoomba Chronicle 11th September 2010. Photo by Justin Russell, Roggeveen Garden, Toowoomba.

The Toowoomba range is host to some fine gardens, but in my view they don’t get much finer than the rangetop paradise in Leslie Street known as Stirling House. Established by John and Jill Stirling in the 1960’s, and now owned by hospitable couple Colin Fitzgerald and Dr Viola Nicholson, the garden comprises two acres of magnificent cool climate trees, hundreds of roses, classic bluestone paths, and lots of lovely woodland perennials.

What Stirling House is most famous for though, is its camellias. There are dozens of beautiful specimens scattered amongst the garden, most in full flower when I visited last weekend and yet all of them outdone by the prized yellow species Camellia nitidissima.

As stunningly beautiful as this camellia was on the day (I’ll write about it in a later article), it was actually outshone for sheer visual splendour by another exotic plant. Like a gifted Academy Award winner being upstaged by a glamorous supporting actress, the star of the show when I visited Stirling House was undoubtedly a Magnolia denudata in full, exquisite bloom.

The Yulan, as Magnolia denudata is commonly known, makes an arresting sight when it produces masses of huge, pure white blooms on bare wood during the second half of winter. It certainly stopped the 18^th century plant explorers dead in their tracks. Imagine the sheer astonishment of a sweaty English botanist, trekking along an ancient pathway in the lower Himalayas, stumbling across a misty valley bleached white with the blooms of thousands of magnolias. The contrast with the less exotic flora back home would have been absolutely stark. It still is, especially when the blooms are admired against the backdrop of a clear winter sky.

Magnolia denudata was named for its region of origin in central China. Here it can still be found growing in moist upland forests amongst camellias and rhododendrons on deep, fertile soil. The genus magnolia was introduced to horticulture by the famous botanist Sir Joseph Banks, who was absolutely delighted to open a consignment from China in 1792 containing the first ever specimen of Magnolia denudata from Dr Alexander Duncan, a surgeon working in Canton.

From this point on, the flames of an international love affair with magnolias were kindled, and it’s fair to say that the passion for these magnificent plants never really went out. In 1820, a retired French army captain by the name Etienne Soulange-Bodin crossed Magnolia denudata with Magnolia liliiflora to produce the hybrid Magnolia x soulangeana. Combining the best qualities of each of its parents, “soulangeana” is now the most widely grown of all the deciduous magnolias, lighting up Toowoomba during August and September with its opulent, pink blushed flowers. It’s a decent plant, but by no means the best magnolia in cultivation.

In addition to the Yulan magnolia described at the outset, there are some other beauties worth seeking out. For small gardens Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’ is the pick. It’s a slow grower that will eventually reach just a few metres tall and produces lovely dark purple flowers on a multi-stemmed shrub. Almost as good is Magnolia stellata, which has white star shaped flowers and rarely exceeds three metres in height.

For larger gardens my picks would be ‘StarWars’ a tall growing variety that continues flowering through summer and autumn, ‘Vulcan’ with it’s striking purple-red flowers, and ‘Elizabeth’, a classy, late flowering yellow cultivar that grows strongly and is capable of reaching six metres or more in height. Use it to accompany your yellow flowered camellia and be the envy of all your gardening friends!

If that’s your ambition, and it’s not actually one that I’d seriously recommend, better get your conditions right. Magnolias are ancient plants dating back to prehistory, but they do have fairly specific requirements to really perform well. Chief amongst these is a mountain soil that’s rich, deep, well drained and slightly acid. A cool climate is preferred, and protection from severe late winter frosts is important to prevent the flower show from ending in tears too early in the piece.

This all sounds quite specific, but thankfully, the perfect conditions for growing brilliant magnolias can be found all along the Great Dividing Range, from the Bunya Mountains in the north to the suitable parts of the Granite Belt to the south. For those out west, magnolias are a trickier proposition. The best advice I can give is to try the evergreen cultivars of Magnolia grandiflora such as ‘Little Gem’, ‘St Mary’s’ and ‘Exmouth’. You shouldn’t feel left out. The evergreens are just as stunning as their deciduous cousins, and more tolerant to boot.

