In 2015, we honour the Centenary of Gallipoli, 100 years of Anzac and what better way to show commemorate then to create your living memory, a garden of remembrance.
There are many plants that not only symbolise the Anzac spirit, but are living history, brought back by returning veterans 100 years ago from the battle fields. These plants invoke both visual and sensory reminders of the sacrifices those before us have made. Let us share them with you.
Specially grafted for the Centenary of Anzac, the RSL Spirit of Anzac Grevillea was launched at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2015 by the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson. This grevillea has been selected as a symbol of ‘home’ and particularly significant as the only plant approved to include ‘ANZAC’ in the title.
The RSL Spirit of Anzac Grevillea has delightful red flowers that attract birds and wildlife throughout Autumn to Summer. It is a hardy plant, which prefers a well drained soil, we recommended planting with Searles Native Plant Specialty Mix for best results. Prune this grevillea in spring to keep compact and promote mass flowering. If left to grow to its full potential it will reach 2m height x 1.5m wide, making it a perfect option for native screens and hedges.
In 1915 a wounded digger brought back with him a small rosemary bush from ANZAC Cove. The bush was planted in the Army Hospital grounds at Keswick. Sprigs of this rosemary bush were worn to honour the fallen on Anzac day from that point forward. However, the heritage of the rosemary bush itself was only discovered in the 1980’s after a landscaper went to remove the bush from the gardens, only to be told it’s amazing history from the hospital gardener.
In an attempt to preserve the plants history, the landscaper David Lawry, took the rosemary bush back to his native nursery and started propagation. The ‘Gallipoli Rosemary’ sold throughout nurseries today are plants from the original bush brought home 100 years ago.
Part proceeds from the sale of Gallipoli Rosemary sold around Australia by the APG Network of growers is donated to TREENET’s Avenues of Honour 1915-2015 Project.
Gallipoli Rosemary is a hardy herb shrub, which grows well in dry conditions. Plant into your herb garden, or use as a culinary hedging plant, Gallipoli Rosemary is wonderfully aromatic. Research has proven that rosemary assists with memory recall, as well as a painkiller and medium to assist with digestion.
Treloar Roses are honouring the Anzac Centenary with the release of the Gallipoli Centenary Rose in conjunction with the Anzac Day Commemoration Committee (QLD) Inc, with every rose purchased, $1 will go to help fund education to Australian School children and projects related to war veterans mission.
This award winning shrub rose (Kortutu), is a healthy, disease resistant and easy to care for flowering plant that looks stunning planted in mass or as an individual specimen. With beautiful large deep red blooms, this rose is a show stopper. Growing to a bushy height of 1.5m with a long flowering period. Bare root winter stock is currently available for pre-order. We recommend mixing Searles 5IN1™ into the soil before planting. This product is recommended by the QLD Rose Society.
The Battle of Lone Pine was named for it’s solitary Turkish Pine Tree (or Aleppo Pine)that stood at the start of battle. As a momentum, many soldiers sent home Aleppo Pine cones from Gallipoli to their families. Many Aleppo Pines in Australia today being descendants of these original seeds.
Aleppo Pine is an evergreen tree that grows 5-5.5m in height. It does not produce flowers, but instead it produces separate male and female cones on the same plant. The leaves are ‘needle’ like in appearance growing 4-15cm long. This tree is ideal for bonsai and if planting in the garden, be conscious of underground plumbing and overhead powerlines.
A native, wattle is a National Symbol and part of the Australian National Emblem, along with the Kangaroo and Emu. This emblem, worn on the Australian Army Slouch Hat and synonymous with Anzac Day Services across Australia.
Wattles grow easily from seed, however established stock can be purchased from your local garden expert. This plant is perfect as a small tree or shrub (growing 5m high), but surprisingly has a rather shorter life span than most other native shrubs, only living to about seven to twelve years. However, the fact it is so easy to propagate is a redeeming factor! We recommend using Searles Native Specialty Mix when planting wattle for best results.
Red poppies are an international symbol of remembrance dating back to 1919 when the British Legion sought an emblem that would honour the dead and help the living. Usually associated with ‘Remembrance Day‘ 11th November, poppy wreaths are often used during Anzac services and placed around war monuments ‘Lest We Forget’.
NOTE: Mr Fothergills has a special release ‘Poppy Flanders Red’ for the Gallipoli 100th Anniversary.
Poppies grow well from seed during Autumn in the cooler temperate zones of Australia, however, they dislike being moved, so plant in-situ for best results. Before planting poppy seeds, enrich the soil with Searles 5IN1™ and also ensure that the soil is nice and loose, not too many hard lumps or rocks. It’s important not to let the soil dry out when your poppies are germinating, they like a damp soil, so water 2-3 times a week depending on conditions. Once poppies have germinated, thin out the plants so there is approximately 30cm between each flower. Poppies can suffer from mildew, good air circulation can assist in keeping this to a minimum, but if effected treat with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp, which is also an organic plant food.
So make a little space in the garden, balcony or courtyard and plant a little living memory.
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