July 2021
The gardens have certainly been very frosty with icicles clinging to fences and frozen puddles for the last few days. Looking across our paddocks early morning we could be in the coldest parts of the world except for the remanent growth of eucalypts!
There are many plants in the wintery garden that stand out in a spectacular manner.
Deciduous magnolias begin blooming and if you are lucky enough to see one in full bloom take a moment to cherish its magnificence. Their flower time is often fleeting and all too quickly they are covered with leaves again.
In the shrub world I get very excited when the deciduous viburnums begin their flower journey. The scent is exquisite. A hedge of Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica) or any of the dwarf varieties are a blaze of red leaves and berries at this time of the year.
Bulbs are beginning to flower. If you missed out on planting early spring bulbs think about planting summer flowering bulbs soon.
To get that pop of colour for Spring colour, sow seeds in pots. Edible flowers include calendulas, dianthus, nasturtium, pansies and portulaca.
My number one rule to get the best results in pots is to use the best quality potting mix. Look for the Australian Standard 5 ticks are printed on the bag. Fill the pots with potting mix up until there is a two-centimetre space from the top of the mix to the top of the pot.
Sprinkle in your choice of seeds. Water in gently with a fine spray.
I often cover my seed pots with some gauze secured with some string to stop rodents or birds from eating the seed or new shoots of greenery.
Greening up workspaces in offices and indoor spaces create greater productivity.
Studies show there is a boost in mood and concentration. Indoor greenery improves better air quality. Studies show one plant equals 25% cleaner air, five plants 75% cleaner air and 10 plants have maximum health and wellness.
Best large office plants include philodendron, Sabre figs (Ficus binnendikii) or Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). Best trailing plants for low light areas are Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) or Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum).
Enjoy every moment of the sunny days in your garden after the frosty start to the day.
