Natalie’s top 5 summer gardening tips
You may spy horticulturist Natalie Simmons between the plants at Fed Square, pulling weeds, collecting seeds, and otherwise looking after the the Test Garden – the densely-planted garden located on the roof of the Fed Square car park.
A fresh face at Fed Square, Nat started with us just a few short weeks ago. Nat’s role will eventually involve looking after Laak Boorndap – the 18,000 square metre urban garden currently being built across the river, as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation Project.
As we head into the hottest months of the year, we thought we’d check in with Nat to find out her top tips for summertime gardening.
1. Who’s thirsty?
Like us, our plants need plenty of water throughout the warmer months. Rather than giving them a sprinkle each day, water for longer less often. This encourages deeper root growth and makes them more resilient in the warmer months. Don’t forget to water your plants during the coolest parts of the day (early morning or evening) to reduce evaporation and allow water to soak deeper into the soil.
- Fed Square horticulturist Natalie Simmons in the Test Garden. Photo: James Henry.
2. Get out your secateurs!
Christmas is a great time to give those fast-growing herbaceous perennials, such as Salvia nemorosa, a mid-season prune. Cut back by a third to encourage a second flush of flowers, and to maintain a compact habit.
- Blue Marvel (Salvia nemorosa). Photo: Phoebe Powell.
3. Propagate some succulents
The hotter, drier weather over summer makes it perfect for taking succulent cuttings, as they have less chance of rotting while establishing. Put them in a pot, or plant them directly into the garden like we do in the Test Garden.
- Lady Fingers (Cotyledon orbiculata ‘Oophylla’). Photo: Phoebe Powell.
- Rock Purslane (Cistanthe grandiflora). Photo: Phoebe Powell.
4. Self-seeders
Let some of your spring flowering plants go to seed. Not only does this encourage natural reseeding in your garden for next season, but it also provides food for insects and birds. For some plants those seed heads can add texture and interest to your garden though summer.
- Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) in the Test Garden. Photo: Sarah Pannell.
5. Cut back your spring bulbs
Once your flowers are gone and all the leaves have dried up, it’s time to remove the dead foliage. Delaying this pruning will ensure the plant can absorb enough energy to fuel their bulbs for another season.
Final thought
Summer gardening can be hot, hard work, so (like the rule about watering) it’s usually best done in the cooler parts of the day. And be sure to slip, slop, slap! A broad-brimmed hat is a gardener’s best friend.
To keep up to date with news from the Test Garden, follow Laak Boorndap on Instagram.
- Head gardener Russell Larke and horticulturist Natalie Simmons in the Test Garden. Photo: James Henry.
About Nat
Natalie Simmons is a horticulturist for the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, which includes responsibility for the Test Garden at Fed Square as well as the planned 18,000 square metre urban garden, Laak Boorndap. With a love of naturalistic planting design, Nat is all about helping to create and nurture beautiful public gardens that are inspired by nature. She has extensive experience travelling to international gardens and working in public gardens, including the Heide Museum of Modern Art, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (Melbourne), Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, and most recently as the Head Horticulturist at Melbourne Grammar School.
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