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.
Do the same maintenance requirements apply to different plants?
ReplyDeleteYes, in general.
ReplyDeleteA number of parameters are to be taken into account such as soil conditions, sun exposure, the health status of the plant and the surrounding conditions.
Hi Babis,
ReplyDeleteJust wondering, what would be the best time of the year to add mulch to the garden?
Mulching serves a range of purposes. In general mulching will suppress weeds, improve soil properties and will minimise water evaporation. Late spring, early summer is recommended for minimising water evaporation.
DeleteHow often should lawns be mowed?
ReplyDeleteLawns grow faster in spring and early summer, subject to heather conditions and irrigation (watering). From spring to mid summer mowing is recommended every 2 weeks to ensure even growth. Over summer lawns can be mowed every 3/4 weeks. With added moisture and rain during spring lawns can start growing and be mowed every 2 weeks. Avoid mowing too short. Happy mowing!
DeleteWhat detrimental factors can occur if a plant isn't pruned?
ReplyDeletePruning of plants aims to remove dead and/or diseased parts of the plant. Also, by pruning plants we aim to maintain a desirable shape, encourage flowering or fruiting and new growth. Depending the plant specimen, pruning is a garden maintenance task that requires time and proper practice.
DeleteWhat can be done to control or eradicate a mealybug infestation in the garden or in pot plants?
ReplyDeleteMealybugs are plant sucking pets that are common in Melbourne gardens. They appear as the weather temperature increases and are visible in new plant growth.
ReplyDeleteIntegrated Pets Management (IPM) principles are recommended to ensure successful control of mealybugs. Removing manually the insects and pruning effected plant parts is a solid start to control the insect. Soap based solutions are also have been used with relative success. Beneficial insects and other predators feed on mealybugs; however, the rate of success controlling the insect is low.
If the insect infestation is of large scale, chemical treatment is recommended.
Regular plant inspection will assist to detect presence of mealybugs and other insects early and follow up with an appropriate treatment.