It’s almost impossible to predict the weather at the moment. One day we’re sweltering through 40-plus degrees, and the next, we’re almost digging in the wardrobe for a jumper because it’s gotten cold!
At least the cooler days are giving both us and our gardens a chance to recover before the next burst of hot weather.
If your garden is like mine, you may have some plants looking a bit worse for wear with scorched foliage where they bore the brunt of the heat. The temptation now is to go out and prune all that burnt foliage off to make the plant look better, but don’t do that just yet. It’s almost guaranteed that we will experience more very hot days; February and March can both be extremely hot. By pruning off the damaged parts now, you encourage the plant to send out new, more delicate growth which is even more susceptible to the heat. Those damaged leaves will at least provide some protection for the rest of the plant underneath them and can be removed in 5 or 6 weeks’ time after the worst of summer has passed.
Cacti and succulents are generally very tolerant of heat, and they usually require far less water. They form a diverse collection of plants ranging from groundcovers to tall shrubs like some in the Jade family, and there are even some very tall cacti. Requiring significantly less water than most plants, succulents are the perfect choice for those dry, hot spots in the garden, as well as for pots—especially smaller pots, which can be challenging to find the right plant for. With a wide range of leaf colors and styles, along with amazingly lovely flowers, it’s worth considering if you have a spot for one of these in your home.
Indoor Plants Collection Await at Our Garden Centre!
The indoor plants area has been one of the most popular sections in all garden centers for quite some time. This popularity is partly due to modern houses having limited outside garden space, coupled with the rise in apartment-style living where the only viable gardening space is indoors. We offer a broad selection of plants, ranging from easy-to-care-for Peace Lilies to the increasingly popular 'collector' plants. Our stock from Enliven, the largest growers of collectible plants in Australia, arrives every couple of weeks. So, if you're looking for something different and a bit exclusive, feel free to drop by and see what’s in store. Alternatively, inquire about availability if you are seeking something specific.
Driving around at this time of year, it’s hard not to notice the beautiful Crepe Myrtle trees in full flower, especially the Tuscarora with its bright pink/red blooms. This plant family includes varieties ranging from ground covers to trees reaching about 5 meters in height. Crepe Myrtle flowers can be deep pink, white, lavender, or pale pink, and they are deciduous. As they age, their trunks develop the most amazing reddish coloring, making them, in my opinion, just as attractive without leaves!
Strange as it may seem, it is actually time to start thinking about preparing your veggie patch for planting winter crops. Cabbage, cauliflower, and the rest of the brassica family are what we call 'gross feeders,' meaning that they like—and, in fact, need lots of nutrients in their soil to perform well. Digging in a healthy dose of compost and animal manures, such as cow or chicken manure, now will provide the perfect start for your plants when you do put them in.
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Summer Garden Care and Protection
We’ve just experienced one of the hottest days of the summer, and quite often, February and March can be very hot too, so keep up with your watering and mulching. When the temperature is going to be high, water plants well the night before or early in the morning. If we are expecting temperatures in the mid-30s and up, I put up shade cloth to protect my veggies from the worst of the sun. You can use anything, really—old sheets, umbrellas, basically whatever you have around to give the plants some shade. Using a wetting agent will help your soils retain moisture, and applying a seaweed solution also helps plants cope with extreme temperatures. Make sure you give fruit trees a good soak weekly, and the same applies to lawns. If it’s going to be very hot, resist the temptation to mow the lawn; leaving some extra leaf will help to shade the soil and keep the root zone a bit cooler.
Final Notes
If you are out in the garden or, in fact, anywhere in the sun, please be sun-safe. Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and keep yourself well-hydrated. Speaking of hydration, don’t forget to put out water for the local birds and insects; they will really appreciate it. Safe gardening!
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.