Temperatures are on the rise and winds decreasing which means growth should now be consistent for the next four to five months, a good time for replanting those areas hard hit by winter storms. It is also a good time to evaluate what to plant or in fact remove if plants are in poor condition, in the case of the latter one should determine the reason for the decline of same.

Several plants came through the winter with flying colours whilst other were not so fortunate; the common pittosporum Pittosporum tobira not only remained full of leaf but also delivered a prolific flowering period which is just finishing as I write. Another hardy subject Elaeagnus often called Russian Olive also proved its worth in exposed areas; it has an 'untidy' habit of throwing out whippy growths but is well worth considering for planting on a bare hillside en masse.

Bermuda palmettos Sabal bermudana – came through in many areas without too much damage; mature specimens are very attractive especially when planted in groups.

The Pride of India – Melia azederach – is showing itself in all its glory with its attractive mauve blossoms and heavily cut foliage; this tree is in my opinion much maligned simply because as with many plants it seeds readily, I would suggest it is the gardener's job to remove same before it works its way into the soil and germinates. The same problem is seen with Livistonia chinensis – Chinese Fan palm, when the easiest method to stop the spread of seed is to remove the flower spike; I am amazed why gardeners do not remove either seed or young seedlings when they first appear; it is highly unlikely they will remove same as they grow as they then become a 'plant' and are left to mature!

Plant nurseries were badly hit over the winter and new stock is just starting to appear; ground covers are looking good with the numerous varieties of Lantana and Pentas starting to bloom; I prefer the taller varieties of Pentas as the dwarf varieties do not always perform as well as the taller varieties. When buying any plant especially in a six inch pot, always check the branch structure and root systems to determine the 'age' of the plant; if much of the branch system is thick and old looking have second thoughts; the same goes for root systems if roots are seen coming from the drainage holes, knock the plant out of the pot and check the root system is not pot bound, i.e. totally filling the pot.

Dahlias, Hemerocallis – Day Lily and Agapanthus africanus – Lily of the Nile are starting to make a show and well worth planting for spring flowering, I also noticed some interesting Iris, Dietes and Neomarica in the nurseries, all of which add interest and a change of dimension at this time of year. All these have sword like foliage which is a good contrast to the neighbouring plants with roundish foliage.

Annuals are found in abundance with varieties and colour to brighten any garden; when selecting annuals ensure the plants are clean and not pot bound or too tall and lanky; once planted many seedlings need the growing tip pinched out to encourage branching and a good flowering habit. Water in until established and check constantly for pest or disease problems.

Using flower and colour creates interest; creativity however can be enhanced by using leaf shape and texture, consider leaf shapes, round, sword like, cylindrical, holly shaped, heavily cut, with textures of smooth and shiny, velvety, course, hairy, prickly and ribbed. For added interest think fruit seed and bark colour, even fragrance of flower and foliage when touched.

Several interesting and relatively uncommon plants to consider include; Cyperus alternifolius is a an interesting plant for sun or partial shade with long stalks culminating in umbrella like bracts, a good architectural statement as a single specimen or massed planting.

Sansevieria cylindrical is also an interesting plant simply because of its simplicity and habit having round spear like stems in a fan like pattern.

Agave geminiflora has a compact habit, should be used for accent at front of a bed again as a single specimen or in a group. Nolina nelsonii has sword like foliage with a habit similar to the Cycas revoluta or Sago, foliage is however more green with a slight blue hue. Sedum nussbaumerianum is a low growing succulent which has a golden colour to it the foliage; it has a low growing habit and appears relatively hardy. St. Bernards Lily – Anthericum liliago has slender sword like stems and white flowers which show off better in clumps. A tall grass commonly called Tiger grass – Thysanolaena maxima attains a height of twelve to fifteen feet with soft feathery spikes of flower which are very effective against a bland wall or when viewed with a backdrop of open sky. Dianella tasmanica variegata – Variegated flax is a clumping ground cover again with strap like variegated foliage of green white and a touch of pink; foliage variation is dictated by amount of light.

Select plants for locations not just because you like them, plants that prefer shade will not do so well in full sun even though they will 'survive', some plants prefer drier soils than others and will thrive in same. Finding the right plant for the location will go a long way in enhancing the interest of any garden.

If you seeking information about a plants habit etc use the web it is well worth the effort and very informative.