“Autumn teaches us the beauty of letting go. Growth requires release – it’s what trees do.”
I once lived in a very cold town, where there were only two seasons. Hot and cold. But Autumn on the South Coast of NSW is different. There are four seasons and rather than seeing Autumn as the start of the ‘cold’ season, I can now enjoy the beauty of the season. I can see beyond the weather and enjoy the season for what it is – a season of shedding and preparation.
Gardening in the Autumn is a great time for plant-lovers of any scale. It’s cool enough to get out and dig around for a few hours without worrying too much about getting burnt to a crisp, but still sunny enough to do it in a t-shirt.
What jobs should you focus on in Autumn?
- Get pruning – With the scorching weather passed, its now safe to start cutting back the fried or yellowing leaves. Rosemary, Lavender and ornamental trees such as Acres and Sorbus can be pruned once their leaves have fallen.
- Collect cuttings – Take 10cm cuttings from hardwood herbs such as rosemary and bay or natives such as banksias, grevillea and coastal rosemary. Remove the lower leaves, dip cuttings into hormone powder and pot in small containers of premium potting mix. Keep just moist and shelter from strong wind and sun.
- Love your lawn – Aerate that lawn and spray and remove weeds. Get the lawn into shape by adding in some lime which will feed and rejuvenate tired lawns.
- Pump up the compost – After you’ve raked up all those red and golden leaves, pop them on the compost heap and let them do their good. Don’t leave them on the grass or plants as they’ll smother them and can promote mould and disease.
5. Divide to double – Divide evergreen perennials. Lift them from the soil, divide at the root and re-plant into well-conditioned soil. This is a cheap and easy way to bulk up your garden.
6. Bury the bulbs – Plant up your bulbs in Autumn. Plant Daffodils, Freesias and Tulips. They’ll love hibernating in Winter and will reward you with a Spring Display.
If after all that gardening you need a break and want to visit a beautiful South Coast garden, take a little drive to Merribee Historic Garden Estate.
Merribee is situated on seven acres of landscaped gardens and has become a popular venue for country weddings and special events. Formerly old dairy pastureland, the area has been transformed into an ornate garden with numerous “botanical rooms”, including an Edible Garden, Apothecary Garden, the White “Walled” Wisteria Garden, Rose Gardens, a Lavender Paddock and more.
Merribee is open every Wednesday during spring, summer and autumn for garden tours, garden classes, nursery, produce and The Store – a tea house that serves refreshments, and a light lunch.
