Seasonal Flower Guide For Aussie Gardeners

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A garden teeming with beautiful, vibrant flowers is always a sight for sore eyes. Homeowners will certainly want to have a yard with plants that add colour to the property. Although this can take quite a lot of hard work, homeowners can ensure that their property remains appealing and vibrant year-round if they have one or more plants that bloom every season.

Below is a simple guide to flowers that bloom each season:

Spring

Spring is often associated with bursts of colour. Fortunately, there are numerous spring flowers that you could choose from to plant in your garden. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Allwood pinks
  • Azalea
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Forget-me-nots
  • Fuschias
  • Pansies
  • Poppies
  • Sweet peas

If you want to bring birds into your garden, plant some natives. Also, keep watering and fertilising bulbs that have finished flowering until their leaves die down completely to keep them healthy for a while. Prune flowering shrubs as soon as their flowering is finished as well.

Summer

September is the best month to start planting summer flowers. You can start preparing your garden beds when the soil has become naturally warm enough. You can easily sow flower seeds in garden beds when the soil has lost its chill.

Below are some of the most popular of flowers that bloom during summer:

  • Sunflowers
  • Carnation
  • Celosias
  • Dahlias
  • Everlasting daisies
  • Nasturtiums
  • Petunias
  • Poppies
  • Zinnias

Fungal diseases in plants are quite prevalent during summer so water them only in the morning. Water your plants deeply and infrequently as well. Watering in the morning will reduce the risk of fungal disease. Lastly, check drainage in your bed gardens and use a liquid clay-breaker in heavy soils.

Autumn

Autumn brings in cooler air which helps plants develop flowers with more vivid hues. The peak of these colours comes out during April. To enjoy these benefits, make sure you start planting before and during March.

Some of the plants that bloom produce really colourful flowers during autumn include:

  • Autumn sage
  • Daisies
  • Dahlias
  • Gerberas
  • Japanese windflowers
  • Nerines
  • Roses

At this time, you can also plant perennials such as alpine phlox, bergenias, and campanulas. Lawn grubs will also be coming out during this season so make sure you always have a good pesticide at hand. You will also have to contend with weeds; get rid of them immediately by pulling them out, smothering them with mulch or spraying with them with a weed control product.

Winter

Even if it’s winter, you can still add life to your property by having colourful blooms. Flowering plants that grow in the winter may develop more slowly and gently than the ones in spring and summer, but they can be as beautiful and fragrant — and sometimes, even more so.

Here are some of the flowering plants that grow best during winter:

  • Aquilegias
  • Calendulas
  • Daphne
  • Lavender
  • Lilium
  • Pansies
  • Violas
  • Sticky Everlasting

During this season, spray frost-sensitive plants generously with water before the sun hits their leaves in the morning to help prevent frost burn. Take the necessary steps to control pests such as aphids, snails, and slugs which can be abundant during winter as well. Lastly, ensure the health of your plants and turf by spreading organic plant food and organic mulch.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Easy-To-Make Natural Pest Control Solutions

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Various pests can easily invade a garden. Without the right pest control strategies and their immediate implementation, you will end up having a yard that is home not just to your plants, but to several insects as well that can cause your foliage to wilt and die.

Here are some natural pest control products and solutions for your garden that you can easily make at home:

For Aphids

To make a natural insecticide that will help you deal with aphids, you need to have 1 cup chewing tobacco juice first. You can make this by placing three

pieces of chewing tobacco in an old nylon stocking and soak this in a gallon of hot water. Once the mixture turns dark brown, run it through a sifter to remove the particles from the juice.

Mix the tobacco juice with 1 cup of liquid dish soap and 1 cup antiseptic mouthwash. Pour the mixture into a 20-gallon sprayer and fill the rest of the container with water. To get rid of aphids and keep them away, spray the mixture on vegetables and plants every other week.

For Scale

Scale insects suck sap from leaves, stalks, and stems. If you allow these pests to live on your plants, they will cause the death of the stems.

To get rid of scale, mix 1 tablespoon of ground mustard seeds and add 20 parts of water. Mix well, put in a sprayer, and drench the affected plant.

