5 Comments
User's avatar
Robert Jamieson's avatar

Hi Gayle

Nice article and very thought provoking. As a child of the 60s, thanks for sharing the name of the book. My neighbour has nasturtiums and for years, I have wondered about the name of the book. Didn't think it was a Dick and Jane book! Mystery solved and I will share the info with my siblings.

Rob

PS My neighbour also has a hedge of Ochnas on the footpath which is another plant like nasturtiums for some generations.

Expand full comment
Gayle Dallaston's avatar

There are a surprising number of us. Funny how that one story lingers and connects. I had forgotten that it was a Dick and Dora story (don't even remember Malcolm or Roderick) and that they were telling the story in the story.

I wonder how we could plant such strong emotional attachments to our bushcare plants in people's minds.

Expand full comment
Steve York's avatar

And there’s the composition of the garden to consider. A nasturtium planting amongst mostly natives is likely to contrast with its surroundings and stand out more; more than if it was planted in amongst mostly exotics.

But, declared weeds aside, I think it’s good for the streetscape to reflect the people that live there, as a place to express themselves through their verge plantings, and not correspond entirely to the social norms or conform to the grumpiest person in the neighbourhood.

Another great post. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Gayle Dallaston's avatar

Yes, that's why I say predominantly native plants rather than only natives. If we want people to look after a space, they have to love the plants in it. The Grow Me Instead approach is good - recognises the attachment and nudges towards something more suitable. https://www.growmeinstead.com.au/

Sometimes I think I am the grumpiest person in the neighbourhood when I walk around and see what's growing.

Expand full comment
Steve York's avatar

I know what you mean. I wonder if people realise what they’re saying about themselves with their Bunnings plant palette

Expand full comment