ABC Adelaide's Talkback Gardening

Autumn is a spectacular time of year in South Australia, with a bounty of beautiful blooming colours on show, seen in botanic gardens, suburban streets and flower shows.

How you care for your SA lawn this Autumn will determine the outcome you see in Winter. Turf consultant Stefan Palm shared his experience and advice for maximum results.

Just one hour's drive south of Adelaide's city centre is the world's largest collection of eucalypt species, with over 900 species and over 10,000 individual trees planted over 32 hectares.

Harmony Day is part of a week-long celebration recognising Australia's diversity. Sophie Thomson joined Deb Tribe, solving a diverse range of gardening issues, so your garden is harmonious.

This Friday marks the final edition of Jon Lamb's Good Gardening newsletter. Lamb who spent 57 years at the ABC, 44 on Talkback Gardening said, "I've been completely overwhelmed".

On ABC Talkback Gardening Troy Sincock was joined by Sophie Thomson in Ballarat for the Begonia Festival, and Independent Climatologist Darren Ray provided his in-depth look at Autumn.

Joe Keilenowski has a passion for fruit, and he's growing an abundance of them at Joe's Connected Garden in Adelaide, including figs. "We have over four hundred varieties", he said.

Alex Klobas from State Flora knows a thing or two about shrubs, and which suit your SA home garden best. Klobas shares his expertise on ABC Talkback Gardening, discussing a multitude of shrubs from small to medium to tall.

Shade is important in creating micro-climates and protecting our homes, and thus us, from the heat caused by rising temperatures. On ABC Talkback Gardening Ben Freeman talkED about his favourite shade trees for small, medium & large gardens.

South Australians with a love of gardening can spend Valentine's Day, and in fact the whole weekend, exploring suburban veggie patches and fruit orchards showcasing what everyday people are growing.

If you live in South Australia, you're no stranger to a summer heatwave. As humans we can seek refuge from the elements, but how do we help our home veggies survive?

An SA-wide heatwave has home gardeners on high alert looking for what actions can be taken to ensure their gardens not just survive but are enabled to thrive.

Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia horticultural curator, Matt Coulter joined Sophie Thomson on ABC Talkback Gardening to discuss the soon-to-bloom corpse flower.

Trees provide a wide range of human, environmental and ecological benefits, making South Australia even more liveable, but hot weather can result in branch failures.

How did your home garden survive the recent SA heatwave? ABC Talkback Gardening expert Sophie Thomson has tips for preparing your patch and helping sun-damaged plants.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is celebrating major victories in the fight against fruit fly, while reminding travellers not to undo the progress during school holidays.

On ABC Talkback Gardening, Dan Austin, Horticulture Coordinator & Lecturer at TAFE SA shared the opportunities available to turn your passion into a career in gardening.

Deb Tribe and expert green thumb Sophie Thomson from ABC Talkback Gardening took the show to Adelaide Central Market, catching up with the author of 'Wildlife of Greater Adelaide'.

Summer has now arrived in the driest state in Australia, and with the season comes hot weather, which can be a challenge for SA gardeners. Sophie Thomson says mulch is the answer.

The new varroa mite outbreak has SA beekeepers nervous. What do you need to do to help prevent its spread? SA's Chief Veterinary Officer explained on ABC Talkback Gardening.

Summer is almost here. So, how do you prepare your home garden in SA to endure the heat of the season, and not only survive, but thrive?

ABC Gardening Australia's Tammy Huynh is the author of 'The Plant Book: The ultimate guide to thriving houseplants', the prize for the winner of the Indoor Jungle Photographic Competition.

On ABC Talkback Gardening, horticulturalist & garden centre manager, Brett Draper & Deb Tribe were joined by rosarian & Churchill Fellow Kim Syrus to talk trends impacting the rose growers.

It’s almost spring and many South Australian gardening societies are having Spring Shows and Sales. ABC Talkback Gardening talks bromeliads, geraniums,  pelargoniums, and dahlias.

Dr. Tate Hancox, Vice President of the South Australian Begonia Society joined guest gardener, Brett Draper & Deb Tribe to discuss what varieties to grow in SA and how to care for them.

