* For an attractive, indigenous autumn display of pink and mauve flowering shrubs in the garden, plant the bush violet (barleria), ribbon bush (hypoestes) and plectranthus.
* Make first sowings of seed of spring-flowering annuals such as cineraria, pansy, Iceland poppy, ornamental kale, primula, stock and viola in prepared seed trays. Delphinium and larkspur seed should be chilled in a sealed container in the crisper section of the refrigerator before sowing.
* Perennials, agapanthus, dahlia, echinacea, gaura, rudbeckia, perennial phlox, penstemon, and bulbs of watsonia, eucomis and galtonia give interest to the summer garden. A fortnightly foliar feed, deep watering, and regular deadheading will help extend their flowering time.
* Once they are established, bougainvilleas require little attention, but at planting time care should be taken not to disturb the roots. The easiest way to plant out a bougainvillea is to cut around the base of the bag and carefully lower the plant in its plastic sleeve into the hole. Only then should the sleeve be slit and removed. Water regularly until established.
* Protect newly planted citrus trees from sunburn by wrapping trunks with a commercial tree wrap. Fruit fly is especially active in summer. If present, spray with an organic insecticide. Remove fallen and infected fruit and destroy.
* The indigenous gardenia (Gardenia thunbergia) has large, sweetly scented white flowers followed by egg-shaped fruits. Gardenias prefer a semi-shaded position and rich, slightly acidic soil. A mulch of pine bark or acid compost will help keep soil moist. Water regularly when in flower and fertilise monthly. - Weekend Argus