Products

Dipsacus sativus

Teasel is a striking biennial producing tall, architectural stems topped with distinctive comb-like flower heads. Growing up to approximately 2 m tall, the unusual spiny heads bring structure and interest to cottage gardens, wildflower plantings and the back of garden beds.

The flower heads are excellent for dried arrangements and have a fascinating history of practical use. Once dried, cultivated teasels were traditionally used in the woollen textile industry to gently tease and raise the nap of fine cloth, their naturally hooked bracts being particularly well suited to the task.

Plants generally form a leafy rosette during their first year before sending up tall flowering stems in their second. The flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, while mature seed heads can provide food for seed-eating birds.

Teasel performs particularly well in temperate climates and prefers full sun to partial shade with reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Plants can self-seed readily, so remove mature seed heads if unwanted spread is a concern.

Approximately 100 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Generally not suited to hot, humid climates
Subtropics: Autumn to winter in cooler locations
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow or raise in trays, covering seed lightly with soil or seed-raising mix. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.

Thin or transplant seedlings to approximately 45–60 cm apart. Choose a position with room for the tall flowering stems to develop, and provide support if plants are exposed to strong winds.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Illustrated with hundreds of full-colour photographs, "The Biodynamic Food & Cookbook" explains the principles behind biodynamics, and places it in the context of food and cooking throughout the ages. Wendy Cook takes us on a journey through the four seasons, presenting over 150 delicious recipes based on many years of working with biodynamic nutrition. She studies the ethics of food, the foundations of a balanced diet, and conjures up the colour and vibrancy of Mallorca, which has contributed so much to her personal approach. There are supplementary sections on breads, sauces, salads, desserts, drinks and much more.

Three talks from the sixth English-speaking International Conference.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer was a pioneer of biodynamics, first in Switzerland and then in the USA in the pre- and post-war years. This wide-ranging book reflects his concern for the different landscapes of the earth, and the effects of industrialisation and mechanisation on our environment.He studies various landscapes, including plains, mountains and woods as well as urban centres, parks and gardens, and explores what factors (natural and artificial) lead to the maintenance or loss of soil fertility. He calls on all people to take responsibility for our landscapes. His opinions and vision for the future are remarkably relevant today, sixty years on from the original publication.

Man's search for harmony in garden design. Watercolour and other artworks by 40 artists covering 20 topics.

The organic origin of rocks and minerals. In this book we have attempted to look at scientific facts concerning the world of rocks in the light which Rudolf Steiner has shed on all spheres of human life and endeavour in his anthroposphy or spiritual science. Seen from the point of view the Earth is a living organism whose life is interwoven spiritually with the life of the heavenly bodies in the solar system and the whole realm of the stars.

This book is a solid presentation of how the plants grow and adapt to different altitudes, latitudes and climates around the world. This book contains 136 photographs and drawings that provide valuable insights into the effects of these forces. (First book in a two volume set.)

In this second volume in the set, Grohmann penetrates the specific family character of all plants that flower, including grasses, labiates, nightshades and many others. This book is profusely illustrated to aid the reader.

Information on production and marketing of culinary and medicinal herb and spice crops, at the scale of the small farm.

The Seed Savers' Handbook

Michel & Jude Fanton

Written by the founders of Australia's Seed Savers' Network, The Seed Savers' Handbook is an essential guide to saving, growing and sharing seed while helping protect the diversity of our food heritage.

Covering more than 100 vegetables, culinary herbs and edible flowers, Michel and Jude Fanton explore seed collection and storage, plant growth cycles, propagation and cultivation, alongside traditional culinary and medicinal uses. Practical and deeply relevant, it gives home gardeners the knowledge to successfully save their own seed and keep valuable varieties growing from one generation to the next.

More than a gardening reference, this book explores the vital connection between seed saving, biodiversity, food security and community resilience. A must-have for anyone interested in growing food, saving seed and protecting our shared food heritage.

Creating local sustainable communities beyond oil dependency.

Thymus vulgaris

Ayelet Thyme is a hardy evergreen perennial growing to around 30 cm tall, prized for its fine flavour and aromatic foliage. An essential culinary herb, the small leaves are widely used to season meats, fish, soups, stews and vegetables, and can also be infused into vinegars and oils. In the garden, thyme attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators while helping to deter cabbage moths when planted amongst brassicas. Traditionally, thyme tea has also been used as a natural garden spray to help discourage powdery mildew.

