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Sean O'Brien CNP, Horticultural Manager, Hunter Valley Gardens
Gardens around Australia have experienced one of the most unpredictable summers in a long time with extreme heat, flash flooding and cyclones in some areas. With autumn just around the corner, now is the time to give the garden a much needed overhaul to prepare for the winter months ahead.
Mr. Sean O’Brien, Award Winning Horticulturalist at Hunter Valley Gardens says, “Many people who visit Hunter Valley Gardens during the winter months are unaware of how fantastic gardens can look during colder periods, with many leaving their gardens bare during this time. “
“What many aren’t aware of is that the autumn months are actually just as busy as springtime in the garden. Autumn, like spring is the time to give the garden a fresh start and ensure everything is in working order. If the right preparation is put into the garden it will come alive beautifully throughout winter and will reap some beautiful rewards.”
 
Sean’s top tips to ensure that the garden is at its best for the coming winter months are:
- Make a vegetable and herb garden – Winter is an excellent time for vegetables and herbs. A vegetable garden can be a great family project and will ensure you have fresh, delicious vegetables available in your backyard. Veggies, such as broccoli and cauliflower, are simple to plant and make a fantastic addition to the winter casserole! Other leafy herbs and vegetables such as coriander, rocket and lettuce also grow best in cooler months.
- Plant your spring flowering bulbs and annuals – Plant your annuals while the soil is still warm. By doing this they will start flowering earlier.
- Divide perennials – Dividing your perennials like Phlox and Michaelmas Daisies ensures your garden does not become overcrowded and also boosts your plant stocks!
- Fertalise plants and lawn - Fertilise your azaleas and camellias using a fertiliser designed specifically for acid-loving plants. Fertalising the lawn at the same time will help keep the weeds away during the winter months.
- Revamp the compost heap – Revamping the compost heap by turning it over will allow air to circulate through the pile and ensure that materials are being broken down correctly.
“By following these steps your backyard will be in great shape and provide you with beautiful flowering plants in winter. It will also leave you in good stead for the spring and summer months.”
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