Bindis are one of the main problems that affect summer lawns. The sharp prickles that invade the sole of footwear, as well as causing sharp pain to bare feet are actually the seeds of the plants. The threat of these plant pests is evident now with small, ferny, bright green growths that appear in lawns. The colder months are the ideal time in which to eradicate the plants and they will soon flower and set seed. Once the seeds have formed the prickly seeds will remain, even if the plant dies. It will also mean that new plants will grow in the following year.
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Bindis usually grow in impacted soil, so aerating the soil will assist to reduce the number of plants. A garden fork can be used for this purpose. As the weather warms in spring, the lawn can be fertilised.
Chemical sprays are also available for the control of bindiis, but care should be taken in the selection of the sprays as some sprays can cause considerable damage to adjacent shrubs and plants.
Lawns will generally require less mowing at this time of the year. However, areas of soft, tufty green grass may appear. This is winter grass. If the gardener requires a well-manicured lawn throughout winter, then winter grass can be removed with an application of a spray that has been specifically designed for this purpose. Treating the lawn now will control the problem. However, plants that are left in the lawn will eventually die down as the warmer weather returns.
Some lawns may have areas of broadleaf weeds in them. These plants cover areas of the soil, killing off the surrounding lawn. Winter broadleaf weeds might include white clover, capeweed, dock and dandelion.
Capeweed produces yellow, daisy-like flowers and serrated leaves.
The weeds may be dug out, provided that the whole plant, including the long root system, is dug out.
Sulphate of ammonia, sprinkled onto the plant, will generally kill the weed. Lawn foods containing sulphate of ammonia may be used or weed killers that have been specially develop for the control of the weeds, will also help to control the weeds. Bare patches that have developed in lawns should firstly be aerated. Then a mixture of a lawn fertiliser, a premium seed blend and a premium top-dressing mixture should be placed over the bare patch. Water the mixture in well.
SALVIAS
Salvias belong to a group of plants that is most versatile and beneficial in different ways in the home garden setting.
Many gardeners will be familiar with one of the more well-known members of the Salvia family, although they might not recognise it because of its name.
Sage, a favourite herb, is actually a variety of salvia.
In fact, sage is just one of more than 900 members of the salvia genus of plants that range from annuals through to herbaceous and shrubby perennials.
New varieties become available each year, so the salvia enthusiast is always able to add to their collection of attractive and interesting plants.
Apart from their aromatic foliage, which is often also most attractive and can vary from soft furry leaves through to shiny leaves that might be grey, silver of one of many shades of green, one of the main features of many varieties of salvias is the colour of their flowers.
These can range from white through most shades of blue and deep, intense purple to hot pinks, cerise, reds and even yellows.
The actual colourful petals often have an outer layer of a papery bract that is also attractively coloured, sometimes in a contrasting shade. The bracts can remain on plants long after the actual flowers have faded.
Different species of salvia bloom in different seasons, with some flowering over several seasons. This feature means that the gardener can choose varieties that will provide year-round colour in the garden. Salvias have many differing growing requirements, depending on the variety. They are available in a variety of growth styles and habits, ranging in height from annuals and some perennials that reach to about 30cm, through to large shrub varieties that can reach between two and three metres. Most salvias prefer a temperate climate, although some are tolerant of more humid conditions.
Because of the nature of their growth, salvias benefit from regular trimming. This will maintain a compact shape while encouraging vigorous, new growth.
Plants should be cut back hard towards the base of the plant when a more vigorous pruning is necessary, preventing the plant from becoming old and woody.
Cuts should be made just above any new shoots that are visible in the lower part of the plant.
CAMELLIA
Many camellia japonica plants will be getting close to flowering, with some of the earlier varieties already displaying their blooms.
If the buds have been produced in large groups, removing one or two of the buds will allow the remaining buds to develop result in better flowering.