Growing tomatoes in South Australia is all about preparation. Sara Mitchell from the Adelaide Botanic Gardens joined Deb Tribe & Sophie Thomson tell you how.

Spring has sprung, and so have South Australia's orchids. On ABC Talkback Gardening Trevor Garard of the Orchid Society of SA was preparing for the club’s Spring Show.

Live from the Royal Adelaide Show, ABC Talkback Gardening spoke to the Most Outstanding Exhibitor in the Horticultural Pavillion, and independent climatologist, Darren Ray.

ABC Talkback Gardening host, Deb Tribe was flanked by two nationwide green thumbs at this year's Royal Adelaide Show - Sophie Thomson & Gardening Australia's Hannah Maloney.

Stangate House in Aldgate was recognised by the International Camellia Society as an International Camellia Garden of Excellence, and it is full of bountiful blooms.

South Australian forest conversation groups are coming together to celebrate Dr Jane Goodall's legendary environmental mission by planting 90 trees or shrubs across the state.

Hannah Thwaites, PhD candidate & researcher at Flinders University shares with Deb Tribe on Talkback Gardening why urban agriculture should be treated seriously.

Maintaining historic homes and gardens in SA is a sign of respect for our past, enabling many to enjoy the state's history for years to come, and volunteers are doing the work.

SA gardeners have been enthused by recent rains, enabling their dry gardens to begin to thrive. Planting seedlings can create a new garden ready-made for the spring sunshine.

Some fruits are more common than others. President of the volunteer-run South Australian Rare Fruits Society, Brenton Kortman joined Deb Tribe and Sophie Thomson on ABC Talkback Gardening.

Orchids are as diverse as they are colourful and fragrant. Orchids are found in almost every habitat on Earth , and here in South Australia with the right nurturing, yours can bloom.

The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta was officially opened in 1996 but its story actually began much earlier. Visionary John Zwar shares its story.

The Waite Arboretum in Urrbrae contains about 2,500 specimens representing more than 800 species. The Arboretum curator joined Deb & Sophie on ABC Talkback Gardening.

The June winter solstice has come and gone, signalling a period of cold, wet winter weather. So what can you do to see your SA garden weather the storm? Sophie Thomson as the tips.

Created with Olivia Newton-John, Jon Dee shares the concept of 'One Tree Per Child' on ABC Talkback Gardening, aiming to ensure every child plants at least one tree at primary school.

Two-year-old bare-rooted rose bushes are being lifted now and Brian from Wagner's Rose Nursery in SA's south-east shared his rose expertise on ABC Talkback Gardening.

In South Australia, bare-rooted fruit trees could be an option for your garden this Winter. Sam Luke from Balhannah Nurseries said, "They're deciduous, we can dig them up and sell them".

Garden Demolition Rescue is an SA not-for-profit community initiative, making a difference, one garden at a time, where volunteers save plants from gardens prior to demolition.

On ABC Talkback Gardening, Deb Tribe & gardening expert Sophie Thomson talk, compost, climate, and getting your kit off, all in the name of the environment.

Attracting birds to your home brings your home garden alive, providing habitat for our feathered friends and a dynamic, vibrant environment full of colour and song.

Australian Native Plants are more important than ever, helping to support biodiversity and support habitat in our suburbs. Jeff Reid shares his knowledge on what to plant for the best results in SA.

On ABC Talkback Gardening, organics recycler, Lachlan Jeffires shared the advantage of great compost in your garden as we celebrate Compost Awareness Week.

With home gardening, it's about planning, doing the work ahead of time, so you reap the future benefits. If you'd like brilliant colour at home this Spring, Merilyn Kuchel says plant bulbs today.

As South Australia continues to experience warm weather and dry conditions well into April, Brett Draper discussed how to keep your trees & plants alive on ABC Talkback Gardening.

On ABC Talkback Gardening Independent climatologist Darren Ray gave his April seasonal outlook for gardeners, while Merilyn Kuchel joined Deb Tribe to talk rhododendrons, azaleas and more colour for your garden.

