Page 16 - Blue Valley Issue 6 2022

GARDENING

Vincas Cleomes Celosias

DECEMBER IN THE GARDEN

Usually by December your garden will be SOIL PROTECTION
in full, glorious bloom. When it comes to protecting your garden, contour compost is the gardener’s
first line of defence. Contour compost keeps the soil cool, reduces evaporation
and protects tender new roots, promoting healthier plants. Contour compost
Here are some tips to help keep your garden looking its best. also has bark chips, which reduce reflected light, thereby reducing the ambient
temperature. This, in turn, reduces the moisture lost through transpiration,
In dry weather, water deeply and less frequently, paying special attention which means you don’t have to irrigate your plants so often. Contour compost
to plants like azaleas, camellias, annuals and summer bulbs. Mulch your also helps to control weeds as the reduction of light that reaches the soil’s
garden well. surface also inhibits the germination of their seeds.
Feed roses with special rose food and water them regularly and deeply. OTHER JOBS
Discourage red spider mites by spraying a sugar solution under the leaves; • Clean paths to prevent them from becoming slippery.
use preventive sprays for powdery mildew and black spot. • Repair sheds, fences and trellises.
• Replant bare areas of lawn.
Think of summer just taking hold. Plant all its favourites like celosias, • Tidy up lawn and garden edges.
cleomes, bedding dahlias, impatiens, lobelias, marigolds and vincas. • Feed your lawn.
Also fill dull corners with long-lasting summer colour – use gauras, • Weed your garden.
daylilies, shasta daisies, salvias, cannas and alstroemerias. • Plant colourful annuals to produce a fabulous display over the festive season.

14 • Issue 6 2022 • BLUE VALLEY NEWS