PLANTS OF THE MONTH: January

Matters

The Australian Landscape

The tall, irregular, stately forms of a gum tree are almost always the most iconic and distinctive vertical feature of any Australian landscape. That, together with the palette of organic colours, and bold textures of the landform, all sheltered under the umbrella of vibrant blue skies, creates a unique visual quality that cannot be mistaken for anywhere else on earth. The complimentary forms of the native flora enhance the overall landscape character. In interpreting the landscape of our sunburnt country, every artist from the First Nations to contemporary times, have been inspired by these simple ever-present natural features. This is our landscape heritage which we treasure.

‘Ivory Curl Tree’ Buckinghamia celsissima

The natural habitat of this spectacular tree is the wet tropic rainforests of Queensland but it thrives in most other situations. An excellent small, dense and globular tree which literally covers the leaf canopy with massed sprays of cream flowers. A close relative of the Macadamia nut, Banksia and Grevillea it is an ideal street tree or garden specimen.

Local Wildlife

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Although it grows naturally along wetland edges, this Banksia is a very forgiving shrub that will tolerate much drier conditions.

Summer rain brings on the displays of amazing dense bottlebrushes, changing from tones of emerald to yellow which provide several months of garden display. The large sculptural leaves work well as an all-season garden accent plant.

This rare and unusual palm was first discovered in 1978, and is found only on Cape Melville FNQ. The dense bushy leaf fronds hang decoratively around the top of the trunk, like foxes’ tails, which provide the common name.

Huge decorative flower spikes display in spring, followed by dramatic clusters of egg size fruits providing summer colour and interest.

This attractive understory tufting plant, a native herb or spice, also known and used as Native Tumeric. The bulb spends winter lying dormant underground, and in spring the attractive pink flowers emerge, followed by the tall emerald green leaves. Makes an excellent container plant or a massed display in a shaded moist section of the garden.

Every afternoon we have these lovely Wrens visit our garden in Narangba. We can have up to six females and/or babies with the one Blue male.

They sing beautifully as they hop around the lawn snatching what I can only assume are little bugs.

Ask A Vet: How Can I Keep My Pet Safe In Summer?

Never leave your pet in a car

Leaving your pet inside the car can be dangerous, even on cooler days. The temperature inside a vehicle can be 30-40 degrees hotter than outside, and leaving a window open or leaving the air conditioner on will do little to nothing to help your pet’s chances of survival.

Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature and will try to cool themselves down with excessive panting, which, if they cannot access water, can lead to dehydration or heatstroke. Symptoms of distress from overheating can also include drooling, restlessness, vomiting, and in extreme cases, seizures.

Hot pavement and paws

Playing outside in the summer sun means that paws will encounter hot surfaces like pavement and stones. The temperature of the ground is significantly hotter than the temperature of the air. It absorbs heat quickly, putting your pets paws at risk of blistering.

If you’re unsure whether the ground is too hot for your dog, place your hand on the ground for five to seven seconds. If it is too hot for you to keep your hand on the ground, then chances are it is too hot for your dog’s delicate paws. To treat already damaged paw pads from heat exposure, place a cool and damp towel under your pet’s feet and apply ointment to the affected area to soothe and repair. If your pet’s symptoms worsen, please visit your local vet.