AFTER a slow start but some very hot days, summer has come to an end and Autumn is once again upon us. We often think that autumn is when our region is at its most beautiful.

The days are long, the weather is mild and many plants are putting on a show before winter.

And it is perfect for spending time in the garden.

Despite Summer being over on the calendar, the cold weather is still a little while off so this is the best time to do any major planting.

This allows for plenty of time for establishment before next summer.

With the milder weather we see change in available stock and what is ready for planting in the garden.

New season azaleas, daphnes, cyclamen, pansies and violas are available to plant now for cool season colour and perfume.

Also available now are Polyanthus, Cineraria, Stock and Snapdragons.

Many natives are looking stunning in Autumn and perfect for planting.

March is the start of the season for camellia sasanqua.

They are fantastic as flowering hedges and screening plants and come in a variety of flower colours and shapes.

They will start flowering in the next few weeks and will continue through to July.

PLANT OF THE MONTH: Lagerstroemia indica – aka Crepe Myrtle

Native to East Asia, all crepe myrtles grow well in Australia. They especially like a hot and dry climate. They transplant well from a pot or buy them as a bare-rooted plant in winter. Once established, crepe myrtles are remarkably drought-tolerant.

Crepe myrtles create interest all year and are adaptable to any sized garden. All varieties provide striking colour in summer, wonderful autumn foliage and in winter have beautiful, ornate bark.

Crepe Myrtles can be pruned or just let the plant grow to its natural shape.

They come in many flowering colours, with beautiful foliage colours also available. They can be tree or bush variety and dwarf variety to only 1.5m.

Keen observers will note the many crepe myrtles planted in nature strips in Hamilton, which are starting to reach maturity and providing colourful street appeal.

‘TO DO’ THIS MONTH

• Feed almost everything in the garden to take advantage of the autumnal flush of growth. Camellias, citrus and roses in particular need the right nutrition now to maximise flower and fruit formation.
• Rejuvenate lawns with a good lawn food and reseed bare patches.
• Plant sweet peas, parsley, and brassica veggies including kale and Broccoli. The milder weather means it is a great time to plant heat-sensitive coriander and spinach.
• Spray new growth on citrus with Pest Oil or Eco Oil to prevent distortion from Citrus Leafminer.
• Prepare your patch for certified seed garlic which will be available for planting soon.
• If you have a dormant patch, try planting a green manure crop to replenish it for next season. You’ll be surprised at the results which will save on more expensive and laborious fertilisers.
• Try planting a mix of easy, leafy green veggies in your patch while. The soil warmth is still there: Chinese cabbage, spinach, pak choi, rocket, silverbeet, broccoli, leeks and lettuces and spring onions.
• Weeding is a never-ending job in Autumn as it provides ideal conditions for a variety of weeds. Keep your patch clear before the cold sets in.
• Time to start putting your onions in, either from seed or seedlings.