Panic stations

Gardener:Sarah the Gardener from Yates

Date:09 Oct 2023

Blog Type:Vegetables

It is all go in the garden right now, beyond the usual spring things.  I have a local garden club showing up on Thursday to check out the garden.  The garden has been weeded within an inch of its life with the upside being it should be easy to maintain going forward if we just remove the little weeds the moment they show their heads. 

Projects that have been long put off have been done, like cleaning out the pond, maintenance to the main windbreak, and tidying my office shed.  We’ve also set up some espalier fruit trees at the bottom of the garden – tucked in behind the wind break.  I figure this method is the best use of space and will keep the trees a good size to stay tucked behind the wind break.

There is still plenty to do to get the garden visit ready.  I was hoping to have the garden planted out before they came – we’re frost free so technically it should be ok, but it has been howling a hoolie and the temperature just isn’t warm enough for me to feel comfortable with my green babies.  So instead of having the plants in place, I have put up most of the structures, so the garden looks full. 

It is also a good practice run; the garden will be open again in November for the Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi Garden Ramble.  It is for such a good cause; we’re raising much need funds for a new surf club as our beach is the most dangerous in New Zealand and the club house is nearly falling down.  It is a bit nerve wracking to be apart of this, and I feel huge pressure to have the garden looking perfect as it is such an honour to have my garden selected to be in the Ramble.

As I get the garden in order my two favourite Yates products for this time of year are being applied to the soil to set my plants up for a good season – Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed and Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food as well as a good layer of compost.  I’ve noticed I’ve got plenty of worms so I’m happy with my soil fertility.

And finally – our lucky random winner of the weekly free packet of seeds is Old Mangakino Orchard (McCallum's Garden).  The seeds will be on their way to you very soon.

Keep posting your wonderful updates to increase your chances of being next week’s winner!

I hope you all have a fabulous week in the garden and as always – if you want to get in touch leave a comment below.

Sarah the Gardener  : o)

Panic stations