For Shield Bugs and different types of leaf-eating Insects

Nobody wants to have plants with leaves that are slowly being devoured by insects. To effectively deal with leaf-eating insects, hard-surfaced pests, and even scale, chop 4 bird’s eye chillies (or other really hot types of chillies), 2 bulbs of garlic, and 4 large onions. Combine all of these in a container with 2 litres soapy water. Allow the mixture to steep for at least 24 hours. Strain the mixture and dilute with water, if necessary, then pour it into a sprayer. Spray the affected plants. You can store the remaining mixture in a sealed container and keep it in a dark place but make sure to use the leftover product within 2 weeks.

For Ants

To get rid of these pesky insects, put 10 to 15 drops of peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle with water. Spray the area where ants usually are – they won’t come back since they hate the smell. If you have cats, make sure they don’t go to the sprayed area since this product can be harmful to them.

For Caterpillars and other sucking Insects

Caterpillars, mealy bugs, and slaters are just some of the sucking insects that can inflict a lot of damage to your garden.

For a homemade natural insecticide that targets these pests, combine 90g of chopped garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of mineral oil or liquid paraffin and let it steep for at least 48 hours. When ready, dissolve 15g of pure soap or soap flakes in a container with 500ml warm water. Mix the 2 solutions together and strain. To use, add 1 part mixture to 50 parts water and spray on the affected plants.

With some common products in your home and a bit of ingenuity, you can have a pest-free garden. For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Grow And Take Care Of Roses This Autumn

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Due to the many varieties of roses available, all gardeners, whether newbies or pros, will always find the right type to grow in their yard. Although winter is the best time to start planting roses since they are deciduous, it doesn’t mean you have to wait for this season to grow them. You can start planting them even during autumn so that your garden can have that beautiful, eye-catching splash of colour.

Below is a handy guide for growing and taking care of roses this autumn:

  1. Choose the type of rose best to plant in your garden. If it’s your first time to grow roses, select a variety that is quite easy to grow. Knock Out is one of them. It blooms masses of cherry-red blooms over dark green foliage. This type of rose is also disease-resistant and blooms all season long. Best of all, it grows well in sunny, dry, and hot conditions – this means that it can be planted and cultivated in nearly all areas in Australia.
  2. Prepare your soil. Once you’ve selected your roses, prepare your rose bed. Spread compost or manure organics to enrich the soil. This will ensure that the plant bed has sufficient amounts of good bacteria and active earthworms to provide the best environment for your roses to grow. If you intend to grow roses continuously, spread new organic materials on the rose bed at least once a year to ensure a well-balanced and healthy environment for your plants.
  3. Protect your roses from fungus. Fungi spores typically erupt during autumn. To protect your plants, spray them regularly with alternating types of fungicides. Keep in mind that plant diseases caused by fungi are much easier prevented than cured. You can keep black spots and mildew under control with a regular 14-day spray. However, if the infection seems to be spreading, increase the frequency of spraying but not the concentration of the solution.
  4. Deal with any insect problems quickly. During autumn, insects are not usually a problem, but there are cases wherein aphids and thrips will appear in rose gardens. If you see them on your roses, use an insecticide. When spraying, make sure all sides of the foliage are covered. This is because many pests require a direct hit to be eliminated. They have to ingest enough of the pesticide for them to die. In addition, fungal spores can also grow under foliage and in crevices on stems and sufficient spray can get rid of them, too.
  5. Deadhead your roses in early autumn. This will produce a beautiful flush of flowers when Easter comes. The proper way to do this is to prune back the flower to a swollen bud, up to a five- or seven-leaf leaflet and hand span length horizontally. This effectively produces blooms within seven weeks’ time.

 

To prepare your roses for winter, stop fertilising the bushes in early April. This will help encourage the bushes into dormancy and effectively prepare the harder stems when it’s time to prune them in winter.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

How To Prevent Weeds In Your Garden

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Weeds pertain to the grasses or plants that grow where they are not wanted and needed. Often, they are considered harmful and are unattractive to look at. Because actual weed control and management are more expensive and more difficult to perform, prevention is the most effective method of dealing with weeds.

But before you can do preventive measures, it is also best that you know how weeds spread and grow in order to prevent them from entering or invading your property.

There are various possible ways that weeds are spread:

Airborne Seeds

Airborne weed seeds find their way to your garden through wind. The most common types are thistle, flatweed, and dandelion.

