KEEP the water and food up to passionfruit vines as they put on vigorous growth and start to flower.
When fertilising passionfruit, apply the fertiliser at least 30cm away from the trunk and along underneath where the vine is growing.
Add some rotted cow manure as mulch and a bit of lucerne or pea straw over the top of this.
Add a wetting agent; water in well.
Mulch for moisture
CHECK that all fruit trees are well mulched, and water regularly to maintain even moisture supply as fruit develop.
Pick up any fallen stone fruit from the ground, as this removes any sources of brown rot and other diseases and reduces the risk of the disease for next year.
Animal attraction
REMEMBER the birds and other creatures in the garden and try to keep a birdbath and a couple of saucers of water for the ground dwellers.
Dry periods are an extremely difficult time for animals so help them out by providing a constant supply of drinking water and you may be surprised what animals you find visiting your garden.
Make a date
IF YOU are looking for potted plants for a shaded entertaining area outdoors then you can't go past the pony tail palm and the dwarf date palm.
Both are relatively slow growers in pots so won't outgrow their pots too quickly and can spend their whole life in containers if needed.
A half wine barrel planter would make the ultimate size to maintain in the long term.
Yucca elephantipes is another one that will suit these areas, but make sure the pointy foliage is not where it can make contact at eye level with passers-by.
Going potty
FOR something a little more colorful in shady areas you still have plenty of time for potting up impatiens and coleus.
Coleus has many different coloured leaf patterns and loves the warmth of summer.
Fuchsias are also ideal for shaded areas away from strong winds and they flower for months.
Give them a liquid feed regularly and pinch off the spent flowers.
This way the growth is directed into shoots and flowers.
