Spring (September to November)
Spring arrives in stages up the range. Glenbrook and Springwood gardens wake up in September, while Katoomba and Blackheath can still get frost well into October.
- Feed lawns and beds once growth starts and frosts have eased.
- Start regular mowing. Lower Mountains lawns need fortnightly cuts from September; upper Mountains lawns from October.
- Weed early before weeds flower and set seed.
- Mulch beds after watering, to hold moisture through windy spring days.
- Prepare for fire season. The bush fire danger period usually starts on 1 October. Clear gutters, leaf litter and long grass before then.
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs like camellias and azaleas once they finish flowering.
Summer (December to February)
- Keep grass short around the house and remove fine fuel regularly.
- Water deeply but less often to encourage deep roots.
- Trim hedges after the spring growth flush.
- Deadhead roses and perennials for more flowers.
- Clean gutters again if you have eucalypts shedding nearby.
Autumn (March to May)
- Plant shrubs, natives and trees while the soil is still warm.
- Plant spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips, especially in the upper Mountains where cold winters help them flower.
- Clear leaf drop from lawns every week or two so the grass isn't smothered.
- Raise the mower height before frosts arrive.
- Clean gutters once deciduous trees have dropped their leaves.
Winter (June to August)
- Prune roses in July and early August.
- Prune fruit trees while they're dormant.
- Cut back hydrangeas in late winter once heavy frosts ease.
- Mow only as needed. Most lawns barely grow, and frosted grass shouldn't be walked on or mown.
- Plan spring plantings and order bare-root roses and fruit trees.
Short on time? Our regular garden maintenance visits follow this calendar for you.