West Australian Gardening Columnist Sabrina Hahn Offers Expert Plant Solutions
Every Saturday, Sabrina Hahn, the esteemed gardening columnist for The West Australian, dedicates her time to assisting local gardeners across the state. In her latest Green With Envy column, she addresses a range of common horticultural challenges, from mysterious plant growths to persistent pest issues.
Addressing Reader Concerns on Plant Health and Pest Management
This week, Hahn focuses on three specific problems submitted by readers, providing practical and actionable advice tailored to Western Australia's unique climate and conditions. Her expertise helps gardeners nurture their plants effectively and sustainably.
Bougainvillea Browning: A Nutrient Deficiency Issue
One reader, Philip Roland from Beldon, reported that his bougainvillea, planted nearly three decades ago, starts each spring and early summer looking vibrant but turns brown as summer progresses. While neighbouring bougainvilleas thrive, his plant struggles annually.
Hahn explains that bougainvilleas are generally resilient but can suffer from potassium deficiencies, which affect the bract cells. She recommends applying sulphate of potash and NPK blue in spring and again in summer, after using a wetting agent. For large climbers like Roland's, ensuring even nutrient distribution throughout the vine is crucial for maintaining health and colour.
Combating Stink Bugs in Fruit Trees
Lauren Pike from Irishtown faces yearly losses of apricots and peaches due to brown stink bug infestations. Despite using netted bags, the pests find their way through small gaps, prompting a search for effective sprays or preventatives.
Hahn suggests OCP eco-pyrethrum Plus as a safe and effective option for edibles. This UV-stabilised spray, enhanced with canola oil and seaweed extract, should be applied directly to the bugs, which tend to congregate in the early morning hours for best results.
Avocado Tree Disease: Fungal Infection Diagnosis
Rosemary McGrath from Como is concerned about her avocado tree, which produced over fifty avocados last year but only one this season. She notices a plant-like growth inside the bark and wonders if nearby wisteria is causing the issue.
Hahn identifies the problem as a fungal disease affecting the cambium layer, impairing the tree's ability to grow and transport nutrients. She advises spraying with Phos-Inject 200 or Yates Anti Rot extensively on the tree. The wisteria, she notes, is not the culprit unless it physically climbs the avocado, but the fungal infection requires immediate treatment to prevent further decline.
How to Submit Your Gardening Questions
Gardeners interested in seeking Hahn's advice can submit their questions to the Green With Envy column, published in Saturday editions of The West Australian. Readers should write to Ask Sabrina, GPO Box D162, Perth, 6001, or email home@wanews.com.au, including their full name and suburb. Due to high volume, not all submissions will receive a response, but Hahn continues to provide valuable insights to the gardening community each week.
