Page 11 - Blue Valley_Issue 2_2022

GARDENING

ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN AUTUMN GARDENS

BY ELIZE MALAN

Above-normal rainfall this year has resulted in lush,
vigorous growth that has exceeded all expectations.
However, overgrown gardens and an explosion in insect
and fungus infections are the other side of the coin.

ou’ll need to prioritise cutting back and
shaping most of your plants during April
Yand May, but do not trim plants that will
flower in spring on the previous season’s growth;
for example, the Mayflower.

Trim low-growing branches on trees. Evergreen
trees need some crown thinning to provide a
dappled shade effect. If the cut branches are
shredded, they can be used as mulch. Green
mulch will always need an application of fertiliser
to aid the decomposition process.
Scabiosa Geraniums
Herbaceous plants such as Salvia, Gaura and Felicia
can be cut short (5cm to 10cm). Apply an organic
fertiliser such as Bounce Back as well as compost.
Do not till, but irrigate well.

Dimorphotheca

the year. If fungus or insects caused excessive dead insects tend to stick to the plant leaves and
damage, rather replace the plants with cuttings stems, and they usually have to be removed with a
or new plants. Groundcovers are fast growers high-pressure hose or by using a brush.
and it will be cheaper to replace them rather than
spending money on insecticides and fungicides. On trees or plants that are impossible to reach with
spray equipment, systemic products can be used.
Erigeron After pruning, the remaining plant material can be These products can take months to be effective.
treated for visible pests and diseases. Do not use systemic poison when deciduous
plants are without leaves.
In areas prone to frost, Erigeron should Whitefly: Moist, warm conditions and overgrown The most pleasant part of your autumn garden
rather be trimmed short in spring. plants are ideal for this sucking insect to thrive, care comes last on the list: Choose and sow flower
and it can cause havoc in a garden. On a sunny
day, shaking a plant will release a white cloud seeds for winter and spring. Decide on species
Dimorphotheca: Prune hard after flowering in its of small flies. Their life cycle takes only 10 days and colour schemes for seedlings and try to grow
second season and replace older woody plants. some spring flowering bulbs.
and treatment against infestation needs to be
repeated until no flies are visible. Neem Oil, an
Geraniums: Cut back by about a third. The cut Now you can sit back, enjoy the mild autumn
material can be used to grow new plants. Autumn organic pesticide, will clear the problem. sun and watch the leaves drop. We have had a
is the best time for growing these cuttings. good summer in Gauteng; hopefully, this coming
Scale or mealybug are both sap-sucking insects season will be the same.
Scabiosa: Cut old woody plants right back; they and easy to identify. Applying complete cover with
will shoot from the base. The plants prefer poor a contact insecticide will yield good results. The Source: www.garden-group.co.za
soil, and no fertiliser needs to be applied.
Kniphofia: In very cold areas, cut plants at soil level Carpobrotus
during late summer. Apply compost and fertiliser;
it will allow for some growth before winter. For
warmer areas you can leave the trimming until
spring.

Groundcovers, especially the winter rainfall species
such as Carpobrotus, are pruned back throughout

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 2 2022• 9