Gardening writer JACKIE WARBURTON says now’s the best time to divide and propagate cranesbill geraniums, a long-flowering, low-growing ground cover.
The Horticultural Society’s upcoming spring bulb and camellia show is always worth a visit to see the different varieties of camellias that grow well in our region.
The society will also have displays and sales of plants, flowers and anything garden related.
There will also be special bulbs on display, you might be surprised at how many daffodils are available to grow.
There’ll be many Canberra gardeners with a lot of knowledge there, so always be someone nearby to answer gardeners’ questions.
It’s at Fitzroy Pavilion, Exhibition Park, September 20-21. Entry $5, members free. More at hsoc.org.au
NOW’S the best time to divide and propagate cranesbill geraniums, a long-flowering, low-growing ground cover.
Its flowers range from pinks, purples and whites from late summer to autumn.
They’re a hard-working perennial that can fill a tricky spot in the sun or in the gravel garden and a nectar for the pollinators. They soften hard surfaces and can gracefully spill over a wall.
Most cranesbill have a pungency when their leaves are crushed, which is a terrific deterrent for rabbits, rats or mice.
They can take a little bit to get going, but once established they form a low-growing, carefree ground cover that keeps the weeds away. They are a hard-working perennial that can fill a tricky spot in the sun or in the gravel garden and a nectar for the pollinators.
From the annual prune, use the clippings to make more plants. Remove the lower leaves from the clippings, dip them into honey and place them into a propagation mix of 50 per cent compost and 50 per cent sand.
Use a dibble stick to make a good hole and drop the sprig into the hole, press potting media down and water with a seaweed solution and place in the shade.
WITH the weather warming, ponds will need an annual clean out of winter debris, algae and a refresh of plants in the water.
An imbalance of nutrients can start an algae bloom, which can be hard to rid the pond of. There are additives that can be used, or a complete drain might be required.
Always keep ponds clean and clear of leaves so the fish can breathe better and the water will stay clear. A trickle of movement in the water helps keep mosquitoes at bay.
Ponds can take a little maintenance but adding one to the garden encourages different insects and wildlife to the garden.
WITH more warmth in the soil, direct sowing of beetroot, carrots, lettuce, peas can be done. Lightly cover with shade cloth overnight to keep bugs at bay, but remove when growth is strong.
Once seeds have emerged, don’t let them dry out and feed with a weak solution of Seasol.
Jottings
- Feed the garden with flowering food a few weeks before harvest.
- Remove old fruit from citrus to encourage flowering and fruiting.
- Prune camellias that have finished flowering.
- Liquid feed the whole garden every fortnight.
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