Clip, snip, mow and trim.
It's time for the post festive clean-up in the garden
Photo: Robin Powell
Prune large-flowered grevilleas that have gotten too big for their space, or need neatening up.
Mow lawns as high as possible to reduce moisture loss and strengthen grass.
Prune the whippy growth on wisteria back by about 90 percent, leaving a few new buds to produce next year’s flowers.
Curled leaves on citrus are caused by citrus leaf miner. Prevent the damage with fortnightly sprays of horticultural oil, or try the eco-CLM trap, which
can be hung in the tree to attract and catch the moth that lays her eggs in the leaf. The trap is effective for two or three months and is safe for
bees.
Strike cuttings of queen of the night cactus to share with friends.Keep the mix just wet, and elevate the pot so that any rain can get away quickly and
not rot the cuttings. Roots will take about eight weeks to develop.
Layer grass clippings into the compost pile, alternating thin layers of clippings with dry brown material or shredded paper and a handful of blood and
bone to prevent them compacting.
Trim back the exuberant growth on star jasmine to keep it neat.
Crops in the cucumber family are susceptible to mildew. Help prevent it by spraying monthly with a mix of one part milk to five parts water.
Keep a sharp eye out for rust on frangipani leaves.Remove affected leaves immediately and bin, or start spraying with Eco-fungicide or Yates Rose Shield
before the infection takes hold.
Keep trimming off the flower spikes on coleus to maintain bushiness. Feed with foliar fertiliser fortnightly.
Trim spent flowers on buddleias to keep them neat.