Spring has well and truly arrived, and October is when the garden really starts to come alive with colour. With the recent rain we've had, the soil is in great condition for planting, giving new plants a chance to establish before the warmer weather arrives. It's a great time to freshen up garden beds, fill pots and hanging baskets, and introduce some new colour to the garden.
Clematis and Hydrangeas Steal the Show
The hybrid clematis are really starting to put on a show, with their spectacular flowers making them one of the highlights of the spring garden. Whether you're looking to cover a trellis, soften a fence or add some colour to an archway, clematis are a great way to introduce height and interest.
They prefer a sunny position for their foliage and flowers, with their roots kept cool and moist. A layer of mulch around the base helps maintain soil moisture, while a suitable support will allow them to climb and display their flowers to their full potential.
Another standout at this time of year is the beautiful Runaway Bride® Hydrangea. With its masses of white flowers cascading along the stems, it's a spectacular addition to the spring garden. Its unusual flowering habit makes it particularly well suited to pots, garden beds and hanging over retaining walls.
One of the real attractions of Runaway Bride is its ability to flower along the length of its stems, creating a beautiful display over an extended period.
Leucospermum 'So Exquisite'
One of the real highlights this month is Leucospermum 'So Exquisite', with its striking, unusual flowers and wonderful colour. These South African natives are a fantastic choice for adding something a little different to the garden, and their distinctive blooms are sure to attract attention.
They're ideal for sunny positions with excellent drainage and are well suited to gardens where a more waterwise approach is preferred once established. Like proteas, they prefer soils low in phosphorus, so it's important to avoid regular fertilisers that are too high in phosphorus.
We're offering a special price for our Harmony Loyalty Members, with $32.95 each or 3 for $90. It's a great opportunity to add these beautiful flowering plants to your garden.
Beautiful Harmony-Grown Ranunculus
Our Harmony Grown ranunculus are looking absolutely beautiful at the moment. Grown here at Harmony, these stunning flowers are putting on a fantastic display, with their layers of delicate petals and vibrant colours bringing a real touch of spring to the nursery.
Ranunculus are wonderful for garden beds, pots and even as cut flowers to bring indoors. They thrive in cool spring conditions and prefer a sunny position with well-drained soil. Keep them watered while actively growing and enjoy the flowers while they're at their best.
Our Harmony Grown ranunculus are available for $11.95 each or 3 for $30, so come in and have a look at the beautiful colours on display.
Hanging Basket Time
Hanging baskets are a great way to add colour and interest to patios, balconies, verandahs and outdoor entertaining areas. With the warmer months approaching, now is the time to get them planted and give them a chance to fill out before summer.
We're welcoming some beautiful seasonal options, including long-flowering Sutera, vibrant Calibrachoa and the newly arrived Fuchsia. Sutera and Calibrachoa are ideal for sunny positions, producing masses of flowers that spill over the edges of baskets, while Fuchsia is perfect for a more sheltered spot with some protection from the afternoon sun.
The key to a successful hanging basket is choosing the right position and keeping on top of watering. Baskets can dry out quickly as the weather warms up, so use a premium potting mix with good water-holding capacity and ensure the basket has adequate drainage. Regular feeding will also help maintain strong growth and continuous flowering throughout the season.
Getting the Most Out of Your Spring Flowers
With so much new growth happening in October, it's worth spending a little time preparing your garden beds before planting. Incorporating compost and organic matter helps improve soil structure, while a quality mulch will help retain moisture and reduce weed growth as temperatures rise.
Regular watering is particularly important while plants are establishing, but try to water deeply rather than little and often. Keep an eye on the weather, as spring can still bring some cooler nights and the occasional late frost in Tasmania.
A little care now will help your plants establish strong roots and reward you with plenty of colour as we head into summer.
In Conclusion
October is one of the most rewarding months to be in the garden. With new-season colour arriving, clematis and hydrangeas flowering beautifully, Harmony Grown ranunculus looking fantastic and some stunning new flowering natives on display, there's plenty to get excited about.
The nursery is looking amazing at the moment, with fresh arrivals and plenty of colour throughout. Whether you're filling a few pots, creating a colourful hanging basket or planting out an entire garden bed, now is the time to get started and make the most of spring.
Pop in and see us at Harmony, where we're always happy to help you find the right plants for your garden.
Happy Gardening!