Spring is an exciting time for colour and growth, AND….. it can also bring pests into the garden that are attracted to all that fresh soft new growth.

Be sure to keep an eye on your plant babies to nip any pesties in the bud before Summer arrives.

Here’s a few ideas to get you going!

1. Scale on gardenias
   • Spray liberally with a horticultural oil.
   • Apply on the top and underside of the leaves.
   • Repeat after two weeks.
2. Aphids on camellias and azaleas
   • Pinch out tip growth that the aphids will be attracted to, this will encourage a fuller bushier plants.
   • Dispose of the waste in the bin.
3. Plant-eating Possums
   • Look out for possums eating trees, shrubs and your delicious veggie patch!
   • Possums will be much more active now that the nights are warming up, you may have already noticed the tops of branches missing, or parts of your veggie patch getting attacked.
   • The best and easiest prevention for possums is to stop their path into your garden.
   • Fence spikes work a treat, trimming back branches will also help. Nets over your veggie patch at night will protect those Spring seedlings.

Please ask our staff for any pest related issues you might be having throughout Spring! We’re here to help you grow happy, healthy gardens!

If in doubt, bring in a clear photo and/or small piece of your affected plant, and we’ll help you ID the problem!