Christmas time is near - Nov 26, 2010
There is a saying " when the bloom of the Jacaranda tree is here Christmas time is near ". The lilac blue blooms of the Jacarandas can be seen on all the hills in the Macarthur district. This is one of my favourite trees because it is easy to grow in all areas that don't get heavy frost. The trees can grow from 5 metres to 15 metres high depending on soil type. They make a fantastic shade tree.
I was sitting outside a cafe in Camden last week enjoying the view of the Jacarandas in the main street. All these Jacarandas have returned to good health now that the drought has finished and this year the blooms seem more colourful than ever. Camden council has planted red petunias in the gardens nearby and this contrasts brilliantly with the lilac blue flowers of the Jacarandas.
ampbelltown council has planted Jacarandas at the entrance to the city and these have been under planted with blue flowering plumbago plants. They have also planted Jacarandas in Blaxland rd and these have been under planted with blue flowering Agapanthus with great effect.
Perhaps we could plant more Jacarandas in the Macarthur district and become famous for them like Grafton has. They grow well here and they certainly know how to put on a Christmas floral show.
Tim Pickles is a CNP horticulturist and Director of Tim's Garden Centre 2 Queen St Campbelltown 46267022.