Friday, May 23, 2008

Colour in the garden is back in fashion. For some, it never went away, but many people have been scared off flowering annuals in the past few years. Water restrictions and a busy lifestyle have played a part, and so has the trend towards minimalist gardens. But there is no better way to easily and cheaply inject colour and vitality into your garden. The secret is to pick a couple of areas to make an impact and to choose easy-care annuals.

WHAT IS AN ANNUAL?

Annuals grow, flower, set seed and die all within one year. Because they haven’t much time, they grow quickly and flower profusely – just what you need for a great display. When they’re finished flowering, they’re easily pulled out and a new crop planted. So you can change your colour scheme as often as you like, or experiment with different ways of using colour.

PLACES TO PLANT

Annuals are ideal for pots, window boxes and hanging baskets. They can also be used in garden beds for massed colour or as a pretty, flowering border. For a quick fix, think about a pair of pots at your front door, a row of matching pots down a set of steps, or some tubs of colour around your outdoor living area. On a small balcony, a row of rectangular troughs or window boxes along the edge works a treat. Flowering annuals are also great to add colour under larger potted trees.

SEEDS, SEEDLINGS OR POTS?

If you want to save money, you can’t beat seeds. At just a few dollars a packet, you could fill your garden with colour for less than $20. However, raising plants from seed takes a little more time and know-how. An easier and faster option is to buy punnets of six to 12 seedlings ($3-$5) which can flower within weeks. But for instant colour – perhaps you’re putting your house on the market or have visitors arriving – little pots of mature, flowering plants called ‘potted colour’ or ‘bloomers’ are $2-$3 each.

COLOUR SCHEMES

Flowering annuals such as pansies are now sold by colour and colour combinations. There are single colours and colour mixes such as blues, pastels, hot mixes and more. Blue shades are cool and restful, white always adds freshness, and orange to red tones are stimulating and energetic. Blue and yellow is a cheerful combination, while purple, deep crimson and black can be moody and provocative. A great idea is to use white in areas that are seen in the evening, as white flowers have reflective qualities and will stand out at night.

TOP PERFORMERS

Pansies and petunias are probably the top two annuals. Pansies thrive in all but the hottest months, and petunias perform in all but the coldest months. So, between the two, you can have colour all year. Plant pansies from March for flowers until the end of the year. Plant petunias from October to take you through to the end of autumn. Check with your local garden centre for advice on your region, as climate will influence planting and flowering times.

SELF-SEEDERS

Some annuals perpetuate themselves, growing each year from seeds that fall naturally to the ground. These include fairy primrose, cosmos, Californian poppy, forget-me-not and alyssum.

WATER RESTRICTIONS

Wetting agents and water-storing crystals reduce watering requirements substantially. Choose plants that are drought- and heat-tolerant. Use premium-quality potting mix and keep the soil covered with mulch to reduce evaporation. Select large pots, as small ones dry out more quickly.

WHAT TO PLANT NOW

In all but the coldest areas, plant pansies and violas now. And it’s not too late to plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs, also advanced punnets of winter-flowering annuals and early punnets of spring-flowering varieties.


SEEDLING SUCCESS

• Choose punnets with short, sturdy plants rather than tall, spindly ones.
• Soak punnets in seaweed solution for five minutes before planting.
• Remove seedlings from punnet by squeezing each cell gently. Set out the plants on top of the soil to get the spacing correct before planting.
• Plant out in the cool of the morning or evening and avoid planting on very hot days. Gently firm the soil around the roots as you plant.
• Water in the seedlings with the rest of the seaweed solution. Keep them evenly moist, but not wet.
• Watch for snails. Use pet-friendly snail bait, or remove by hand at night. Fortnightly applications of soluble fertiliser will speed growth. Once the plants are a good size, switch to a soluble fertiliser to promote flowering.
• Remove spent flowers, called dead-heading, to stimulate flower production and extend the flowering period.
• Best for hot, dry spots: portulaca, Californian poppy, petunia, alyssum.
• Best for semi-shade: primula, wax begonia, forget-me-not, ageratum.