Tony's Tips - October 2025
October marks the real beginning of the flowering season. Perennials are kicking into gear with Salvias, Delphiniums and Gaura leading the way. Two standout performers this month are Geum Fiery Tempest, a hardy dome-shaped perennial producing masses of bright orange-red flowers over an extended period in a sunny position, and Geranium Rozanne. This low, mounded plant carries an abundance of mauve-blue flowers from spring through to autumn and was deservedly awarded ‘'Plant of the Century’ at Chelsea.
In the vegie patch, tomatoes take centre stage, we’ll have close to 40 different varieties this month. From dwarf to tall growers and fruit of every size, shape and colour, there’s a tomato to suit every garden and taste, all with outstanding flavour.
It’s also the right time to be planting Impatiens, Chillies and Cucumbers, with Vincas available in two to three weeks. Hold off on Basil until later this month when the weather is more consistently warm, as it prefers gentler conditions.
The nursery is overflowing with fresh stock, making it the ideal time to add something special to the garden and enjoy the rewards all season long.
Got a garden problem? Come and see us! Our 8 qualified horticulturalists bring over 200 years of experience to help your garden thrive.
Geum Fiery Tempest
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Tomato Truss
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Things to Do:
1. Repot Cymbidium Orchids
It’s time to repot Cymbidiums, only when they’ve outgrown their current pot. Use a specialist Orchid potting mix and move up just one pot size at a time. If dividing, keep the clumps large, they’ll recover faster and reflower sooner. Remember, Cymbidiums prefer to be snug in their pots. After repotting, top with a slow-release, high-potassium fertiliser, place in semi-shade or morning sun, and water regularly through summer.
2. Time to feed
Give Gardenias another feed of Harry’s to fatten up for flowering.
3. Post-Flowering Care Tip
Once winter and early spring flowering shrubs have finished blooming, give them a light trim and feed to encourage healthy, shapely new growth. This applies to many favourites, including winter-flowering natives, Azaleas, Spirea, Camellias, Euphorbia, Echium and Wisteria.
4. Spray your roses
Now is the time to spray roses with Rose Shield or Rose Gun to help prevent Black Spot. Current conditions are ideal for the disease to develop, so a preventative spray will keep your roses looking healthy and vibrant.
5. Focus on potted plants
Give all potted plants (especially those outdoors) a dose of Rapid Soak wetting agent to maximise absorption of water and nutrients. This should be done once a year to keep pots performing at their best.