14 | Greenstone garden guide december 2017
14 | Greenstone garden guide december 2017
Summer show stoppers
HNeeding a little colour in your garden this December ? Read on to find out which four plants will bring your garden to life ( and add a little festive cheer ).
ailing from around the globe , including several indigenous varieties , Begonias come from a massive genus consisting of more than a thousand species .
With over ten thousand documented hybrids there is an almost confusing array to choose from . When it comes to long lasting , outdoor colour however , there is little to be confused about . Begonia semperflorens or bedding Begonias and its numerous cultivars , are just the thing to brighten up those dull areas in the garden .
Impatiens , known to many as “ Busy Lizzies ”, are a vital ingredient to any summer garden . Few other plants offer such a mass of blooms for such a long period as do these little plants . For a relatively small outlay , a few trays of impatiens will transform a dull shady corner into a riot of gorgeous colour . Impatiens will perform beautifully all summer long , impressing all passers-by . Once impatiens are established , gardeners will find them among the most carefree annuals in the garden .
Begonia One of the many advantages bedding Begonias have is that they are relatively maintenance free . They don ’ t need deadheading and will provide colour from early spring right through to the end of May , especially if given a regular helping of seedling food .
When planting in sunny position the seedlings need to be placed closer together ( 10cm apart ) as the plants won ’ t spread as much . If it is very hot , it is a good idea to mulch between the plants to keep the soil cool , although as the plants grow they will soon shade their own roots . Many gardeners are under the misapprehension that either the green or bronze variety perform well in the sun . This is just a myth as both green and bronze varieties perform well in both sun and shade . In shade , Begonias grow a bit taller and spread further so space them 15cm apart when planting .
Impatiens Impatiens prefer growing in a lightly or partially shaded position , but they will tolerate periods of full sun during the day – they do very well in morning sun positions . Impatiens can be used extensively around patios and pool areas , along driveways and at entrances , in shady beds under trees or in borders shaded by a wall , in-between shrubs and groundcovers . Window boxes , containers and hanging baskets make for excellent homes , especially for the compact varieties . These container plants can be brought indoors in high light conditions and then taken outside after a week to allow them to recover in natural light . In short , use impatiens where you want to add a feel of vibrant colour .
Summer showstoppers for your December garden . Clockwise from left to right : Salvia farinacea ; Begonias ; Impatiens ; and squash .
Squashes The squash family is diverse and loved by many for their varying tastes and colours , but their care is pretty similar across the varieties when growing in your garden . In general , squashes need wide spacing between seedlings unless you ’ re growing the bush or trailing varieties , which is an option if space is limited . Well-drained soil that has been generously worked over with compost will go a long way to kick starting them properly . They do require a healthy amount of water so be sure to do so if nature isn ’ t providing .
Salvia farinacea Salvia farinacea has attractive bluish green leaves and deep blue flower spikes that would be an amazing sight gracing your containers all summer long , right up until the first frost in autumn . Blue sage also looks stunning in a mass planted bed but especially when used as a specimen plant on a patio . Though drought tolerant once established , it does prefer moist , but not water logged soil . Fortunately it is not prone to damage by snails and slugs and is fairly self-sufficient except in extreme weather conditions .
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