Landscaper & founding Committee Member of the SA Landscape Festival Jamie McIllwain joined Deb Tribe & Sophie Thomson on ABC Talkback Gardening to discuss emerging trends in South Australian landscaping.

Gardening isn't all about trees, plants and flowers. You can attract wildlife back to your neighbourhood if you know what you're doing. Chair of Butterfly Conservation SA, Bryan Haywood has the tips to attract colourful butterflies.

There's nothing more delightful than a fertile, green environment. It's cooling, visually spectacular, and good for the soul. Now you can access funding for a project in your neighbourhood to make things even greener.

With a long, dry summer and a heatwave kickstarting March, wildlife are heading to home gardens across South Australia in search of hydration and food sources. Zoologist, James Smith explains how you can handle it.

Perennial plants with tuberous roots, Dahlias are on the comeback trail in South Australia. Known only to the Aztecs until the Spanish conquest, they're now becoming very well known in Adelaide and throughout the regions.

On ABC Talkback Gardening, Sophie Thomson and Deb Tribe were joined by Chris Day, a Regenerative Farmer & Edible Landscaper who discussed summer fruit tree pruning in South Australia and took your calls.

Sharing fruit in South Australia is getting complicated and it may not be clear what your responsibilities are as a home gardener. On ABC Talkback Gardening, Fruit Share Adelaide and more share valuable advice.

Citrus expert, Ian Tolley has a lifetime of experience growing lemons, oranges, limes, and more. The seasoned green thumb who loved gardening as a child joined Deb Tribe & Sophie Thomson on ABC Talkback Gardening.

A low-level heatwave in South Australia is keeping the state's home gardens hot and dry for sustained periods. So, how do you protect your precious garden and keep plants healthy for the remainder of summer?

With a heatwave on the way in South Australia, Gardening Australia's Sophie Thomson shared her tips on how to beat the heat in your home garden.

Leigh Radford was joined by ABC Gardening Australia's Sophie Thomson on a Saturday, as he opened the lines to take your calls on ABC Talkback Gardening.

On ABC Talkback Gardening, Troy Sincock flung open the garden gates to your calls. Horticultural lecturer, Dan Austin provides his expert advice on everything from gall wasps to pears and asparagus.

Despite record low rainfalls recorded in South Australia throughout 2024, Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray says there is reason for farmers to feel more optimistic about the year ahead.

Sunburn is not just a human experience. Direct sunlight can affect your plants too. As summer starts to heat up, horticultural lecturer, Dan Austin talks about being sun-smart in the garden.

There's a lot of home entertaining throughout the festive period, so you want your home garden looking inviting for your guests. Horticulturist and Garden Centre Manager, Brett Draper shares his tips.

South Australian nurseries are bathed in a sea of red each Christmas as festive poinsettias line the shelves ready to take pride of place in homes across the state.

Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray is forecasting average December temperatures in SA with the occasional heat spike. As for Christmas, his prediction is that December 24 could see some rain.

Gardening expert, Jon Lamb has worked with the ABC for 57 years, 44 of those on Saturday mornings with ABC Radio Adelaide's Talkback Gardening. On November 29,  Lamb said his final farewell to ABC listeners at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

"The greatest biodiversity of any ecosystem on the Earth is the soil", said organic gardening authority, Tim Marshall. "For a long time, agronomy concentrated on the plants, and now we know the soil is important".

The Garden Clubs of South Australia staged a Festival of Flowers. From orchids to fuschias the state was in full bloom showcasing SA's show-stopping array of colour.

Most roses grown in Australia have been developed by International rose breeders. SA-based, Kim Syrus is responsible for introducing the best of these, & completed a review of rose breeding trends in the US & Europe.

Herbs are delicious, and add flavour to any meal. Growing them at home yourself can also save you money during the cost of living crisis. Penny Woodward explains how to go about it on ABC Talkback Gardening.

Stangate House at Aldgate in the Adelaide Hills is known for its spectacular collection of rhododendrons. They're relatively easy to grow and the President of the Rhododendron Society of SA, Rob Hatcher tells you how.

Former ABC Talkback Gardening host and native plant expert, Linda Neimann is making peace with nature in the Adelaide Hills at her home base in Mylor. "I really love the possums, the kangaroos, the echidnas..."

