Watering plants

All plants need water to survive. The amount of water required alters based on soil conditions, temperature, the surrounding environment and the age/status (flowering/fruiting) of the plant.

Deep watering is by far more beneficial in comparison with frequent and shallow sprinklings.

Early morning is recommended for watering plants to avoid build-up of moisture around the trunk and the foliage.

Installing a watering system is of value. Drip irrigation is recommended as it minimizes water loss and provides water to the root zone of plants.

Planting design takes into consideration garden and soil aspects to group plants with similar characteristics that are in sync with micro-climate of the garden.

Plants will wilt if soil water is not adequate. Prolonged drought can stress plant to a critical level.

Control of weeds and mulching are good garden maintenance practices to minimise water loss and evaporation.

Poetry in Gardens

Poetry in Gardens is a horticultural services business established in 1999. The business has been specialising in small to medium horticultural projects that incorporate garden design and consultation, plant selection and establishment, garden maintenance, water features, and tree care and management.

A key principal of horticulture practise has been the art and science of horticulture applications tailored to individual needs and environmental attributes.

Poetry in Gardens contacts business in an ethical and environmentally sensible manner ensuring that client needs and wants are met incorporating site and environmental parameters such as sunlight aspect, soil conditions, site history, existing vegetation and use of garden.

Over the past 14 years a number of projects have been completed with great success and the plant maintenance of these projects has been a natural progression. Over 80% of the business clients that have their garden designed and planted by Poetry in Gardens have utilised the maintenance programs offered.

A large number of clients have been acquired through “word of mouth” and they have become clients of Poetry in Gardens for over 10 years. Projects of small scale like garden restoration and rejuvenation have resulted into long term maintenance and garden care.

Seasonal and annual garden maintenance plans are developed for each garden subject to client needs and budget. The maintenance programs are based on a four week cycle that may change subject to seasonal parameters.

Garden fertilisers.

Plants need fertilisers to grow well. There are two main general categories of fertilisers: organic and inorganic. Compost, mulch, and manure are some examples of organic fertilisers that are formed naturally. Chemical fertilisers are mined or man-made and can be purchased throughout gardening retail outlets.

A soil test is highly recommended before fertilisers are added to the garden.

Garden plants that require fertilisation during spring /summer are:

• annuals
• pot plants
• trees and mature shrubs
• vegetables
• fruiting trees

Either applying organic or inorganic fertilisers, mix well into soil and follow up with watering. Avoid direct contact of chemical fertilisers with plant tissue.

Pruning

Pruning of plants is a task that gardeners are tackling regularly as a part of garden maintenance.

Adapting the notion of "prevention is better than cure" leads to the start of pruning garden plants early. The main aims are to shape/structure, promote healthy growth and remove dead or diseased plant parts.

Setting pruning objectives, selecting the correct pruning technique, using the appropriate tools, and ensuring safety are important steps in the pruning process.

Small to medium size trees require different pruning than shrubs.

Thinning is a pruning technique for shrubs that aims to invigorate old plants or to reduce density.

Certain shrubs such as viburnum, spiraea, and other cane-type plants require year round pruning to maintain size.

Reducing plant size and hedging are also pruning objectives that require time for plants to adjust.

Seasonal garden maintenance

Garden maintenance becomes of importance in order to ensure that garden design principles maintain distinct characteristics of the garden and the client’s vision.

Plants have different maintenance requirements throughout the year and our knowledge and experience accommodates for seasonal changes. Pruning, fertilisation, mulching, plant pest and disease control, weed control, lawn care, and watering are some of the maintenance practices that are adjusted based on seasonality.

Our Business Philosophy

Poetry in Gardens has developed a business model based on the principles of art and science of horticulture. Client ‘needs and wants’, environmental analysis and plant selection complement the model by tantalising senses.

·         Client ‘needs and wants’ are assessed through questionnaires and by developing a client portfolio. As client needs change, so does the garden and its plants.

·         Environmental analysis encompasses micro and macro climate, soil type and conditions, wind exposure, sunlight aspect and physical restrictions or limitations.

·         Plant selection is based on the previous principles and ensures that plant species are selected to suit the garden style, plant growing aspects, and maintenance requirements.