Page 13 - Blue Valley Issue 4_2022

Africa’s Largest Selection of Patio Furniture & Accessories GARDENING

TIPS FOR SPRING

BY ELIZE MALAN

inter temperatures have been colder If compost was applied in autumn as mulch to food until the leaves die down. Dormant bulbs can
than last year, and frost damage is shrubs and beds, it can now be tilled into the be left in the soil until the next flowering season.
Wvisible on a variety of plants. soil with a slow-release fertiliser of your choice.
Apply a new layer of compost or mulch and do Discard tulip bulbs after flowering as artificial
TRIMMING not till again. The odd weed can be removed by growing conditions are created for tulips to
This would be the first step in preparation for hand. flower in our climate.
summer.
Large potted plants can be rejuvenated by NEW IDEAS
Check long-term weather forecasts to ensure removing the top layer of old potting soil and A worm farm is a good way of getting rid of
that no more cold spells are predicted. replacing it with fresh soil and compost. Do not kitchen waste, resulting in wonderful worm
forget to mulch. compost and worm leachate (worm pee). This
Prune poinsettia, hypericum, solanum, canary can be used to nourish pot plants, orchids and
creepers, golden showers and buddleia to PROPAGATION even garden plants.
remove dead or overgrowing plant material. If, Divide ornamental grasses, daylilies and
by chance, your roses still need to be pruned, Phormium plants. Growing indigenous plants in our gardens has
this can be done in August. been promoted for many years. Try planting a
Easy growing annuals such as marigold can be collection of species endemic to your specific
Prune wisteria and mayflower as soon as they sown directly in the garden. The seeds need area. Aloe ecklonis and Gazania are suitable for
have finished flowering. to be kept moist at all times until germination. summer rainfall gardens.
Once two mature leaves are visible, water
Hedges like Duranta, plumbago and even requirements will be reduced. Different flowering times means that food will
Carissa macrocarpa that have severe cold be provided for bees and birds throughout the
damage on the top can be trimmed back to the Seasonal bulbs that are no longer flowering but year. As every species has its specific pests, the
first green growth. Remember to apply fertiliser still have leaves need to receive specialised bulb use of pesticides should be limited.
and compost at soil level. Hedge plants are
grown close together and are heavy feeders. Aloe ecklonis Gazania
PREPARATION
Kikuyu lawns need to be cut short by setting
the mower on its lowest setting or scarified by
a professional. This, to remove the old dead
matter that has accumulated during winter.
Fertilise or apply lawn dressing and sufficient
water to start the new season lawn growing.

LM lawn should not be cut short and no lawn
dressing is applied, but sufficient water and
fertiliser are required.
Make sure that all standard roses, young trees
and shrubs are securely staked.
Centurion - 012 657 9400 | Randburg - 011 801 0820 | Canal Walk - 021 526 7240 Source: The Garden Group www.garden-group.co.za

Somerset West - 021 840 4160 | Umhlanga - 031 566 8550 | George - 044 010 0102 BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 4 2022• 11