And still for many the dry continues. Some have been fortunate to have been under storms, but generally across the region the signs of the lack of moisture are evident.
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In many parts of uncleared bush in the region there are large areas of eucalypts clearly under stress, turning from the usual grey-green to brown colours. We hope these trees have inbuilt resilience and will recover after good general rain, much as they do after fire.
In many parts of uncleared bush in the region there are large areas of eucalypts clearly under stress, turning from the usual grey-green to brown colours.
Stay positive and remember that every day is one day closer to good general rains and a reprieve for everyone affected by the ongoing dry conditions.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are beginning to show their fabulous aged autumn colours of green with shades of crimson and burgundy. If picking them for a vase, smash the ends of the stems to prolong their vase life. If you want to dry the flower heads for a longer lasting winter display, pick the flowers, strip off all the leaves and put them into a vase, making sure that air can easily circulate around the flower heads.
Add enough water to cover about half the stems and don't top the water up - let it evaporate completely. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from humidity.
They will dry to a lovely soft beige colour and last for months, even years.
Autumn tasks
Tie up chrysanthemums if you haven't done so already.
Divide liliums when the leaves are quite yellow and replant by May at the latest.
Sweet peas are best planted from St Patrick's Day up to Anzac Day.
Collect the seed heads of weeds such as dandelions if you discover they are already close to spreading to prevent them taking over the garden
Sow leafy greens. English Spinach and silverbeet will produce for months with little effort. Plant rocket, lettuce, mizuna and mustard greens every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous supply.
Transplant strawberry runners from now until mid April.
Cut herbs that are running to seed, chop and freeze in ice cube trays or plastic zip-lock bags.
The next meeting of the Armidale Garden Club is on Thursday 28 March starting with a BBQ at 6:30 pm. If you can't make the BBQ, just come for the meeting at 7:30. Everyone is most welcome.
Hydrangeas take on a greeny colour with pink/crimson/burgundy shading as they age and can be valuable for dried arrangements.