For some gardeners, autumn can be a time of annoyance as leaves from deciduous trees fall and cover the ground.
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It is very tempting to rake up these leaves and then dispose of them with the weekly garbage.
However, this yearly supply of leaves can be used in quite purposeful and useful ways in the garden, depending on the preference of the individual gardener.
If a smaller amount of dead leaves is available, then they can be simply spread over the surface of garden beds, forming an instant layer of organic mulch.
This will retain moisture in the soil, suppress the formation of weeds and provide a rich source of nutrients for the garden soil.
However, the leaves can also be used to create rich compost.
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In order to achieve compost, a container that will hold the leaves will need to be constructed.
A temporary square or rectangular shape, made by stretching wire netting between posts is sufficient, although the netting can restrict access to the pile when turning of the material is desired.
A more robust construction might have sides made from boards or flat pieces of timber or other materials.
A base is not required as it is preferable to have the leaves in contact with the soil, allowing worms and other organisms to access the plant material.
If the leaves that are being added to the container are large and thick, it would be preferable to speed up the decomposition process by either mowing over them, or putting them through a shredder.
Layers of leaves can then be placed into the structure, alternating the layers of leaves with layers of manures.
A sprinkling of Dynamic Lifter or blood and bone to each layer will help to ensure a rich compost results.
Sufficient water should be added to the heap to make it damp, but not too wet.
The top surface of the heap can then be covered with plastic or some other material such as pieces of old carpet.
The whole heap should then be stirred with a fork every couple of weeks, ensuring that the different layers become inter-mixed.
Keep the material damp. Worms and other creatures should be present in the mixture as it goes through its decomposition process.
The following spring, rich, crumbly, sweet-smelling compost will result.
The exotic hoyas
Hoyas, or waxflowers, are often thought of as being rather exotic, and, therefore, difficult to grow sufficiently well to be able to produce their very attractive flowers.
Hoyas produce fleshy foliage on long stems that climb through their local environment, without becoming invasive.
The foliage is mainly produced in shades of green, although variegated forms, with pale or darker yellow patches, are available.
Interesting foliage shapes add an extra dimension to many varieties and can range from traditional, blade-shaped leaves, through to very elongated forms.
Some varieties form heart-shaped leaves.
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Foliage can vary from quite miniature in size through to leaves that are several centimetres in length.
The flowers, which are slightly fragrant, come in shades of white, cream or pale and deeper pinks and often have a covering resembling sugar frosting.
Most varieties flower in clusters of star-shaped blooms, with up to 40 individual blooms present.
Hoyas repeat flower from the original flower stem, so this should not be removed when the flower has died.
Plants generally prefer moderate warmth and some humidity, although plants can grow very successfully in colder climates, provided they are protected during winter.
In more temperate areas, hoyas prefer an area with indirect light or dappled shade. Because of their climbing nature, a support for their tendrils is an advantage.
They adapt very well to hanging basket culture, or their pot can simply be suspended from the branch of a tree, shrub or the frame of a shade construction.
Hoyas prefer to become somewhat root-bound, that is, they do not necessarily require repotting when the plant has filled its pot.
An occasional spray with water, with the excess being allowed to flow through the pot, is sufficient.
Ideally, hoyas should be purchased when in flower, as the buyer can then select the flower type and colour that appeals. Hoya australis is native to Australia.
Hoyas are quite easy to propagate, either by pressing a stem into soil, (layering), or taking cuttings. When roots from the layered piece have formed, the stem can be cut from the main plant.
Hoyas are generally disease-free, although mealy-bug can sometimes be present. These will appear as small, sticky, white clusters. Spraying with white oil or dabbing the area with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirits will control this problem.
As dahlias finish their flowering season and begin to die down, the stems should be cut off near to the ground. Dahlias grow from tubers, which look a little like a long variety of sweet potato.
The tubers should be removed from the ground and most of the soil brushed away.
They should then be placed in a dry place for storage until planting time next spring.
Placing the tubers in a cardboard box or suspending them in a mesh bag, such as those used for selling onions, is ideal.
If different varieties are grown the tubers should be labelled with the variety name or flower colour as the tubers will look identical once they have been removed from the soil.
Gardening Tips
- Purchase new roses while stocks are available in nurseries and garden centres.
- Plant out seedlings for winter and spring colour in the garden.
- Check citrus, particularly lemons, for leaf miner which appears as lines on the leaves which become misshapen and remove by cutting them off.
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