Gardening in Waitaki June 11th 2024

Robinia moptop pruning to kep good shape.

A damp dull day as I write this which I am sure does not inspire anyone to work outside, cloud cover means no frost for a bit allowing plants to hydrate before the next big freeze. At last, we have come to the end of leaves falling, letting trees rest for a few months while plenty goes on beneath them. Bulbs are pushing through with early snowdrops almost in flower, shrubs are budding along with hellebores, ericas and wallflowers, polyanthus, and primulas I planted last month, it's time once again to notice all the special little things happening now in our gardens as we head toward a new growing season. New season trees will be available locally now: Prunus, Flowering cherries, and Malus, crab apple trees are ballerinas in the garden but when choosing trees the important factors are Height and width when fully grown. Some grow vase-shaped which will allow light to gardens beneath. The spreading /weeping varieties branch wide, spilling to the ground from the top. All are grafted onto standard 1.2m/ 1.5m/ 1.8m rootstock which allows height when first planted, each label will tell you the expected height and width. Very few are suitable for small gardens. Some very pretty varieties to consider: Yedoensis -med/large, spreading mass of mid-season single white or pale pink blossom, Shirotae (Mount Fuji) large spreading, early season double white blossom. Shimidsu sakura late season, low spreading double pale pink blossom. Pink perfection med/large, upright spreading, mid-season double pink blossom. Autumnalis rosea: smaller branched pale pink small blossom 3 times a year, flowering now. Weeping type: falling snow, white blossom pendula rosa pink blossom, and Kiku shidare double pink blossom. They all start at a manageable size but within 5 years they become a sizable tree. Wait until spring before pruning flowering cherry trees because winter can infect them with silver leaf, eventually killing even a large tree. Always make sure your pruning equipment is cleaned from one tree to the next, methylated spirits is good for doing this. Robinia mop tops need an annual cut back, they have been grafted onto a standard and these trees put out fresh new growth each spring so all past growth needs to be cut right back to retain the round growth habit and to stop them from becoming top-heavy. Leucadendrons are taking center stage here on the coast, they are wonderful for picking once fully hardened and will last for months in a vase when there is not much else to pick. Leucadendrons are easy to grow in the conditions they prefer, being full sun, good draining acid soil, and staked to protect from strong winds until established. They will grow on dry banks and rough areas as long as they do not have to compete with grass and weeds. Leucadendrons resent any type of fertiliser, will not cope with hard frosts, and once established will die if shifted. Some leucadendrons grow very large, low spreaders that look great spilling over walls, and low bushy types, they all add wonderful colour to a dull winter garden. Veg & fruit: Here on the coast keep planting out seedling veg plants, broad beans, and garlic. Winter is the time for planting rhubarb and asparagus crowns so prepare the ground with rich compost now, get them planted and established, and in no time you will be making rhubarb crumble and asparagus rolls. Black currant bushes should have as much of the old dark shoot wood removed now, leaving only the light coloured smooth vigorous young growth. Red currents don't fruit on new wood so older wood should be kept for 3 years just cut out odd branches yearly to encourage a few new replacements. Give all current bushes a good two handfuls of bone meal or blood and bone in spring to ensure a good crop of fruit. Tunnel and glass houses can be cleaned, sterilized, and re-soiled if needed to be ready for protected veg planting in late winter. Cheers, Linda.

Wonderful leucodendron Mrs Stanley.