August is one of the coldest months of the year but it is also the Winter month closest to Spring so our thoughts must now turn to the tasks needed to be completed as Spring approaches. Much of the work is preparation for the sowing of seeds, planting and cleaning up of weeds. As the days lengthen day time temperature can be quite warm which can bring on new growth but be aware that nights will still be cold and there will be plenty of frosts to come.
How can we not mention roses for the month of July. Oderings new seasons roses have arrived. Often in Winter my interest in the garden becomes as dormant as the plants, and I curl up with a book and a nice hot cuppa, and ignore the cold weather around me. Although this is likely the … Read More
We are having a very wet Winter so far so this will restrict much of what we can do in the garden during this month. It will be better to wait for improved weather so that we will not do any harm in and around the garden. Most of the work needed to be done … Read More
Flower Garden Now is the time to get the last of the Spring bulbs planted especially tulips and lilies. As the ground allows plantings of polyanthus, pansy, violas and other Spring flowers can continue. New stock of roses are arriving in the nurseries so get in early to get the best choice of plants. Prepare … Read More
Flower Garden Carry on with bulb planting. Remember many bulbs do just as well in pots. Plant Spring flowering plants such as polyanthus, primulas, pansies, poppies and forget-me-nots. Lift dahlias and begonias after frosts, cut back the tops and store in a cool dark place. Cut back by about 1/3 chrysanthemums as the flowers finish. … Read More
Flower Garden As summer flowers pass their best remove them and prepare the ground for planting for Winter/Spring flowers like pansy, wall flowers, polyanthus and violas. Now is bulb planting time. Choose good firm unblemished bulbs and plant as soon as possible so they get a good start. Sow sweet peas now in good deep … Read More
From Michael Coulter This summer has been something of a challenge with below average rainfall and wind making for a difficult growing season. Watering is needed more often as plants have dried out quicker, plants need to be supported more, and plants that have been wind damaged need to be pruned to repair any broken branches. So … Read More
AUGUST – ALL ABOUT GARDENING With Michael Coulter N.I.W.A said, ‘Mild winter – outbreaks of southerlies’…They were exactly right. It was the 4th – warmest July on record for N.Z… Very warm in the South, dry in the North. A very warm July was experienced in the South Island. Mean temperatures for July were well … Read More
The large Narcissus fly (Lampetia equestris) flies in October and November. This fly is the same size as a blow fly with the same distinctive buzz. The female lays eggs on the top of a bulb and the resulting caterpillar feeds on the inside of the bulb right through summer. It is known to attack … Read More
It is a myth perpetuated by the Garden Centres that bulbs should be planted early. Research and experience has shown that the bulbs are best when planted when the soil temperature has dropped below 12C. In New Zealand this is at, or just after, Easter. Planting: We recommend that bulbs are planted 20 cm deep … Read More