The recent cool winds and reduced rainfall will have caused the garden soil to dry out considerably. This is particularly so for plants in pots. Therefore, it is important for gardeners to check moisture levels in these areas.
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Plants in pots will often demonstrate their dry soil through the drooping of their leaves. However, it might not be sufficient to just give the pots a hand water, as the soil may have become so dry that it is actually resistant to moisture.
It may be necessary to place the pot into a bucket of water for a time, so that the water covers the surface of the soil. Once air bubbles have ceased to appear, the pot should be taken from the water and the excess water allowed to drain away.
At this time of the year it would be preferable to avoid applying water late in the afternoon, as this will leave the soil and leaves damp when the cooler night air settles. This situation could lead to the development of fungal diseases. Once garden beds have had their moisture levels restored, an application of mulch, will ensure the moisture is retained.
Bring in the birds
One of the delights that a gardener can enjoy is observing the birds that visit the garden. By selecting plants from certain plant groups and planning plants that will have a variety of heights, flowers and structure, an environment can be established that will encourage birds to visit the garden.
In addition to providing the delight of their songs, birds in the garden can also assist in the reduction of pests as they feed on caterpillars and insects. This will lead to a reduction in the use of chemicals required to maintain control over some of the pests that inhabit gardens.
The average backyard is quite adequate for creating a bird-friendly environment. Birds will enjoy a wide variety of plant types, but native plants will produce flowers that are most attractive to them as they are, after all, native birds enjoying their natural feed.
Plants that produce nectar rich flowers will attract honeyeaters, which come in a variety of sizes.
Grevilleas, either of the natural occurring forms or the many modern hybrids, produce flowers that are nectar rich. The presence of the sweet-smelling nectar is very evident on a warm, calm evening. The sticky nectar can also be felt by placing fingers in the flowers (make sure that no bees are present as they also enjoy the feed).
Banksias, melaleucas and callistemons (bottlebrush) also produce large amounts of nectar.
In addition to producing nectar, many of these plants also have sharp foliage, which provides a safe haven for the birds for feeding as well as nest-building. If you can encourage friends or neighbours to also grow some native plants, then this will encourage even more birds to visit.
Broad beans
Broad beans will produce a good crop that can be picked and used towards the end of the cooler months. Pods will be ready for harvesting between 90 and 160 days after the seedlings have been planted out, depending on how cold the temperatures have been.
Plants produce a strong, erect stem between 0.5 and 1.7 metres in height. Stems have a square cross-section.
Leaves are a long, pinnate in form with between 2 and 7 leaflets and are glaucous grey-green in colour. Because of the thickness of the main stems, and the fact that these plants grow during the months when we traditionally experience strong winds, support for the plants will prevent them being damaged or snapping off. String that has been stretched between posts will be suitable.
Once the plants have flowered and pods have begun to set, picking out the tops of the plants will prevent damage from blackfly.
As with most vegetables, regular harvesting will ensure an extended harvesting period.
Broad beans can be eaten steamed or boiled.
As the beans mature it is preferable to remove the outer skins after cooking. However, young, tender beans can be eaten whole, in the pod, if they are picked early enough.
In addition to eating the actual beans, the leafy top shoots of the adult plants can be picked and steamed after flowering has occurred.
Excess beans are suitable to freeze, removing them from the pods and blanching them.
New shrubs
This time of the year is often selected for planting new shrubs into the garden. A couple of strategies may assist the new plants in settling in well.
Young shrubs that have been planted out at this time may suffer from the effects of cold winds, which can burn and damage young leaves. Protection, including from frost damage, can be provided through the use of plastic sheeting, such as Stressguard, which is especially designed for this purpose.
However, other materials can be substituted, including bubble-wrap that is used to protect packaged goods. An advantage in using bubble-wrap is that some heat is retained in the bubbles, thus providing more protection for the plant.
When new plants are placed into the ground, they can be staked so that the stake doesn’t go through the roots.
However, it is often recommended that native plants are not staked too vigorously.
This will allow for some movement which will assist the plant to develop new root systems, ultimately leading to a stronger plant.