Creeper and Runner Seeds

These weeds find their way to your property by creeping and climbing into garden beds. The most common types are couch grass, pigweed, wandering jew, and kikuyu.

Hitchhiker Seeds

 

Some seeds are easily transported by insects and animals. These weeds usually have spiky or hairy seeds that can quickly adhere to the fur of animals. The most common types are burr medic, bindies, blackberry, and bidgee-widgee.

Weed Prevention Methods

  • Check if the existing plants in your garden are free from weeds.
  • Remove plants that will potentially become weeds.
  • Avoid planting plants that will likely become weeds.
  • Dispose of garden waste properly and carefully.

Weed Control Methods

  1. Mulching

Mulch helps prevent and control weeds while retaining the moisture and temperature of the soil. If the weeds are already thick and mature, it is best to cut them off or mow them first before you apply mulch.

Lay sheets of newspaper or weed mats on dampened soil and top it off with mulch. Most weed seeds will rot and some may survive but would unlikely be able to force their way through the mulch. Ensure the mulch is thick enough to block the sunlight and prevent the weed from pushing its way up.

  1. Chemical Weed Control

When the weed problem is too difficult to handle, the use of a chemical spray is necessary. Commercially made herbicides are toxic and should be handled with care. If you want to use safer, more environmentally friendly solutions, you may create homemade herbicides. The most frequently used homemade weed killers are salt, vinegar, and soap.

  1. Weeding

Remove weeds the moment you see them. Regularly pulling out weeds will prevent them from further germinating and spreading. This will also eliminate the need for more thorough and more expensive control methods.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Natural Homemade Pest Control Recipes

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Pests are among the most unwanted and most harmful insects and animals that home owners and gardeners have to deal with. They do not only destroy plants and damage properties, but they also bring diseases.

To control their growth and minimise their destruction, there is a need to observe pest control measures. Depending on the type of pest and the extent of the damage done, you can either handle pest control yourself or call on experts to help manage and eliminate the pest.

There are different pest control methods and products available in the market today. However, if you are dealing with pests yourself, it is always best to use safe and natural pest control solutions. Natural homemade pest control recipes are safe for both people and the environment. Plus, they are easy on the pocket!

Common Homemade Pest Control Solutions

1. Garlic

Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. It is effective for keeping small sucking insects such as aphids and caterpillars at bay.

You will need:

  • 1 head of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon dish soap (without bleach)
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 cups of water

Combine the crushed garlic with the oil, dish-washing soap, and water. Allow to sit overnight, then strain the mixture. Spray on plants.

2. Bicarbonate of Soda or Baking Soda

Fungus occurs as a result of humidity, not enough spacing between plants, and excessive rain. To treat fungal problems in your garden, use a fungicide spray.

You will need:

  • 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of dish soap (without bleach)
  • 2 litres of water

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and spray on plants.

3. Onion, Garlic, and Chili

In addition to garlic, onion and chilies are also considered staple ingredients when making an effective all-around pest control solution for insects and bugs.

You will need:

  • 4 large onions
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 4 hot chilies/peppers (the hotter, the better)
  • 2 tablespoon dish soap (without bleach)
  • 2 cups water

Crush or puree the chilies, onions, and garlic. Mix with water and dish-washing soap and let it sit overnight. Strain and add 5 litres of water. Spray on plants.

When using natural home-made pesticides, it is important to keep in mind not to use bleach-based soaps or detergents because bleach is considered harmful to plants. It is also advisable to test out the home-made mixture on a small area of the plant first to make sure it would not cause more damage.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Top 3 Autumn Garden Pests

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Autumn, the season between summer and winter, is the time of the year when the leaves change colour. The sun’s heat mellows down and the days become more soothing. It is considered one of the most enjoyable times to engage in gardening.

Autumn is an excellent time for planting fast-growing herbs and plants, fertilising, pruning, and aerating. However, it is also the time of the year when pests become troublesome. While there are insects and animals that are beneficial to the garden, there are also some that are quite destructive. Control and eradication measures are necessary to keep your garden and plants healthy.

Some of the most common autumn garden pests are:

1. Aphids

With more than 4,000 species, these pests come in white, yellow, green brown, black, and pink colours. You can identify these critters through their pear-shaped bodies, a pair of abdominal tubes, and long antennae. The most prevalent species in Australia are the cotton aphid and the cabbage aphid. They attack fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals by sucking the sap from the plant’s vessels.

