May and June 2025
Autumn is a great time to apply fertiliser but now getting a little late and best now left to early Spring.
May has seen the continuation of good flowering for Camellia sasanquas which have enjoyed the continuing wet conditions and milder temperatures. Camellia sasanquas are still very important shrubs in the established gardens we look after in Beecroft, Cheltenham, Wahroonga, Epping and Pennant Hills. The main varieties are “Jennifer Susan”, “Hiryu”, “Plantation Pink” and “Setsugekka”. “Pure Silk” is a very popular more modern variety which is a great performer as a hedge. Two varieties that we have liked using more recently are “Rose Ann” a double deep pink and the two-toned single “Weroona”. Hard pruning after flowering should be left to early Spring. Serious Possum damage is becoming common over autumn and winter so Spring seems to be the best time for camellias when the Possums have plenty of other sources of food.
Tiboochinas have also given a good show this autumn and have also benefitted from reasonable levels of rainfall. They prefer more moist positions in the garden generally. If you are not happy with the shape of your Tiboochina have it professionally pruned in early Spring once every two years. If pruned too late you will miss the flowering of the following autumn.
We also strongly recommend the use of medium-sized Azalea varieties such as “Red Wing”, “White Bouquet”, “Happy Days” and “Orange Delight” which give great flowers at least twice a year and will grow in sunny and shady positions. They give good sporadic flowering throughout autumn. Azaleas have one main pest which damages the leaves and deters many who would otherwise use the plant. The insect which sucks the underside of leaves can be easily managed by contacting a qualified Horticulturist such as us.
The best gardens will include flowering bulbs such as Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths and Ranunculus which are generally best planted in Early May. These bulbous plants will bring great interest and colour to the garden in winter and early spring.
This period, as growth on lawns and shrubs slows down, is a great time to catch up on jobs like installing irrigation removing weeds and mulching gardens in preparation for the Spring.
We manage a large number of gardens around Beecroft, Cheltenham, Wahroonga, Epping and Pennant Hills and a large number of Strata developments around Cremorne, Mosman, the Eastern suburbs and Inner West.
Please don’t hesitate contacting us to discuss any gardening issues on 0417 944955 or contact us via our website.