The gleditsia tree is barren – there is not a leaf on it. The pruned roses are looking naked, and the unpruned roses are a dishevelled mess. Deep into winter, the garden is at its most minimalist. It is a distinct season but beneath its bitter cold, there is beauty. The days may be shorter, but we are now past the shortest of them, and gradually they will get longer – and then the earth will wake, the birds will begin to sing and new growth will flood our eyes. This is the time to let your senses explore every corner of your winter garden.
Norfolk Island Pines on a wintery Elwood beach
Cymbidium orchids are now starting to flowers and these spectacular flower spikes are also hugely popular with florists as well as gardeners. You don’t need to do too much to them – maybe stake the flower spikes, give the plants plenty of light and most importantly of all, enjoy them ! If you haven’t got any to enjoy, come down to Collector’s Corner at Gardenworld where there are always 200 – 300 on display.
With spring not far away, preparation in the garden will ensure good results. Prepare your soil by digging compost and manures through. We recommend ‘Humus Plus’ with is made by local producer Attunga. Its secret formulation contains well composted mushroom compost and also charcoal and it seems to get great results judging by the people who come back for more. At $6.95 for a 26 litre bag it is great value. It is also not too harsh and so would be perfect for newly planted bare rooted trees.
Don’t forget to prune the roses and spray with Triforine if you had problems last year with black spot, rust or powdery mildew. Remove any fallen leaves, as these too may harbour spores of the black spot. Another crop to spray for now are nectarine and fruit trees. A copper spray now will prevent leaf curl later on.
It is also a good time to plant many food plants. There are the dormant bare-root fruit and ornamental trees, including a dwarf pear tree that would be perfect in pots. (but unfortunately has just sold out for this year). There are berry plants such as raspberries, boysenberries, gooseberries and silvanberries. I can remember eating massive boysenberries while in NZ a few years ago and they were quite a treat. There are also strawberry runners and crowns of rhubarb and asparagus. Find a well drained permanent position for asparagus because thay can live for up to 25 years. They are worth growing because they look spectacular when shooting and they taste amazing when eaten within 5 days – something the fruit shops can never readily provide. Be quick though because asparagus crowns will sell out this year.
If its carbohydrates you are after, then get some spuds planted now (unless you will still get heavy frosts). They are really easy to grow. My favourite is Toolangi Delight- they are a purple potato with a really nutty flavour. Buying planting stock from the nursery ensures you with virus free planting material.
Sow seeds of tomatoes, capsicums and chillies, but you will need bottom heat to keep the seed raising mix warm. Don’t sow zucchini, cucumber, eggplant or pumpkin yet as it is still too cold.
Well, well…..you probably thought there wasn’t much going on in a winter garden when in actual fact there are heap of things you can do. Not only will it keep your body and mind healthy - all this moving around will keep you warm.
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