WHEN it comes to getting out into the garden, spring is usually when people get that urge to get into the sun.
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Autumn though is a better time to get planting, especially when it comes to natives because as the soil becomes moist with winter rains, the plants are already established in time for the spring flush.
“It’s the same as why farmers are sewing their crops in autumn, to take advantage of the winter rains and all that water in the soil,” said the organiser of the Friends of the Orange Botanic Gardens biannual plant sale, Chris Mills.
“As the weather cools, the plants go into an inactive phase and establish themselves before springing forth when it gets warmer.”
Large gum trees aren’t really suitable for suburban backyards and are better off being planted on farms and in parks, but Mr Mills said there are a few new varieties for sale that are perfect for the average backyard.
“We have some small eucalypts from the Mallee region that are perfect for suburban backyards,” he said.
“It really is the best time for planting natives.”
Mr Mills said all the plants the FOTOBG sell are adapted to the cold and harsh conditions that Orange can deliver.
“Although they are from South Australia, like all the plants that they sell during the garden sale, they’re suited to Orange’s climate,” he said.
The biannual sale is the group’s biggest money raiser with funds going towards expanding the facilities, and this year the number of plants for sale extends beyond 3000.
“We have flowers such as salvias, trees, shrubs, groundcovers, correas, mint bush, winter vegetables and herbs and also thousands of native and exotic plants up for sale,” Mr Mills said.
The autumn sale is on at the Orange Botanic Garden nursery this Sunday, May 1, starting at 8.30am and running through to noon.
mark.logan@fairfaxmedia.com.au