By Tony Murrell
North Island
You couldn’t find better time of the year to prepare for a new lawn. Be it turf, seeding or hydro seed, now is the time when you can start killing your existing lawn of weeds in preparation for the new lay.
Use lawn preparation mix from your landscape supply yard. You are looking for a sand-soil mixture as a layer to be either incorporated into existing soil or added as a new layer. Purchase lawn seed appropriate to your conditions too.
South Island
Just a reminder to apply some Neem oil and seaweed spray to new fruit trees. Bud burst and leaf burst is a great time to fortify plants against the invaders.
Plant of the week
Plant Kniphofias, or red hot pokers. These drought tolerant wonders of nature are a must for the passionate gardener. Some may consider these plants to be old fashioned, but I disagree. You cannot find a more dramatic plant species to further enhance your garden. Available in miniature and large varieties. Look for colour options at your local garden centre.
Thing of the Week
Kiwireco Tree Trunk protector
Garden design tip of the week
Benching is a technique used when banks are steep and you want to plant on them without the use of retaining products. Speak to your landscaper about this technique.
Cheers and happy gardening!
Your garden guru
Tony Murrell