When do roses flower in Adelaide?
Spring and autumn (generally September to November and March until May) are when you can enjoy the beautiful classic blooms and fragrance of roses.
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What is the best time and method to propagate daphne?
Any time from spring to autumn is suitable for taking daphne cuttings. Take a cutting of approximately 10cm length, including a node (a swollen section of stem where leaves, stems, roots originate). Dip this into rooting hormone gel or powder and place into propagation mix deep enough so that it stands by itself. A plastic cover over the pot will help retain humidity. Place in a protected position out of direct sunlight. Keep moist and expect roots in a couple of months.
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We recently had our 30-year-old lemon scented tea tree pruned back. I feel it wasn't a very professional job and the result was very severe. Can you please tell me whether you think it will re-shoot successfully? I'm concerned that it will struggle with new growth from those bare branches
While the pruning does seem severe, tea trees are very resilient, so your tree will recover.
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I’ve never had success growing chokos but everyone tells me it’s easy. Any tips?
You’re right. It is easy, so here are my tips.
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I always describe myself as a ‘Mug Gardener’ at best, but never cease to be amazed at the surprises nature deals out. I have had agaves for over 30 years and never have I ever had one flower. Isn't this a beauty! I read that it only happens every 10 years, but on my honour this is the first one I have seen. As I say, the joys of gardening never cease to amaze!
We love it Phil, and yes, we too are constantly amazed at what nature provides.
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You spoke on the radio a while back about a ‘coffee’ or ‘cappuccino’ coloured rose, but I’ve forgotten its name. My local florist uses it all the time in arrangements but doesn’t know its name either. Appreciate your help.
It’s ‘Julia’s Rose’, an American-bred variety.
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Every year my azalea leaves go silvery, and now they’re becoming leggy. What should I do?
I’ve changed my ideas about growing
and caring for azaleas after visiting Japan
many times. Azaleas should be trimmed
straight after flowering, and again once new
growth is 3-4cm long.
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A pest is producing little black beads all over the stems and leaves of my mandarin tree?
These are the sap-sucking pest, scale, and you have done the right thing by spraying with Eco-oil, as this is good for preventing scale and controlling larvae.
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