Fortunately Mother Nature has to date spared us any further tribulations in the garden or periods of inclement weather, with the result that the unusually warm weather has given a much needed boost to those plants hit hardest by Hurricane Florence. Unfortunately new growth is an invitation to attacks by pests and diseases with the former being prevalent at the moment, therefore an inspection of the garden is in order to arrest and destroy such villains of the peace. Mealy bug, scale, aphids and caterpillars have been enjoying themselves of late. A second pass to prune dead wood or wood that was questionable immediately after the storm should be well under way; pruning back to new growth and shaping the plant at the same time will encourage a good branch system for future branch development.

New plantings should be well on their way to becoming established before growth slows down as temperatures drop; keep checking for potential problems as with continued new (soft) growth it is gourmet dining for many pests. When applying pesticides and fungicides and indeed any chemical, always read the instructions carefully to ensure correct application rates; too much can have adverse effects while not enough can have little if any effect.

As I travel around the Island I continuously see problems with types of material used in certain locations and also ‘how’ they are installed which could be a problem in the future.

Many plants are doomed to failure as soon as they are planted, simply because no thought was given to what location they prefer and their eventual height. Location covers a broad range of areas, for example coastal areas are best planted with littoral or shore line growing material, whilst shady areas should be planted with material that acclimates in such areas. Location also includes an area where the plant can grow naturally and exhibit its potential, an example of this being the planting of material under a window with shutters, when the plant is constantly ‘hacked’ back to accommodate the opening and closing of same. Wouldn’t life be easier if a low slow growing plant was installed instead, which would also cut down on labour. Structural problems are also related to plant location. How often does one see cracks in walls or even collapsed walls, caused simply by root movement in a confined space with the result that something has to give and it invariably is the wall, or in worst case scenarios a cracked wall in the water tank!

When purchasing a plant garner as much information about its height, flowering time and so on which will to a degree dictate or determine the best location. Too small a planting hole will retard root growth to the detriment of the top growth. A case of what you don’t see can hurt you!

For those who ‘will try anything’ consider growing plants as standards — these are plants which have a trunk to a height of five to six feet of Nerium oleander, privet (Ligustrum lucidum), Pittosporum tobira, and hibiscus or althaea, a real eye opener when used in the right area of the garden.

Because of their habit they should be located to make a statement if planted in a bed with other plantings; or for a really bold statement plant a formal row along a driveway or footpath. In the case of the latter, ensure that all trunk heights are the same height and also ‘top growth’ are of a similar configuration.

This type of plant is also desirable for use along blank walls or on large patios either used as a stand alone or in configuration with other smaller containers in modular groupings.

Plants as with fashion come into vogue and then become ‘old hat’ until rediscovered, cacti, succulents and grasses are examples of such plants making a ‘comeback’.

Grasses add texture, colour and interest to any garden especially if the ‘mix’ of surrounding plantings is in harmony with each other.

Grasses are usually quick growing and can be lifted and divided to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. Flower spikes can be of great interest and as such the location of same becomes an important factor in the design. Agaves and Aloes create interesting characters within the design concept, mostly they are hardy and look good for most of the year, which is important in exposed areas. Pedilanthus tithymaloides variegate — Variegated slipper plant — is also effective in such areas, especially when planted against a dark green background, and in combination with the agaves and aloes.

With the clocks “falling back” one hour growth rates will start to slow and foliage will not be as vibrant; autumnal plantings of annuals and bulbs are now the forefront of interest and will be the thrust of attention for the coming months.

Summer weeds may be on their way out, but winter weeds are not far behind in coming to the fore, therefore the garden calendar, though in transition, is still active.

Weed control is a must if good growth and reduced maintenance is the goal, remember the old adage: One year’s seeding gives seven years weeding. Some food for thought especially for those with a bad back!