It really feels like we’ve had a decent spring this year with lots of sunshine to go with the cool crispness that spring is known for. Anything that puts off the hot temperatures of summer for a little while longer is certainly appreciated by your garden just as much as outdoor lovers everywhere. There’s been a nice amount of rain too, which, again, is just how the spring should be. Needless to say, the garden has responded in kind with plenty of lush growth and beautiful flowers everywhere.
With the garden really taking off lately, the downside, or upside depending on how you look at it, is there is plenty of work to do in the garden to keep all this fresh new growth in check. Lawns are on a fortnightly mowing schedule at the very least, hedges will need regular trimming, and trees and shrubs that have finished flowering will no doubt need a prune and some deadheading.
It’s also a good idea to give all your hard surfaces like patios, paving and decking a good clean with the summer entertaining season not too far away. Garden furniture could also benefit from a clean and fresh coat of oil, if needed, to protect them from the elements. November is an ideal time to tackle any hard landscaping you might like to do or have done before the summer heat kicks in. A new entertaining area or even just a new spot for the barbie might be a worthwhile investment.
Take a look at all your trees this month for signs of ill health and treat them accordingly. A prune and deadwooding of established trees can really lift the aesthetics of a garden and promote ongoing tree health. And remember to factor in the fantastic shade a large tree can provide against the summer sun and avoid taking off too much of the canopy at this time of year. Not only will it give you some shade when you’re outside but they can also reduce the ambient temperature around your house, meaning you’ll potentially save money on cooling costs once the hot summer weather arrives.
But for right now it’s all about enjoying this wonderful spring weather we’ve been having!
November jobs to do now:
- Tree health checks
- Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs
- Check irrigation systems
- Spread some fresh mulch
