In the cooler Tasmanian autumn, your garden can still burst with colour and fragrance by incorporating a mix of hardy annuals. Pansies and violas, with their cool-weather resilience and vibrant colours, are perfect for beds, borders, and containers. Polyanthus brightens cooler days with dense clusters of cheerful blooms, while the sweet fragrance of stock adds a rich layer of sensory pleasure in a range of pastel to vibrant hues. Primulas offer delicate diversity with soft colours, thriving in the autumn chill. Cinerarias stand out in shady spots with striking colours and large flowers. Sweet peas, planted now, promise charming blooms and sweet scents by late winter, and snapdragons contribute height and a prolonged display of colour as the weather cools.
New Season Arrivals
Camellia
Camellias are the jewels of the cooler seasons, with their lush foliage and exquisitely formed flowers that bloom from autumn into spring. They are ideal for adding structure and elegance to the garden.
- Camellia 'Sweet Jane': This variety is renowned for its delicate, pink flowers that provide a soft, yet striking contrast against its dark, glossy leaves. 'Sweet Jane' has a compact growth habit, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as a feature plant in larger landscapes. Its blooms are not only a visual delight but also our longest flowering variety.
- Camellia 'Volunteer': A standout for its large, semi-double flowers that exhibit a vibrant blend of pink and coral hues, 'Volunteer' is a showstopper. This variety can grow into a substantial shrub, offering not just aesthetic appeal with its flowers but also serving as an effective privacy screen. Its robust nature and stunning floral display make it a valuable addition to any garden setting.
Daphne
The allure of Daphne lies in its intoxicating fragrance that can perfume an entire garden. With its clusters of pink or white flowers set against a backdrop of shiny, green leaves, Daphne is a small but impactful shrub. It thrives in cooler climates and prefers a sheltered position, making it perfectly suited to most Tasmanian gardens. Planting Daphne near walkways or entrances ensures you can enjoy its sweet scent every time you pass by.
Hellebore (Winter Rose)
Hellebores are cherished for their ability to bloom in the coldest months, offering a glimpse of spring during the depths of winter. With a range of colours from white and pink to deep purple, and even speckled varieties, they provide a subtle yet sophisticated beauty to the garden. Hellebores prefer a shaded position, making them ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders. Their resilience and low maintenance make them a favourite among gardeners.
Azalea
While Azaleas are traditionally associated with spring, planting them in autumn allows them to establish themselves for a dazzling display. Azaleas come in a variety of colours and sizes, with some varieties offering brilliant autumn foliage in addition to their spring blooms. They prefer acidic soil and a position with partial shade, making them a versatile choice for adding year-round interest to your garden.
Embracing autumn in your garden by planting a variety of winter colour ensures a vibrant and colourful landscape well into the cooler months. By carefully selecting plants suited to the season and providing them with the care they need, you're setting the stage for a garden that's alive with beauty and interest. As each plant blooms in its own time, your garden will offer an ever-changing display of colours and fragrances.
So, get your hands in the soil, enjoy the process, and look forward to the delightful blooms that await.
Happy Gardening!