LATE START TO SUMMER WEATHER

With summer upon us the national rainfall outlook for summer (December-February) favours wetter than normal conditions across the country with the current rainfall for the month of December sitting at approx. 50mm for Sydney and approx. 73mm for Melbourne as at 14/12/10.

Looking back, Bendigo saw its wettest November in 37 years with 115mm of rain which combined with the current rainfall for December resulted in Lake Eppalock flowing over the spillway for the first time since 1996.

GET YOUR LAWN INTO SHAPE FOR SUMMER

With the recent lift in water restrictions, it's now a great time to start getting your lawn back to a lush green cover. With the help of the some of Melbourne’s Local Councils, you can apply for a 28 Day Exemption in order to get your lawn into top condition for summer.

Read more about the Warm Seasons Grass 28 day exemption here. 

RISE AND FALL OF WATER RESTRICTIONS

Sydneysiders and Melbournians can again use sprinklers and watering systems, with rising dam levels prompting the NSW and Vic governments to lift tough water restrictions.

Stage 2 restrictions were put in place for all Melbourne households from September 1 with Bendigo and surrounding areas following on October 1st. The stage 2 level is said to stay in place until at least March 31st 2011.

STAGE 2 WATER RESTRICTION SUMMARY

Garden areas (other than lawn) may be watered by a manual dripper system, hand-held hose fitted with a trigger mechanism or a watering can or bucket between 6am - 8am and 6pm - 8pm (Daylight Saving); or an automated dripper system between midnight and 4am, on permitted days* only.

Please note: no other sprinkler systems are permitted.

Stage 2 Modified permitted days means:

Sunday, Wednesday and Friday for odd numbered properties
Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday for even numbered and un-numbered properties
No watering permitted on Monday

Melbourne Water
Sydney Water

CPEC LANDSCAPING NEWS AUGUST

With the successful completion of JLU(V) Bandiana Solider Support Warehouse Project in Albury last month we now have our Victorian Landscaping crews working at Puckapunyal Army Barracks, Northcote and the Maryborough Retail Developement.

The NSW Landscaping crews are working hard on the Western Sydney Parklands Project and even though the weather has been alittle touch and go they've managed so far to keep on schedule which is great news for everyone involved. Other projects keeping the NSW Landscaping crews busy include the recent completion of St Josephs Primary School Moorebank and the newly started landscaping works for the Moscow Circus, St Anthonys Primary School and Quest Apartments Woodbine.

UPCOMING EVENTS

With spring just around the corner why not check out the Green Expo Sydney, held by the Nursery & Garden Industry, NSW & ACT (NGINA).

This event is for anyone who works within the horticulture industry including retailers, landscapers, growers, designers, students, and councils.

Date:         25 August & 26 August 2010
Location:   Exhibition Centre, Rosehill Gardens
Time:         Wed 9 am - 6 pm & Thurs 9 am - 4 pm 

Check out the Nursery and Garden Industry NSW and ACT website for more details