Well, here we are in December again! I’m not sure where the year has gone, and although I know I’m getting older, the years seem to fly past with incredible speed.
Now that Christmas is almost upon us, we'll take a look at some things that might need doing to get the garden ready for the big day.
Keep an eye out for warm weather
Regarding the weather, we've been quite fortunate with only a few days hitting the mid-30s so far. However, as summer advances, we can anticipate some heat. It's essential to keep a close watch on your plants, particularly those in pots, during warmer temperatures. You might need to water them more frequently and for longer durations to maintain their health. I can't emphasize enough the importance of applying mulch, even on potted plants, and using a 'wetting agent' to enhance water absorption and retention.
Brighten up your garden
There might be a few areas that could use a bit of brightening up, and it's best to tackle this early in the month rather than waiting until the last minute. Potted flowers, whether in packs or individual pots, can be planted into gaps in the garden or into pots. Doing this now allows the plants ample time to grow and create a beautiful display. Don't hesitate to plant generously for that 'wow' factor, but remember to water and fertilize adequately to maintain their vibrancy. For shaded areas, consider using Impatiens or Begonias, which are currently in great shape and available in stores. Sprucing up the patio or indoor spaces is easy too – a few well-grown plants in decorative pots can make a significant difference.
Christmas trees in-store now!
Speaking of spruce, we currently have living Christmas trees available in stores: 'white spruce' in three different sizes and the ever-popular woolly bush in a red 250mm pot adorned with a large red bow. Both of these options serve as fantastic alternatives to cut or artificial trees. Simply place them outside in a sunny spot after Christmas, and they'll continue to grow for next year. Maintaining their shape might require a bit of pruning, but with minimal effort, you can enjoy your living tree for years!
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Tips for fruit trees & other popular plants
If you have fruit trees at home and haven't placed nets over them to keep the birds away, it's essential not to delay. The scouts are currently active, and if they discover an unprotected tree and alert the flock, they can strip a tree bare in no time. There's no worse feeling than stepping into the garden and finding a tree emptied by birds, wasting a year's worth of effort and watering.
Sturt's Desert Pea, our State Floral Emblem, is currently available in stock and isn't as challenging to grow as you might assume. Opt for a sunny location with well-drained soil, as they don't tolerate excessive moisture. Alternatively, you can try growing them in a pot or hanging basket. Feed them fortnightly with a liquid plant food—I personally use Powerfeed on mine—and regularly pinch out the runners to maintain compact growth and encourage abundant flowering.
The perfect Christmas gift
One of the most beloved plants this time of year is the Hydrangea. They're currently showcasing their beauty in various colors and flower forms. If you're considering a plant as a gift, these certainly stand out! My gardening friends and relatives always appreciate receiving 'garden' gifts for Christmas that they can plant and enjoy in their own gardens. We have a wide selection of items that make ideal gifts: Elkhorn and Staghorn ferns, tree ferns, bonsai, an excellent range of indoor plants, and decorative bowls, among others. Kids are often fascinated by carnivorous plants, and we have these in stock, looking fantastic. Additionally, consider kneeling pads, decorative mirrors, attractive plant propagation stations for indoor plant enthusiasts, and a diverse array of beautiful decorative pots. And if you can't decide, there's always the option of a Stratco Gift Voucher, allowing the recipient to choose their perfect gift.
Final notes
From all of us at Stratco we would like to wish everyone the very best for the festive season and look forward to helping you to continue your gardening journeys in 2024.
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.