Gardening in Waitaki August 21 2026

Spring has arrived in the garden, although recent frosts remind us that winter has not quite released its grip; Blossoms are appearing everywhere, and magnolias are throwing off their woolly coverings and opening their spectacular flowers, while winter sweet and violets fill the garden with fragrance. Keep frost cloth handy for seedlings and tender plants for a little longer. This is a busy time in the garden, with plants waking rapidly and putting their energy into new growth. Feeding is one of the most important jobs now. Roses in particular are moving quickly and should be fed as soon as possible. A good feed now will encourage strong, healthy growth and can reduce the need for spraying later. Most shrubs and perennials will appreciate feeding too, followed by a good soak if the soil is dry. With spring growth beginning, this is the time to regain control of shrubs that have become too large. Soft shrubs encroaching on paths and driveways can be trimmed back now and will soon produce fresh growth. If height is the problem, removing the tall central leader to where the side branches begin can reduce height considerably without destroying the shrub's shape. Remember that spring-flowering shrubs and climbers may already be carrying flower buds, so prune carefully. Delay pruning jasmines until the risk of frost has passed. Roses can still be pruned while they are dormant or just beginning to move, depending on your location and the weather. Feed them now and prepare for pruning once the timing is right. If planting a new rose where a rose has previously grown, replace the old soil with fresh soil from elsewhere in the garden to reduce the chance of transferring rose disease. Magnolias are taking centre stage. They prefer slightly acidic soils and grow beautifully alongside camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. Choose carefully for the space available: Lavender can be trimmed as new growth appears. Old, woody plants can be cut back hard enough to encourage fresh shoots, although very old bushes may be better replaced. Give new lavender a light trim, some compost and a little lime. Late winter and early spring are also a good time to think carefully about trees for the future. In smaller town gardens, large-growing trees can eventually create considerable work through leaf fall, pruning, shade and invasive roots. Before buying, always read the mature height and width on the label. Smaller trees such as flowering dogwoods, Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’, crab apples and Robinia ‘Lace Lady’ can provide beauty without the scale of an oak, ash, elm or large maple. For those wanting larger trees in a smaller garden, controlled root-growing systems such as Evergrow planter bags can provide another option, allowing a tree to develop naturally while restricting its ultimate size. There is still time to divide hostas before leaves emerge. Lift established clumps and divide them with a sharp spade, ensuring each piece has good roots and shoots. Dahlias can also be planted now in sunny, well-drained positions; tubers will remain dormant until the soil warms. Sowing seeds under cover. Seedlings sown earlier should now be appearing and can be given a weekly liquid feed. I sow seeds in trays containing compost and soil, with a thin layer of seed-raising mix on top. Cover trays with glass or plastic, but allow air to circulate to prevent dampness and disease. Keep frost cloth handy for young plants. Vegetable gardens are waking too. Prepare beds by digging in weed-free compost and allowing the soil to settle before planting. Shallots, lettuce, beetroot and broad beans can still be planted, with frost protection provided for young plants. Early seed potatoes can be planted, but protect emerging foliage from late frosts. Unused vegetable areas will benefit from a green crop such as mustard, lupins, barley or wheat. Dig it into the soil while it is still lush and green, before the stems become tough and slow to break down. This adds valuable organic matter and helps tired soil. Lawns are beginning to green up after winter. If moss is a problem, it's often a sign of shade, compaction or acidic soil. Sulphate of iron can be used to control moss; once it has blackened, rake it out, aerate the lawn and apply a suitable feed. Adding compost to heavy clay soil lawns will improve the condition and help prepare the lawn for the drier months ahead. Fruit trees and berry bushes will benefit from attention now. Apply a potash-rich fertiliser to encourage flowering and fruiting. Deciduous fruit trees and berry canes should be planted without delay. Thin raspberries by removing old canes that have already fruited, along with weak and excess shoots. Citrus, particularly lemons, appreciate citrus fertiliser and a deep watering. Keep grass and weeds away from trunks and mulch well. Cheers, Linda. Securing Raspberry canes.