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From
now on the diverse range of Australian plants comes into
flower, and there is such a huge range of tall, medium and
small native shrubs to grow from every garden situation.
One wattle that is ideal for a smallish space is Acacia drummondii with masses of golden yellow ‘rod’
shaped flowers, on a bush that grows approximately one metre
high.
Look out for the
heath banksia (B. ericifolia), always a quick growing beauty to fill a spot by the
fence. With
its colourful orange flowers it is guaranteed to attract
wattlebirds and other native birds seeking out the nectar.
It is time to be
planting bulbs such as gladioli, dahlias, liliums,
hippeastrum and nerines for summer and autumn flowering.
Dig
some Amgrow
Organix Lime into a spot in the vegie bed and plant
long keeping onions. Dig
the ground over well so it has no large clods.
Plant broad beans,
cabbage, lettuce, silver beet and asparagus.
It is probably a little early for tomatoes (unless
you put them under protective cover of
plastic or glass). Peas
can be sown now, do not over-water the seeds until they
germinate.
Potatoes can be
planted now, always select quality certified seed potatoes.
Dig the soil over thoroughly, and plant in rows about
40 -60 cm apart, and 10 - 15 cm deep.
Spread a generous amount of all Garden
King All Purpose Plant Food around and water deeply
once a week, but do not overwater.
I is best
to apply an extra side dressing of potash about 30 days
after green shoots grow.
A
lot of lemon tree leaves and other citrus such as mandarins,
cumquats or grapefruit can have yellow leaves at this time.
It is usual at the end of winter,
and just be prepared to feed these plants in coming weeks
with
Garden King Citrus food or a complete fertiliser.
Plenty of summer
flowering annuals can be sown, especially if you have a cold
frame or glasshouse for a bit of extra heat.
Examples that can be sown from now on: carnation,
Californian poppy, cosmos, impatiens, African marigold.
Fuchsias should be
cut back hard, at least down into the old wood.
Fuchsia ‘Corrallie’ flowers practically all year
but d o prune it now as all
fuchsias flower better with a prune.
Helleborus
(Lenten roses) are in full flower, making wonderful ground
covering plants in partial shade. Float the
flowers in a bird bath, or indoors in a bowl as they are in
beautiful shades of cream or mauve-purple.
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