IN THIS ISSUE

SUMMER 2016 • VOLUME 42

A Publication of Fitzpatrick and Co, Insurance Brokers Pty. Ltd. PO Box 2230 Mt Waverley 3149. Tel: (03) 8544 1600 Fax: (03) 8544 1699 Toll Free for Interstate and Country Callers: 1300 554 633

OUT ON A LIMBAn informative newsletter for all those with an interest in horticulture

Welcome to the 2016 Summer edition of 'Out on a Limb', We trust you will enjoy it.

Barry Fitzpatrick

2 When Is A Tree Not A Tree?

4 Big Plans For The RGB Melb.

6 From The AIH

3 Paraquat Poisoning

Shoyoen Garden Dubbo NSW

3 Grow Me Instead

5 Home Garden Chemicals

Climate Change and Exotic WeedsIn a recent address to the Horticultural MediaAssociation in Melbourne, Director and ChiefExecutive of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria,Professor Tim Entwisle, raised the controversial topicof climate change over the years ahead. As Tim said“We need to encompass climate change in our plansand the impact it may have on our existing livingplant collections (some as old as the MelbourneGardens themselves) as well as future plantings”.

Tim went on to say that there has been a good dealof discussion among scientists and others andassuming that the current high emissions continue,by around the year 2090, Melbourne's climate willbe similar to the current climate of towns like Dubboand Muswellbrook in New South Wales and Warwickin Queensland. This scenario has enormousimplications for the plant palette of the future and wewould be foolish to disregard it.

Furthermore, the impact extends way beyond theboundary fences of our current gardens, for it willalso have serious flow-on effects which will impactthe broader horticultural industry too. All of this andmore is contained in a splendid article which Tim hasallowed us to reproduce.

Clearly as current day home gardeners andhorticulturists, we have few concerns, except forthose of us planning to live on to the latter part ofthe century, but there is a more pressing implicationfor our great public gardens, parks and prestigiousprivate gardens which hopefully will endure andsoldier on through what now looks to be quiteominous climate change conditions ahead.

On another topic no less alarming, in walking localneighbourhood streets as so many of us do, onecannot help but notice the proliferation of invasiveexotic weeds such as capeweed, dandelion andsour-sob on nature strips, traffic islands etc. and stillmany more running rampant through once proud

home gardens. There was a time in suburbia whenweeds were strictly controlled and any offendingthistle which dared to show its face was quicklyremoved and fed to caged birds. Sadly enough thosehalcyon days seem long gone in manyneighbourhoods where original plantings are beingdwarfed by marauding weeds.

To that same end, WA plantsman John Colwill,whose articles continue to grace our pages, wassaying how exotic weeds had overtaken vast belts ofwildflowers in many of the traditional zones in thesouthern regions of his home state of WesternAustralia. John said the worst offenders areCapeweed (Arctotheca calendula), and Paterson’sCurse (Echium plantagineum), commonly known as‘Salvation Jane’.

Capeweed in fact, is so prolific that it truly earns oneof its common names, ‘Mother of Millions’. With sucha firm foothold across much of our landscape it ishard to see how this noxious pest will ever becontrolled. Additionally since it hails from the Caperegion of South Africa it is little likely to be seriouslyaffected by climate change. I wonder if any readersremember as children sitting on the grass makingdaisy chains from capeweed flowers. But back thenit was controlled and was not omnipresent in theway it is today. It is also interesting to reflect on thefact that most of our long list of declared noxiousweeds were introduced to our country as ornamentalplants.

Elsewhere in this issue, John Colwill raises theperplexing question: “When is a tree not a tree” –cogitation fodder for the more serious-minded of ourreaders!

And to end on a brighter note, on behalf of all atFitzpatrick & Co., I would like to wish all of ourreaders an extremely happy Christmas and a safeand prosperous New Year.

2

When is a door not a door? Answer, when it's ajar. I

remember puzzling over this as a child but then

eventually the penny dropped. But here is a more modern one

for you and it's not a play on words this time. When is a tree

not a tree? Don't worry I'm not away with the fairies or tree

nymphs – not yet anyway. It is a perfectly serious question

that has been posed by many researchers around the world.

Dictionary definitions define or imply that a tree is a complete

entity - but is it? Many contend that a tree is only a part of

something greater.

The argument goes something like this. A tree in the wild

does not grow on its own. It has to have company to be

able to survive, lots of company, perhaps millions of

companions without whom it could not survive and

flourish. So to say a tree is a complete living entity is a

bit like saying a heart is a complete living entity. Which of

course it is not. It is merely a part of a living entity. So if a

tree is only one part, what are the other parts?

