The Post Summer Garden
Episode: #1 10/03/07
Presenter: Kim Syrus
Venturing out into the autumn garden can be a little daunting. Be prepared for some sad, sunburnt plants and a few casualties battered by the summer heat. However, now is a great time to rejuvenate the yard ready for a fresh start to autumn and all of it begins with a little trimming and a bit of tidying up.
Overhanging branches that have shaded plants from the harsh summer sun can be cut back allowing a little more light to filter in. Also, clearing away shrubs from along pathways makes them easier to use.
While burnt leaves can look unsightly, keeping them on the bush over summer helps protect young developing shoots from being damaged. Trimming off the scorched leaves now exposes fresh new growth and gives plants a real lift.
There is always a danger when trimming plants back too hard in summer, exposing stems to sunburn and scorching. An example is when for instance one side of a plant has been trimmed a little too early and has really suffered while the other side has been left to grow and is doing beautifully.
Ever reliable Agapanthus, are just ready for a clean up. Start by pulling off those weathered lower leaves, this keeps the base free from litter and importantly removes places for snails to hide.
Other plants like part shade loving Begonias can also do with a tidy up to keep down any fungal and insect’s problems later in autumn.
Summer, and water restrictions seem to have really sorted out the best lawns to have in Adelaide. Running types like couch, buffalo and kikuyu have pulled through remarkably well, while seeded varieties like the fescues and bent grass types have really struggled.
Tall fescue lawn has real trouble over the summer months; large areas die off leaving behind scattered withering tufts. The bare patches will slowly fill with weeds and before long they will have taken over and the lawn will be a jungle. The time to start considering replanting the area that is damaged is now, one of the other grass varieties would be much more suitable for the climate. Doing it now will help establish any new lawn before winter.
If you have clay soil, and hard poorly draining areas, then Yates Gypsum Clay Breaker, and loads of it, will really help to open up the ground and do wonders for your plants. Simply spread evenly through your garden beds, around trees and over the lawn at around 1kg per square metre. You can water it in or, if you time it with a rain, then Mother Nature will wash it in for you.
Better drainage will make your garden more waterwise by helping water to soak into the soil and not lay on the surface to be lost through evaporation. So hop out in the yard, give it a lift and discover the joys of autumn gardening.
Gypsum Clay Breaker
Presenter: Kim Syrus
Venturing out into the autumn garden can be a little daunting. Be prepared for some sad, sunburnt plants and a few casualties battered by the summer heat. However, now is a great time to rejuvenate the yard ready for a fresh start to autumn and all of it begins with a little trimming and a bit of tidying up.
Overhanging branches that have shaded plants from the harsh summer sun can be cut back allowing a little more light to filter in. Also, clearing away shrubs from along pathways makes them easier to use.
While burnt leaves can look unsightly, keeping them on the bush over summer helps protect young developing shoots from being damaged. Trimming off the scorched leaves now exposes fresh new growth and gives plants a real lift.
There is always a danger when trimming plants back too hard in summer, exposing stems to sunburn and scorching. An example is when for instance one side of a plant has been trimmed a little too early and has really suffered while the other side has been left to grow and is doing beautifully.
Ever reliable Agapanthus, are just ready for a clean up. Start by pulling off those weathered lower leaves, this keeps the base free from litter and importantly removes places for snails to hide.
Other plants like part shade loving Begonias can also do with a tidy up to keep down any fungal and insect’s problems later in autumn.
Summer, and water restrictions seem to have really sorted out the best lawns to have in Adelaide. Running types like couch, buffalo and kikuyu have pulled through remarkably well, while seeded varieties like the fescues and bent grass types have really struggled.
Tall fescue lawn has real trouble over the summer months; large areas die off leaving behind scattered withering tufts. The bare patches will slowly fill with weeds and before long they will have taken over and the lawn will be a jungle. The time to start considering replanting the area that is damaged is now, one of the other grass varieties would be much more suitable for the climate. Doing it now will help establish any new lawn before winter.
If you have clay soil, and hard poorly draining areas, then Yates Gypsum Clay Breaker, and loads of it, will really help to open up the ground and do wonders for your plants. Simply spread evenly through your garden beds, around trees and over the lawn at around 1kg per square metre. You can water it in or, if you time it with a rain, then Mother Nature will wash it in for you.
Better drainage will make your garden more waterwise by helping water to soak into the soil and not lay on the surface to be lost through evaporation. So hop out in the yard, give it a lift and discover the joys of autumn gardening.
Gypsum Clay Breaker
- Helps to soften hard clay soils and improves soil structure.
- Contains trace elements that promote healthy plant growth and seaweed containing natural plant growth promotants.
- Great for garden beds and potted plants.
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