Christmas Is Nearly Here!
I’m not sure where the days and months have gone, but another year has almost passed and we’re into December already! Our thoughts turn toward Christmas and what we need to do before the big day, so let’s look at a few things in the garden that might need some attention too.
Weather has been very kind
The weather has been very kind this spring, no hot days that can really test us and our gardens. There may be a few areas however that need to be brightened up and this is best done early in the month rather than waiting until the last moment. Potted colour, whether in packs or single pots, can be planted out into pots or gaps in the garden, and doing it now gives the plants plenty of time to fill out and provide a great display. Don’t be afraid to overplant in an effort to create the wow factor, just be mindful of watering and fertilising adequately to keep your plants looking good. If you have a shady spot consider using Begonias and Impatiens, we have those well advanced and looking good in stores now.
Keep on top of it...
Don’t neglect indoors and the patio either. A few new plants in nice pots can really change the look of an area at very little cost. Have a look at our large range of indoor/ patio plants including the ever popular Fiddle Leaf Fig. Check over your outdoor furniture too, it may need a clean and re-oil or perhaps a set of new cushions. If you haven’t used your BBQ much up until now just check it over too, make sure that everything, hoses especially, is in good and safe condition.
Your lawn may need a little TLC this month as well. Lawn beetle is around at this time of the year, a random yellow patch is a classic sign but you may see birds feeding on the lawn after watering as well. Beetle can be easily treated with granules or sprays. If you haven’t fed your lawn for a while do that now too and remember to raise the mower height a notch or two. Keeping a bit more leaf not only looks better but will help your lawn cope with the hot weather when it does arrive. These few simple things will have your lawn in top shape for the after lunch cricket match on Christmas Day!
Perfect plants this time of year
Sturts Desert Pea, our State Floral Emblem, is coming back into stock this month and is not as hard to grow as you may think. Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil, they won’t tolerate wet feet, or if you wish try them in a pot or hanging basket. Fertilise fortnightly with a liquid plant food, I use Powerfeed on mine, and I also pinch out the runners to keep the plants compact and flowering well.
Do you have a Christmas tree? Have you considered a living tree? You can use many different plants as a living Christmas tree and we have a couple of great plants at the moment. The Norfolk Island pine is ideal as it can stay in a pot for years. Just decorate and bring it inside for a few weeks then pop it outside again. We also have Woolly Bush in stores and looking great. Again just use them inside for a couple of weeks and afterwards either plant it into the garden afterwards or keep in a pot.
Christmas gift ideas!
All my gardening friends and relatives love getting garden gifts for Christmas that they can plant and use in their own gardens. We have plenty of things that will make ideal gifts. Plant wise Hydrangeas are always a favourite, showy and attractive, Elkhorn and Staghorn ferns too. As mentioned earlier we have a great selection of indoor plants, including the ever popular Moth Orchids and beautiful Flamingo Flowers which make wonderful “living gifts.” Children love the novelty of carnivorous plants and although Venus Fly Traps are hard to source at the moment there are lots of other varieties in stock and looking great. Window Sill tin planters are also a great way to introduce children to gardening or perhaps an Insect Hotel would tickle someone’s fancy. If you can’t make up your mind there is always the option of a Stratco Gift Voucher so the recipient can choose their own gift.
Final notes
Lastly, from all at Stratco we wish you all a safe and happy holiday period and look forward to seeing you in store soon.
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.