Strelitzia Reginae, Bird of Paradise in the Exhibition Gardens Carlton 18 June 2012 Picture by Craig Abraham The Age
With a potentially drought-inducing El Nino weather pattern likely to descend on us later this year, now is the perfect time to prepare our gardens and lawns for the harsh and dry conditions ahead.
Kennards Hire area maintenance controller Richard Scicluna said now was the perfect opportunity to start preparing gardens for drought.
"We are now in spring which means the lawns and gardens are starting to come through again," Mr Scicluna said.
"Now is the time to start preparing our lawns and gardens so they will be able to handle the dry and hot months ahead."
Preparing lawns before the drought will ensure their survivability.
The idea is to make lawns as strong and healthy as possible before the onset of drought and heat.
Mr Scicluna said the best way to make it easier for our lawns to have water during the dryer months was to reduce thatch and compaction.
"Thatch is dead and dry remains of grass," he said.
"If you have thatch, it could stop the much-needed water and nutrients from getting to the roots.
"Particularly in the dryer conditions, you want your grass to have easy access to as much water as possible. To remove thatch and dry roots you will have to use a dethatch machine."
Mr Scicluna recommends fertilising gardens now with a dynamic lifter and seaweed extract.
He said choosing plants that survive extreme heat and restricted water conditions would make gardens look fuller and brighter during summer.
Mr Scicluna suggested cactuses.
"I would choose plants from the cactus family or plants that can survive the dryer conditions, like the bird of paradise," he said.
To see what grows in your local area successfully, Mr Scicluna recommends homeowners take a drive around their neighbourhood.
"Have a look in your neighbours' gardens and see what works well and what doesn't," he said. "Make sure when you are looking at the gardens that they are in a similar location to your property. For instance if you are on a hill, look at properties which are also on a hill."
Mr Scicluna advises watering early in the morning.
"If you water gardens early in the morning, the water will have the chance to seep into the garden, whereas if you water at night it will only sit there and not absorb properly," he said.