Seasonal Maintenance Guide
Spring
- Prune roses after last frost, feed with organic fertilizer
- Divide overcrowded perennials like agapanthus and salvias
- Apply thick mulch before hot weather to conserve moisture
- Plant heat-tolerant annuals and summer-flowering perennials
- Weed thoroughly while soil is moist from winter rain
- Check and service irrigation systems before summer
Summer
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots
- Deadhead roses and perennials in early morning or evening
- Provide shade cloth protection for vulnerable plants during heatwaves
- Mulch exposed soil to reduce water loss and keep roots cool
- Monitor for pests like aphids and treat with organic methods
- Harvest herbs regularly to encourage bushy growth
Autumn
- Plant perennials, roses, and natives in ideal conditions
- Divide and transplant established perennials
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs in cooler regions
- Refresh mulch layers to protect plants through winter
- Collect and save seeds from favourite plants
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs after flowering completes
Winter
- Prune deciduous roses and climbing plants while dormant
- Plant bare-root roses and fruit trees
- Plan garden improvements and order plants for spring
- Prepare new beds with compost and organic matter
- Weed during mild days to reduce spring workload
- Protect frost-tender plants in cold inland regions
