SUMMER VIBES

COLOUR POPS

For splashes of colour, it’s hard to ignore annuals such as petunias (right) and hydrangeas (far right), which love the summer heat. “For all plantings, weekly treatments of eco-seaweed and additional watering will help them settle during this tough time,” says Steve Falcioni of Organic Crop Protectants. “Seaweed helps reduce transplant shock, improves drought tolerance and stimulates strong, healthy plant growth.” Finish by mulching well with an organic mulch such as sugar cane or pea straw. This will help insulate the soil and conserve moisture.

PLANT AND PROTECT

Planting in summer requires a little more care than at other times of year, cautions horticulturist Matt Carroll. “Plants have been given ideal care at the nursery, and now they’re suddenly thrust out into the real world, where they have to contend with the blazing hot sun and drying winds,” he says. “A 50 per cent shadecloth or a large umbrella can help diffuse the light and help them better establish.” You can also make use of garden products to assist in conserving water, such as Yates Drought Shield. It acts like a ‘sunblock’, protecting plants from damaging environmental conditions.

“IRRIGATION CAN BE AN EXCELLENT WAY TO USE WATER MORE efficiently ON THE GARDEN, BUT SHOULD ALWAYS BE USED WITH CONSIDERATION. IN THIS CURRENT CLIMATE, IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE WATERWISE, SO MONITOR THE weather AND APPLY RELATIVE TO THE PLANTS’ NEEDS” ~ MICHAEL CHESTER, THE PLANT EXCHANGE

GARDEN TO PLATE

Find inspiration for your edible garden at the local garden centre. “In the vegie patch, try sweet basil, tomatoes, chillies, corn and eggplants,” says landscape architect Michael Chester, of The Plant Exchange. “Try to only plant things you know you will eat – a lot of time, energy and resources go into a vegie bed, so making considered choices will ensure little goes to waste.” In this Landart Landscapes-designed space, the vegie patch doubles up as garden seating – ideal for summer soirees. >

GO WITH THE FLOW

Consider installing an irrigation system if you don’t already have one. “Irrigation systems can be designed to give plants precisely what they need and when they need it,” explains Michael Chester of The Plant Exchange. “You don’t have to be physically present for the system to be effective. It can be automated or remotely controlled over wi-fi, ensuring you only water when required.” If you already have a system installed, now is the time to check for broken or blocked nozzles and pipes, and change filters and batteries, if necessary. “A regularly maintained irrigation system ensures there is no wastage and your plants are being watered equally, correctly and sufficiently,” adds Michael.

MAKE THE CUT

This isn’t the time of year to make drastic cuts in the garden, although, if you live in a bushfire-prone zone, prune back any branches close to your home. Plus, while you’re up there, remove leaf litter and debris from gutters. As for the garden, a light prune for most plants is all you need. “In early summer, lightly prune perennials and shrubs, including natives,” says Steve Falcioni of Organic Crop Protectants. “Removing spent flower stems now will encourage dense new growth and, for some plants, another flush of flowers to enjoy.”

UNINVITED GUESTS

Your gorgeous garden and divine flowers (left, far left & above) will not go unnoticed by hungry pests. “Chewing pests such as grasshoppers, curl grubs and lawn army worm will all be making an appearance and cause significant damage – treat at first signs with Eco-Neem,” advises Steve Falcioni. “Fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, blackspot and rust, are also rampant on vegies and ornamental plants – remove badly infected leaves and spray with eco-fungicide.”

“TO ENJOY A SECOND FLUSH OF ROSES, GIVE THEM A LIGHT PRUNE IN LATE SUMMER. REMOVE SPENT FLOWERS, FEED WITH A high-potassium OR ROSE-SPECIFIC FERTILISER AND YOU’LL BE REWARDED WITH BLOOMS IN EARLY AUTUMN” ~ MATT CARROLL, HORTIMAN