In the Garden: March

Autumn is here

It's time to tackle jobs in the garden for March.

Shell ginger. Photo - Robin Powell

Keep shell ginger clumps, pictured, looking good by cutting ratty, wind-torn and ratty canes out of the clump at ground level.

Order spring bulbs. Try sparaxis for warm colours of red, yellow and orange growing above a fan of leaves to about 25cm. Plan for 10 bulbs to cover 30sq cm of pot or garden bed.

Fertilise clivias monthly through autumn with a high potassium fertiliser to produce a great show of flowers in spring.

Treat begonias to a feed of slow release fertiliser and regular seaweed treatment through autumn while they are in flower and growth.

Correa is a great little native shrub to fill a spot in sun or part shade. The bell-shaped flowers come in white and pale green, as well as pinks shading into apricot. They provide nectar-feeding birds with a food source through winter and into spring. Correa also does well in containers. Trim lightly after flowering.

Give potted plants and hanging baskets a good soak by dipping into a bucket or trug of water with seaweed solution. Dip until bubbles stop rising to the surface to ensure the potting mix is fully mositenened.

Feed the lawn to refresh it before winter.

With a white or pale blue fuzz of delicate flowers Plectrathus eklonii makes a great show in autumn shade. Cut back fairly hard after flowering (wait until spring if you experience frosts), and if plants have become straggly, take cuttings to replace them.

Remove spent agapanthus stems to prevent seeding. Divide clumps that have become too large or congested. Replantinto soil prepared with compost or manure.

Feed roses to boost the autumn flush.

It’s a good time to take cuttings of pelargoniums, salvia, plectranthus and justicia.

Keep dahlias blooming with a dose of high-potassium fertiliser.