Gardening: Kate Mason of The Greenhouse Nursary at Montebello Design Centre

In this episode of Lunch with Pippa Hudson, host Pippa welcomes Kate Mason, a qualified horticulturist and landscaper from the Greenhouse Nursery at Montebello Design Centre in Newlands, to discuss preparing gardens for winter. Despite unseasonably warm weather, Kate emphasizes the importance of autumn as a prime gardening season for pruning, clearing leaf litter, cleaning gutters, and planting bulbs like hyacinths, daffodils, and indigenous varieties such as ixias and tritonias. She advises gardeners to plant bulbs before the end of April, start sowing annuals like primulas and pansies, and maintain irrigation systems by reducing watering frequency and ensuring proper drainage. Kate also highlights the need to prepare for potentially dry winters by cleaning water tanks, servicing pumps, and sharpening tools. The conversation touches on plant care challenges due to erratic weather, pest management (like scale on jasmine), and the importance of deep watering to encourage deep root development. The nursery’s focus on rare and forgotten plant varieties, including camellias and azaleas, is praised, with listeners encouraged to visit for unique gardening finds. Key takeaways include: 1) Plant bulbs and annuals now to prepare for spring color; 2) Clean gutters and water tanks to manage winter rainfall and conserve water; 3) Water deeply less often to promote deep root growth; 4) Aerate compacted lawns and apply balanced organic fertilizer before winter; 5) Monitor potted plants for overwatering and poor drainage. The episode ends on a warm note, celebrating the nursery’s charm and Kate’s expertise, with listeners urged to visit Montebello Design Centre for a unique gardening experience.