Growing for success | Bloom and remember: The ANZACs’ garden legacy

This week however, after having a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave men and women of the ANZAC forces and hearing some of the stories of what they went through, I thought what better time to mention some of the floral emblems that commemorate the ANZACs.

First and foremost would have to be the red Flanders Poppy as this is the one that springs to mind with most people. However, the Flanders Poppy is traditionally associated with the eleventh of the eleventh, Armistice Day, and not as much Anzac Day. Although, you will often see it featured at Anzac Day ceremonies, on honour boards and in wreaths on the day, as it carries such a strong significance of remembrance of all those who lost their lives on active service from the beginning of World War I right through to recent conflicts.

Wild Flanders Poppies bloomed across the wasted battlefields of northern France and Belgium during World War I and were mentioned in poems, eventually becoming a symbol of remembrance.

‘Flanders Poppies’ grow very readily in the Goulburn Valley and can be sown from seed in spring and autumn, or from seedlings most of the year round. They require a good, open, sunny position in a rich, loamy soil.

The herb rosemary is the traditional symbol of remembrance on Anzac Day, and it is often worn as a sprig. This lovely, fragrant plant grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, where the original ANZACs served in World War I.

Rosemary is an ancient symbol of remembrance, so it is only fitting that a plant that grew wild in Anzac Cove became the symbol of remembrance for Anzac Day.

We often sell a variety called ‘Gallipoli Rosemary’ and every plant is propagated from an original bush brought back from Anzac Cove in 1915 by an injured soldier. A gardener at the repatriation hospital grew the plant the soldier had brought home, and when a new hospital was built, a hedge was grown from the original bush, and the story goes on from there. Fifty cents from every plant sold are now donated to the cause of maintaining and preserving the many beautiful trees on Memorial Avenues of Honour across Australia.

Rosemary is a quick-growing plant that is easy to care for. It makes a beautiful, trimmed bush or low hedge and repels mosquitoes. It prefers a sunny position but can handle partial shade. It could go well planted near your alfresco area, where you could use the foliage in your culinary creations, enjoy the fragrance drifting through the area and help keep the mozzies at bay.

‘Grevillea RSL Spirit of ANZAC’ is a fast-growing, evergreen native shrub with green fern-like foliage and a light grey reverse. The stunning large red brush-like flowers appear throughout the year and attract nectar-feeding birds. Growing to about 3m high with a dense, bushy habit, it loves full sun and well-draining soil. ‘Grevillea RSL Spirit of the ANZAC’ commemorates the first major action fought by the ANZAC forces. It was released in 2015 to honour 100 years of the ANZAC spirit. Part of the proceeds from the sale of these plants goes toward supporting the RSL.

The ‘Gallipoli Rose’ was also bred to commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign. It grows to 1.5m high with dark, glossy green foliage and deep red flowers. It is a strong, robust grower with good health and disease tolerance. A dollar from each sale goes to the Anzac Day Commemoration Committee Queensland.

We pause and remember the sacrifices the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps have made for us on a few special days a year to honour and respect their service to our nation. It is nice to think that we can incorporate one of these special plants into our gardens to remind us always of these wonderful, brave people we call ANZACs.