October

WARMING UP FOR SUMMER!

New lawns can be planted this month or seed can be used as it’s cheaper, but only if there have been good rains (and any drought is over). New lawns need to be kept moist if seed is to germinate. Consider taking the thatch out of older lawns by using a rake and then top dress with sandy loam (about 2 centimetres thick and water well (if no water restrictions).

Don’t forget the blueing agent on the Hydrangeas. Alternatively, use Epsom Salts to help blue the flowers.

Annuals will settle in well if planted this month. Remove Dahlia clumps from storage and plant under the annuals so these will start flowering when the annuals are dying off. Butterflies are attracted to many varieties of flowers including Buddleias, Pentas, Verbena, Phlox, Veronica, Cosmos, Zinnia, and the Daisy family. They also like natives such as Callistemon (Bottlebrush), Leptospermum and Grevillea.

HINTS AND TIPS:

A home remedy for mildew spray for Roses is one part milk to ten parts water. Club members say it works!

Garden Maintenance

Spring flowering creepers such as Wisteria and Jasmine can have their long canes cut off or tied into place. Remove Callistemon (Bottlebrush) and Grevillea flowers as they fade, new growth will sprout from the tips. Daphne will appreciate fertilising but do not prune picking the flowers is sufficient. Violets can be divided after flowering.

Feed Fuchsias with Blood and Bone then mulch. Most Fuchsias prefer a little shade, even the Southside of the house, and they like water.

Deadhead roses and other flowerheads that may be damaged by rain. Remove the flower heads to prevent fungal diseases.

© 2020 West Wollongong Garden Club Inc.