Latest news with #SweetJane
ABC News
6 hours ago
- General
- ABC News
Camellia Collection
Sophie visits a nursery that specialises in growing camellias, providing some ideas for garden colour in the cooler months. There are more than 300 species of camellias worldwide, although the two most commonly grown and the Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua . From these, many thousands of hybrids and cultivars have been bred. Third generation grower Dan Hall points out the key features of the two types: Japonica Varieties tend to have larger, rounder flowers and bigger leaves, and prefer part shade or protection from afternoon sun; they generally flower in winter or early spring. They can also be larger plants, although there are smaller cultivars now available. Sasanquas Have smaller flowers and leaves and are fast growing, making them better suited to hedging. They tend to flower in autumn or early winter, and are more tolerant of sunlight and warmer conditions. Both prefer slightly acidic soil, regular watering, and good drainage. A favourite of Dan's is 'Roger Hall', a red formally shaped double that was named after his late grandfather. Modern hybrids offer a range of attributes, from the long-flowering 'Sweet Jane', which can flower from autumn to spring, to hardy floribunda hybrids such as 'Illumination' that produces masses of flowers from a young age. There are even some ground-covering prostrate forms, including 'Marge Miller', which can grow up to 3m wide. If you have a few different camellias in your garden or nearby, and seed heads form on your plants, you could try growing the seeds. It might take five or six years for the new seedlings to start flowering, but you could end up with a completely new variety! To propagate an exact copy of your plant, take cuttings. Dan also explains how to create a weeping standard – by training a weeping form upright, supported by a stake, and removing any growth along the trunk, leaving just the branches at the top. Alternatively, graft a weeping form onto the straight stem of a sturdier species. Camellias can also be espaliered against an east-facing wall; most sasanqua species would be suitable for this, Dan says. Problems Yellowing of leaves can often be a sign of pH problems – it should be about 5-6. If your soil is too alkaline, you can reduce the pH by adding iron chelates. Hot morning sun on wet buds or flowers can also cause browning and other problems. Dan says a common mistake is to put a small plant into a large pot – this leaves too much wet soil around the small rootball, which can cause root rot. COMMON CAMELLIA Camellia japonica cv. SASANQUA CAMELLIA Camellia sasanqua cv. CAMELLIA 'DESIRE' Camellia japonica cv. CAMELLIA 'TINSIE' Camellia japonica cv. CAMELLIA 'GREAT EASTERN' Camellia japonica cv. CAMELLIA 'ROGER HALL' Camellia japonica cv. CAMELLIA 'SLIM N TRIM' Camellia sasanqua cv. CAMELLIA 'EARLY PEARLY' Camellia sasanqua cv. CAMELLIA 'YULETIDE' Camellia sasanqua cv. CAMELLIA 'AVALANCHE' Camellia sasanqua cv. CAMELLIA 'SWEET JANE' Camellia sasanqua cv. CAMELLIA 'E.G. WATERHOUSE' Camellia × williamsii cv. CAMELLIA 'CHANSONETTE' Camellia sasanqua cv. CAMELLIA 'MARGE MILLER' Camellia sasanqua cv. CAMELLIA 'SNOW' Camellia sasanqua cv.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Canadian Alt-Country Pioneers Cowboy Junkies To Play Career-spanning NZ Tour
The legendary Canadian alternative country/blues/folk rock band, Cowboy Junkies, will return to New Zealand later this year for a four-date tour, celebrating their 40th anniversary. Presented by David Roy Williams, An Evening with Cowboy Junkies will see the alt-country pioneers performing four career-spanning shows from their 1988 multi-platinum album THE TRINITY SESSION to their most recent universally acclaimed record, 2023'S SUCH FEROCIOUS BEAUTY. An Evening with Cowboy Junkies follows their triumphant 2023 NZ tour, which saw the band touch down in Aotearoa for the first time in more than 20 years. The upcoming tour will kick off on Tuesday, November 4 at the Town Hall in Auckland, before heading to the Opera House in Wellington on Thursday, November 6 and the Regent Theatre in Palmerston North on Friday, November 7. The band will also perform their only South Island show at the Isaac Theatre in Christchurch on Sunday, November 9. David Roy Williams promoter pre-sale is from 1pm, Wednesday April 30, and the general public on sale is from 1pm, Thursday May 1. 'You get great vocal work, terrific guitar playing, gorgeous lyrics and so much more at a Cowboy Junkies show' - The Mercury In 1988, Cowboy Junkies proved that there was an audience waiting for something quiet, beautiful, and reflective. THE TRINITY SESSION was like a whisper that cut through the noise - and it was compelling. It stood out amid the flash and bombast that defined the late 80s. The album featured the band's unforgettable cover of the Velvet Underground's 'Sweet Jane', and combined folk, country, blues, and rock in a way that had never been heard before and went on to sell more than a million copies. Their ability to communicate volumes before the lyrics kick in defines an enduring career. Where most bands chase trends, the Junkies have stayed their course, maintaining a low-impact excavation of melody and evocative language delivered sotto voce in singer Margo Timmins' feathery alto. Formed in Toronto in 1985, Margo was joined by siblings Michael Timmins on guitar, Peter Timmins on drums, and Michael's lifelong friend Alan Anton on bass to begin a journey that has evolved over 29 albums. 'I've known Alan longer than I've known Pete,' says Michael. 'We were friends before Pete was born.' Unlike most long-lasting groups, Cowboy Junkies have never had a breakup or taken a sanity-saving hiatus. There's an appreciation of each other that keeps them constantly working. 'It's that intimacy and understanding of what each one of us brings to the table,' says Michael. 'The expectations and responsibilities of our roles are a big part of the band's ethos. We're still amazed that we're doing things our way and continuing to grow the band, but the longer we are at it, the more fun it's become. We don't take it for granted,' Michael offers. 'We do what we do,' Margo agrees, 'and it feels right for all of us. After 40 years of playing together, the band and its music are more important to us than ever. The music we make brings each of us a great sense of contentment, a knowledge of place, and a sense of doing what we were meant to do.' An Evening with Cowboy Junkies promises to be a night not to be missed. With a career-spanning set-list, fans of the much-loved Canadian band will be treated to all their hits and much more!
