A selection of gardens from the Summer Awards. Congratulations to all the hard-working gardeners who participated! [one_third] Ruske Cup (Premium Garden) Brian & Janet Lovelock (image below) 32 Applefield Court, Northwood. H.M.Taylor Cup (Novice) 1st Allan & Margaret Shears 49 Richmond Avenue, Halswell 2nd Brian McSeveny 15 Seddon Street, Beckenham 3rd Mr & Mrs B … Read More
We are now in Summer with plenty of hot weather and the usual periods of wind and little rain, all of which puts stress on plants and gives us the problem of keeping them growing and healthy.
Most of the berry fruits are finishing and the stone fruits are reaching their main production now, then to follow is the pip fruit.
The fruit crops that we are harvesting now are the results of the cultivation that we gave them over the last Winter and Spring so if the results are not up to expectations then review what was done to identify what needs to be done to improve the next crop.
Although winter is still a long way off we do need to be prepared. Spring bulbs will soon be in the garden centres but it is still too soon to plant most of them so choose the best quality bulbs and keep them until the time is right in the Autumn.
Most of the tasks around the garden at this time of the year is what I call maintenance gardening; weeding, watering, pest and disease control and of course, harvesting.
Five Season Herb Plectranthus (Coleus) ambionicus – family lamiaceae (mint) A member of the well known, ornamental Coleus, widely grown as a decorative garden plant for its attractive variegated red leaves. Cream bordered This plant is becoming popular and sought after. There have recently been several enquiries about it. There are two varieties now available … Read More