Articles & News
Our main articles are listed in the menu, on the left, and below you will find other diverse and interesting news stories. Also go to 'Talks & Presentations' on the menu at left, for public presentations, videos and magazine articles.
JUNE, JULY 2010 - A CALL FOR HELP! The great floods from Lake Eyre and to the north are a rare opportunity to photograph unique flora that associate with such events. In many cases ephemeral plants notably succulents dominate. I am researching for another follow up book. As a small independent author and self publisher my costs restrict my ability to travel as widely and frequently as I need and like, to obtain all the pictures and information I need to continue. And so this is a call out to travellers who holiday, travel or work in such areas. The monumental changes in flora in even a short space of time cannot be collated by any single person and really requires contributions from many. I can acknowledge and pay for pictures which are chosen for publication. However I mostly rely on donations and good will! I know I'm asking a lot and from so many of you out there, but I also know there are as many nature lovers who are as curious and keen as I am to get out there and photograph and enjoy this special natural event.
MARCH 2010 - Besides research and field trips to Australian plant habitats, we have been developing a garden to showcase native succulents in cultivation. They are mostly in amongst exotic succulents in an eclectic mix with other interesting foliage plants that can grow well in the same conditions. During March we have managed to promote this garden through conventional media channels and have at least four magazines reporting on the subject. The best example is a 10 page feature in 'Your Garden' magazine, current autumn edition. Also 'ABC Gardening Australia' magazine has a 4 page article. Then there is the latest 'Hort Journal' also covering native succulents in pictures of our display garden. On a smaller scale we have a current book review in the latest 'ABC Organic Gardening'. Finally there will a TV program featuring the garden - March 27th ABC Gardening Australia.
Interest in cultivating our native succulents is at a record high. We have two other magazines currently drafting articles on the topic, including one in Italy! Over the last 6-12 months various international journals and magazines have sought us out for an Australian story on our succulents. (References provided on request).
FEBRUARY 2010 - We haven't updated in the last two months as we are busy planning new publications and research. Our decision on the next book title and topic will be coming soon! Considering also our flagship book titled, 'Australian Succulent Plants' is almost sold out, and is not going to be reprinted, it will remain a collector's item. This does however open the opportunity for a range of slightly similar options e.g. soft bound expanded field guide edition. What do you think?
One important consideration for any further publication on Australian native succulents is that outside funding may be a critical factor for getting the next one up and as successful as the first. Those interested, including mining companies, government bodies or private supporters, are encouraged to contact us.
Articles, News and comments are most welcome. Feedback of any kind? Would you like to be a guest writer on this subject? Submit something now and share your knowledge and experience. Contact us here
How exciting is this!
Researching early history books and the internet reveals numerous references to herbaceous or succulent plants being critical to early inland explorers and their survival in these arid areas.
More on the stamp proposal - news just in from a restaurant......
Suaeda australis, Sclerostegia arbuscuia, Halsosarcia halocnemoides, Tetragonia tetragonoides, Tetragonia implexicoma, Carpobrotus rossii.
'Maybe a letter supporting you from the RBG and the CSSA would be a good idea.
The only drawback I can envisage is it is such a niche area of plants unlike the universally popular rose!'
It seems the postage stamp suggestions on this website have aroused considerable interest.
I've received word from John Rayner a lecturer at Burnley University, who some years ago worked closely on the stamp series featuring indigenous food plants and he was most encouraging.
Especially as he is currently focusing a lot of his attention at university trialling native succulents and other waterwise native plants for roof top plantings, which he firmly believes has a big future.
We have returned from the field trip as mentioned in the previous posting (below), where a great deal has been learnt.
A great many pictures and lots of information on new and interesting plants as well as old favourites will be shared on this website in the coming months.
Our new PICTURE GALLERY of Australian Succulent Plants is ready for viewing and includes many images from the book as well as many never before seen!
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