FALL INTO GARDENING
Autumn heralds the progression towards winter as the Earth turns in its orbit around the sun. This shift brings about shorter days and longer nights, here in the Valley of Life in the southern hemisphere. Winter brings with it a pause in activities, allowing us to regather our energy for the renewal that comes with spring.
During fall, nature transforms itself in preparation for winter. Deciduous trees start to change their hues before losing their leaves, and it’s a perfect opportunity to prepare the garden for a much-needed break after the hot summer. Planting in autumn gives plants an advantage as they get to establish their roots before the hot summer days arrive.
To brighten the cold winter days, we can add some colour to our gardens by planting petunias, pansies, Iceland poppies, and primulas. We can plant indigenous bulbs like babiana, chincherinchee, ixia, sparaxis, or watsonia for a spectacular spring display. It’s important to plant these bulbs in sunny and well-drained areas, following the instructions. We can also consider planting pincushions, ericas, and other indigenous species to give our gardens a more natural feel.
Autumn is the perfect season for garden maintenance. Mulch should be applied to flower beds, dead leaves should be cleared or tilled into the soil, and trees can be pruned and reshaped – unwanted branches should also be removed. Roots can be nourished by gardening products from local nurseries; perennials can further be divided and rearranged in beds with some compost before replanting.
As temperatures drop, the frequency of irrigation can be decreased; however, it is important to keep an eye on areas not exposed to precipitation. In these spots, a thorough drenching may need to be done at least once each week. Additionally, if fertilizer is used, remember to rinse it into the soil so leaf damage doesn’t result.
The colder months give gardeners the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful selection of blossoming plants, which are usually concealed by foliage during summer. Enjoy the season, and happy gardening!