In Western Australia and Australia in general, we don’t have timely starts to each season. Summer seems to last forever, and winter seems either to be too long, or too short, but we do get a grace period in between the bracing cold and the extreme heat (fun fact: I’ve spent several winters in Scotland visiting my mum’s family, but no matter how many times I’ve experienced their chill-to-the bone winter, an Australian winter always catches me off guard!)
Did you know that The Wadjuk Noongar people have six seasons which can prove to be more reliable than the European four seasons? I have found that this is very useful to keep in mind as a gardener. We’re currently in the second month of Djilba, or first spring. This is a transitional time of the year. Basically, the cold winter (Makuru) is still with us, but a few more sunny days are starting to appear, as do the first flowers. Next month we begin Kambarang or as I like to call it “native flowers on steroids”. Your native plants will be exploding in October and November with flowers, before we move into Birak and Bunuru (first and second summer).
Right now (Djilba) is a great time of the year to get your garden in order before the excitement of Kambarang, and then the horrible hot weather starting at the end of October. Early September is your last chance to give your rose bushes, and any other blooming or fruiting plant, a prune. You have pretty much until the end of October to get shade plants sorted out, with proper shade and retic. Now is the time to test and repair your reticulation – there will be a day in October or November when you suddenly need to turn it on, and if it’s not in good order … you’ll kick yourself.
This is also the time to get mulch and manure on your beds. Warmer weather means that plants will start to grow, and they need much more nutrients. Warmer weather means less rain and more evaporation, so mulch will protect your plants’ roots. It also suppresses weeds (and do we like weeds?)
In summary don’t waste this precious time. Give your plants the best chance of survival in summer. Feel free to contact us for gardening advice – we love our gardens, and yours!
Happy gardening,
Catie
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