Whether you believe the official start to spring is the 1st of September or the 21st, the seasons are definitely changing. There has been a flurry of activity from the birds in the garden and the few sunny warm days have resulted in more water being splashed out of the bird bath than left in. It’s a timely reminder to ensure the birdbaths and containers are topped up. A regular water source is the easiest way to ensure birds keep coming back to your garden and attracting insect eating species is even better. Aphids, mealy bug and spiders are a favourite snack for many honeyeater species in fact some species eat more insects than nectar. These birds will soon come to rely on this nutritious food source and will return, with their new family year after year.
September is when we unfurl (to use a gardening term) from the winter hibernation and are inspired to garden and enjoy outdoors, whether you have a small balcony, courtyard or a sprawling oasis, it hits us at the same time. Glorious sunny weather after months of cold and gardeners can’t help themselves. There is so much happening at this time of the year that it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed with not enough time to do all the things you want to. There are a few jobs that will give you the best ‘bang for your buck’.
- Instant colour – find any empty large pot and fill it to overflowing with instant colour. Chose varieties that are suited to the location they will be placed in. Full sun plants such as petunias and salvias require at least 6 hours of sun per day. For shady situations select a mixture of bright foliage and flowers, hypoestes and begonias look brilliant together. To keep them looking good, apply PowerFeed liquid plant food, 50mL of PowerFeed per 9 litres of water every 2 to 4 weeks from spring to autumn.
- Cover garden beds with at least 75mm layer of mulch. These not only looks great, it will conserve soil moisture and keep plant’s roots cool.
- Invest in a few lush indoor plants to bring the outdoors in. Hardy varieties include the Peace Lilly, Devils Ivy or ZZ Plant. They’re almost indestructible, will brighten up any kitchen or living room and are considered the best ‘clean air’ plants available. To keep them looking good, apply Seasol Folair Spray every two to four weeks from spring to autumn.
![If you are new to gardening and want an easy-care addition to your indoor space, try a few varieties of succulents indoors. 🪴🌵
Succulents add a get splash of colour to any interior and adapt well, as long as there’s enough light and plants are grown in a free-draining succulent mix.
Whether you want a small hens and chick plant (Sempervivum tectorum) or have a corner spot for a tall snake plant also called mother-in-law’s tongue (Dracaena trifasciata syn. Sansvieria trifasciata), check out our tips for caring for succulents indoors at: [Link in bio – Succulents Indoors]](https://www.seasol.com.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
