The Pleasures of Winter Gardening
By Bob
At Katandra Gardens in Wandin all seasons are great, winter included.
Our 8 acre native garden is alive with flowering levels second only
to springtime. With some thought and organization, gardeners may derive
much satisfaction for themselves and others during the winter months.
I have found a number of approaches really make a difference.
Firstly, wear the right gear. Leaking footwear is not on and wear
what is warm, comfortable and appropriate for the hour and task at
hand. Commence each day with a positive outlook and a varied list
of tasks that cannot be completed. Be flexible to accommodate the
surprises that so often form part of one's life. Take advantage of
the fine periods whenever possible during winter, seeking the sunny
corners while the sun is shining, and don't forget the mowing - two
winter shaves are much better than one untidy, difficult haircut.
If wet and windy then work indoors. There is the axe to sharpen and
the mower to service. We use bottom heat to enable plant propagation
to be conducted throughout the year, working comfortably inside the
igloo during any foul of weather.
Gardening is also to do with people and places, not just plants. Even
on the most testing of winter days it is indeed most rewarding to
visit a friend's garden circuit, collect some cuttings, then compare
notes over the social cuppa and remembering to recipricate with some
successes from your igloo. Visit public gardens and nurseries, both
local and more distant, as it's important to see plants in flower
at that time of year as a guide for your garden.
In winter check out the drainage situations around the garden. Drains
may need to be cleaned out or created or perhaps construct a raised
bed. Observe the range of degree of shade that affects the garden,
then identify the more frost prone areas as an open area may be 5-6c
cooler than a nearby sheltered site on a frosty morning.
With masses of winter flowering species such as correas and banksias,
water, shelter and copious amounts of mulch and litter, myriads of
birds abound at this time of year at Katandra Gardens. It is most
rewarding to record bird species and their varying seasonal behaviour.
Every year's rainfall and frost patterns are different, and plants
will adapt accordingly, as illustrated this winter by some wattles
flowering months early.
We are all different, our life situations and gardens differ, but
what is constant is that, what we put in controls what we get out
of life. It is largely a matter of heart and mind, and gardening in
winter is likewise. Regardless as to how small or humble your garden
is, it is unique, so love and share it while time and opportunity
are on your side.
A link to
our home website
Hosts: Dot & Bob O'Neill.
49 Hunter Road, Wandin, Victoria, Australia.
Ph: +61 3 5964 4523 Email: Click Here
Katandra Gardens is known for its magnificent
range of Australian Native Plants.
For any bookings or enquiries,
Contact us through our main website
Click
here
|
Back
to Home Page