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Sean O'Brien CNP, Horticultural Manager, Hunter Valley Gardens
Keep an eye on weeds in lawns. Winter grass, clover, bindii, and oxalis are all actively growing and can take over a lawn quickly through the cooler months.
Lift and divide perennials through the winter months. Just cut them back and divide them up.
Hardwood cutting can be taken throughout winter. Hydrangeas, Roses, Salvias and most deciduous plants will all strike from cuttings, just place the cuttings into a coarse mix, water in well and leave them for a few weeks. Plant them out in spring and they will thrive.
Plenty of vegetables and herbs can be grown through winter and in fact there are plenty that prefer winter to the warmer months. Coriander, lettuce, spinach and peas thrive in the cooler weather.
Fruit trees need to be thinned out with selective pruning and a preventative spray with copper oxychloride will help prevent fungal problems and leaf curl through the warmer months.
Azaleas and Camellias will start to flower and a regular feed with a high potash liquid fertiliser will encourage bigger and better blooms. Spray regularly to prevent petal blight attacking the flowers. It is important to spray as the flower buds start to show colour.
Roses need to be cut back nice and hard. Don’t be afraid to take them back by a 3rd all over. Remove any old or dead wood and prune back to healthy outward facing buds. Spray the bush and surrounds with lime sulphur to kill of any potential fungal spores and feed them up with a good quality rose food.
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