Autumn feasts

Everyone knows about the “spring flush”, with blooms dropping from the trees and new leaves on everything from apple trees to lettuces.

- Jackie French

Gardeners and good cooks know the “autumn flush” is even better. The air is cool but the soil is warm — and plants love it. Blooms last longer in autumn. Give your roses lots of tucker and water, prune back dead flowers, and the display of new blooms will be as glorious as spring's. In cool climates, autumn’s red, gold and orange leaves are as spectacular as spring blossoms.

Camellias begin to bloom in autumn. Water them well, as long as the soil is well drained, but only feed them when daytime temperatures are 20 degrees Celsius or higher. The plant roots can't make use of the tucker when it gets too cold, and too much unabsorbed fertiliser can burn them. Well-fed flowers last longer, both on the bush and in the vase.