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The Month of June in Western Australia - will it bring more rain

© John Bottomley

Sorry to keep harping on about the rain, but we have already been warned by the Minister for Water Resources that there is more than a possibility of water restrictions in the summer of 1999/2000. Just to put you in the picture, the average rainfall to the end of June is supposed to be 392 mms (15.7 inches). So far this year to June 1we have had 182 mms (7.3 inches), if we get just above average rainfall we will be up with the average. But, unfortunately, the storage dams are very low because of the low rainfall of the past few years. As I write this I can hear the rain making a wonderful sound on the roof of the office. I have planted all the bulbs that need planting. Apparently, anemone and ranunculus can be planted anytime up to the middle of June. We already have some bulbs in pots that have begun to show themselves. Apparently the time for planting roses will soon be upon us and it is time to rake out the beds and to spread such things as a layer of well-rotted compost and animal manure. The best time for pruning here in Western Australia is July so I will cover that aspect in the July articles. June is the time to begin to plant out trees and shrubs, because of wetter ground conditions. The story with the native plants and the South African proteas is that they do not require much ground preparation beforehand. Other types of trees and shrubs require the ground to be well prepared and at least for the gardener to be sure the rainfall is sufficient for water to have penetrated to a depth of 30cm (12 inches). The Agonis flexuosa, the Weeping Peppermint, is one of the best known woodland trees indigenous to this part of the world. There is a fully variegated form, the South West Peppermint, which has a soft and delicate look, is very tolerant to the conditions and is tough and resilient. Apparently the tree is very fast growing, and will grow to about 4 - 5 metres (13.2 - 16.5 feet) in about 5 years. It looks well as a subject for a lawn or border. Now is the time for the Wattle Blossom and the Native Wisteria to flower and many gardens begin to get wonderful mixtures of reds, yellows and purples. As I have mentioned in earlier pieces, the part of the garden that is covered in stones and gravel has now been covered in mulch. For this area I am choosing trees and shrubs that will give the place a bit of character, and it was recommended to me that I would be wise to plant native trees and shrubs. It gets a lot of sun in the summer, and is very dry, or has been up to now. Two shrubs which came to mind, are the Hardenbergia comptoniana (Native Wisteria) and the Kennedia coccinea (Coral Vine). The Hardenbergia is a spectacular climbing shrub with dark green and shiny leaves. Masses of deep purple flowers hang in long sprays from June to September. Native Wisteria survives the summer months by shedding most of its leaves. In watered gardens the shrub does not need to adapt to the harsh summer conditions and continues to grow vigorously.

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