December – Flower Gardener’s Diary for New New Zealand

December is the height of summer in New Zealand, and your flower garden will be bursting with color and activity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage your flower garden during this vibrant month.

Planting

• Summer Annuals: Continue planting summer annuals such as marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, petunias, and impatiens for vibrant color.
• Perennials: Plant perennials like dahlias, lilies, gladioli, and echinacea to enjoy their blooms for years to come.
• Bulbs: Plant summer-flowering bulbs such as gladiolus and dahlias.

Care

• Watering: Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Fertilizing: Feed your flowers with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor plants for signs of pests and diseases. Use organic methods such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or manual removal to control pests.
• Staking: Stake tall plants like delphiniums, gladioli, and sunflowers to prevent them from toppling over in the wind.

Enjoying

• Cut Flowers: Harvest blooms like dahlias, zinnias, and sunflowers for beautiful indoor arrangements.
• Flowering Shrubs: Enjoy the blossoms of hydrangeas, roses, and lavender. Prune lightly to shape if necessary.
• Attracting Pollinators: Plant flowers like lavender, bee balm, and cosmos to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.

Other Tasks

• Weeding: Keep on top of weeds to prevent them from competing with your flowers for nutrients and water.
• Pruning: Lightly prune summer-flowering shrubs after they have finished blooming to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.
• Planning: Begin planning your garden for the next season. Take note of what worked well and any changes you’d like to make.

Conclusion

By following this December flower gardener’s diary, you can ensure your garden remains healthy, vibrant, and beautiful throughout the summer. Regular care and maintenance will help you enjoy a stunning display of blooms and keep your garden thriving. Happy gardening!