There are things to be done in a winter garden
In the bleak mid winter…
Weather-wise it is not perhaps as bleak as other areas to our north, but growth and general activity are much reduced which gives a break to stand back and survey the year with its trials and tribulations and plan for the year ahead. In to-day's climate – financial more than weather – it is perhaps to place more of an emphasis on reducing maintenance costs by evaluating ones garden and planning for the long term when one is not as active or does not have the urge to expend too much energy in the garden or indeed has the wherewithal to do so.
Weeding and mowing are perhaps the most labour intensive tasks in any garden, with this in mind a little reorganisation of the design layout and plant selection should lessen the need for the former. Making plant beds easily accessible by creating space between larger plants not only allows easier access but allows growth to become more "rounded" in its habit. I recommend the Dutch hoe for ease of weeding, if one keeps to the old adage, 'if you weed when no weeds are present you will never get any weeds'; this is a push hoe which breaks the soil surface uprooting small germinating weeds which then die off naturally. In areas between shrubs consider using ground cover plants which if selection is right will in tandem with surrounding material reduce weed growth dramatically. Obviously, maintenance is ongoing but to a lesser degree. Ground covers are most active during spring, summer and into autumn slowing down from November thru to March. Ground covers I use include, Senecio confuses - Mexican flame vine; Trachelospermum asiaticum - Asiatic jasmine; Dianella tasmanica variegate, osteospermum 'vars' - African daisy; Russelia equisetiformis - Firecracker; Ruellia brittonniana - Mexican petunia; Lantana 'vars'; Ophiopogon sp - Mondo grass; Liriope sp. - Lily grass; low growing clumping species of Agave and Aloe; Agapanthus africanus - Lily of the Nile and Dietes bicolor.
Avoid planting single specimens in the lawn as these mount up and become very labour intensive and personally do not look attractive when dotted all over the lawn, far better to create island beds with collections of plants in each. Plant selection is very important when designing, poor selection will end up requiring more attention to those plants that 'get out of control' quicker than their neighbours.
Planting hedges correctly also reduces labour, do not plant too close to roads, footpaths or driveways and plant the correct distance apart to encourage good symmetry to the plant as it grows; such attention to detail will reduce the need for pruning. Taking this one step further, select the right plant for the location, determine the need and then make your selection; it is difficult to have a view and privacy at the same time, so plant selection is critical to avoid 'induced' pruning.
Lawns can make or break a garden, one should aim for an almost weed free lawn, and correct maintenance of the grass type used; for those growing zoysia serious consideration to using a reel mower will create a far superior lawn in the long term. A weed free lawn looks tidier simply because growth rate is uniform; it is weeds that make a lawn look untidy as their growth and habit stand out from that of the grasses. Large sways of lawn are more easily maintained especially if the sweep of the flower bed and lawn is such that movement is not limited.
Good tools are also an aid in giving better service; regular maintenance of all tools and equipment is well worthwhile in the long term; keeping blades sharp and well oiled movement of parts will greatly assist in completing jobs quicker and more efficiently. A good garden shed should be laid out so as tools can be easily reached and accessed without having to move other items to reach the desired piece.
Hard landscaping can be a creative way to enhance ones property whist still retaining the 'feel' of a landscaped area. Larger patios with tables and chairs and even a BBQ become functional recreational areas, especially if designed to accommodate the surrounding landscape. Steps are fine when fleet of foot but ramps make life easier for moving around in a pedestrian way being more user friendly especially for wheel-chairs.
sSpace and slope of land will determine if this is possible as the pitch of slope is the determining factor for safety when using wheelchairs. Footpaths should run the shortest route from A to B to be functional for easy access when walking becomes difficult.
Raised planters can be integrated into the existing landscape for the pleasure of those who are not able to be the active gardener they would like to be. Raised planters will usually be planted with smaller material which makes maintenance quicker and easier. Container growing can be of great satisfaction as the shape and size of containers is endless. Planting in modules with a mix of shapes and sizes can be very creative, and can offer the home owner both foundation and seasonal plantings, thus giving interest throughout the year.
January is a good month for planning the garden calendar take advantage of the time to be productive in any changes to be made for once spring comes it will be to late.