We have known about mycorrhizal fungi for a long time.

Fungi that are allowed to invade and join with the root

system and from there extend collectively hundreds,

thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of metres into the

surrounding soil. The traditional way to look at this

relationship is to call it symbiosis – where two life forms

work together for mutual benefit. But is it? If the tree and

fungi can't survive without each other then it's a bit more

than that. Perhaps the fungi and tree are more like

organs of a much bigger life form.

With this in mind the rest of tree's relationships also

come into question. There are billions of bacteria working

with the roots as well. Only recently was it found that

some seeds actually contain beneficial soil bacteria.

Above ground it gets really interesting. If a tree, sorry

whatever it is, needs birds or particular insects to transfer

pollen to ensure its future then these must be part of the

larger organism as well. Extrapolating from here starts to

make one's head spin. It would seem that there is a link

between every living thing on earth. This is similar to the

famous Gaia hypothesis proposed by James Lovelock

back in the 1970s.

So if a tree is not a tree, what is it? Personally I'm not

sure what to call it, perhaps Nature, but I do know that it

makes our life so much better and should be loved and

appreciated, no matter what we choose to call it.

When is a tree not a tree?WA horticulturist John Colwill reports…

3

Paraquat poisoning - $5000 fine In conjunction with our story regarding the use of restricted home garden chemicals, (page 5) the following carries a warning.

ACorio (Victoria) landscape gardener was recently convicted

and fined $5000 in the Geelong Magistrate’s Court after a

man was hospitalised with severe poisoning after drinking an

agricultural chemical containing paraquat and diquat that had

been decanted into a sports drink bottle.

The Court was told that during November 2014,

Chemicals Standards Officers from Agriculture Victoria

received information that an 18 year-old man had

accidentally consumed the agricultural chemical.

AV Chemical Standards Officer Neil Harrison said the

chemical had been decanted by the accused man from a

20L drum into a sports drink bottle to simplify mixing it

with water into a back-pack sprayer.

"While the accused was overseas, the drink bottle was

mistakenly placed into a fridge at their residence and a

small amount of the chemical was consumed.

"Agriculture Victoria led the seizure of the chemical

product and documents indicating that chemicals had

been used commercially," he said.

"Paraquat and diquat are non-selective herbicides that

are generally used in broadacre cropping industries.

"Chemical products containing paraquat are Schedule 7

Dangerous Poisons and hence are Restricted Chemical

Products in Victoria."

Mr Harrison sand the paraquat and diquat product label

clearly states 'Do Not Put Into Drink Bottles', 'Can Killif Swallowed' and that it is too dangerous to be used inhome garden situations.

"It is also illegal to use paraquat through back-mounted

spray units due to the risk associated with the spray

leaking and solution being absorbed through the skin,"

Mr Harrison added.

In handing down his findings, the Magistrate said the

matter was a case of 'gross carelessness'.

The case highlights the importance of adhering to product

labels and regulations for agricultural chemical use.

"It is vital that agricultural chemical users have the

appropriate authorisation for use and apply chemicals in

line with label requirements," Mr Harrison said.

- This article originally appeared in 'Chemical Industry

News' No 79 2016 and is reprinted by kind permission of

the editor Paul Dennis, DELWP Victoria.

Grow Me Instead (GMI) is an initiative of the Nursery and

Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) promoting a positive

change in the attitude of both industry and consumers toward

invasive plants.

Originally starting in NSW as 'Discovering Alternatives to

Garden Escapees' the Grow Me Instead program now

covers the whole of Australia. Funding from the Australian

Government has enabled the publication of Grow Me

Instead guides for each state and territory.

The various Grow Me Instead projects have identified 27

invasive urban plants in each State and Territory (30 in

Queensland) along with a range of suggested non-

invasive alternatives. Many of the offending plants are

still commonly seen in home gardens and landscapes

across Australia.

More information from www.growmeinstead.com.au

Sports drink bottlecontaining paraquat

and diquat

Grow Me Instead

4

After considerable input from stakeholders, our freshly formatted Corporate Plan 2014-2019 (Sustaining Life) will

guide us towards the 175th anniversary of the Melbourne Gardens in 2021. The Plan can be downloaded from the RoyalBotanic Gardens Victoria website by searching for ‘Corporate Plan’ (or type in www.rbg.vic.gov.au/documents/RBGV_Corporate_Plan_2014-2019_DP.pdf).