Garden Centre Manager and Royal Adelaide Show horticultural display coordinator, Brett Draper is passionate about cliveas. They're useful and almost indestructible, but what do you do when they don't flower?

Entomologist Greg Baker says citrus gall wasp are expected to emerge slightly earlier this year, consistent with 2023 behaviour.  "We predict their emergence will likely commence around about October the 19th".

Passionate citrus gardener and an internationally recognised authority on citrus, Ian Tolley joined Deb Tribe & Jon Lamb on ABC Talkback Gardening to share his expertise to ensure you grow fruit in abundance at home.

Aphids are the enemy of rose bushes and can spread viral diseases between plants in your garden. In warm and moist weather Aphid populations build rapidly, but don't go spraying insecticide.

Temperatures across Adelaide during August were 3° above average and during the first week of September, there was a mini burst of temperatures in the low 20s. Could tomatoes benefit from these warmer conditions?

Deb Tribe and Jon Lamb presented ABC Talkback Gardening live from the Jubilee Pavilion at the Royal Adelaide Show taking your calls on-site and on the phone.

Adelaide weather during June and July was relatively unremarkable. In August rainfall was down almost 1/3 but, temperatures were well above average. Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray forecasts spring 2024.

Why pay top price for your weekly punnet of supermarket strawberries when you can harvest a regular supply of super sweet strawberries fresh from your own garden? And, with the Royal Show on the way, what can keen gardeners expect?

Right now, garden soils are far too cold to germinate vegetable seeds but heating aids help to create ideal conditions for vegetable seeds to germinate.

It’s mating season!  Don’t be surprised if you observe a significant increase in bird activity. Some of these birds are our friends and play a valuable role in pollinating plants, but which are the bullies we need to look out for?

No matter your age, there's always something more to learn about gardening and how to make your SA home garden flourish. Horticultural Educator at Urrbrae TAFE SA, Simone Wurkus shares her knowledge & expertise on ABC Talkback Gardening.

In the Adelaide city & suburbs gardens are becoming smaller and space for gardening is at a premium. How do you find a tree that is the right fit for your property? Arborist Michael Palamountain explains on ABC Talkback Gardening.

In most South Australian gardens roses are still covered in leaves. On ABC Talkback Gardening, Rosarian, Merv Trimper joined Spence Denny and Jon Lamb to explain why you need to start pruning, and just how easy it is.

Trevor Garrard from the Orchid Club of SA reveals the secret to buying  and growing spectacular flowering orchids on ABC Talkback Gardening.

Wintery weather enables weeds to thrive and can pose some challenges for flowers, with frost and the like. ABC Talkback Gardening's Jon Lamb brings in the experts to rid your garden of soursobs & have your camellias flourish.

Adelaide has finally recorded average monthly rainfall. With the consistent cold weather comes damaging frost too, particularly in the Adelaide Hills. Adelaide Botanic Gardens' Mark Osborn gives his tips.

Karen Sutherland is best described as a garden educator with a particular love for encouraging gardeners to grow edible ornamentals. A regular contributor to ABC Organic Gardening, Sutherland shares her expertise.

After one of the driest autumns on record, the rain has arrived. This is great news for home gardeners, but it also opens the floodgates for garden slugs and snails.

If you missed planting a deciduous ornamental in your home garden in summer, never fear, you have another chance to take action, in winter.

"A higher quality secateur, is going to have a higher quality steel", said Sam Dalton, Arborgreen’s Market Development & Quality Control  Adviser.

Sam Luke from Balhannah Fruit Tree Nurseries has just completed the herculean task of digging thousands of deciduous fruit trees to be sold to home gardeners just like you.

Is it possible to grow and harvest fruit fresh from your own garden all year round in the 'fruit salad state', South Australia? Mid North cereal farmer, Andy Barr shares his expert advice.

The moth orchid is "possibly, the biggest selling potplant in the world", says orchid grower & breeder, Trevor Garrad.

"We're seeing local variations of the ocean temperatures as the El Niño event that we saw over summer breaks down", said Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray.