Blog

Butterflies

From mid-spring, the butterfly display at ASQ Skydancers awakens from its winter slumber with a colourful array of beautiful butterflies. Summer is the peak time for our butterflies, when you can come in and enjoy observing their magical life cycle.

We have a special observation incubator where butterfly chrysalises are displayed and you may even be lucky enough to see a brand new butterfly emerge, showing a celebration of spring time and new life.

There is no charge to enter the butterfly enclosure and we stock an extensive range of butterfly attracting plants so you can create your very own butterfly garden at home.

Bring your camera, peruse the garden for some spring time inspiration, and you can even book a table for lunch.

Freshen up your lawn for spring!

Spring marks the time to get back outside and get your lawn ready for the spring!

Getting rid of any weeds that may have appeared in your lawn over winter is a good place to start. The type of lawn you have will dictate the type of weed killer you can use, or you may choose to remove them by hand.

Once the weeds are under control, you need to feed your lawn. A good quality fertiliser that is great for root stimulation is Seasol. Apply this every four to six weeks to keep your lawn green and healthy.

About two to three weeks after the Seasol application, it’s time to fertilise. Choose from a granular Sir Walter fertiliser, Professional Turf fertiliser or Grow Better’s Organic fertiliser. Make sure it is spread evenly over the lawn and watered in well.

Planting fruit and ornamental trees

Winter is the best time of year to plant fruit and ornamental trees. It is a great thing to have your own fruit trees, and the best thing about grafted fruit trees is that they can produce fruit within the first year...if they are healthy.

Some of the nicest small ornamental trees grow between four and six metres. These varieties include Japanese maples, ornamental pears, crab apples and flowering cherries. Larger, quick growing trees which are great for shade include gleditsias, robinas, Chinese elms and red maples.

Other plants that are really good options to plant during winter and give vibrant colour throughout the season and into the start of sring include hellebores and camellias. They both come in many different varieties and colours and prefer a semi-protected area where they will receive morning to early afternoon sun, but are protected from the late afternoon sun.

Fertilising in winter

It is commonly thought that plants and fruit trees do not need fertilising in winter, but this is not true. Plants will flourish with the right winter fertiliser.

What is important is the type of fertiliser used. High nitrogen fertilisers are more suited for spring through to autumn, but not the best for the winter months. Sulphate of potash is a soluble form of potassium which will assist to improve the colour of flowers and stimulate the growth of more flowers and develop plant strength.

A healthy plant has a higher resistance to fungal diseases and insect attack. Sulphate of potash can also be used in the vegie patches and can be found in all ASQ Garden & Landscape nurseries.

If possible, water in the mornings and try not to wet the foliage during the cold winter, which will aid the reduction of fungal disease. Do not forget to water plants under trees and the eves of the house, as they may miss the winter rain.