Episode: Four
Date: 9th May (10th in WA)
Story: Trevor?s Garden Highlights
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

Trevor takes you on a walk down his garden path, to reveal some of the top transplanted species that are flourishing in his garden at the moment, as well as revealing a few other favourites.

Featured Plants

Sea Lily, Crinum pedunculatum

• Originated in the Caribbean, but are now found occurring naturally along the east and west coasts of America.
• They grow beautifully along the edge of the coast, as well as inland.
• They produce luxuriant foliage, and stunning white flowers.
• Can reach 2-3 metres high, with a 2-3 metre spread.
• They are a very versatile and hardy plant.
• The Sea Lily can grow in a variety of conditions, including full sun to half shade.

Crepe Myrtle, Lagerstroemia Indica

• Not every transplant in Trevor?s garden was successful, for instance, his Crepe Myrtle.
• The best time to attempt a transplant of Crepe Myrtles is in winter, when they are dormant.
• This tree is perfect as a small tree in suburban gardens.
• It produces brightly coloured flowers in summer and yellow, orange and scarlet leaves in autumn.
• The trunks of Crepe Myrtles develop a gnarled texture as they grow older, which looks intriguing and amazing.
• Whilst dormant in winter, they thrive during the hot dry summers here in Australia.

Frangipani, Plumeria rubra

• Has been successfully transplanted in Trevor?s garden.

• Was moved in February, which isn?t the best time to be transplanting trees, but it worked for this one.
• Frangipanis produce beautiful looking and smelling flowers.
• Frangipanis are deciduous, loosing all their leaves during the colder months.
• The trick to the success of transplanting this tree was letting the roots dry out a little bit, taking wood off the top of it, and then soaking the root system in Seasol at double strength before putting it into the ground.

Canary Island Date Palm, Phoenix canariensis

• As the name suggests, the Canary Island Date Palm is native to the Canary Islands.
• They are large palms; reaching 10-20 metres in height, with leaves that are 4-6 metres long.
• They produce an orange fruit, containing one large seed.

Tree Tomato or Tamarillo

• One of the edible highlights in the garden at the moment.
• Produces yellow fruit with soft flesh, which is distantly related to the tomato.
• The Tree Tomato originated from Peru.
• The fruit itself can grow from 2 to 8cm in length, growing in clusters from the branches of the tree.
• The skin of the Tree Tomato tastes tangy, but overall has a delicious flavour.
• It is also good for you, being high in fibre, calcium, iron and Vitamins A and C.

Chili, Capsicum annuum

• Now is the best time to grow chilies from cuttings in your garden.
• They need to be protected from the cold in order to survive.
• To transplant a chili, simply cut a clipping and place it into some coco peat, keeping them firm and moist.
• They will have roots by September and be ready to go into the garden.
• Honey can be used to stimulate root production.

Interested in other plant tips? Why not join The Garden Gurus club to have all your gardening questions answered by Neville or Trevor. To find out more click here