As Australia moves on from the wettest year since recording began in 1858, it has meant gardeners have been coping for two years with flooded and waterlogged gardens. The consequences run deep, with soils depleted of nutrients and microflora, extreme soil erosion, increased weed invasion and a serious lack of sunshine.
All in all, a disastrous combination for growing a beautiful garden of flowers and vegetables. With some relief from the triple La Niña event forecast in the months ahead, it will be a busy time for gardeners replenishing and rebuilding gardens and soil structure back to a new normal. There are tips to achieve that success.
For support, don’t forget your Garden Clinic Helpline is available every day 10am–2pm AEDT by email or telephone. Our Garden Clinic radio program is heard across Australia at 2gb.com every Saturday and Sunday 6-8am AEDT. Also, podcast each week. We’re here to help.
Meanwhile, we have a great, relaxing holiday read in this issue. We chat with Tim Entwisle about his new book, talk Aussie rose breeding with the legendary Richard Walsh, and Sandra takes you to ‘Chanticleer’ in America, a forerunner of
our new, exciting USA tour.
Paul Urquhart summarises his five favourite summer flowers and Bec Shelley highlights her much-loved cut flowers to plant now for autumn. Angie Thomas explains how to espalier citrus, and Lee Sullivan shares how to grow her top summer veggies. We also have a delicious fig and jam receipe by Better Homes & Gardens colleague, Karen Martini. My favourite, yum.
From all of us at the Garden Clinic, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!