Hello spring

At this time of year gardeners have an almost irresistible urge to buy new plants and garden goodies. So treat yourself! Spring flowers will add colour and interest (and happy pollinators) to your garden.

Instant happiness

The quickest way to pep up the garden is to install some potted plants – advanced perennials and annuals in bloom – which are ready-made for planting in a garden bed, or popping into a pot or hanging basket. Top options include exotics such as calibrachoas and cinerarias and natives such as everlastings and cut-leaf daisies.

Hanging baskets

Plant a combination of flowers in a hanging basket – and enjoy the wonders of spring at eye-height every time you walk out the door! Choose plants with horizontal or lower growth such as lobelias, pansies or groundcover petunias. Add some verticality with uprights such as dwarf kangaroo paw, and soften these by mixing in some drapers like Scaevola spp.

Abuzz about pollinators

Add life to your spring garden by including plants that attract pollinators such as bees (native and European), butterflies and birds. Bees are attracted to white, yellow and blue but also rely on scent to guide them to flowers. Plants in the mint family are a great choice because they combine colour and scent. Native birds are attracted to red, so plant red-blooming bottlebrushes, grevilleas, correas and emu bushes to encourage them to visit.

Pots of herbs

Herbs do double duty by providing tasty ingredients and, when in flower, attracting pollinators. Choose pots at least 20cm in diameter – larger if grouping different varieties. Use a premium potting mix and place pots as close to the kitchen as possible.

Explore loads more spring plants and seasonal tasks in the September issue of ABC Gardening Australia magazine –  including flowering groundcovers, dwarf fruit trees, pruning and fertilising tips and ways to refresh your outdoor space. Get your copy now!

Words by Judy Horton & AB Bishop
Image by iStock