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Welcome to the page of frequently asked questions prepared by Swane's Executive Director; Finbarr O'Leary MAIH and David "the guru" Cooper, Swane's most senior horticulturist, with more than 30 years in the business.
last updated 9th August 2006
There are always questions on growing plants and roses are amongst the most asked about of all.
We do our utmost to satisfy our customers and this is what two of them had to say recently :
I received yesterday a carton of roses....and I would like sincerely to compliment you on the really wonderful looking bushes that have arrived in perfect condition. I can assure you that they are very much larger and more healthy than some others received from another rose grower. Bruce D Pearce, Western Australia August 2005
To the management of Swane's
Just a few lines of appreciation for the prompt and business like execution of my rose order - from receipt and courtesy of my phone order, to the prompt confirmation in writing of that order, the subsequent amended order, and the delivery in excellent condition of that order. The quality of stock delivered is first class. Patricia Tremayne, Queensland July 2005.
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Hello from The Guru
 Hi everybody
Hello all
Well another very successful Orchid show at Swane's Dural and as usual very well attended. The Orchid talks were again very popular with many people who attended asking good questions about their Orchids.
I find these plants cause a lot of concerns about the ability to be able to grow them as people usually associate them as being very exotic, so therefore, I can't grow them??. Having possibly the largest species of plants on the planet (did you know there are at least 5000 species native to Australia alone!!) so there are orchids for almost all gardeners.
The easiest to grow and Australia's favourite are the Cymbidiums, able to be grown from warm temperate to almost freezing climates and having flowers that can last up to 3 months, it is not hard to see why they enjoy such a great popularity. They can be grown in the garden or in pots. I have even seen them growing in old tree stumps and in the forks of living trees. One of the biggest failures in getting them to re-flower the following year is lack of sunlight.
Once the flower has finished, remove the spent flower stem and place the plant outside in a very open mainly sunny spot with good airflow around the plant. Protect in Summer with filtered cover from the mid afternoon heat and feed with a good Orchid food from August. I personally use Feathers and Fins 2-3 times a year. Water well during the Summer and you will have flowers the next season. They only need re-potting once the pot is full and dividing when there are more old leafless bulbs than good flowering bulbs. Early spikes usually start to appear from late February so watch for snails and apply some snail pellets to the top of the pot. Once the buds appear protect from water as this can shorten the flower quality greatly.
There are many more easy ways to grow species like the Soft Cane Dendrobiums, Slipper Orchids and a large range of the Australian Natives. There are many unusual types too, the amazing upside down orchid Stanhopea, and the very exotic Phalaenopsis, or Moth orchid. The choice is almost endless and once hooked on these great plants it is a pleasure for life.
Great gardening
the guru
If there are any questions on plants or roses we are more than happy to help
Couple of tips on managing roses at this time of year.
Keep the mulch on, keeping soils warm as plants are still active even though we are cooling down and the days are shortening.
Use a low toxic spray recipe for clean roses - Gardening Tips
An application of a liquid kelp foliage spray will thicken the leaves of roses and help to resist fungal problems. David the guru Cooper is recommending Harvest.
Keep flowers to encourage new growth and flowers.
Check the calendar on the site here for the upcoming events New! Swanes EventCalendar
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