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18th September,
2003
With
winter now past us, GRAHAM LEWIS runs through what to do in your
garden this spring...
Now that spring has arrived and we have had some rain in the southern
part orf Victoria, it ios time to get your gardening gloves back
on. In fact, in any state of Australia, September to November is
a great time to enjoy the garden. However, some initial preparations
will ensure that you get the most out of your work. The following
tasks are considered to be essential jobs by Jane Edmanson (Gardening
Australia, September 2003):
• Feed your lawn with an appropriate fertiliser. At the same
time remove any weeds from the lawn before they embark on a takeover
mission.
• Feed your garden beds with Blood and Bone, Dynamic Lifter
or Osmocote. Ensure you use the correct product for your garden
type. Newly planted seedlings can be watered in with fish emulsion
or liquid seaweed.
• Check for aphids and mites on any new growth. Jane Edmanson
suggests that you can squash them between your fingers or use pyrethrum
spray. Both methods are environmentally friendly and avoid the use
of toxic chemicals.
• Feed bulbs such as daffodils or hyacinths as they finish
flowering. This enables them to store nutrients within the bulb
for next season’s growth. Camellias and azaleas could also
do with a good feed now.
• Dead-head any spent flowers on winter flowering plants.
This will continue the length of the flowering season.
• Rake and sweep garden paths to remove any old leaves and
soil litter. Make yourself a compost bin and reduce the amount of
dollars spent on fertiliser.
• Fertislise citrus trees such as lemons, limes and grapefruits
with a slow release organic fertiliser. A sure indication of hunger
will include yellowing leaves.
• Watch the gardening shows on TV for more ideas. Personally,
Burke’s Backyard is fun but for real depth, try Gardening
Australia (ABC at 6.30pm on Friday nights).
• Visit any Open Gardens in your area - or your local botanical
garden - for inspiration and a good ramble. Check the gardening
section of your local paper.
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