 Growing Gardens
with Julia Hancock
Daylight shrubbery
In mid-winter when the sun reaches its lowest point on the horizon, the shadows in our gardens become deep and long. Many of us wish that more light and warmth would penetrate those areas which directly affect the parts of our houses and gardens we use most frequently use during the winter months. If you feel enclosed by gloomy greenery at this time of the year, some 'chop and swap' is in order.
Shrubs with bare branches can be as attractive as those which are always fully foliaged, but in subtropical climates the list of suitable species is fairly limited.
Dwarf grafted maples such as Acer palmatum 'Dissectum atropurpureum' are pricey but pretty with delicate network of maroon-red branches.
Cotinus coggygria or smoke bush displays rich bronzey foliage for the warmer months before defoliating to become a willowy ornamental. Philadelphus, deliciously fragrant in the summer, reduces to a couple of dead-looking twigs in winter.
Hydrangeas are often grown up against house walls for a cool blue wash to counter the summer heat. In autumn they should be hard pruned and in winter their skeletons can be camouflaged with underplantings of bulbs and annuals.
Buddlejas should also be vigorously pruned after flowering and once the old leaves have fallen off, the new silvery-white foliage buds up beautifully along the bare stems. The leaf buds of magnolias are also notable and the smaller varieties such as M. stellata are completely deciduous.
Dwarf species of crepe myrtle, the may bush (Spirea cantoniensis) and of course roses all lose their foliage in the cooler months and are useful gap-makers.
Don't forget climbers are also classified as shrubs and several accommodate winter sun. Vitis or vine species, wisteria, Parthenocissus and some honeysuckles such as the shrubby Lonicera fragrantissima with small, scented flowers are good examples.
Lismore Garden Club
 Over the next two weeks, I'd like to offer some handy tips on what we do in our garden.
This week: Flowers and shrubs
Watch the leaves for a yellow tint and remove the most-effected ones, particularly for stocks. Apply wilt and mould deterrents. I use soluble sulphur - be very careful you stick closely to the recommended mixture on the packet. The sulphur has no toxic ingredient in it, but if the spray is too strong, it will burn your plants.
Happy gardening.
Inquiries: Don 6624 3855.
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