•Native rock orchids such as Dendrobium speciosum can be fed with a liberal helping of well rotted animal manure around the base of the plant followed by a thorough soaking to wash it in.
•Autumn flowering shrubs such as the various Crowea species and cultivars are finishing their flowering period and will benefit from a light pruning all over the plant
• For those in colder climates it is time to think about frost protection (eg Hessian cylinders around plants) for vulnerable plantings such as newly planted trees and shrubs such as rainforest plants and the so-called tropical grevilleas such as ‘Misty Pink’ and ‘Moonlight’.
• In frost free climates it is still a good time to plant spring flowering natives perennials (such as Brachyscome and kangaroo paws) to shrubs (such as Geraldton wax and boronia).
•Many banksias are in flower at this time of year. A great way to prune them is by cutting them for use in flower arrangements. Simply cut 30-50cm below each flower head to encourage a bushy habit and many more flowers for next year.
• Put a Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) into a large pot for an interesting patio plant that can also double as a living Australian native Christmas tree from year to year.
• Lightly fork over any vacant space in garden beds and sprinkle with seed of everlasting daisies. Rake the soil and water to create your own wildflower meadow for spring and summer.
• Native grasses such as tussock grass (Poa labillardieri) and kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra) can be divided now. Cut the foliage back by a half and take divisions that include several shoots for best results.
• Inspect wattles for swellings on the branches. These are galls created by parasitic wasps and should be cut off and destroyed. Also watch for any signs of borers in the main trunk.
• In warmer climates (or with protection in cooler areas) plant a Davidson’s Plum (Davidsonia pruriens) for its beautiful foliage and glossy dark blue/purple fruits that can be made into an excellent jam or for savoury sauces.
• The beautiful bell-flowered, bird attracting correas are in flower at the moment, making this a great time to go and choose one for your garden. There are many different colours of this hardy native gem available now.
• Prune spent flower stems of ever blooming grevilleas such as ‘Robyn Gordon’, ‘Superb’ and ‘Moonlight’ back by 10-15cm. If you need to give them a harder prune it is better to wait until spring.
• Yellowing in the growing tips of banksias, wax flowers (Philotheca or Eriostemon species) and grevilleas can often occur during the cooler months. Feed with iron chelates at the manufacturer’s recommended rate now and again in spring if symptoms persist.
• Direct sow seed of Rhodanthe manglesii and R. roseum into a soil bed that has been dug and enriched with well-rotted animal manure. These are rewarding everlasting daisies, both for a beaut garden display and for picking.
• Fertilise kangaroo paws with a handful of slow release native plant food. Spread evenly around the base and fork in.
