Growing Grevilleas

DESCRIPTION

Develop your ability to select and cultivate appropriate varieties of Grevilleas in different situations.

Grevilleas are a wide group of plants, all but seven species coming from Australia. They are widespread across Australia, occurring in both cool temperate, and hot tropical climates. There are around 250 species. About half of these are native to the south west corner of Australia.

Known commonly as “Spider Flowers”; the Grevillea flower is more like a brush than a traditional flower. It has obscure petals, but is none the less very colourful. Flower colour varies greatly; and most hold their flowers for a long period.

Grevilleas include both small to very large plants (from prostrate ground covers, through small and medium shrubs up to large trees). Their hardiness is variable according to species. The foliage is also variable ranging from small, entire leaves to lobed or pinnate leaves. All are arranged alternately on the stems and some have hairy undersurfaces.  Most have a medium to fast growth rate.

“There are so many of these wonderful colourful plants in our gardens today. Not only are they striking to look at, they also attract birdlife. It really is worth getting to know them a little bit better.”- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming.

LESSON STRUCTURE

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction.
2. Review of the system of plant identification, general characteristics of Grevilleas, information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs etc.)
3. Culture.
4. Planting, staking, mulching, watering, pest and disease, feeding, pruning, protection from wind, salt air, etc.
5. Propagation.
6. Methods of propagating Grevilleas. Propagation of selected varieties.
7. The Most Commonly Grown Varieties.
8. Other Important Groups.
9. Other Grevillea Varieties.
10. Making The Best Use of Grevilleas.
11. In containers, in the ground, growing for profit etc. (to sell the plants) etc.
12. Special Assignment. On one selected plant or group.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

AIMS

Identify a range of different Grevilleas.

Explain the culture of different types of Grevilleas.

Propagate different Grevilleas

Discuss different uses for Grevilleas

Compare identifiable characteristics and cultural preferences of a range of Grevilleas.

Discuss a range of Grevillea hybrids and cultivars

Identify and compare a range of commonly cultivated Grevilleas.

Discuss one Grevillea species, cultivar or type in depth.

DELIVERY

Correspondence