•This is a great time to establish specimens of the pea family such as happy wanderer (Hardenbergia violacea) or the spectacular flame pea (Chorizema cordatum). They can be either planted from seed or from pot specimens.
•Bottlebrush specimens (Callistemon species) that have got out of hand or are looking ragged can be pruned back as hard as is necessary to bring them to a more compact habit.
•Ensure that plants such as kangaroo paws that are budding up with lots of flower are not allowed to dry out and become water stressed as this will abort the developing blooms.
•If your lilly pillies are disfigured by pimple psyllids causing small bumps all over the leaves then prune off the affected growth and dispose of it so that the psyllids cannot reinfect the healthy new growth that will appear in spring.
•Plant a native finger lime (Citrus australasica) now in a sheltered well drained position with plenty of sun. The cylindrical fruits produce copious amounts of fruit that give beautiful tangy ‘citrus caviar’ that can be used in a variety of culinary contexts.
•This is a perfect time to establish new plantings of bottlebrush especially in areas with very heavy clay soil and poor drainage. There are many new varieties available to suit different gardens. Ensure that the plant is fully watered before planting and mulch well.
•Fertilise spring flowering shrubs and trees as they finish their flowering period. Low phosphorus native plant food is the safest option where you have a wide range of species planted.
•Take tip cuttings of soft wooded flowering natives such as everlasting daisies, brachyscomes and fan flowers (Scaevola) and plant in a free draining potting mix in a sheltered position to create plants for a stunning floral display from late spring through to autumn.
•Large flowered grevillea varieties such as ‘Robyn Gordon’. Moonlight’ and ‘Honey Gem’ should be pruned now, particularly if they have become too large and need to be cut hard.
•Mulching of all native species with a coarse material such as gravel or eucalypt chips will help create a very low maintenance garden through the summer heat.
