"Because Gardening is supposed to be fun!"

www.gardendesign.co.za
Wayne: 083 289 2009

I am typing this to you with the glorious sound of thunder reverberating outside. We are hoping for a downpour or at least a little shower to keep the dust down for a bit. SO when is our rain coming? This time I am not going to venture commenting on any biological indicators... the ants proved me so wrong this past winter!

My garden is looking beautiful thanks to regular irrigating by means of our automated irrigation system.
I have set my irrigation to activate very early in the morning, 4am to be exact, twice a week for 20minutes per station. Still, the wind dries the soil out in no time.
It is always better to water less regularly, but deeper, than more frequently and shallower.
Consider putting a rain sensor on your irrigation system to prevent it from coming on while there is rain. This is an inexpensive addition, but will prevent unnecessary water wastage.

Plant Invaders. The latest SA Gardener magazine and The Gardener magazine both have articles which deal with the plants which are featured on the invader list. Both publications, and in particular the SA Gardening one, list excellent indigenous alternatives for your garden should you wish to replace your invaders. Please consider getting these magazines. The are worth their weight in gold!
	Garden clubs I often have clients who profess to not know a thing about gardening and also say that they don't have a clue of what to do in their little piece of paradise. So how do you get to know something about gardening? One of the best ways is to get involved in a local garden club. Now before you start getting all "ageist" and "sexist", consider what you will be getting: Free garden advice from experts both professional and amateur. Most garden clubs have gardeners with years of experience and also have guest speakers who cover a wide range of topics. You will get free cuttings and even plants from other members. You will get free tea!
Open gardens Would you like a really great source of design ideas for your garden? Visit the open gardens which will be in your area or somewhere really close. Here you will see what people are doing in their gardens both from a landscaping perspective and just what they are doing to overcome problems specific to their environment. Both of the aforementioned magazines have times, dates and addresses of the open days.	New products: There is a new "iceberg" rose on the market! It is called Burgundy, and has the same flowering capabilities of the tried and tested Iceberg and simplicity roses. The blooms open pink and then turn a deep burgundy as they mature. Some garden centres are already holding stock and it will make a worthwhile addition to your garden.
Things to do this month Once the rain comes, you should start a feeding program for your lawns to keep them looking great. Remember again to water your lawn deeply less frequently than shallowly more often. Consider planting Day lilies (Hemerocallis varieties). There are so many different colours and  sizes to choose from. These rewarding plants will grow almost anywhere and under any conditions. Keep those topiaries in check.  They will be growing prolifically and soon you will have trees and not lollipops if you allow them to grow madly. Spray your roses and other susceptible plants with an organic insecticide regularly to prevent aphid infestations.	Courtesy SA Gardener

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I often wonder why gardeners don't landscape in Winter, since this is a hectic time for landscapers.  If proper planning is done, much of your landscaping can be one in Winter.
I had a potential customer complaining that the landscapers are not getting back to her for quotes. In their defense, i must say that we are run off our feet at this time of the year, and jobs are often carried out Months after the idea was first conceived.

Don't delay if you are thinking of landscaping. Get together with your landscaper ANY time of the year and let them advise you on a phased installation if necessary.

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"Because Gardening is supposed to be fun!"