How to identify an aphid infestation

  • Unusual leaf drop or stunted growth
  • Curled yellowing or browning leaves
  • Presence of ants because of a sticky substance called “honeydew”
  • Presence of black spots, also known as sooty mold

Control Measures

  • For a minor infestation, you can prune the affected area and spray with homemade garlic spray or systemic insecticide.
  • For a severe infestation, the use of a more potent insecticide is needed — usually, sprays with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap are effective.

2. Snails and Slugs

  • Garden snails and slugs are a huge threat to garden plants. They attack seedlings, leaves, and fruits. The most common among their species are the brown snail and the grey field slug. They avoid the sun and are most active during the night. They thrive well in moist places.

How to identify a snail or slug infestation

  • Shiny silver trails on plants
  • Big holes on leaves

Control Measures

  • Use homemade organic sprays made of garlic and wormwood.
  • Create a snail bait with the use of beer.
  • Place copper tape around pots and garden beds.

3. Caterpillars

The cabbage moth and the cabbage white butterfly lay caterpillars that are harmful to cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflowers. They feed on the leaves or fruits of these vegetables.

How to identify a caterpillar infestation

  • Large holes on the outer leaves
  • Discolouration of the head of cauliflowers and broccoli

Control Measures

  • Use a vegetable mesh around your plants.
  • Pick the caterpillars and squash them.
  • Plant herbs with a strong smell such as basil, coriander, and sage.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Preparing To Plant Winter Vegetables

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One of the best things about living in New Zealand is that even if it’s winter, you can still grow and harvest your own delicious produce on your own garden. Regardless of the zone or province you’re in, you have a variety of vegetables you can choose from to plant and grow in your outdoor space.

However, the success of your winter vegetable planting venture will depend greatly on your preparation of your garden bed. To prepare your veggie patch for winter gardening, follow the tips below:

Harvest all remaining crops.

The first step to prepping your garden bed is to pick all of the remaining crops. If you can’t eat or use them now as ingredients for meals, you can preserve them instead so that you can enjoy them in the future.

For instance, if there are still herbs such as oregano and marjoram in your garden, trim them and hang the clippings in a warm, dry spot indoors. Use an airtight container to store the dried leaves.

 

 

Prep the garden bed.

If there are still some plants and even weeds on the garden patch, make sure you remove them completely, down to the roots. You can put them on the compost heap and use them later on. Once done, dig the whole patch using a fork or spade. You can mix mulch into the soil while doing this. If there are clods, break them up so that you get nice, crumbly soil.

Condition the bed soil.

 

Before planting, you need to condition the soil with mushroom compost or cow or chicken manure. Lightly dig the compost or manure into the soil then rake it, making sure it is crumbly, level, and smooth. The conditioner you placed will eventually break down and supply the soil with beneficial organic matter. If you’re looking for a type of conditioner that is free, opt for compost. It will help regenerate the soil and increase its water-holding capacity by at least 30%.

Water the bed properly.

Give the patch a good watering at least one day before you plant. By doing so, you will help the manure and compost break down and settle sufficiently.

 Spread mulch on the bed.

Lastly, before sowing the seeds, add mulch, such as sugar cane or pea straw. Mulch will help the soil conserve moisture since they it reduces evaporation and prevents weed growth by restricting light and modifying the temperature of the soil by keeping it cool or warm when necessary.

 

Plants to Grow

If you live in Auckland, and other parts that have temperate weather conditions, the best plants to grow are Chinese greens such as Pak Choi, Brussel sprouts, peas, cabbage, and turnips. If you want to grow some herbs, you can plant garlic bulbs, sage, parsley, thyme, and coriander.

Gardeners living in areas located in the cool and southern such as Christchurch and Dunedin have a variety of vegetables to choose from. These include asparagus, artichoke, beetroot, broad beans, broccoli, Brussels sprout, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, radish, and spinach.

 

Once you have chosen your vegetables, sow the seeds and water them deeply but frequently. Be on the lookout for weeds, pests, and other invaders that can cause you to lose your produce.

Need help preparing to plant winter vegetables? Call Jim’s Mowing on 0800 454 654 or book online. For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.