Australian gardens.

Spring Time at Katandra Gardens
Read about Katandra Gardens in Spring

Springtime comes early at Katandra Gardens. The wattles and pomaderris had coloured the garden with yellows, creams and gold but by late September they were fading and were being replaced with shades of purple, lilac, pink, blue and red. Most dominant were the prostantheras that created centres of attraction with shades of purples and pink. The Geraldton waxes are always a delight. There is a range of colours from white, pink and purple, plus a range of flower shapes and sizes. Equally, Katandra Gardens does well with isopogons which appear to adapt to quite a range of soil types and drainage conditions. Because of their ease of propagation from cuttings, their showy flowering habits and the fact they do so well we have numbers of them scattered about the garden.
Tetrathecas also respond well to some of the moister positions and cope well here in both semi shade and open positions. One plant in particular is a lilac coloured, dense mound, in full sun and exposed to whatever comes its way. Many of these plants last only a couple of seasons but they are easily replaced. We have found for best effects these are just brilliant in massed plantings of up to 20-30 plants. Dampieras also are a fine purplish feature in the garden.
Dozens of eremophilas have been planted out over recent months, mainly on raised mounds formed from recent excavation works or in the drier sections of the garden. As with most other plants I prefer to provide planty of space. I am finding them useful for the harsher sites such as near large trees. Some species are coping with semi shade in our milder climate. while some of the Central Australian plants We select sites with maximum sun and drainage. Interestingly, we have been able to strike cuttings from grafted plants and succeeded in growing these on in our own garden soils. The lesson here is to give anything a go.
One plant that attracts much attention is Acacia cognata Lime Majik. It has been in full flower for weeks in a prominent, open position.At 3m height its soft golden, willowy form draws exclamations of admiration from 50m away.The other most outstanding plant is Eremophila muelleriana. This is a grafted speciman in full flower and exuding fine health. Its deep purplish flower and beautiful 2 tone foliage stands it apart.
We have been testing out a method of modifying the soil for better drainage for specific plants. Over the time we have had numerous plants die in pots after we had potted them on. We are digging the potting mix from those pots into sites prior to planting lechenaultias and some of the eremophilas where we feel the soil is too heavy. It is one way of using up the soil and it may just be a way of coaxing some plants to grow where currently they may prefer not to.
So spring is always a wonderful time.

We trust that our readers have similar satisfaction with their gardens.

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Hosts: Dot & Bob O'Neill. 49 Hunter Road, Wandin, Victoria, Australia.
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Katandra Gardens is known for its magnificent range of Australian Native Plants.

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