It's time to: May

Admire

The flower panicles of cane begonias have an airy delicacy but they grow readily from cuttings, so share with your friends.

Fuchsia are prolific flowerers in the garden, or in hanging baskets – as long as you can keep the wtaer up to them. Trim by half after flowering.

Watch out

Hard dots on camellia, figs and citrus is likely to be scale. Eco oil will fix it up.

Prune

Trim grevilleas and butterfly bush (Buddleia) by at least one-third, to keep them compact and long-lived.

Rejuvenate

Old and tired hydrangeas can be revived by drastically pruning them back by one-third. Remove weak branches. Prune healthy stems back to a pair of healthy buds.

Listen in

Garden Clinic radio goes to Chelsea for two weekends in May, 16/17 and 23/24. Graham will have the news and gossip from behind the scenes and will interview the young Australian horticulturist and designer helping out on Charlie Albone’s garden. Go Aussies!

Treat

Kill off mealy bug in indoor plants by watering with warm water at 49 degrees Celsius. This will deal with root-dwelling mealy bug but not significantly affect the plants.

Plant

Native limes are filled with citrus-flavoured pearls that taste delicious dotted onto desserts and cocktails. Plant now to ensure fruit for next summer.

Low-growing, mound-forming bankias such as ‘Cherry Candles’, ‘Birthday Candles’, and ‘Honey pots’ will ensure a supply of nectar for native birds throughout winter.

Trim

Natives such as crowea, coastal rosemary, lilly pilly and lemon myrtle can be given a light haircut after flowering. Follow up with a dose of native controlled release fertiliser for natives.

Text: Linda Ross