First published in the Toowoomba Chronicle 24th July 2010. Photo by Justin Russell – Magnolia denudata, Stirling House, Toowoomba.

If there’s one thing gardeners like to do when they’re not gardening, it’s to look at other people’s gardens. Give us half a chance and we’ll do so on the internet, in magazines, on the telly and in newspapers like this one. But the best way to look at a garden is to visit in person. Only then will you be able to experience the unique atmosphere, smell the scents, hear the sounds and get acquainted with the finer details that two dimensional images simply can’t convey.

Every year in our region, a handful of generous souls go out on a limb and open their gardens to the public. Most choose to do so under the banner of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme. Odds are you’ll have heard this term bandied around in gardening circles all the time, but how many actually know what the scheme is on about? Here’s a quick rundown, and a profile of three outstanding gardens opening this weekend.

Australia’s Open Gardens Scheme (AOGS) was founded in 1987. It’s a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to “promote the knowledge and pleasure of gardens and gardening across Australia.” To this end, it coordinates the opening of Australia’s most inspiring private gardens to the public, gardens that would otherwise remain cloaked behind hedges and fences.

A modest entry fee is charged when visiting an open garden. Thirty five percent of this is either returned to the garden owner, or more commonly donated by the garden owner to a favourite charity. Since the scheme’s inception, more than $4 million has been donated to charity. The remaining 65% goes toward running AOGS. Surplus funds available after the scheme’s operating costs are donated to various organisations via annual community grants.

A final word on etiquette. Remember that gardens opening as part of AOGS are generally private properties. Don’t enter the house unless invited, stick to the paths and don’t pick flowers or add to your seed collection. If you’re unsure of a plant name ask the owner for advice. It goes without saying that if you litter when visiting someone’s garden, or urinate in the shrubbery, you’re a total yobbo. Enjoy your visit with a sense of gratitude and respect.

Emaho

Nestled among the lush Ravensbourne countryside, Emaho welcomes visitors with a calm ambience and a subtle Asian influence. The owners of the garden, James and Barbara McGeoch, have had a long involvement in the Queensland horticulture industry, bringing decades of experience to bear in the creation of a working tree farm and garden that lives up to it’s Tibetan name – wonderful and amazing. Features include beautiful ‘Trompenburg’ maples, a Camellia sinensis hedge (tea plant), more than 5000 azaleas and a crabapple forest. The clumping bamboo windbreak is arguably the best example of its kind on the Downs.

Open October 10^th to 11^th from 10am to 4.30pm. Talks throughout the day, tree removal demonstrations, food and wine for sale. Located at 501 Ravensbourne Dip Road, Ravensbourne. Follow the signs from Esk-Hampton Road, directions from www.emahotrees.com.au. Entry $6, will benefit Peacehaven Botanic Park.

Ferguson Garden

Opening for the first time, the Ferguson Garden at Cabarlah is a family garden bursting with informal charm and expansive views over the Lockyer Valley.  Owners Simone and Matthew Ferguson reckon that any success in their garden is a “happy accident” but I’m not sure they give themselves enough credit. Their plants are healthy and despite the garden’s relaxed style, the borders are arranged with considerable skill. Perennials, clematis, Japanese maples, cherries and old favourites like delphinium and poppies make for a welcoming scene. Cottage style gardens are hard to do well, easily becoming finicky. Not the Ferguson garden – it fits like a well worn, but much loved pair of boots.

Open October 10^th to 11^th from 10am to 4.30pm, entry $6. Plants for sale. Located at 214 Happy Valley Road, Cabarlah. Follow the signs from the New England Highway.

Bass Garden

Geoffrey and Lynnette Bass’s garden at Pittsworth has opened regularly with AOGS and is always well received by both new and returning visitors alike. It flourishes despite the challenging Pittsworth climate, which is hot in summer and frosty in winter, and contains a mix of the familiar and unusual. Visitors will recognise David Austin roses for example, but plants like the lesser known Alister Clark roses and even variegated Jacarandas will arouse plenty of interest. Highlights include a stunning Petrea-draped walkway and an excellent vegie patch.

