Page 40 - Silver Lakes_Issue 7_2022

GARDENING

Gazania Aloe ecklonis
TIPS FOR SPRING

By Elize Malan

inter temperatures have been during winter. Fertilise or apply lawn down. Dormant bulbs can be left in the soil
colder than last year, and frost dressing and sufficient water to start the until the next flowering season.
Wdamage is visible on a variety new season lawn growing.
of plants. Discard tulip bulbs after flowering as
LM lawn should not be cut short and no artificial growing conditions are created for
Trimming lawn dressing is applied, but sufficient tulips to flower in our climate.
This would be the first step in preparation water and fertiliser are required.
for summer. New ideas
Make sure that all standard roses, young A worm farm is a good way of getting rid of
Check long-term weather forecasts to trees and shrubs are securely staked. kitchen waste, resulting in wonderful worm
ensure that no more cold spells are compost and worm leachate (worm pee).
predicted. If compost was applied in autumn as mulch This can be used to nourish pot plants,
to shrubs and beds, it can now be tilled into orchids and even garden plants.
Prune poinsettia, hypericum, solanum, the soil with a slow-release fertiliser of your
canary creepers, golden showers and choice. Apply a new layer of compost or Growing indigenous plants in our gardens
buddleia to remove dead or overgrowing mulch and do not till again. The odd weed has been promoted for many years. Try
plant material. If, by chance, your roses can be removed by hand. planting a collection of species endemic to
still need to be pruned, this can be done your specific area. Aloe ecklonis and Gazania
in August. Large potted plants can be rejuvenated are suitable for summer rainfall gardens.
by removing the top layer of old potting
Prune wisteria and mayflower as soon as soil and replacing it with fresh soil and Different flowering times means that
they have finished flowering. compost. Do not forget to mulch. food will be provided for bees and birds
throughout the year. As every species has
Hedges like Duranta, plumbago and even Propagation its specific pests, the use of pesticides
Carissa macrocarpa that have severe cold Divide ornamental grasses, daylilies and should be limited.
damage on the top can be trimmed back Phormium plants.
to the first green growth. Remember to Tel: 012 804 1807
apply fertiliser and compost at soil level. Easy growing annuals such as marigold can Fax: 012 804 0278
Hedge plants are grown close together be sown directly in the garden. The seeds Web: www.garden-group.co.za
and are heavy feeders. need to be kept moist at all times until Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
germination. Once two mature leaves are
Preparation visible, water requirements will be reduced.
Kikuyu lawns need to be cut short by
setting the mower on its lowest setting or Seasonal bulbs that are no longer flowering
scarified by a professional. This, to remove but still have leaves need to receive
the old dead matter that has accumulated specialised bulb food until the leaves die

38 | INTRAMUROS AUGUST 2022