In the mid-1980s, the Northern Territory's Department of Primary Industries began a trial to grow tropical species of cut flowers. Forty years later, brightly colored ornamental gingers and red-claw heliconia can still be found in Territorian homes.
However, it could be coming to an end. The industry began with about 40 growers, but today, there are only five, and those left are close to retirement. Jan Hintze has been growing flowers with her husband outside Darwin in Lambells Lagoon since the NT's trial.
Now 80 years old, she says the industry is going 'fairly poorly.' "So they are in the same situation as we are, so I think it will just fade away as we do."
"It's a pity because I've enjoyed it so much, and I'm still enjoying it, and you never really imagine the end of something you've enjoyed." Mrs Hintze said the dwindling number of growers came down to the size of the market, with flowers no longer being sold interstate.
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