You’ll find it not only informative, but pretty too!

A fundraising strategy to support the Plan is currently beingdeveloped, including a simple narrative that ties together ournew vision and the various initiatives. I thought I’d share myattempt to group together the projects into four big themes.

Firstly what I call the Living World, conserving and caring forour natural world because we depend on it and it depends onus. Here I include the Victorian Conservation Seedbankconsolidation and probable establishment at Cranbourne,turning the spotlight on another aspect of Australian plants atCranbourne.

A multi-disciplinary Victorian Grassland Conservation Programis planned plus the refreshing of the Melbourne Gardenslandscape (including stages 2 and 3 of the Fern Gully, the aridgarden and other targeted horticultural projects).

Under Inspiration are things that will inspire the nextgeneration of scientists, parents, politicians and financiers (andthe rest), plus our innovation.

Here you might find:

• the Glasshouse - perhaps the ‘Life House’, a new home forour Titan Arum and thousands of other plants that inspire andexcite, as well as a place to meet and discuss the pressingmatters of the world from climate change to the perfect coffee;

• the Observatory Gate (Life Sciences) Precinct built aroundthe reinstated Great Melbourne Telescope and state-of-the artmedia/chat rooms (a cocktail of science, art and ideas, fromplanets to plants);

• the Virtual Garden (a ‘third estate’ packed full of information,stories and conversations, linked to apps and a new e-zine)and more generally, becoming the go-to-place for anythingbotanical (with a knowledge hub for the Victorian native flora

and south-eastern Australian horticultural flora, all-pervadingmedia presence, and leading role in horticultural training andoutreach).

Future proofing includes the harsh realities of financialsecurity as well as looking after our priceless assets. We knowwe can’t protect ourselves against every eventuality butprojects like the Conservation Seed Bank and the VictorianConservation Grassland Programs will help protect some of ourmost important natural resources against climate change andhabitat loss.

For these and other projects we need to care for our 1.4 millionstrong collection of preserved plants in the herbarium. In hereis the new Herbarium and associated botanical laboratories,replacing the now overcrowded and insufficiently controlledenvironment within The National Herbarium of Victoria building.

Finally but critically, our Entrances. At both sites (Melbourneand Cranbourne) we need a better sense arrival than a senseof having arrived. Projects in this group include a grand avenueentrance for Cranbourne Gardens plus a second entry pointand public transport to that site, and invigorating all gates atMelbourne Gardens.

In all of these there is theneed to encompass climatechange in our plans and theimpact it may have on ourexisting living collections(some as old as theMelbourne Gardensthemselves) as well asfuture plantings.

There has been discussion among scientists and others that,assuming current high emissions continue, by 2090Melbourne's climate will be similar to the current climate oftowns like Dubbo and Muswellbrook in NSW and Warwick(Qld). This scenario has enormous implications for the plantpalette of the future and we would be foolish to disregard it.

The impact extends beyond the boundary fences of our currentGardens - it has serious flow-on effects for the broaderhorticultural industry too.

Big Plans for the RBG Melbourne by Professor Tim Entwisle, Director & Chief Executive, RBG Victoria

Towns with climatetoday similar to

Melbourne in 2090under a high-

emissions scenario(Climate Change in

Australia)

5

HOME GARDEN CHEMICAL WARNING

Due to the small quantities of chemicals

needed to treat an issue in a home garden,

it is common for these chemicals to be stored

for a long time. However, over time the way

chemicals are legally allowed to be used can

change, particularly if they have been subject to

a review by the Australian Pesticides and

Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

For example, some gardeners may recall in the

past using tomato dust products containing

carbaryl.

Carbaryl products were the subject of an

APVMA review in 2006 which resulted in these

products no longer being legally available for

use in home gardens. Despite this, Agriculture

Victoria is aware that some of these products

may still be being used by some home

gardeners.

Home owners also occasionally store chemicals

in un-labelled, non-original containers, which is

a risky practice. Accidental poisoning caused by

people drinking pesticides from unlabelled

containers may cause severe injury or death.

Use of 'restricted use' chemicals in homegardensIn Victoria, Schedule 7 or 'Dangerous Poison'

chemical products are 'Restricted Use

Chemicals'. A person must have completed

appropriate training and must be authorised to

use these chemical products.

It is illegal to use Restricted Use Chemicals

unless a specific permit has been issued by

Agriculture Victoria. (Similar legislation may also

exist in other States - Ed.)

