Gardening in Waitaki June 1st 2026

Early June Winter will officially arrive soon, Enjoy the quieter pace of the garden this month. While growth above ground slows, important work continues beneath the soil, laying the foundations for another productive spring. My first frosts arrived last week along with cooler temperatures, although there were delightful days, reminders that winter can still offer beautiful gardening days. Frost cloth is back in use with me, especially for seedlings and cuttings. Frost can draw moisture from the soil, so keep an eye on shallow-rooted shrubs such as rhododendrons, camellias, hydrangeas, and maples. A thorough watering followed by a generous layer of compost or mulch will help protect roots through winter. Compost bins and heaps will be filling quickly with leaves, grass clippings, and soft garden trimmings. Layer materials with manure, a light sprinkling of lime, some finished compost, and water. Compost activity slows considerably in cold weather, so insulating heaps with straw or similar material helps retain warmth and keeps the composting organisms active. The effort will be well-rewarded in spring when gardens are hungry for nutrients. Hellebores are beginning to shine. Remove old foliage to expose the flowers and reduce overwintering pests such as greenfly. Roses should largely be left alone for now. Allow plants to finish hardening before the main winter prune in late June /July Strong rambling roses can have dead wood removed and excessively vigorous growth lightly reduced. If planting new roses this winter, prepare the ground now with compost or aged manure and avoid planting directly into soil where an old rose has recently grown without first replacing much of that soil. Tulips should be planted as soon as possible. Plant bulbs at least 10cm deep, or deeper in warm, north-facing gardens. A period of chilling before planting improves flowering. Lilies may also be planted and divided now, ensuring bulbs never dry out and are planted in well-drained soil. Hydrangeas are colouring beautifully as winter approaches. Leave flower heads intact until they become untidy, allowing stems to mature and harden. Large plants can be lifted and split by using a sharp saw, pieces can be planted to create new managable bushes. In colder districts, delay pruning until spring, removing flowering stems back to the second bud once new growth begins. Wisterias can be pruned once leaves have fallen, removing long, wandering shoots before they entwine around established branches. Container-grown buxus benefits from root pruning and fresh potting mix every couple of years. For winter colour, plant polyanthus, pansies, violas, primulas, wallflowers, ornamental kale, sweet peas, and poppies. Even a small pot by the front door can brighten the shortest days. Vegetable Garden: If earthworms are scarce, it is usually a sign that soil organic matter is lacking. Worms are invaluable workers, improving soil structure and fertility. Manure and compost encourage their activity and are especially worthwhile when establishing new vegetable beds. On the coast, broad beans, garlic, shallots, and rhubarb can still be planted. In colder inland areas, growth slows considerably, and protection may be needed for successful planting. Fruit: Bare-rooted fruit trees will soon be arriving in garden centres. Prepare planting sites now in sunny, sheltered positions with good drainage and plenty of organic matter. Apple, pear, and cherry trees fruit mainly on spurs and require only light pruning once established. Peaches and nectarines fruit on young wood and benefit from harder pruning to encourage fresh growth. Plum trees generally need only minimal pruning, with attention focused on removing upright water shoots and maintaining shape. Cheers, Linda.