Good summer gardening weather on the cards
Don’t be spooked by regular media suggestions that we are in for a very dry, hot summer.
Local Bureau of Meteorology climatologist, Darren Ray is suggesting South Australia’s rainfall during December and January could end up higher than average, while temperatures although warmer than average should not result in excessive or prolonged heat.
Spring and summer in SA becoming warmer
In SA, 16 of the past 18 summers have been warmer than a running average, while in spring maximum temperatures over the past 30 years have only been below the running average on three occasions.
According to the BOM, Adelaide gardeners can expect current average temperatures will continue to increase, while Adelaide’s spring and summer rainfall is likely to continue falling.
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This graph shows the years when SA’s summer temperatures were warmer or cooler than the previous 30-year running average.
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Adapting to climate change
While spring and summer are now warmer and drier than they were 25 years ago, Adelaide gardens are currently in remarkably good condition.
It is also very heartening to observe how quickly experienced gardeners are adapting to a climate change.
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The importance of shading
The most significant change to the way we are gardening involves the acceptance of temporary shading.
Those providing some form of shade on a hot day not only protect their plants from the heat, they are also reducing water use by at least a third and more likely by 50 percent.
The reason is all to do with temperature both in and around the plant’s canopy and in particular in the topsoil where the plant’s roots are growing.
Shading has the potential to:
- Drop soil temperatures where most roots grow by 10-15oC
- Drop air temperatures in and around the plant’s canopy by 15-25oC.
- For many gardeners, the use of shade cloth during summer months, particularly on vegetables and herbs is now a matter of routine.
More on how gardeners can adapt to our changing climate in a special Summer Garden Guide in The Advertiser tomorrow.
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Garden fresh berries before Christmas
 When the need is for a fruit tree that is both productive and ornamental – it’s hard to go past the weeping mulberry (Morus alba Pendula).
A weeping mulberry will produce heaps of sweet, juicy fruits well before Christmas and the berries are for of health providing elements – particularly antioxidants.
This is an ideal ornamental tree, as the canopy is covered in large heart-shaped, glossy green leaves that turn an attractive yellow in autumn.
Water regularly during summer, fertilise in spring and autumn and don’t forget to mulch, as this will retain soil moisture and help control weeds.
Established container-grown trees, ready to plant are now available from your local garden centre.
More information »
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Rapid mite build-up on viburnum bushes
 Have you checked the leaves on your viburnum shrubs or hedge recently? If they have lost their green lustre and starting to droop it may not be lack of water.
Brett Draper, Plant manager for Mitre 10, Malvern, has confirmed the problem is sap-sucking mites.
Mite numbers can build very rapidly during hot dry weather.
Natrasoap, based on potassium salts, and Wettable Sulphur are both organic and very effective.
(Sulphur should not be applied when temperatures are above 32°C).
Where infestations are heavy consider applying a second spray in two weeks.
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Worm juice a valuable booster
Concentrated liquids from worm farms are now starting to appear in garden outlets.
These contain a wide range of essential plant and soil nutrients but in very small quantities.
As such, they should be considered as a plant stimulant that is useful in overcoming various forms of stress.
Like seaweed products, they should not be considered as a fertiliser.
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Create a native bee restaurant
You might have heard of bee hotels, but what about restaurants? Ensure your native bees have something for dinner with buzz-pollinated plants like Solanum, Dianella and Lasiopetalum.
Have some nectar producing plants close by – Scaevola, blue-flowering Eremophilas, Christmas bush and Boobialla are all great options!
Find out about the native bee BnB project here »
Photo: Martin Stokes
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Hurry if you're going to buy shadecloth
If you are thinking about buying 50% white shade cloth to protect your vegetables and other plants, buy it soon.
In some years, stocks in Adelaide stores run out before Christmas and are not replaced until the end of January.
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Problems expected from prickly summer weed
Widespread November rains, soaking into warm topsoil, have provided ideal conditions for a sudden but widespread germination of the prickly weed caltrop.
Caltrop germinates rapidly after summer rains, resulting in quick-growing, prostrate runners.
These are followed by bright yellow flowers and then masses of almost indestructible, starlike seeds that are protected by short sharp prickles.
Caltrop is easily controlled in garden beds and pathways while it is small by spraying with glyphosate or Slasher (organic).
In a lawn use a selective chemical that includes MCPA.
Be warned, once caltrop is mature it is a very difficult weed to control. In a lawn the prickles can become a nightmare.
Photo: Agriculture Victoria
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When kikuyu invades a couch lawn
Kikuyu is a tough heat and drought-tolerant grass and when well managed it is an ideal lawn grasses for SA gardens.
But, it is also very vigorous – and if you are not careful it can become invasive.
