Page 24 - FWG December Issue 2022
P. 24

Gardening



            Vincas                                                  Cleomes

















































           December in the Garden





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

               To purchase natural gardening products, or for more information about how to be eco-friendly, contact Turfnet on
               Tel: 011 464 5088 or Mobile: 073 935 9754. Alternatively, email: Jerida@mweb.co.za, or visit www.turfgreen.co.za
                                         Address: Plot 17, School Road, Diepsloot. 2187.

                                                Fourways Gardens • 22 • December 2022
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