Opening in conjunction with the Pittsworth Craft and Fine Food Spectacular, including a quilt display. October 9^th to 11^th, 9am to dusk. Located at 4 Coop Street, Pittsworth. Entry $6, will benefit Careflight.

First published in The Chronicle 10th October 2009. Photos by Justin Russell.

Last Saturday I made the trek down to Tenterfield to check out “Glenrock”, which was open to the public as part of Australia’s Open Garden Scheme. Created by Carolyn Robinson and her husband Peter over the course of 20 years, Glenrock is a five acre wonderland of mature trees, rare plants, billabongs, and extensive stonework. It is widely regarded as one of the best gardens in Australia. I walked through the entry gates like an excited schoolkid, but just managed to retain enough composure to compile a few notes from my visit.

1. A sense of place

I reckon a good way to describe some gardens is with the theological term, sacred, which literally means “set apart”. Upon entering such gardens, I usually feel that I’ve stumbled upon another realm that’s somehow separate from the everyday bustle of life. Glenrock is a garden with a clear sense of place and purpose.

For one the garden doesn’t deny its surroundings, but enhances them. It employs locally available materials, and is full of plants that aren’t in denial of Tenterfield’s cool temperate climate. Add to this the fact that Glenrock is a reflection of its creators’ personalities and passions, and you have a garden that is comfortably at home, yet unique.

2. Vigorous plants

The vigour of the plants growing at Glenrock is incredible. I’ve never before seen Cannas towering more than two metres into the sky, and the ornamental grasses were nearly double the height of the same cultivars in my garden. I put this kind of vigour down to a combination of factors.

Good soil preparation is the key. Carolyn Robinson has a pre-planting program that includes deep ripping, adding minerals and trace elements, and the incorporation of generous amounts of manure and compost. In other words, her soil is healthy and full of nutrients. The plants were living large as a result. The other thing to appreciate was that much of the garden is irrigated, and plants will usually grow bigger when they have access to regular moisture. I suspect some fertiliser might have been used as well.

3. Great plant selection

The palette of plants used at Glenrock is vast, but exceptionally well chosen. All are at home in the Tenterfield climate, thriving despite frosty nights and hot days, and most garden beds are arranged with the deft touch of an artist. Carolyn’s “prairie garden”, in particular, is really well executed. It is as good an example I’ve seen in the creation of successful plant combinations using the elements of texture, form and colour.

My only gripe with the plants used at Glenrock was the general absence of natives. There were some grasses, eucalypts and the odd shrub or two, but the garden is overwhelmingly exotic. To me, the contemporary Australian garden ought to represent the Australian culture. We’re a melting pot, and our gardens ought to reflect this by including natives and exotics in balanced combination.

3. Nice hard landscaping

All the great gardens I’ve visited have expressed a clear relationship between the soft landscaping elements – things like plants, mulch and gravel – and hard landscaping elements like paving, buildings and walls. A garden is a bit like your body. The hard landscaping forms a skeleton, a framework that provides functionality, and support for a collection of plants. Without “good bones”, a garden can be uncomfortable and impractical.

But there’s hard landscaping, and there’s craftsmanship. Glenrock features hundreds of metres of beautifully constructed dry stone walls built from locally available granite. Often these serve a specific function, such as retaining a garden bed or terracing a bank, but occasionally, Carolyn has used them as features in their own right. A semi-circular, freestanding wall separating the garden from the surrounding paddocks was one of the highlights of the entire garden.

In all, I found Glenrock to be a really good garden, worthy of its exalted reputation. It’s easy when driving home from such an experience to make comparisons with your own garden since all your faults and failures suddenly come into view. Yet the spirit of gardening is one of generosity, rather than competition. The better approach when visiting a great garden is to appreciate the owner’s willingness to share (even the best gardeners question their ability), and glean. Get inspired. Take lots of photos, make notes, and go home with a head full of ideas for what you might be able to achieve in your own backyard.

First published in the Toowoomba Chronicle 28th February, 2009