Flora scope Garden News
Stay connected with your garden all year round. Our monthly newsletters share practical seasonal gardening tips, plant care advice, Flora scope updates, and inspiring client stories all tailored for Victoria’s unique climate.
August is the whisper before spring—a time when your garden starts to stretch and stir beneath the surface. While many plants are still dormant, signs of life are beginning to return. Buds are swelling, birds are busy, and early blossoms hint at the colour to come. It’s the perfect time to prepare your patch for a strong start to the growing season ahead.
Think of August as your garden’s gentle wake-up call: a moment to feed the soil, tidy the beds, and sow the first seeds of spring.
Watering Focus
- Check irrigation systems before the spring rush.
- Avoid overwatering—many plants still prefer drier roots.
- Prioritise pots and newly planted areas.
- Watch for signs of excess moisture (yellowing leaves or mould).
- Use mulch to retain moisture as the weather warms.
Quick Tip: Water early in the morning between 6–9 AM to minimise evaporation.
Pruning and Tidying
- Prune roses (if not already done), crepe myrtle, and deciduous trees.
- Deadhead winter-flowering annuals like pansies to extend blooms.
- Tidy fallen leaves and spent stems to prevent fungal disease.
Feeding and Fertilising
As plants begin to stir, a little nourishment goes a long way.
Checklist:
- Seaweed tonic for resilience
- Compost top-up
- Organic pellet fertiliser
- Mulch around perennials and shrubs
Harvesting and Planting
Harvest This Month:
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Leeks
- Parsnips
- Silverbeet
Plant This Month:
- Tomatoes (indoors or greenhouse)
- Chillies
- Peas and beans
- Spinach
- Spring onions
Pest and Disease Management
Common August garden pests in Victoria:
- Aphids on fresh new growth
- Snails and slugs nibbling young shoots
- Powdery mildew on early bloomers
- Caterpillars on brassicas and leafy greens
Eco-friendly solutions:
- Spray aphids with water and a drop of dish soap.
- Scatter crushed eggshells or coffee grounds to deter slugs.
- Prune affected leaves to reduce mildew.
- Attract ladybirds and birds to keep pests in check.
Lawn Care
- Rake away leaves and debris to let in light.
- Aerate compacted soil to prepare for spring growth.
- Top-dress bare spots with a quality lawn mix.
What's Blooming This Month
- Magnolia soulangeana – Elegant, showy blooms before leaves emerge
- Hellebores – The 'winter rose' in full swing
- Wattle (Acacia) – Bursts of cheerful yellow
Shade and Heat Protection
- Reposition pots to sunnier spots.
- Use temporary shade cloths for delicate seedlings.
- Bark mulch helps regulate soil temperature.
Planning Ahead
- Start sowing spring crops like lettuce, basil, and cucumbers.
- Take softwood cuttings from rosemary and lavender.
- Add compost to prepare garden beds for spring planting.
Client Testimonial of the Month
“Our garden has never looked better. The team are friendly, knowledgeable, and we trust them completely with our space.” – Julie, Gisborne
Garden Tip from Rachael
August is a great time to gently prepare—don’t rush. Even just 10 minutes a day in your garden can make a world of difference when spring arrives.
DIY Corner: Mini Garden Job You Can Try
Create a Pollinator Corner:
Plant a few pots of lavender, salvia, or thyme near your veg patch to attract bees and beneficial insects just in time for spring.
Did You Know?
Bees start venturing out on warmer days above 13°C—make sure there’s something blooming for them to forage.
Coming Up Next Month
- Spring prep checklist
- September bloomers
- Seasonal planting guide for veggies and herbs
Final Thoughts
August is a quiet kind of busy—filled with small, hopeful tasks that set the stage for a beautiful spring. Your garden may not be bursting with colour just yet, but every bit of care now lays the foundation for what’s to come.
Need a hand bringing your garden to life? Contact the Flora scope team to book your next visit—we service Gisborne and surrounds with care, passion, and expertise.