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Wild Mint (Native River Mint, Wild Mint or Poang-gurk)

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Mentha Australis (Native River Mint – aka Wild Mint)
Aboriginal name: Poang-gurk
Where will you find it: Widespread throughout Australia, particularly in inland areas. Usually found near rivers and creeks
Plant Type: Ground cover, clumping perennial
Preferred Climate: Sub-tropical, warm temperate (Summer growing)
Mentha Australis is a smaller, more delicate relative of the well-known mints peppermint and spearmint. This species of mint grows about 30cm high and 100cm wide, but can expand much further if allowed to run wild. Propagation is easy from cuttings and seeds can be slow to germinate. To harvest, pluck the leaves off the growing plant or prune whole stalks at a time. Like other mints, it grows relatively fast and will need regular pruning to keep tidy.
Leaves may be used fresh, or chopped and dried for later use. Just remember the aroma and flavour in harvested leaves will fade over time. It has long been used in Aboriginal culture as a flavoursome bushfood, insect repellent and medicinal herb. Can also be used to make an interesting mint tea, which is reputedly good for easing the effects of colds.

Yarrow

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Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Common Name: Soldiers Woundwort, Staunch Blood, Carpenter’s Woundwort, Knight’s Milfoil, Nosebleed, Bloodwort, Old Man’s Pepper, Noble Yarrow, Thousand Leaf, Thousand Seal, Old Man’s Pepper, Devil’s Nettle

Origin: Native to the northern hemisphere

Propagation: Root division or seed

A perennial, ground spreading herb with fragrant fern-like leaves 5-20cm long. Flower stems (white) are 30-60cm in length, often used in dried floral arrangements.

Yarrow will grow in sun or part shade and spreads easily in rich, loose soil. It seems to have a beneficial impact on other herbs and plants nearby as well as attracting beneficial insects, including ladybirds and predatory wasps. Yarrow also has insect repelling properties and can be used with other herbs as a spray on plants. It is also a great addition to your compost heap, working as an ‘activator’ of the composting process.

Prune after flowering.

Fresh yarrow leaves have a peppery taste and can be finely chopped and a little-used in salads, cheese dips or as a garnish. Leaves can even be steamed as used like spinach. Dried leaves, when powdered, add a pepper-like flavouring to your meals.

Herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum)

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Common Name: St Robert, Storkbill, Cranesbill, Red Robin, Fox geranium, St Robert’s Wort, Bloodwort, Felonwort, Dragon’s Blood, Herb Robert

Plant: All year roundHerb-Robert

Harvest: All year round

Propagation: Propagation by seed

It is believed the herb was probably named after the 11th Century French Saint, Robert Abbot of Molerne, whose medical skills were legendary. Dies off in Summer to return in Winter (Sub-tropics). Annual 30-40cm, red stems and branches in many directions with green leaves 6cm length, both covered with tiny hairs. Dainty, bright-pink flowers with 5 rounded petals, each with a streak of white. Seeds self-disperse as mother plant dies. Plants enjoy shady, damp places especially stone paths. Has been observed to have an affinity with other plants and is not bothered by pests.

“If bothered by mosquitos when working in the garden, crush a few Herb Robert leaves and rub them on arms and legs.” (Isabell Shipard)

There are MANY health benefits attributed to Herb Robert and it makes a wonderful herbal tea.

Mulberry

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Morus alba, M. nigra, M. rubra, M. macroura
Common Name: Mulberry
Origin: Asia (white mulberry), United States (red mulberry) and Middle East (black mulberry)
Best Climate: Widely climatically adaptable
Plant: Any time in the sub-tropics, although winter is best
Harvest: Early spring
Large, stunning trees belonging to the same family as fig. Faster growing White (leaves used for silkworm larvae) compared to slower growing black producing the larger, sweeter clusters of fruit.
Both grow in this area and can handle a variety of soils, as long as they are reasonably deep and well drained.  Trees can be pruned similar to an apple – open vase and they require watering until well established. They can also be grown in pots (dwarf form) so they’re easier to protect from birds.
Flowering takes place over many weeks and fruit ripens from early Spring onwards in Sunshine Coast.
Apart from birds eating the fruit a common disease affecting leaves during wet weather is Mulberry Leaf Spot. Bordeaux Spray can be used only after leaf fall up until bud burst. For 10 litres dissolve 100g copper sulphate with hot water in a plastic bucket, then pour into sprayer 3/4 filled with cold water. Now mix 100g hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) with a small amount of water to make a slurry and add to your copper sulphate solution. Stir and add water to make 10 litres. Add 50ml white oil to assist with sticking to leaves. Stir constantly to avoid nozzle blockage.

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