There are label statements on these products

that prohibit their use in home gardens. These

statements are there to protect the general

public. Even authorised people must not use

these products in home gardens due to the

label restrictions, unless an Agriculture Victoria

permit has been issued.

Commercial Licence requirementsA person in Victoria operating a business which

includes providing services in agricultural

chemical spraying in commercial or agricultural

situations is obliged to hold an Agriculture

Victoria Commercial Operators Licence (COL).

This includes landscaping and gardening

businesses that may only use small amounts of

chemicals. If the chemicals are being applied in

a situation other than a home garden

(commercial premises, public spaces, etc.) a

COL is required.

Just like engaging a licensed electrician or

plumber, it is in the public's interest that people

using chemicals in commercial situations have

been appropriately trained.

- by Steven Field, Statewide Specialist

Chemicals. This article originally appeared in

'Chemical Industry News' No 79 2016 and is

reprinted by kind permission of the editor Paul

Dennis, DELWP Victoria.

Users of home garden products are reminded toensure they use, store and dispose of

chemicals appropriately.

Out on a Limb is written and compiled by Neil Williams and Noelle Weatherley for Fitzpatrick & Co., whichmakes every endeavour to ensure accuracy but accepts no responsibility for error.

In preparing this information we are providing you with general advice. This advice has been prepared withouttaking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs.

“Surfing the Airways”Did you listen to a radio gardening program in

the last year? Have you ever?

Do you know what the radio and television

‘gurus’ are saying about trees?

Knowing what is being said on radio and

television gives you a couple of advantages

over your competitors. If a customer asks a

question that was inspired by a media

personality, this knowledge allows you to relate

to the context of the question and respond

appropriately. Most importantly, the client often

perceives this as ‘being current’ and ‘in touch’

with what is happening around them. This can

build trust and a relationship with the client

over a common topic (“Yes, I heard that too on

XXX radio program”).

As professionals, there will always be a

difference of opinions and also distinction

between skills and knowledge. Knowing who

your local regional horticultural media people

are can create opportunities for you to foster

communication with those individuals that may

lead to on-air interviews with you as the

‘expert’. However, a precautionary point needs

to be made that on-air rules may exist when it

comes to plugging your company’s name,

especially with ABC radio.

While some tradespeople cannot stand

television programs related to gardening, again

there may be opportunities if you have an

interesting project coming up and you believe it

is worth filming.

Gardening magazines, local newspapers and

other print formats are also another avenue

worth considering. Let’s not forget the newer

formats of social media and online publications

including apps. Members of the Australian

Institute of Horticulture (AIH) can often help give

advice in this field.

That said, there is no reason to pigeon hole

arboriculture to just ‘gardening’ media. Due to

technology use within the industry, it may be

possible to organise an interview topic for a

‘science’ or ‘environmental’ program. Again,

think more lateral – what about business,

education, lifestyle, urban development, real

estate, construction, etc.

Linking with other professionals such as

members of the AIH can expand your network

bridging education, media and project

management. Remember, you never know

where that next lead may come from!

Horticultural Awards

Each year awards are bestowed onto

professionals across the various sectors of the

horticultural industry. Keeping abreast of each

of the industry sectors, especially the awards

winners can sometimes provide rewards for

your own business. As they suggest in

marketing, aim to network with people who can

help you professionally – however it is a two-

way relationship meaning you too must bring

something of value (such as skills, knowledge,

etc.) to the table.

AIH Contact DetailsPO Box 2238, Toowong, QLD 4066, AustraliaPhone: +61 2 8001 6198Email:info@aih.org.au Web:www.aih.org.au

Useful links & resources:(Please note: some of these addresses do NOT have 'www' in front)• Landscape Industries Association www.landscapingaustralia.com.au

(includes links to all State Landscape Associations)• Nursery & Garden Industry Australia www.ngia.com.au

(includes links to all State NGIs)• Australian Institute of Landscape Design & Management (AILDM)

www.aildm.com.au

• Australian Institute of Landscape Architects www.aila.org.au• Aboriculture Australia aboriculture.org.au• Dial Before You Dig Australia www.1100.com.au• Outdoor Design Source www.outdoordesign.com.au• Fitzpatrick & Co Insurance Brokers www.fitzpatrick.com.au• Landscape Jobs Australia www.landscapejobsaustralia.com.au• Plant Safely www.plantsafely.com.au• 202020 Vision www.202020vision.com.au

From The AIH

HMAQ /AIH Member, Arno King chats withpatrons at a recent garden event.