I wonder what will happen next year?

I suppose you have recovered from the Christmas festivities and are ready for a bit of the same sort of celebrating for New Year, 2000. Down under we will be celebrating the Centenary of Federation, which looks like it may go on (the celebration that is) for a few months longer than a simple New Year’s Eve adventure. One of the Christmas presents I bought for my wife was a Hydrangea, in a very well designed pot. Having always been a fan of this deciduous small shrub, that bears large round beautiful flowers in summer we decided to try and find a spot in the garden that we could devote to a few samples of this very colourful plant. The shrub makes a really great summer display when planted singly or in groups in the garden bed. It also grows very well in large containers. It is possible to cut the flowers fresh or use them in a dried arrangement. I came across the shrub in England. However, there it is possible to grow them in full sun, in fact that is the recommended position for them. In this harsh climate it is better to plant them in partial shade. The best flower colour is obtained when there is some protection from the sun. I do believe there are now varieties called “Sun Hardened Hydrangeas” that will withstand the sun somewhat better than the earlier variety/type. After the Hydrangea flowers it is a good idea to prune to promote a good strong growth. It is also recommended that old and damaged canes are removed. In the spring a good complete fertiliser should be applied and the plant kept moist in the dry weather. Another variety of flower that has always been a favourite of ours is the Camellia. Quite recently we came across a type called Camellia sasanqua, a form of classic ground cover. Classique, the trade name for this variety is a popular and exciting new prostrate Camellia that flowers a lot from late summer to winter. The plant has two tone pink flowers with an attractive foliage that sports bronze tips on the new growth. Classique is a multi-purpose plant that can be used as a ground cover or a low shrub in garden beds, hanging baskets, pots or borders. It is ideal for cottage gardens underneath taller trees and shrubs. This Camellia can be grown in sun or shade in all soil types if organic matter is added to the soil. It is necessary to ensure that drainage is adequate. One should mulch the plant well and make sure that during the hot weather it is given plenty of water. There is a need to apply some sort of Camellia fertiliser in the spring and it is recommend not to apply lime anywhere near this plant.

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