- Fertilise garden beds with an all purpose fertilizer such as Dynamic Lifter or add well-rotted compost or leaves
- Foliar feed all plants with a seaweed extract to build up resistance to the hot conditions of summer
- If you didn’t do so in autumn, now is the time to plant seedlings of pansies and petunias and other spring and summer-flowering annuals
- To encourage bushy growth trim all winter-flowering shrubs such as camellia and daphne and spring-flowering shrubs such as lavender, hebe, diosma, correa, erica, candytuft, azalea and rhododendron as they finish flowering
- Before the end of October cut to the ground shrubs that have become overgrown and leggy to promote new growth. Plants that can cope with this harsh treatment are bottle brush, paper bark, buddleia, azalea, May and most deciduous, spring-flowering shrubs
- Remove spent flowers from bulbs. Don’t remove foliage for at least 6 weeks or until it has completely browned off to allow the bulb to grow larger for next year’s flowers
- Remove dead leaves from iris and day lilies and divide iris. Throw out the inner tubers and re-plant the outer ones with the top of the rhizome exposed as these will flower better
- Remove weeds as they can harbour over-wintering diseases and pests
- Remove all foliage that has been frosted. However, keep an eye on the weather and cover sensitive plants if a spring frost is forecast (remember to remove the cover in the morning)
- Look out for summer-flowering bulbs which will become available soon and should be planted in October
- Cut back banksia roses after flowering to remove old growth and to promote the new growth which will carry next year’s flowers
- Ornamental grasses should be cut back in early spring to promote lush foliage and remove any build up of thatch (dead leaves)
- Feed peonies and blueberries with aged cow manure or similar. Ensure the buds of the peonies are still exposed to encourage flowering
- Remove any suckers at the base of grafted deciduous trees and shrubs by tearing or pulling suckers off. This removes the growth bud and reduces the chance of re-growth
We can do it all for you using our team of qualified horticulturists.
If you are interested in obtaining these services or just some advice
about your garden, email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or ring Attila at Easycare on 6257 8122.
|
Maintenance 