What drought does to established plants

Alot of us assume that an established plant won't suffer too much during dry periods, not the case. Plants show signs of not coping after prolonged dry periods, the subsoil dries out, and in the Mid North the heavy clay bakes hard, any moisture takes longer to sink in. 
When you start your pruning this winter, check carefully for last summer’s damage to trellised climbers.
This wisteria was possibly planted back in the 1950’s, when the pipeline to Clare was constructed. It was planted over a tank and stand, and in later years, two softwood shade shelters were attached. These were unsuitable for the weight and climatic conditions, and were in a state of collapse.
In the past 15 years, we replaced the structure, and undertook some much needed pruning to raise the main laterals above the trellis. This has since been trained to slowly grow as coverage.
The summer of 2018-9 was stressful on young growth as well as old canes. Many old canes have died, and new growth particularly affected. Despite putting sprayers on the framework to reduce air temperature in days of 45 degrees and above, there was insufficient ground water to counter transpiration.
Garry is slowly sorting out dead from live canes, and carefully following each cane down to main stems. This process isn’t easy, as live and dead buds can be difficult to ascertain. He may have to wait until bud burst to further prune dead material.
 
This plant is the focal point of Gally's in Farrell Flat, we hope to see it flourishing for this year's event.
​#garden #hardy plants #visit burra

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