Wild and windy for the eastern states this weekend, drying out soil and wreaking havoc with flowers and trees
Time to water wisely and move those delicate garden treasures in away from danger.
For a limited time only, the 2017 Father’s Day Gift Offer includes Two new weapons on the war against weeds: Hot Devil Weedkiller and Slasher from OCP.
You can join or renew your Garden Clinic Membership online at Platinum level this weekend and upgrade your Dad's weeding arsenal with the Father's Day
offer.
Join today!
Join or renew your membership today and upgrade your Dad's weeding arsenal with the 'Hot Devil' weeder in the Father's Day offer (Butane can not included).
It's time to
Prepare
Prepare irrigation systems for spring watering demands. Flush the lines clear, check and repair any leaks and replace any outlets, which aren’t working
properly.
In the Subtropical Garden
Plan areas for future tree planting to provide shelter from cool, dry August winds that can be damaging to the garden.
Want more winter jobs to do in your garden? Check out the full articles here - It's time to: Temperate gardens, and In the Subtropical Garden
Bugwatch
Pimple Psyllid on Lilly Pilly
Lilly pillys are very susceptible to an insect called Pimple Psyllid. It appears on the new spring leaf growth.
They appear on Lilly Lilly, eucalypts, and wattles with new growth attacked first often turning leaves and shoots bright red but becoming distorted and
twisted as the insect increases numbers. Leaves are covered in blisters. Black sooty mould fungus often follows growing on the honeydew exudate from
the insect.
Lilly Pilly Psyllid. Photo - Graham Ross
Control
Firstly, only ever select Lilly pillys that are resistant to psyllid attack. These include the Acmena smithii and Syzygium austral hybrids
such as S. 'Resilience', S. 'Select', S, 'Cascade', S. 'Little Lucy', S. 'Royal Flame'. A. smithii hybrids include 'Allwyns Magic', A. s. 'Cherry Surprise'.
Chemical Control
Spray regularly with a horticultural oil like Pest Oil, Eco Oil, then place Confider tablets around base or sprinkle Richgro Bug Killa to the soil and
water in. Repeat fortnightly and reapply granules every 2 months.
Bush Garden
Westringia 'Wynyabbie Gem' and W. 'Moonlight'
A great native shrub of coastal origin but suited to areas in drought or frost prone as this shrub is very hardy. Variegated leaves adds to its lightness
in colour in the garden and the mauve blue flowers all year round adds to its charm. In tubs, rockeries, massed planting , informal groupings of clipped
into a formal low hedge, this Variegated Coastal Rosemary is an excellent form of westringia.
Westringia 'Wynyabbie Gem'. Photo - Graham Ross
What's New?
Double Lavender 'Lavish Rose'
Stunning and new, the world's first double lavenders called 'Lavish' have just arrived for spring release. Each variety has multi-double petals or flower
wings creating a much larger head of gorgeous sweet-smelling flowers.
The result of 15 years research by Bob Cherry and John Robb at Paradise Nursery, the Lavish lavenders are a real breakthrough in breeding.
Flowers are perfumed, and found up and down the stem not just at the top as with normal lavenders. Growth is 0.5m tall and wide. Best in well drained soils
in full sun. Look for several different colours.
Lavender 'Lavish Rose'. Photo - Graham Ross
Come away with us
Southern Italy with Michael McCoy
Italian Renaissance and Baroque gardens of Southern Italy are extravagant exercises in philosophy, mythology, allegory, mathematics and glorious theatre. Add the mesmerizing island of Sicily with its archaeological
treasures and the unique camaraderie of a Ross tour and you have an unforgettable experience.
Stunning gardens at San Guiliano. Photo - Michael McCoy.
See more of our tours at the 2018 Ross Garden Tours programme launch on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the Lion Gate Lodge, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Royal
Botanical Garden, Sydney at 11am. Meet the Ross Family over morning tea and learn about our Garden Tours for 2018.
Remember, bookings are essential! Go to the Ross Tours website,
or call Royce or Roslyn at Ross Tours on 1300 233 200 and book your place today.