Spring has finally arrived and with it comes the irresistible urge to head outdoors, shake off the winter chill and breathe new life into our gardens. But where to begin?
To help us navigate the season’s blooms, trends and must-have plants, we caught up with Simon Van Roy, owner of Manawee Garden Centre.
Known for his practical advice and passion for making gardens thrive, Simon shares his expert tips on everything from soil care to choosing the right plants for small spaces, plus the secrets to keeping your garden colourful and vibrant well into summer.
What are the biggest gardening trends you’re seeing this spring? A bit of structure – not quite formal but think trimmed domes with some pretty annual flowers, or a lovely thick, tight, green hedge with some colour in front of it. Textural contrast is becoming really popular, especially as spaces become smaller.
Which plants or flowers are most in demand as the weather warms up? Anything colourful is always in demand. This season continues the trend of more perennial (long-lived) flowers such as perennial petunia-like Supertunia, or SunPatiens. You could also consider native choices including Scaevola and Chryscephalum Desert Flame.
What’s your No.1 tip for people wanting to refresh their garden after winter? Work on the soil. Every little thing you put into the soil is returned to you in the performance of the plants. You can improve soil with composts and fertilisers, remove weeds and get mulch down for summer. If you do nothing but this, your garden will thank you.
What are some easy, low-maintenance plants that thrive in our climate? It’s not just climate – also think about position. Plants in full sun are going to perform very differently to plants in a protected, shady position. The right plant in the right spot is always easier to look after. For hot and hard positions, look to things that grow in these conditions. There are lots of awesome succulent options such as blue chalk sticks or Kalanchoe Silver spoons, combined with flowering plants such as Raphiolepsis Oriental Pearl.
Do you have any advice for people with small spaces, such as balconies or courtyards? Keep it simple. Don’t try and do everything. You can’t have a tropical garden and a formal garden with a Hamptons feel and also be no maintenance. Control yourself and pick one style and stick with it. Use repetition of plant selection so the ongoing maintenance is not too much. When it comes to pots, always pick the biggest pot you think the space can handle – the bigger the better as it means more potting mix, which means more water holding and you can grow a more mature plant.
What’s a common mistake home gardeners make in spring and how can they avoid it? Know your soil. The first question we usually ask is: what is your soil like? The difference between a plant growing well in a sandy soil compared with clay, in a wet position or a dry and sunny spot is just about understanding what you have and how to work with it. If you aren’t sure, bring a sample of your soil along to us so we can help you decide and understand what you are working with.
How can gardeners make more eco-friendly choices when planting this season? Consider how you care for your plants. We know pest and bugs will be an issue as it warms up, but learn to identify pests properly and understand how to control them using low-toxic or no-toxic options. Many products are designed to be reactive not proactive, so they won’t work to keep the problem away. Make sure you understand how the products you plan to use will actually work in your environment.
Are there native plants you recommend for beauty and sustainability? Absolutely. We have so much amazing flora in this country, but make sure to think about where it naturally occurs. If it’s naturally growing on a sand dune by the beach, then it may not perform as well in a wet, clay soil. Correct plant in the correct place. Native grasses are ideal habitat for our frogs and other creatures, and often thrive in a variety of conditions – and they still look great.
What role do pollinator-friendly plants play and which are the best to grow now? No bee, no me! Every part of our lifestyle requires some sort of pollination – it’s how plants breed and continue to live. It’s not just bees. Creating environments that are friendly to all pollinators can be a real asset. Many of these creatures are also key to pest management. They can often keep other nasty pests at bay. In your vegie patch, consider allowing some of your herbs to go to seed. You can even collect this later on, but it’s really attractive to pollinators. Basil, thyme, coriander and chives all flower heavily and are wonderful at attracting beneficials. Just remember to plant enough so you can still harvest plants for your own use, too.
What’s a must-have plant (or two) for spring colour this year? Check out a new grevillea called Coral Shore: a great, compact plant that grows to about two metres. It freely flowers through winter, spring and summer – ideal for a sunny spot in the garden or pot.
Do you have any clever tips for keeping gardens vibrant as the season shifts into summer? Show the love. We know we want plants to flower as much as possible or grow as fast as possible, or just be as strong as possible. So, we need to support that with healthy soils and plenty of available nutrition for them. Consider regular application of liquid fertilisers to boost new plants along. Don’t forget that even established gardens need a feed. Spring is the best time for this.
If you could design a dream spring garden, what would it look like? My dream garden is the one I don’t have time for just yet. I am a big fan of flowing and flowering perennial flowers – so, plants flowering at different times. And large trees for shade, surrounded with colour using salvias, hydrangeas, Gaura, Buddleja and kangaroo paws.
Spring DIY Garden guide
Freshen up your garden this season with projects that are as fun to make as they are to admire. Whether you have a free afternoon or a whole weekend, here are ideas to get your hands dirty and your space blooming.
Quick weekend projects
• Painted pots with personality – brighten up your garden instantly with hand-painted terracotta pots. Try pastel stripes, florals or a mosaic effect.
- Pollinator bath –a shallow bowl with pebbles and water creates a chic little rest stop for bees and butterflies.
- Teacup bird feeders – upcycle vintage teacups into whimsical feeders that hang from trees.
Half-day projects
• Vertical herb wall – attach small pots to a trellis or repurpose a wooden pallet for a compact, fragrant herb display.
- Wildflower patch – sprinkle seeds in a sunny corner for a colourful, low-maintenance haven for pollinators.
- Succulent planter – fill a wheelbarrow, trough or big bowl with succulents and gravel for an instant garden feature.
Bigger weekend builds
• Raised vegie beds – construct simple beds from sleepers or recycled timber, great for tomatoes, salad greens or spring beans.
- Trellis or archway – bring structure and romance to your garden with a DIY trellis or arch. Train climbing plants such as jasmine or passionfruit to wind their way up. Then watch the space transform into a lush, green hideaway.
- Fairy light canopy – transform your garden into an enchanting evening retreat. String solar fairy lights through trees, pergolas or fences. Then, add hanging jars or lanterns for an extra glow. This is great for balmy spring nights outdoors.
