With summer behind us, autumn is the perfect time to plant, divide, fertilise and enjoy camellias, chrysanthemums and cycads at their best, writes gardening columnist JACKIE WARBURTON.
Autumn is a busy and rewarding time in the garden, with the long, hot days of summer now behind us.
The vegetable patch has endured a fickle season, battered by wind, heat, fewer bees and poorly timed rain that arrived when it was least needed.
March offers the chance to catch up on tasks missed in spring. Divide and transplant perennials, and plant evergreen shrubs while the soil still holds warmth. Complete the last of the ground fertilising now, as the soil begins to cool during the month and plant growth slows.
Camellias can be planted straight away into warm soil to establish before winter. Different varieties flower at varying times, so consider when colour is most needed in the garden.
In Canberra, the dependable winter-flowering favourite is Hiryu, bearing single pink blooms with a bright yellow centre. For autumn flowering in shade, Early Pearly is a lovely choice, producing small, double-white flowers that brighten darker corners.
AS temperatures ease, chrysanthemums come into their own. These tough, long-flowering shrubs respond to shorter daylight hours and provide reliable colour.
Available in a wide range of heights and forms, they are especially appealing to dahlia enthusiasts. They are easy to grow, prefer minimal fuss and perform best in full sun. Flower colours are almost endless and, when plants are healthy, they continue well into winter.
Spent blooms may be left on through the colder months, then removed in early spring as fresh growth emerges.
Over time, the underground rhizome expands into a larger clump, which can be divided in winter with a sharp spade. Chrysanthemums prefer acidic soil, making them suitable companions for camellias and azaleas.
The flowers can also be picked and steeped in water to create a mild acidic fertiliser. As cut flowers, they outlast those left outdoors in brisk autumn weather, bringing lasting colour and cheer indoors.
CYCADS have become increasingly popular in formal gardens, though they can be challenging in our climate.
Originating from the Japanese forest floor, they are not suited to harsh, reflective positions such as full sun beside a pool. Consistent moisture is essential to prevent yellowing leaves.
Use a fertiliser high in nitrogen and potassium, low in phosphorus; a native fertiliser is suitable. During the growing months, a liquid feed will support stronger growth.
IF a Sago Palm is already showing yellow foliage, the cause may be excessive sun or insufficient moisture
Increase irrigation and apply a light feed before cold weather arrives to encourage greener growth in spring.
Female plants produce a striking golden dome-shaped flower that takes time to open, while the male flower is more cone-like.
Allow adequate space when planting, keeping them away from paths where the spiky foliage can intrude. Cycads are extremely slow growing and will gradually form a trunk.
They transplant well at the end of winter or in early spring; prepare the new planting site carefully and retain as much of the root ball as possible to ensure success.
Jottings
- Sprinkle boron around apples for crisp-tasting fruit.
- Remove runners from strawberries and transplant.
- Fertilise autumn bulbs that are flowering now.
- Plant coriander as the weather cools.
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