Spring is upon us so it is time to get serious about the garden. Fertilising, mulching, weeding, composting, de-heading, checking for diseases and pests are all important aspects of gardening but let’s get down to the fun part – planting our new plants.
Vegie Garden
If you have a vegie garden you will start to see tomato plants making an appearance in nurseries. If planting now they will need protection though as frost is still possible and snails are a nuisance. Seedlings to look out for planting now are lettuce, beetroot, broccoli, celery, spring onions, silver beet, and spinach. Cucumbers, zucchinis, eggplant etc. will also start soon. Herbs and strawberries are also favourites.
Flower Garden
Hardenbergias are still flowering and the purple and white flower tumbling down a pergola or verandah are a bright spot of colour. Azaleas are out now with many different colours available. There are varieties suited to shade, dappled shade and sun tolerant.
Look out for Arctotis, Osteospermums, Lavenders, Foxgloves, Dianthus, Geraniums, Ericas, Neriums, Salvias, Boronias, Nasturtiums, Diosmas, Escallonias and Loropetalums.
Roses are also putting on new growth with flowers appearing later in the season. Don’t forget to cut blooms for inside. This also encourages more flowers.
Summer time favourites such as Marigolds, Petunias, Dianthus, Campanulas, Lobelias, Aquilegias and Cornflowers will soon be seen in the nurseries. Violas, Pansies, Primulas and Polyanthus are still flowering and make a great splash of colour.
House plants are also making a comeback. Remember to put them outside once in a while to get some fresh air and don’t overwater.
Nothing beats a succulent for easy care. There are so many varieties, they are colourful in themselves and often have colourful flowers and are so hardy you don’t need a green thumb. Best in full sun and there are varieties that go well in hanging baskets.
Trees
Fruit trees are starting to flower and the scent is beautiful. Look out for dwarf varieties of pear, peach, nectarine and apples. While many of the new varieties of fruit trees are self-fertile, apples still need a pollinator to obtain fruit. Check labels for appropriate pollinators. If you have not sprayed stone fruit for curly leaf I am afraid it is too late unless the buds are still fully closed.
Citrus trees are looking fantastic at the moment and dwarf varieties look great in a wine barrel. Make sure they get full sun.
Weeping cherries and maples will start with their new growth soon after being dormant over winter. Australian natives are also stunning and attract both birdlife and butterflies. They come in all sizes from trees to ground covers.
All of the mentioned varieties are available at Beaconsfield Home Timber and Hardware so have a peek at their nursery in the near future.
Written by Anja Potter
