AGAPANTHUS has always been a firm garden favourite, although the old-fashioned varieties are now listed as an environmental weed in many areas due to its prolific seeding.  

Modern methods have overcome this problem by breeding sterile plants. Agapanthus “Baby Pete” is a new variety in a superior dwarf form, famed for its compact nature and hardy performance.

Throughout the warmer months it puts on a bold show of blue flowers. As illustrated, it is perfect for a border alongside paths or equally at home in a container to brighten a balcony.

THERE are numerous varieties of oregano, with some confusion between oregano (origanum vulgare) and marjoram (origanum marjorana). Some camps claim they are the same while others disagree.

There are two main families of oregano; the Mediterranean, which is related to the mint family and is the most popular in cooking and the Mexican oregano, a relative of lemon verbena.

The new ornamental, flowering Origanum “Bellissimo” has just been released. Its rich purple bracts deepen in colour as they age for a beautiful display in the garden or containers.

To retain moisture, mulching to 7-10 centimetres is ideal. Among the numerous mulches available, many are almost useless, but I recommend Canberra Sand and Gravel’s organic mulch, will does wonders at reducing evaporation. I have used it for many years in gardens large and small.

When green waste is taken to the CS&G depots it is shredded and stored in huge heaps generating great heat, destroying any weed seeds. After a few months the heap is shredded and turned over again.

When first spread at home, there might be a good, healthy, earthy smell, but this disappears in a few days.

• When buying fertiliser, nitrogen (N) is for top green growth, phosphorus (P) for root growth and potassium (k) for fruit and flowers (ie feed tomatoes with a high potassium-based fertiliser).
• Remove all leaves of spring-flowering bulbs.
• Prolong the life of cut flowers by making a clean, diagonal cut at the base of stems, have no leaves under the water and renew it regularly.