Now we can plant all those plants we have had sitting in pots, without the hassle of having to water them every few days.
Autumn is a great time to plant as there is still some warmth in the soil to encourage root growth and the weather is more favourable for establishment.
This year, autumn planting has been held off due to the unusually dry weather we have experienced. The latest spells of rain have now put enough moisture in the ground so as not to be planting in a dust bowl.
Most of the plants that I choose are small, as they seem to establish in their new environment quicker. This is particularly true with trees: small trees often have great vigour, whereas larger specimens take longer to establish.
Smaller plants are also cheaper and you don't have to dig big holes to plant them thus reducing the chance of disturbing nearby plants.
However, you do need to make sure you remember where they are and make sure they do not get swamped by weeds or surrounding plants.
I will be madly planting over the next couple of weeks before the cold of winter sets in.
Dylan Norfield is Collection Curator of the Geographic Collection and Arboretum at Dunedin Botanic Garden.
