Winter weather in Perth can be unpredictable, with periods of rain, strong winds, and sudden temperature drops. We look at ways you can protect your garden for this season and winters to come against these conditions.
Perth’s Strong Winds
Winter winds in Perth can be particularly strong, which can damage plants and cause soil erosion. To protect your plants, consider installing windbreaks such as hedges, fences, or mesh screens. Some good options for hedges to protect plants from strong winds are:
- Coastal rosemary (Westringia fruticosa): This evergreen shrub has tough, narrow leaves that can withstand wind and heat. It also produces small white or purple flowers in spring.
- Coastal wattle (Acacia sophorae): This evergreen tree or shrub has fine, delicate foliage that can move with the wind, reducing the impact on other plants. It also produces yellow flowers in winter and spring.
- Lilly pilly (Syzygium spp.): This evergreen tree or shrub has dense foliage that can provide good wind protection. It also produces colourful berries and flowers, depending on the species.
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.): This evergreen tree or shrub has distinctive, brush-like flowers that can attract birds and provide good wind protection. It is also drought tolerant.
- Native hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii): This evergreen shrub has large, showy flowers that can provide good wind protection. It is also drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies and bees.
When selecting a hedge for wind protection in Perth, it is important to consider the plant’s water requirements, as well as its ability to tolerate heat, wind, and salt spray. Native plants are often well-suited to Perth’s climate and can provide additional benefits for local wildlife.
It’s not only the plants that need protection from these winds, but also your soil from erosion. You can slow down this erosion with adding a weighty mulch to your garden beds to help keep the soil in place.
Perth’s Winter Rains
Water your plants according to rainfall. In Perth, winter is the wettest season of the year, with an average rainfall of about 400 mm (16 inches) spread over the season. As a result, the frequency of watering your garden during winter will depend on the amount of rainfall your garden is receiving, the type of plants in your garden, and the soil type.
As a general guideline, during winter in Perth, it is best to water your garden once a week or less, depending on the rainfall. You should also consider the soil type, as some soils drain faster than others. Sandy soils drain faster and may require more frequent watering than clay soils.
It is important to avoid overwatering your garden, as this can lead to waterlogged soil and root rot. To determine whether your plants need watering, you can check the soil moisture level by inserting your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels moist, then it does not need watering.
Also, make sure to water your garden in the morning, so that the plants have a chance to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. In addition, using a layer of mulch around the base of your plants can help to retain soil moisture and reduce water loss through evaporation.
Colouring Your Winter
In Perth, the winter months can be a great time to add some colour to your garden with flowering plants that thrive in cooler weather. Some good options for flowering plants to plant in Perth during the winter include:
- Pansies: These colourful annuals come in a range of colours, including purple, yellow, blue, and white. They are hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures and some frost.
- Primroses: These perennials have bright, colourful flowers and can thrive in the cooler temperatures of winter. They come in a range of colours, including pink, purple, yellow, and white.
- Cyclamen: These plants have distinctive, pink, or red flowers and variegated leaves. They are hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them a good choice for winter planting.
- Hellebores: These perennials have pretty, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and green. They are hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures, making them a good choice for winter planting.
- Daphne: This evergreen shrub has fragrant flowers in shades of pink or white. It thrives in cooler temperatures and can add a lovely fragrance to your garden in winter.
When planting flowering plants in winter, it’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to the cooler, wetter conditions of the season. Make sure to plant them in well-draining soil and water them regularly to ensure healthy growth.
By following these tips, you can keep your garden protected, healthy and vibrant during Perth’s winter weather.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips will help you make the most of this season and ensure that your garden is ready for the upcoming growing season.
All Round Garden Services not only provide one-off garden clean ups and regular garden maintenance, but we can also help with any new plantings. So don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0498573429 if you’re looking add a protective hedge or a spot of colour to your garden.
