SOPHIE'S TIPS
With Sophie Thomson.Introducing SA’s Commonsense gardener, Sophie Thomson.
South Australia’s own beloved gardening media personality, Sophie Thomson, has always believed that the heart of a great garden starts at your local independent garden centre. To help your backyard thrive through every unique SA season, Sophie has teamed up with Garden Centres of South Australia. Together, we’re bringing you exclusive, down-to-earth seasonal tips, expert advice, and local know-how. Whether you’re dealing with the summer heat or preparing for winter rains, Sophie and your Garden Centres of South Australia local experts are here to keep your garden beautiful, resilient, and bursting with life all year round.
Sophie’s tips for Summer 2021/2022.
Sophie’s tip for Christmas plants “If you want to give a plant with a Christmas theme you can’t go past a poinsettia, in either the traditional red, or one of the other pretty shades. They are great value and although I treat them as annual, I still enjoy them ’til...
Sophie’s tips for Autumn 2022.
Plant now “Plant now. This is the best time of year to plant most plants, both native and exotic, as it gives them 6 to 9 months to get their root systems growing and become established prior to the next summer’s heat. The choices are fantastic in nurseries and garden...
Sophie’s tips for Winter 2022.
Rose tip “Repeat flowering roses need to be pruned in winter and to do this you need a good pair of sharp secateurs, a pair of good thorn proof gloves or gauntlets, and maybe a pair of loppers or a good pruning saw. The reason we prune is to assist the rose’s natural...
Sophie’s tips for Spring 2022.
Natives “Australian Native plants add colour and interest to gardens and are the best way to attract native birds, bees and butterflies to your backyard. Choose varieties that come from similar climate zones within Australia to ensure you are choosing plants which are...
Sophie’s tips for Summer 2022/2023.
Add colour to Christmas “Jazz up your garden and entrances with strategically placed pots or baskets of colour. They could be massed displays of annuals, or a combination of different plants with interesting foliage, form and colourful flowers. This is a great way to...
Sophie’s tips for Autumn 2023.
Get Planting “Autumn is the perfect time to plant most plants. With the worst of summer’s heat past, and while there is still warmth in the soil for root systems to grow, plants get six to nine months to get established before next summer. Your Garden Centre is filled...
Sophie’s tips for Winter 2023.
Plant…. but prepare first “Get any new garden areas ready for planting by working through organic matter such as compost and aged manures. This turns your soil into a sponge, improves your soils’ structure, and encourages earthworm and microbial activity. Then you can...
Sophie’s tips for the Summer Season of 2023 and 2024.
Summer Colour Nothing beats the look of stunning hydrangeas in shades of pink, blue and white when they are in full summer bloom. Even as their blooms age they take on attractive autumn tints. Perfect for a shady position where they only get morning sun or filtered...
Sophie’s tips for Autumn 2024.
Native Plants Autumn is the perfect time to plant native plants as they will have a chance to get established over winter and be ready to power away in spring. There are a great range of varieties available in every colour you desire, ranging from groundcovers and low...
Sophie’s tips for Winter 2024.
Cool season vegies Winter is a great time to plant cool season vegies in the vegie patch, and if you haven’t got one already, why not set one up? Choose a position that is sunny and free from the root competition of trees and large shrubs. If you have good soil,...