Author Archives: Amanda Mackinnon

Amanda Mackinnon

About Amanda Mackinnon

Amanda is the Operations and Communications Manager at Plants Management Australia (PMA). Her career has taken her on a journey through science, education and communication. Living in a busy male dominated household – chasing around 2 young boys, one friendly black labrador, a cheeky ginger cat and her husband, it’s no wonder she finds solace in the quiet beauty of new plants! Amanda writes regularly for a variety of horticultural publications and coordinates PMA’s marketing department. She is passionate about raising the profile of plant breeders and spreading the message that “all life depends on plants”. www.pma.com.au

Lambley Nursery2 Lambley Nursery

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Just outside of Ballarat is a hidden gem. A beautiful garden appears much like an oasis of delight in the middle of the Victorian goldfields. A picture perfect farmhouse sits nestled amongst some simply stunning displays. Lambley Nursery is David Glenn’s labour of love.
David and his artist wife Criss Canning have molded the property into what it is today. Open to the public, you can wander amongst a variety of gardens and easily find something that will ignite some inspiration. Continue reading →

IPM Essen World’s largest plant show

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Every year in north western Germany the worlds biggest plant show takes place. Essen, the 9th largest German city, plays host to over 1500 exhibitors from 40 different countries. They are all there to promote new plants as well as horticultural technologies, products and services. Essen 2013 just closed its doors, leaving its 60,000 visitors exhausted but immensely satisfied. Continue reading →

View of the Dunalley fire from my street After the bushfires

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Wow, what a crazy start to 2013. It seems just about everyone you speak to at the moment has a story relating to fire. Either bushfires that have recently threatened their own homes, businesses, or those of family and friends. Continue reading →

PMA Tulbaghia 'Dark Star' My Top 5 summer plants

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My little corner of the world is usually pretty lucky with rainfall. I’m half an hour out of Hobart and live on tank water however there’s usually always enough for both the house and the garden. That is, until about this time of the year when I start watching it a little closer. Continue reading →

DianthusWreath-7 copy Festive dianthus

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This week as the festive season kicks into gear I spent some time pottering in the garden and being creative. The result was a Dianthus wreath. I used an old wreath salvaged from the local tip shop and it was a luxury to spend an hour picking the gorgeous blooms from our current garden displays and building a little piece of garden art. It made a great talking point at our entrance and a perfect way to spread some Christmas cheer to visitors on that special occasion. Continue reading →

Tibouchina 'Illusion' Breeder creates a garden fantasy

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Behind every new plant variety released onto the market usually lies years of experience. Many breeders work for decade’s just on one the genus, sourcing new genetics and crossing plants to try and find just the right balance of desired characteristics. They might be searching for a new flower colour, a better habit or a longer flowering period. Continue reading →