Tony's Tips - December 2025
Thank goodness it’s finally summer! After one of the coolest springs in many years, a lot of our plants are running a little late and that’s actually great news. Right now, we have an abundance of fresh Hydrangeas and other late-spring favourites at their absolute best for December and Christmas.
November’s above-average rainfall has left our gardens beautifully lush. To keep everything looking its best, stay on top of new growth with regular mowing and light pruning. This helps lawns stay thick and healthy, and keeps shrubs and hedges nice and bushy.
Some standout performers in the nursery right now include:
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Hydrangeas: still putting on a fabulous show
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Gardenias: loving the warmer days
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Mandevillas, Vincas, Petunias & Tomatoes: thriving in the sunshine
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Crepe Myrtles & Jacarandas: perfect trees to brighten your summer
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Colourful perennials: Gauras, Salvias, Fuchsias and dwarf Alstroemeria for long-lasting seasonal colour
At Acorn Nursery, we see summer as a season of colour. If your garden is looking a little flat, we’ve got all the plants (and the advice) to bring it to life.
Hydrangea
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Gardenia
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Things to Do:
1. Summer proof the garden
Summer-proof your garden by applying Rapid Soak wetting agent first, followed by a quality mulch. This helps water penetrate deeply into the soil, while the mulch locks in moisture for longer.
2. For a lush Christmas Tree
If you’re using a live Christmas tree, remember that being indoors will soften the foliage. Once Christmas is over, move it to a shaded outdoor spot, give it a feed, and water it daily until it re-acclimatises over the next 3–4 weeks.
3. Arm against pests
Caterpillars are active right now. Use Mavrik for non-edibles and Pyrethrum (evening) for anything edible.
Be on the lookout for Lawn Beetle Grubs and Azalea Lace Bug: early treatment is key.
Cool, wet weather is also bringing fungal issues on roses, plus it’s a good time to dust tomatoes.
4. For better results
For better flowering and fruiting, choose a high ‘K’ fertiliser for roses, citrus and tomatoes.
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Pots: High K Osmocote
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Garden beds: Blooming Roses or Fruit & Citrus Food
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Bonus: Stronger leaves and improved disease resistance
5. Look out for snails
With all this wet weather, snails are out in force. Protect your plants by using safe, iron-based Multiguard pellets, scattered broadly around the garden.