"Actively
Promoting Friendship Through Gardens"
LATE-WINTER AND WINDY
The most enjoyable part of August is just to use your eyes and look around at the early Spring. Magnificent Magnolias, Camellias, Azaleas, and of course, the freesias and Cliveas, start to flower at this time.
This is the best month for planting bare-rooted roses. Fruit trees, nut, citrus and deciduous flowering trees and vines can be planted now, also Azaleas and Camellias.
Other things to plant now are seeds and seedlings of Ageratum, Antirrhinum (snapdragon), Balsam, Cleome, Delphinium, Dianthus, Gloxinia, Godetia, Gypsophila, Larkspur, Linaria, Lupin (annual) Marigolds, Petunia, Statice and Virginia stock.
Bulbs to plant: Agapanthus, Bearded Iris, Calla lilies, Canna lilies, Day lilies. Eucomis, Gladiolus, Hippeastrum, Tuberous Begonia, Valotta (Scarborough Lily).
HINTS AND TIPS:
Now is the time to move larger plants around your garden, just before the new spring growth starts.
Consider making a few structural changes late July, early August. Add an arch to support a climbing Iceberg rose, which will flower for more than 6 months of the year.
Now is the time to fertilize Citrus,Strawberries and summer flowering shrubs such as Fuchsia and Heliotrope. For annuals and Agapanthus use a soluble fertiliser. Use blueing compound on Hydrangeas and again in September and October – if you want blue flowers and lime if pink is preferred.
Pruning should be completed on Roses by now. Camellias can be trimmed after flowering. Prune Oleander, Fuchsia, Hypericum, Heliotrope, Tibouchina and Poinsettia into shape when bracts have finished.
Spray Azaleas as buds colour up for Petal Blight. Consult your nursery for more information on sprays.