Page 30 - SilverLakes_Issue 3_2022

GARDENING

ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN

AUTUMN GARDENS

By Elize Malan

bove-normal rainfall this year has Dimorphotheca: Prune hard after flowering After pruning, the remaining plant material
resulted in lush, vigorous growth in its second season and replace older woody can be treated for visible pests and diseases.
Athat has exceeded all expectations. plants.
However, overgrown gardens and an Whitefly: Moist, warm conditions and
explosion in insect and fungus infections are Geraniums: Cut back by about a third. The overgrown plants are ideal for this sucking
the other side of the coin. cut material can be used to grow new plants. insect to thrive, and it can cause havoc in a
Autumn is the best time for growing these garden. On a sunny day, shaking a plant will
You’ll need to prioritise cutting back and cuttings. release a white cloud of small flies. Their life
shaping most of your plants during March cycle takes only 10 days and treatment against
and April, but do not trim plants that will Scabiosa: Cut old woody plants right back; infestation needs to be repeated until no flies
flower in spring on the previous season’s they will shoot from the base. The plants are visible. Neem Oil, an organic pesticide,
growth; for example, the Mayflower. prefer poor soil, and no fertiliser needs to be will clear the problem.
applied.
Trim low-growing branches on trees. Scale or mealybug are both sap-sucking
Evergreen trees need some crown thinning Kniphofia: In very cold areas, cut plants at soil insects and easy to identify. Applying
to provide a dappled shade effect. If the level during late summer. Apply compost and complete cover with a contact insecticide
cut branches are shredded, it can be fertiliser; it will allow for some growth before will yield good results. The dead insects tend
used as mulch. Green mulch will always winter. For warmer areas you can leave the to stick to the plant leaves and stems, and
need an application of fertiliser to aid the trimming until spring. they usually have to be removed with a high-
decomposition process. pressure hose or by using a brush.
Groundcovers, especially the winter rainfall
Herbaceous plants such as Salvia, Gaura and species such as Carpobrotus, are pruned On trees or plants that are impossible to reach
Felicia can be cut short (5cm to 10cm). Apply back throughout the year. If fungus or insects with spray equipment, systemic products can
an organic fertiliser such as Bounce Back as caused excessive damage, rather replace be used. These products can take months
well as compost. Do not till, but irrigate well. the plants with cuttings or new plants. to be effective. Do not use systemic poison
Groundcovers are fast growers and it will be when deciduous plants are without leaves.
In areas prone to frost, Erigeron should cheaper to replace them rather than spending
rather be trimmed short in spring. money on insecticides and fungicides. The most pleasant part of your autumn garden
care comes last on the list: Choose and sow
flower seeds for winter and spring. Decide on
species and colour schemes for seedlings and
try to grow some spring flowering bulbs.

Now you can sit back, enjoy the mild autumn
sun and watch the leaves drop. We have had
a good summer in Gauteng; hopefully, this
coming season will be the same.

Scabiosa Geranium Erigeron Tel: 012 804 1807
Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Email: admin@garden-group.co.za

Dimorphotheca Carpobrotus

28 | INTRAMUROS APRIL 2022