From the Garden with Margaret Wilson from Pacifica Garden Centre

I believe we've just had summer but if it's a hint of things to come, maybe we should just skip it next year?

Although, looking at the damage and desolation of other parts of the country, Tauranga has come off lightly.

And, if you're considering planting for future,
the ground is certainly right for it and garden centres are full of possibilities.

You may have noticed large summer flowering shrubs or small trees covered in pinks, lilac or crimson, gracing your neighbourhood.

Lagerstroemia, or crepe myrtle, requires full sun and free-draining, slightly acidic soils.

Varieties range in height from 1m-3m and can be pruned to shape. Plant where you can admire its elegant shape and crepe-paper like blossoms.

Now is a good time to cut back and divide clumps of perennials, discarding weedy and tired pieces that have had their day in the sun. Shortly, pansies and violas will come into garden centres and if planted when the weather has cooled a little, will give colour right through winter and spring. For impact, plant a punnet of the same shade in a group rather than a mix of colours. Puddle in your annuals with water containing some liquid feed and a few handfuls of sheep pellets for good measure.

St. Patrick's Day on March 17 is traditionally the time to sow sweet peas for late winter-early spring flowering. They are hungry feeders so prepare the bed with plenty of compost and sheep pellets, and in the fullness of time – enjoy!