Fragrant herbs take centre stage in the winter garden, while now is the time to prepare seed potatoes for planting once the soil warms in spring, writes gardening columnist JACKIE WARBURTON.

While in the winter garden there is less flowering, this is when aromatic plants come into their own. 

Herbs such as rose-scented geranium, ornamental curry and mint are all old-fashioned favourites.

Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is not a geranium as the common name suggests. These plants are tough and, while the foliage can change to shades of red over winter under stress, the leaves return to a lush green when the weather warms.

The flowers are a pretty two-toned pink, making this a no-fuss plant once established.

Curry plants and mint should also be planted close to a path so they release their fragrance when brushed against. Ornamental curry is a short-lived perennial with the most amazing spicy scent and is a must-have where there is foot traffic. Mint should only be planted in a pot, never in the garden, and in summer remember to remove the flowers to prevent it from seeding.

IN the vegetable patch, it is now time to think about where to plant potatoes. While seed potatoes are available at the nursery, it is too cold to put them in the ground this month or next. Keep them in a cool, dark place until at least September or October, when the soil has warmed and any frosts are mild.

Some of the best potatoes available can be grown in our climate. My favourites are Desiree potatoes with their red skins and yellow flesh, an excellent all-rounder that holds its shape when cooked, along with Dutch Cream potatoes, which have white skins.

The most valuable potato that grows well in Canberra is the Kipfler. They are hard to buy and can be expensive at the supermarket. They produce long tubers rather than round ones and are determinate growers, which means they grow just under the soil surface in a single layer and do not require hilling as they grow.

Indeterminate potatoes such as Desiree and Dutch Cream require hilling to produce multiple layers of tubers. If there is room in the garden to grow both types, you will increase your yield because determinate potatoes are fast growers while indeterminate potatoes are slower.

IN the middle of the coldest months of the year is when Daphne comes into flower. Its amazing tropical scent makes it a must-have in any garden or in a pot by the front door to welcome visitors.

They need good drainage and can be long-lived shrubs given the right conditions. Trim them after flowering to keep them compact and in shape. The cuttings can be placed into a pot of propagation mix and may strike. Keep them in the shade, give them very little water, and you could have a few new plants in no time.

Daphnes come in a range of flower colours including yellows, purples, pinks and whites. While many of the unusual varieties such as Edgeworthia grow well here, the old-fashioned Daphne odora is my favourite because it has a smaller flower and sits nicely in a vase. The newer varieties such as Daphne Perfume Princess not only have a knockout scent, but also much larger flowers and are less fickle overall.

KEEP leaves off paths, hedges and plants. Mow large leaves to help them break down more quickly. Continue composting through the colder months by turning the pile to aerate the decomposing green waste.

Add Dynamic Lifter or manure to speed up the process, give it a good soak with the hose, then cover it with a lid or hessian and let the microbial activity begin turning the green waste into compost for spring.

Jottings 

• Plant calendula under spring-flowering fruit trees.

• Pick snow peas when small.

• Prune hydrangeas and take cuttings.

• Fertilise garlic with high nitrogen liquid feed.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au

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