Thriving Winter Melbourne Gardens

Winter in Melbourne may bring cooler temperatures and shorter days, but your garden doesn’t have to go into hibernation. With the right care, you can set the stage for lush growth and vibrant colour once spring arrives.

 

Prune Deciduous Trees

Winter is the perfect time to tidy up deciduous trees while they’re dormant. Removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches improves airflow and encourages healthy growth when the warmer weather returns. Use clean, sharp secateurs or a pruning saw for a neat cut, and always step back to check the shape as you go.

Mulch & Feed for Winter Strength

Mulching isn’t just for summer. A fresh layer of mulch helps protect plant roots from temperature fluctuations, suppresses winter weeds, and retains soil moisture. Opt for organic mulch such as pine bark or pea straw, and keep it a few centimetres away from the base of plants to prevent rot.

For evergreens, add compost or a slow-release fertiliser to keep them nourished through the cooler months. Healthy plants now will be better prepared for the growth surge in spring.

 

Check Your Screening Plants

Screening plants like lilly pillies, camellias, or magnolias provide privacy and structure all year round, but winter is the time to inspect them closely. Look out for signs of scale insects, aphids, or fungal spots. Treat any issues promptly with the appropriate horticultural oil or fungicide to prevent problems from escalating once growth resumes in spring.

 

Keep Planting Hardy Trees & Shrubs

The cooler months are ideal for planting hardy screening trees and shrubs. The softer, moist winter soil allows roots to establish with minimal stress, giving plants a strong start before the heat of summer. Popular options for Melbourne gardens include evergreen magnolias, pittosporums, and native varieties that thrive in cooler conditions.

 

Protect from Frost Damage

Frost can be a real hazard in Melbourne’s outer suburbs and low-lying areas. Protect young or frost-sensitive plants by covering them with a frost cloth or hessian on particularly cold nights. Potted plants can be moved to sheltered spots, such as under eaves or against a north-facing wall, where they’ll benefit from residual warmth.

Winter is a season of preparation. By pruning, mulching, inspecting, planting, and protecting, you’ll not only keep your garden looking good through the cooler months but also ensure it bursts into life come spring.