Ornamental Plant Breeding in Australia
Many of the plants on the market are new, improved varieties. But does the industry, let alone consumers recognise the time, effort, expertise and cost involved in developing these plants? We pay a premium for a superior vintage wine or to eat at a first class restaurant, but are we prepared to pay more for better quality plants? The industry and gardeners should support our plant breeders and celebrate the fact that Australians are now developing and exporting our own flora rather than letting other countries reap the benefits. Australia has a greater gene pool of flowering plants than any country in the world, but in the past we have been slow to recognise the value and commercial potential of our native plants. In this Nursery Paper, freelance horticultural writer Helen Moody discusses and applauds plant breeding in Australia.