Seasonal Garden Maintenance Tips for Northern Beaches Residents

Living on the Northern Beaches means your garden is not just an extension of your home; it's a living, breathing canvas that reflects the changing faces of nature. As the year unfolds, each season brings with it a new set of chores and joys for garden enthusiasts. Here's a guide to keeping your garden in harmony with the rhythms of the Northern Beaches' climate.

Spring: The Awakening

Spring is nature’s way of saying ‘let’s party’, and in your garden, the festivities begin with preparation. It's the time for planting, feeding, and sprucing up after winter’s slumber.

• Planting: Introduce new plants as the soil warms up. It's an excellent time for both native species and exotics that thrive in our coastal environment.

• Feeding: Give your garden a boost with a balanced fertiliser to wake up your plants and prepare them for the growing season.

• Mulching: A fresh layer of mulch will conserve moisture and suppress weeds that are eager to sprout in the spring light.

• Pruning: Trim summer-flowering shrubs to encourage robust new growth.

Summer: The Zenith

Summer in the Northern Beaches is a burst of energy and colour, but it can also be harsh. Maintenance is key to help your garden not just survive, but thrive.

• Watering: Water efficiently in the early morning or late afternoon to minimise evaporation. Consider installing a drip irrigation system for deeper, more effective watering.

• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Early intervention with organic solutions can prevent outbreaks.

• Lawn Care: Raise the mower's blade to leave grass longer, which helps to protect roots from the scorching sun.

Autumn: The Preparer

As the heat wanes, autumn is a time of preparation and transformation. It’s the perfect season for planting and getting a head start on the cooler months.

• Soil Enrichment: Enrich the soil with compost and manure to replenish nutrients used up during the summer.

• Planting: Autumn is ideal for planting trees and shrubs, allowing them to establish roots before the winter.

• Pruning: Prune deciduous trees once their leaves fall, but wait until winter for citrus and other fruit trees.

• Lawn Maintenance: Aerate your lawn to relieve compaction and overseed bare patches for a lush, thick turf.

Winter: The Resting Phase

Winter might seem quiet, but it's an active time beneath the surface. It’s the season to protect, repair, and plan.

• Protection: Mulch well to protect plant roots from the cold and provide a habitat for beneficial organisms.

• Repair: Fix any broken structures or pathways; it’s easier to do it now than in the busier spring and summer.

• Planning: Use this quieter time to plan any big changes or designs for the spring when you can put those plans into action.