VIReRE
What Where When... October
Registration open for 2016 courses Irene School of Garden Design
Gardens of the golden city: Moira (011) 647 3200
Introduction to garden design course starts at Irene School
Garden talk at Irene School of Garden Design (012) 751 0808
Colourful corner Nursery, wild flowers and birds talk: Martin 084 582 7354
What to do in the garden
by Cathrine Rademan
Out of control hedges that have had uneven growth should be attended to. Climbing roses
that have gone straggly can be pruned,
Continue with mulching, as this will prevent excessive water loss. There are many types of mulch
that can be used successfully.
Roses, azaleas and camellias.
Sowing seeds can be done when the soil starts to get warm and you can be sure of no more
frost. Vegetables that you can sow in both October and November are - runner beans,
cucumber, lettuce, peppers and squashes.
Water if rains do not fall after a 5 to 7 days, unless you have an irrigation system installed. Water
deep in early morning, this induces deeper root growth, avoid late afternoon watering, as this
can promote disease due to high humidity in the area surrounding vegetation growth, and
water evaporates faster.
Fertilize lawns that were dormant in winter when the rains start or you can incorporate your
irrigation plan to accommodate the lawn area. Mow lawn and water regularly.
Sow salad seeds, lift winter flowering bulbs. Plant new summer flowering shrubs. Sow marigolds
and sunflowers for cheerful yellows and oranges.
Check roses for aphids, plant marigolds to attract ladybirds, which are aphid predators. Feed
roses as soon as the main flowering is over.
Water spring flowering bulbs, if they are still flourishing.
Avoid loosening topsoil, this can disturb roots. Keep the compost heap under control, watch for
it drying out.
Welcome the bees into your garden, bees are essential to our food crop production. Plant
species that attract bees like Osteospermum, Dymondia, Dietes and Aloes.

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