In the garden with Nell Carr

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NOVEMBER 2016 | Nell Carr

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MELIANTHUS MAJOR, the Large Honey Flower, has been attracting Honeyeaters ever since its 2 metre high stems began flowering in early September.

Its most devoted visitor is the Tasmanian endemic Yellow Wattle Bird, whose rather repulsive, (to human ears), voice announces its presence from afar.

The flowers are described as being “filled with honey” which explains the repeated visits of the Wattlebird, pictured, thoughout the spring months.

If planted near a sunny window, householders are treated a fascinating spectacle through the daylight hours as the birds repeatedly call to feed on the honey.

One problem is that the Melianthus is inclined to be invasive, so should either be surrounded by lawn or paths to keep it from smothering smaller plants in the vicinity.

In the vegie garden. There are very few seedlings or seeds which cannot be started in November.

Cucumbers, Zucchinis and Pumpkins are best sown in seed boxes, and planted when they are large enough to survive.

The soil should be warm enough to sow green beans, both dwarf and climbing, and sow beetroot with a pinch of boron.

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