In this week’s lawn blog, SA turf advisor Stefan Palm considers the options available when kikuyu invades a couch grass lawn.
Readers may care to add to the many comments already made on
this week’s lawn blog »
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Brown patches in lawn can be restored
Dry brown patches are all that is now left in lawns where clover plants were not eliminated earlier in spring.
For quick recovery, thoroughly soak the affected area.
A few days later, loosen the topsoil and then add a soil wetting agent along with a seaweed solution into the top 3 to 4 cm.
If you can keep the area moist and the adjacent couch, buffalo or kikuyu grass in your lawn are in reasonable shape, your lawn should recover in time for Christmas.
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Plenty of parsley to chose from
 Where would we be without parsley and herbs that provide a unifying celery-like flavour?
Most garden centres offer at least three different types of parsley.
These are biennial – they grow for two years and are then replaced.
Parsley grows best in semi-shade in a well-drained position. It needs plenty of water during summer. Best varieties include:
- Forest green (30 cm).The best of the curly leaf forms.
- Italian (30 cm).Best of the flat leafed sweet varieties.
- Japanese (1 m).Strong celery flavour.Ideal for soups and stews.
. . . and friends
There are, however, a number of herbs with similar warm celery-like flavours including:
- Angelica (2 m).Biennial, tall stems, large matt green leaves.In second year, produces attractive flowers.Stems and leaves produce sweet spicy, celery-like flavours.Great in stews and soups.
- Lovage (1 m).Perennial.Leaves have strong celery-like flavours.Soups and stews.
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Environment grants now open
NRM grants are available for schools and communities working to sustain our natural environment.
For example, projects that improve community capacity, awareness and education of the natural resources in our region, and projects that enable exploration of environmental sustainability in learning programs and management practices.
Projects in the past have included a community garden, a school butterfly-attracting garden and frog pond.
Schools can access grants of up to $2,000 and communities can access grants of up to $10,000.
Applications close on December 19.
More information here »
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Please keep your questions for Talkback Gardening
Good Gardening is unable to answer individual reader's questions via email.
If you're looking for specific gardening advice please give me a call on ABC Radio Adelaide's Saturday morning Talkback Gardening or speak to the experts at your local garden centre.
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 Open Gardens
Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2
Jennings Garden
16 Turnbull Drive, Mount Gambier
In the eight years since the garden was begun, moss rocks and many loads of imported soil have been used to retain and reshape the sloping site and it is now an established garden filled with pretty plants, shady trees and sweeping lawns.
More information on the garden and directions »
Kookaburra Ridge
136 Ridge Rd, Ashton
a delightful country garden situated on the top of a hill with lovely views of the valley below. There are many aspects to this large well maintained garden.
More information on the garden and directions »
Gardens open 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Entry $8 - OGSA members; $6 - Government concession card holders; children under 18 free.
For more information on the 2018 season, visit the Open Gardens SA website »
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Talkback Gardening tomorrow
ABC Radio Adelaide Talkback Gardening this Saturday – phone me and Spence Denny on 1300 222 891 and have your own gardening question answered.
Guest – Darren Ray, Bureau of Meteorology, senior climatologist.
Topic – Good reasons to continue gardening this summer. A special three-month seasonal weather outlook for home gardeners.
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Coming soon
Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7, 2019
Enfield Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show
Saturday 12 noon - 5 pm, and Sunday 10 am - 4pm, Klemzig Community Hall, 242 North East Road, Klemzig. Admission $2. Enquiries 8251 2299.
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Regular garden attractions
Adelaide Botanic Gardens – free guided walks
Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide guided walks for the public at Adelaide, Mount Lofty and Wittunga Botanic Gardens, and Botanic Park.
More information »
The Waite Arboretum, Fullarton Road, Urrbrae
Open free to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk, except on fire ban days. Free guided walks on the first Sunday of every month, 11 am to 12.30 pm.
Meet at the West lawn (Croquet Lawn) of Urrbrae House. Bookings not necessary.
More information »
Urrbrae House historic precinct gardens
At the end of Walter Young Avenue, off Fullarton Road, Urrbrae, or from the Urrbrae House gate, Claremont Avenue, Netherby.
Open from dawn until dusk every day. Free entry.
More information »
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Disclaimer: Although all reasonable care is taken in preparing information contained in this email, neither Jon Lamb Communications (JLC) nor its officers, staff or suppliers involved in the editing and production of this email accept any liability resulting from the interpretation or use of the information set out in this document. Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and is of a general nature and should not take the place of professional personal advice. No responsibility is accepted by Jon Lamb Communications for the accuracy of information contained in web sites linked from this email. Publication of an advertisement does not constitute endorsement by JLC of any product or service, or warrant its suitability.
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