Here’s how you can plant your winter garden

Wollongong Botanic Garden Greenplan Nursery is getting ready to hold the next Native Plant Sale on Friday 16 June from 7.30am.

Although spring and autumn are really the two best seasons to plant your garden, Wollongong’s warm temperate climate means we can extend our planting season into a milder winter season. But before you pull your gardening gloves on, here’s what you need to know about gardening in winter.

We asked Wollongong Botanic Garden Living Collections Curator, James Beattie for his advice on winter gardening.

What plants are on sale at the Greenplan Nursery?

James – “As winter arrives, our propagated plants at the Greenplan Nursery slow down so we can’t produce the same numbers and diversity of plants as we achieve in the summer months.

“At this time of year, we usually advise people on planting ground covers, grasses, and smaller shrubs. Some plants which are looking great at the minute are Brachyscome multifida ( Rock Daisy), Pennisetum alopecuroides (Swamp Foxtail Grass) and Correa alba (White Correa).”

Image: James Beattie at the Greenplan Nursery

What advice do you have for people planting during winter?

James - “A couple of suggestions. To start with, mulch the plants well to keep the heat in the soil and ‘insulate’ them from the cold of winter. I suggest that when you first plant, make sure you water them in and take care to keep them watered as they establish roots, especially in mild windy weather when they can dry out quickly.

“At the same time, be careful not to over water as plants will be more prone to rotting during the colder months.

“Now’s also a good time to tidy up your plants, treat pests and diseases, remove dead and diseased material and mulch your garden beds with compost to help keep the warmth in.”

Any tips for indoor gardening? Are any of the plants at the Native Plant Sale suitable for apartments or units?

James – “Yes, some of our natives can be successfully grown indoors with the right conditions and care. Some of our best sellers for this are Alpinia caerulea (Native Ginger), Cordyline petiolaris (Broad-leaved Palm Lily) and many of our Ferns.

“Enjoy the months of winter to look after your plants with care at this tough time of year and they will pay you back wonderfully come spring with extra health and vigour.”

Native Plant Sale

WHEN: 16 June, 21 July and 18 August, opening at 7.30am

WHERE: Greenplan Nursery at 65 Northfields Avenue, Keiraville. Parking is available on site. The entrance will be marked with bright flags on the day.

Note: this is a ratepayer subsidised service, so a current Wollongong City Council rates notice is required on the day as proof of residency.

For more information, prices and available plant lists, visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden website.