The last throes of winter       

Keith Mundy

Well here we are with winter nearly over and after some very much appreciated rain it feels like spring is just around the corner. New growth appears on deciduous plants, perennials wake after their enforced winter hibernation, and bulbs pop up everywhere as new life begins.
For those who had the misfortune to have lost their gardens in the fires, now is a great time to commence the restoration of your garden to take advantage of the warmer spring conditions ahead.
Pruning of deciduous fruit trees and roses should be close to being completed. Winter spraying … Read more »

Nature’s air purifiers

Keith Mundy

With the recent devastating fires in our area, many beautiful gardens were destroyed and, along with them, some beautifully established shade trees, the natural umbrellas of our gardens.

It’s important in the re-establishment of our gardens that we consider replacing these essential components of the landscape, and during these winter months many of these trees are available in nurseries.

In making your selection, consideration of the … Read more »

Winter work

Keith Mundy

It seems like only yesterday we were struggling with the heat and bushfires and now here we are in another winter. This time of the year brings with it many tasks in the garden, to rejuvenate plants and catch up with the jobs that were missed during the warmer months, for one reason or another.

This month, with plants going into dormancy, start pruning in the rose garden and … Read more »

Autumn—a time of change


Keith Mundy

With autumn well and truly with us there are plenty of things to do with new plantings of trees, shrubs, perennials, and vegetable and flower seedlings.

Autumn is the most desirable season for planting as the day temperatures are lower therefore lower transpiration rates but the soil is still warm enough to allow the roots to establish before the winter sets in. The plant will then rest through winter and when the first warm days of spring … Read more »

Gardens for the cool amongst us

Keith Mundy

With the cooler months of the year fast approaching, our gardens can become somewhat drab. Consider adding some colour to the garden—this not only makes the garden look great but also encourages us to get outside, now the heat of summer is over.

There are many plants that can brighten up any garden and warm our hearts with their beauty, and good nurseries will be full of colourful plants just waiting to get out there.
You can add … Read more »

Mulching … a must

Keith Mundy

In my opinion as a horticulturist, nurseryman and gardener, mulching garden beds, whether shrub or vegetable, is one of the most beneficial tasks that you can undertake. The benefits are many, from weed suppression to moisture retention and, just as important, as an insulator against frost and heat.
There are many products available and the type we use depends on several factors.
Do you want the mulch to be a short or long term solution? The decision comes down to whether the garden or plant you are mulching is something like a vegetable or flower garden … Read more »