-
2 weeks ago | 
abc.net.au | Millie Ross
Millie shares her list of seasonal jobs to enjoy the last of the summer harvest and prepare for the cold months ahead. For pumpkins, Millie usually waits until the vine has completely died off before harvesting the fruit. When you cut pumpkins, make sure to leave a long stem. If you cut too close you risk damaging the stem or fruit, which can introduce bacteria and cause it to rot.
-
3 weeks ago | 
abc.net.au | Millie Ross
Millie Ross had a lot of ambitious ideas for her little garden in Central Victoria, but one of the most important, was growing a small but sculptural gum tree, almost like a giant bonsai, as a central feature.
-
1 month ago | 
abc.net.au | Millie Ross
Millie is in Melbourne’s north to meet Rishi Ramgutty, who’s created an abundant edible garden in his rental home. Rishi came to Australia from Mauritius as a student in 2009; he thought the climate would be similar but finds Melbourne has more extreme temperatures. He is also a photographer and loves observing the garden and taking photos.
-
1 month ago | 
abc.net.au | Millie Ross
Australian plants are often pigeon-holed as only suited to wild and messy bush gardens. But there are so many species to choose from that you can find a plant to fill any role, including a more formal and elegant look. Millie gives the example of the tall Mount Spurgeon Black Pine, which comes from a tiny area on a mountain-top in Farn North Queensland but can do well in temperate Victoria, too.
-
1 month ago | 
abc.net.au | Millie Ross
Millie visits a farm about an our south-east of Melbourne to learn about the time-consuming, delicate task of growing Witlof. This bitter, leafy vegetable is so niche there is only one farm in Australia where it’s commercially grown. But while witlof is less well-known in Australia, it’s a staple winter lettuce in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and other parts of Europe. The farm is run by brothers Greg and David Serato, after being set up by their parents.
-
1 month ago | 
abc.net.au | Millie Ross
Climbing plants create excellent vertical displays but some climbers can turn into monsters that will take over your garden. Millie has some tips on choosing wisely. 1.Ask what job you want the plant to do – cover a whole wall, provide shade or simply camouflage a fence? An espaliered shrub might perform just as well. 2.How will you support your climber – some need a light wire, others will threaten anything but a serious framework.
-
1 month ago | 
abc.net.au | Millie Ross
Millie aims to make her garden productive but also experimental, trying new things all the time. There have been hits and misses along the way but even when things don’t go to plan there are always lessons to be learnt – and sometimes expected benefits. Millie planted a crop in August 2024, and they produced a good crop for a small amount of garden space.
-
Dec 6, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Tammy Huynh |Millie Ross |Jerry Coleby-Williams
TAMMY: It’s the swollen, woody part of some plants that forms at soil level. It looks like part of the roots but it’s a stem that grows above ground. They’re important adaptations of some plants, used to store water and nutrients in times of drought. Plants such as Sinningia become dormant over winter and the energy to regrow is stored in their caudex. Their rugged appearance sets them apart from other plants. MILLIE: Unlike other roses, Banksia roses aren’t pruned in winter.
-
Nov 28, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Millie Ross
Melbourne visits a community in Melbourne’s west that shows how powerful a simple plant can be. At the opulent Werribee Mansion, the formal grounds have become a place where the community comes together to garden and share produce, including a Silverbeet for Food relief project. Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger, James Brincat, co-ordinates the program and volunteers. The program has been operating since 2020, with 3-4000 plants included in the formal parterre garden producing about 5,500kg of food.
-
Nov 21, 2024 | 
abc.net.au | Millie Ross
Garden ties are something you use all the time - tying up vegetable, training trees or supporting climbers. Millie likes to make her own using natural fabrics, cut into long thin strips. You can buy off-casts cheaply from an op shop if you don’t have anything suitable in your old clothing or rag bag. Old T-shirts with a bit of stretch in the fabric are great, as they allow some movement and are less likely to cut into the plant.
