Phil James talks on Eremophilas

Doors will open at 1.30pm for a 2.00pm start. Phil is bringing some plants to sell.

We will also have a specimen table – you may like to bring garden etc. snippets for ID, or simply for ‘show and tell’.

ABOUT PHIL JAMES

Phil James has a small nursery in Kalamunda specialising in Eremophilas.

From notes Phil has given to us:
In 1998, Phil bought some Eremophila species from a South Australian friend who had a large collection. Since then, he has propagated many Eremophilas, and through this interest, became involved with botanist Andrew Brown and Bevan Buirchell (plant breeder) who were developing a book on the Eremophilas of Western Australia. In numerous field trips to the goldfields and the Pilbara regions, they discovered lots of new species and a host of hybrid plants.

Grafted stock plants were created from this new material. From all the stock plants developed on a friend’s farm at Goomalling, they had over 500 various forms of Eremophila.

Phil has developed forms of Eremophilas from this propagation material, some of which have been shared with large wholesale nurseries, and sold nation-wide.

Today, Phil continues to develop suitable Eremophilas for the retail industry.

From Facebook:
“I have been growing native species of plants from tubestock right through to mature plants for over 15 years on my half acre property in Kalamunda. I specialise in Eremophila species but grow other native plants which are low-maintenance, and present with a range of lovely flowers all year round. I supply to areas that need hardy plants to rehabilitate the soil, but I also supply to the general population who are looking for an easy but very beautiful plant for their home. These plants can be used anywhere and are also great if you need to present a rental property, local council or a property development. I am very passionate about native WA plants and have a wealth of knowledge which I love to share with everyone.”

Andrew Brown and Bevan Buirchell (2011) A Field Guide to the Eremophilas of Western Australia, Simon Nevill Publications.

from the Foreword by Dr Kevin Thiele:

“Eremophila is … one of the most species-rich genera in Western Australia – with around 300 species, subspecies and varieties, it is exceeded only by Acacia, Eucalyptus and Grevillea in number.”

Enquiries:
Richard Clark (Secretary)
0427 385 551
rmc@swisp.net.au