It’s a wrap
As a rule, it is best to grow plants suited to your particular climate. However, there are always some plants we feel we just have to have – for a variety of reasons – and which will need protection from frosts. In my book, this includes black passionfruit and young citrus trees, which are easily saved by a timely throwing over of frost cloth. Even a sheet or blanket will do on those nights frost threatens – just remember to remove in the morning. But if that daily chore and afternoon angst of worrying whether there will be a frost is too much of a drag there is a solution – microclima, a cloth that can be left on all winter.
In areas prone to frosts, many perennials are best cut back to just above ground level and covered with a blanket of pea straw or compost. These are those that die right back in winter, such as monarda, daylily and peony. Alternatively, let them die back naturally, then cover.
Cardboard toilet paper rolls slipped over leek plants will help prevent soil getting into the inner leaves while they grow.
Tying the upper leaves of caulifl owers together over the white heads will protect them from rain, hail and even possums and rats.
Old pieces of carpet, coffee sacks or even a tarpaulin can be thrown over compost heaps to keep them warmer over winter and aid decomposition. They will also allow rain in – whereas plastic lids can keep them too dry to break down speedily.
Landscape 101
This story is from the June 2022 edition of Your Home and Garden.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2022 edition of Your Home and Garden.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Baby, it's cold outside
How to embrace winter mornings
THE HIGH NOTE
Opera costume and set designer Tracy Grant Lord is setting the scene for her best show yet
Wintering OVER
The 10 best things you can do for your garden and plants this winter
A fresh change
A couple move cities to embrace a new lease of life, not just for themselves but for a 1920s home as well
SAVING GRACE
Keen to care for the planet, a savvy designer revamped a harbourside home destined for demo with a light touch - no bulldozers required
A triumph of COLOUR
This year's Resene Colour Home Awards winner couldn't fit in with their neighbours so they went all out instead
Bowl me over
Nothing is more comforting than a hearty soup on a chilly day, especially when you add next-level accompaniments.
Scents of place
A peek at Auckland designer Kristine Crabb’s tropical paradise
In the FRAME
Using Resene wallpapers or murals as a framed print is a fantastic way to add drama
Second time AROUND
A stylish renovation, 10 years after the first one, has transformed this bungalow into an open-plan oasis