However, because poinsettias flower in response to the hours of darkness, the plants that are available at Christmas time have been artificially sheltered to produce the conditions that will lead to flowering. The use of poinsettias at Christmas is a tradition inherited from the northern hemisphere, where the hours of darkness required for flowering occur naturally in December.

The normal conditions for flowering in our area are actually present during the winter months, so plants of larger varieties can now be seen in local gardens, where they are protected from frosts. The flowers are usually of the red variety, although shrubs with yellow flowers can also be seen.

The most commonly grown form of poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, is a single red. The flowers of a poinsettia are actually very insignificant yellow/white clusters in the centre of the surrounding red bracts, which give the plants their attractive colourings. The bracts, in fact, are modified leaves and form green leaves further down the stem.

All variations have been developed from the single red form. Euphorbia “Henrietta Ecke” is the most widely available double form.

Varieties are available with bracts that range in colour from creamy white, to pale shades of apricot, pink and yellow as well as bright velvety red. 

Many gardeners will be familiar with plants that appear to have a dwarf growth habit. This is actually the result of the application of hormones that have stunted its growth. It will eventually return to its natural growth habit, particularly if it has been planted into the garden once flowering has finished.

In this situation it will grow into a shrub two to three metres tall, although lower sized plants can be obtained with regular pruning.

Gardeners who have allergic reactions to different substances or have sensitive skins should take precautions when they cut or prune poinsettias as the cut stem will produce a sticky white substance that is capable of causing problems for susceptible persons.

Flowers that have been picked for indoor decoration should have the bottoms of the stems placed immediately into hot water. This will clear the white sap. Once the water has cooled the flowers can be removed and placed into their desired container.

Poinsettias may be grown from cuttings between 15 and 30cm in length. Because of the sappy nature of the plant, the material to be used for cuttings should be placed in a shady position for several days in order to allow the sap to dry. 

Parsley plants can be one of the more useful plants to have in a garden. They look attractive in a vegetable or herb garden but can also have a visual impact when planted into a flower bed or between lower growing shrubs.

Young plants are available in pots or seedling trays, but plants can also be grown from seed. However, parsley seeds can be difficult to raise as seedlings. Parsley seeds are slow to germinate and usually require soaking prior to germination taking place. This can be achieved by soaking the seeds in warm water overnight.

Alternatively, the seeds can be sown thickly, directly into a seed raising mixture on top of the garden bed. Then water that had just boiled can be poured over the soil and seeds. Using either method, the young seedlings should emerge in about three weeks.

Young plants can be thinned out if needed. In about two months from sowing the seeds the gardener will be able to enjoy fresh parsley in their preferred culinary methods.

Bindiis, the small, ferny green patches that appear in lawns, cause great inconvenience during summer months.

Various methods of treatment are available, and the winter months are the ideal time for these to be carried out, before the sharp seeds have formed.

Lawns that are cut low will encourage the formation of bindiis, while leaving the mower blades at a higher setting will encourage the grass plants to grow and choke out the bindiis. If the area of bindiis is not too large, then digging out the plants by hand will be the most successful.

Sprays can be applied to help eradicate the plants. While commercially available chemicals can be used, an environmentally friendly solution can be made by dissolving two tablespoons of iron sulphate in 4 ½ litres of water. Avoid spraying when rain is imminent.

Young plants that have been planted out at this time may suffer from the effects of cold winds, which can burn and damage young leaves. Protection can be provided through the use of plastic sheeting, such as Stressguard, which is especially designed for this purpose.

Stressguard can also be used to protect plants from frost damage.

However, other materials can be substituted, including bubble-wrap that is used to protect packaged goods. An advantage in using bubble-wrap is that the bubbles retain some heat in the bubbles, thus providing more protection for the plant.