Senwes Scenario August / September 2017 | Page 61

••• • • GA R DE N T I P S • • Now  is not the time to do nothing CARL KIRSTEIN T he period from July onwards is usually a quieter time in the garden. However, it does not mean that there is nothing to do in the garden. Now is the time to make structural chang- es and to finish all the work which could not be done in June. This includes attention to the ground cover, moving trees and shrubs, putting compost in your flower beds and applying lime. I personally start pruning my plants and trees during late July since there are very few pests to attack freshly pruned branches. It is also a good opportunity to have your equipment serviced and to get it ready for the summer. TIPS The leaves in the flower beds are dry now. Re- move, put it in a bag and dance on the bag to crush it. It can be a very attractive and effective ground cover without any expenses. You need to plan your beds now. Soil can be prepared and the necessary compost and fertiliser can be worked in. In August we can attend to our lawns. Nothing looks worse than a neglected lawn. Mow your lawn very short and aerate with a garden fork or spiked roller. Top-dress and level out your lawn. Use a plank to level the topdressing. By doing this you will leave more soil in hollow places and less in higher areas. Fertilise and water. Where the lawn struggles to grow, for instance under trees, prepare the soil and plant your grass. I can recommend Ginger Green, since it makes for a beautiful lawn and it grows in the su n or shade. Keep your lawn short - do not allow your gardener or garden services to turn your lawn into a thick carpet. Enjoy the rest of the winter with healthy vege- tables from your vegetable garden. Organic soups and stews are now at the order of the day. Stay green and organic! SENWES Scenario • AUG/SEP 2017 59 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 08:00 vir 09:00 | NAMPO PARK Kom wees deel van die bespreking saam met ervare produsente in die bedryf LANDELIKE GEMEENSKAPS- SAMEWERKING KYK UIT VIR PRAKTIES DEMOSTRASIES R100 RSVP VOOR OF OP 13 SEPTEMBER BY: Elize Spence – [email protected] | 051 444 4609 Marlize Fritz – marlize@agrinw | 018 632 3612 Marie Erasmus – [email protected] | 018 464 7568 14de