The rainfall, and temperature drops, have come in waves, heralding the start of winter. And as the days got colder, snow fell from Stanthorpe in QLD to the Snowies. It’s time to reflect on what winter means for your outside space.
Cold, dry, windy conditions
Despite the recent rains, we’re still in drought. Winter is traditionally the driest time of year in eastern Australia and in most areas the soil remains parched. There’s a lack of rain and drying winds prevail. And, according to the CSIRO, in the future, hot days will become more frequent and hotter. In southern mainland Australia, winter and spring rainfall is projected to decrease.
As a consequence of those predictions, and falling dam levels, Level 1 Water Restrictions began in NSW on 1 June. There is a grace period, so you’ve got some time to get used to the changes without penalty. While after 1 September, fines will apply, the requirements of the Water Wise Rules aren’t that harsh. Here are a few things you can’t do:
- use standard sprinklers and watering systems at any time
- clean hard surfaces such as paths, driveways and paved areas with a hose as part of general cleaning
- leave hoses and taps running unattended
For more details on exceptions and the full run-down on what you can and cannot do, visit Sydney Water.
Harvesting the rain, eating your garden
With the prolonged dry conditions we have in Australia, rainwater tanks really do make a lot of sense. With a little design consideration there are lots of ways to integrate water tanks into your outside space, above, below or beneath it. Give us a call for recommendations.
In fact, here’s one we think lovers of kitchen gardens will appreciate. It’s an innovative water wicking garden bed solution from Australia’s own WaterUps® from Down Under. In all conditions, WaterUps garden beds offer consistent water levels. And, you only have to fill the water wicking garden bed’s reservoir at extended intervals.
If you already have a kitchen garden in place, here are a few winter vegetables you can plant:
- Onions and Shallots
- Garlic
- Spring Onions
- Spinach
- Broad Beans
- Peas
- Asparagus
Helping your garden survive winter
Winter is a good time to remove any dead plants, fallen leaves and fruit from your garden as they can be a source of infection for other plants. We recommend moving away from a high nitrogen to a low nitrogen feed for your winter crops and flowering annuals. This reduces risk of fungal diseases and aids growth.
Top up mulch but don’t mulch too thickly –you want any showers of rain to penetrate the soil. Later in the winter is a good time to top up the mulch paths in your vegetable garden if you have them.
Time to reflect
Winter is also a great time to get a head start on your spring gardens. As you clear out any outside clutter, consider how you might make more of your outside space. These colder days are also getting shorter, which makes it a good time to get cosy and reflect on how your outside space has performed over the past year. Is there room for some outdoor improvements or renovations, furniture, more colour or new plantings?
Wherever your reflections take you, from creating a cook’s space through to constructing rooms outside and outside showers, we can help you make the most of your outside space.
Timely reminder
This year we’ve been working on great outside spaces from Balmain out to Mt Druitt and down to Vincentia. We’re loving the variety that year-round work site diversity brings. Most of this work is on new garden builds. But, we are still getting calls to rectify sub-standard work carried out by unqualified tradespeople (not our work.)
To avoid the inconvenience, cost, and potential strain this can cause, we urge everyone to make sure the contractors they hire carry all the required qualifications and insurances. Rest assured, we’re certified, carry all required insurances and we’re a member of the LNA Master Landscaper’s Association.
If you’d like more information on how to make the most of winter, and beyond, in your outdoor space, please get in touch.