Approximately 4,000–5,000 seeds per gram
Approximately 350 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: August to October
Mild climates: Spring and autumn
Cold climates: Spring after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed on the surface of a fine, well-drained seed-raising mix, lightly pressing into the soil without covering, as light assists germination. Keep moist until seedlings emerge. Transplant into a sunny position with well-drained soil, spacing plants 25–30 cm apart. Thyme thrives in dry conditions once established and requires little maintenance. Harvest sprigs regularly to encourage compact, bushy growth.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Thymus vulgaris

Common Thyme is a hardy evergreen perennial growing to around 30 cm tall, valued for its fine flavour and fragrant foliage. An indispensable culinary herb, the aromatic leaves complement meats, fish, soups, stews and vegetables, and are excellent infused into vinegars and oils. In the garden, thyme attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators while helping to deter cabbage moths when planted amongst brassicas. Traditionally, thyme tea has also been used as a natural garden spray to help discourage powdery mildew.

Approximately 4,000–5,000 seeds per gram
Approximately 300 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: August to October
Mild climates: Spring and autumn
Cold climates: Spring after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed on the surface of a fine, well-drained seed-raising mix, lightly press into the soil without covering, as light assists germination. Keep moist until seedlings emerge. Transplant into a sunny position with well-drained soil, spacing plants 25–30 cm apart. Thyme thrives in dry, sunny conditions once established and requires little maintenance. Harvest sprigs regularly to encourage compact, bushy growth.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Thymus vulgaris

Common Thyme is a hardy evergreen perennial growing to around 30 cm tall, valued for its fine flavour and fragrant foliage. An indispensable culinary herb, the aromatic leaves complement meats, fish, soups, stews and vegetables, and are excellent infused into vinegars and oils. In the garden, thyme attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators while helping to deter cabbage moths when planted amongst brassicas. Traditionally, thyme tea has also been used as a natural garden spray to help discourage powdery mildew.

Approximately 4,000–5,000 seeds per gram
Approximately 300 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: August to October
Mild climates: Spring and autumn
Cold climates: Spring after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed on the surface of a fine, well-drained seed-raising mix, lightly press into the soil without covering, as light assists germination. Keep moist until seedlings emerge. Transplant into a sunny position with well-drained soil, spacing plants 25–30 cm apart. Thyme thrives in dry, sunny conditions once established and requires little maintenance. Harvest sprigs regularly to encourage compact, bushy growth.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Thymus serpyllum

Wild Thyme, also known as Creeping Thyme, is a low-growing perennial herb that forms dense mats of aromatic foliage covered in masses of tiny pink to purple flowers. Highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, it creates a colourful carpet through the warmer months and is well suited to borders, rockeries, pathways and between stepping stones where its fragrance is released when brushed or walked upon.

Native to Europe and parts of Asia, Wild Thyme has been valued for centuries as both a culinary and medicinal herb. While milder in flavour than Common Thyme, its leaves can be used fresh or dried to season a variety of dishes. Traditionally, thyme has been prepared as a tea and used to soothe sore throats, coughs and winter ailments, often combined with honey.

Tough and adaptable, Wild Thyme thrives in sunny positions and well-drained soils, tolerating drought once established. It can also cope with light shade, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of garden settings. Its spreading habit helps suppress weeds while providing year-round groundcover and habitat for pollinators.

Easy to grow and highly ornamental, Wild Thyme is a valuable addition to herb gardens, edible landscapes and pollinator-friendly plantings.

Approximately 6,250 seeds per gram
Approximately 400 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: August to April
Cold climates: September to January

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed on the surface of moist seed-raising mix and lightly press into place. Cover only very lightly, as light assists germination. Keep moist until seedlings emerge. Transplant into a sunny or partly shaded position with well-drained soil, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart. Once established, plants will gradually spread to form an attractive aromatic groundcover.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Layia platyglossa

Tidy Tips is a cheerful annual wildflower producing bright golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers characteristically tipped in crisp white. Native to California, where it grows naturally through dry coastal habitats, meadows and grasslands, the distinctive two-toned blooms create a wonderfully fresh display through spring.

A member of the Asteraceae family, Tidy Tips is excellent for wildflower gardens, cottage plantings, borders and mass sowing. The open flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects and combine beautifully with other annual wildflowers for a naturalistic meadow effect.

Easy to grow and well adapted to relatively dry conditions, plants prefer full sun and free-draining soil. Avoid overly rich soil or excessive fertiliser, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Seed count: approximately 1,100 seeds/g
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter in cooler locations
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to flower, scattering seed thinly over prepared soil and covering only lightly. Keep moist during germination and establishment.

Thin seedlings to approximately 15–20 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. For a natural wildflower display, seed can be scattered more informally and plants allowed to self-seed at the end of the season.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.