One of the most annoying lawn weeds - the bindii - takes hold in autumn.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bindii flowers mature into prickly seedpods that stick into shoes and tyres but especially bare feet! Bindii is an annual herb with small ferny rosettes of leaves a bit like a carrot top.
It is a flat weed that grows below mowing height so hand weeding and fertilising the lawn to stimulate dense healthy growth to help crowd bindiis out are the best solutions.
It is a flat weed that grows below mowing height so hand weeding and fertilising the lawn to stimulate dense healthy growth to help crowd bindiis out are the best solutions.
Severe, established infestations might need a little chemical help. Spray with a selective herbicide for lawn weeds, available in either a trigger-pack or as a concentrate.
Autumn is the best time for planting new trees, shrubs, climbers and perennials as the ground is still warm which helps promote root growth, and the milder days give plants enough time to establish before the cold weather sets in.
If you are replacing shrubs and trees that died during the drier times, look to those which survived and maybe even flourished during those dry times.
Examples include Prostanthera, Callistemons, Grevillea, wattles, olives, oaks, pears, gingko, figs, Cistus (rock rose), Convolvulus, Wisteria, honeysuckle, Photinia, Cotoneaster, laurels, Nandina, Artemisias, Kniphofia, rosemary, lavender, Euphorbias, Mahonia, Eleagnus, Viburnum tinus, grape vines, roses. Ensure that any drought hardy suggestions will tolerate our frosts.
Continue with the ongoing task of removing finished blooms on roses and dahlias to encourage more flowers. Feeding dahlias with a high phosphorous fertiliser will also help keep them blooming a bit longer.
Camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons are setting their buds now so fertilise with a fertiliser specifically for these acid-soil-loving plants and water in well. Give them a deep soaking to prevent buds dropping off or shriveling up.
Feed citrus trees to get them ready for their upcoming fruiting season. Use a citrus-specific formulation rather than a general fertiliser. Two teaspoons (10ml) per watering can of liquid seaweed, plus four teaspoons (20ml) per watering can of liquid potassium will help strengthen cell walls and gives the plants a few extra degrees worth of cold protection.
Meyer lemon is one of the best citrus for the New England region. You could also try Lisbon lemons, Seville oranges or Satsuma mandarins.
Garden Clubs are in recess until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. The best advice at the moment is to stay home and enjoy your gardens!