2014atgwintermagazineissue69 by About the Garden Magazine

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Hallo Aloes Pretty Pansies Winter Kitchen

2014 ISSUE 69

For more gardening hints & tips, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au

ANNIVERSARY

1984-2014

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WHAT’S NEW IN 2014...

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Issue 69

All your seasonal planting

advice

is one click away. Visit us online for what to the garden. The Winter is my favourite time in a wonderful chill in the air that gives gardens er about our energy later in the day as we pott of our most some n whe is ter Win gardening tasks. displays, so enjoy and God bless.

le Con Sear

Front Cover Photography:

Clockwise from top Osteospermum Serenity ‘Lemonade’, Copper Amethyst’ & Rose Magic’ Available in store late July in QLD, Sept in VIC and Oct in NSW. Ask for them at your local gardening store.

Managing Director: Conway Searle

grow now, harvest now & bake now.

The About the Garden Magazine is proudly produced from sustainable resources.

Contributors: Claire Bickle, Noel Burdette, Michael Dent, Alana Searle and Ashley Searle Magazine Manager: Alana Searle Design & Layout: Alana Searle ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle About the Garden is published seasonally by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. ABN 21 076 919 992

The material appearing in About the Garden is subject to copyright. Other than as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. No responsibility is accepted by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. for the accuracy of information contained in the text, illustrations or advertisements. Although believed to be accurately and correctly sourced, thereof disclaims any liability against itself, editor/s or employees arising from any person acting on the material herein. The opinions expressed in the magazine, or by contributors, do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. ©Copyright 2014 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.

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Tangerine tree

birds &

bees

Claire Bickle

lomvee

There is so much more to the Aloe genus than the common variety, Aloe vera. There are over a hundred different varieties and the new hybrids are blooming in garden centres now.

A native to various parts of Africa the Aloe genus is a large one and complimentary to so many varied styles of gardens including; cottage perennials, Australian natives, tropical species, edible productive gardens and of course succulents type xeriscape* gardens. So no matter the size and style of your garden there is an aloe for you. Aloes range from tree aloes, ideal for dramatic architectural focal points in landscaped gardens, to small rockery types, which bring vitality and colour abundance to otherwise dull spaces. These bold flowering perennials which are perfectly suited to our harsh climate, come in many sizes and colours that it can be difficult to choose. It is not surprising that due to their minimal care requirements and attractive flowers, aloes are well suited to sloping sites, rockeries, and poolside gardens and are often seen used in car parks, median strips and industrial site locations due to their hardiness, minimal need of care and attractive flowers. Aloes will survive and still flower even when neglected. They are tolerant of extended periods of drought but will appreciate regular watering during drier times. Where there is moderate amounts of water being delivered be sure that the drainage is good as waterlogged soils for any length of time will cause rotting. For best growth and floral displays an application of Robust® Native Plants Food in spring and again at the end of summer will bring outstanding results. For better flowering a full sun position is preferred. Quick Facts on Hybrids – What’s so good about these selected hybrids is their fantastically long flowering period lasting for weeks, even months, compared with some of the older original forms of the species. They have been grown and bred for more spectacular flowering, varying sizes and colour range.

* Xeriscaping is a term used to describe the practice of reducing or eliminating the need for supplemental water on gardens.

LARGE

Tangerine Tree: This 2014 new release grows to 2m high. Bright tangerine orange fl owers are produced in ma sses. Great as a large structural feature plant. Tusker: Stunning ivory colour ed flowers with a touch of orange in the buds. Eye cat ching feature plant or pot specimen. 1.5 mH. My favourite “Moo MEDIUM nglow” Moonglow: Pale yellow wit h a hint of green flowers. Outstanding flowering capacity. I just love this col our. 80cmH. Ruby Blaze: Bright red flow ers with dark red tips and unbelievable amounts of flowers. A single mature pla nt can bear up to 150 separate flower clusters. A showstopper when mass pla nted or in pots. 1.2mH.

SMALL

Fairy Pink: Dainty white flow ers, detests wet feet, so good in pots and in ground if drainage is good. 20cmH . Bush Baby Yellow: Yellow/gre en blooms. Fantastic when mass plante d or in pots. 30cmH.

5 Aloes interplanted with silver Helichrysum petiolare, red pennisetum and Zamia furfuracea Cardboard palm.

Photo courtesy of ‘Tropic

of Sydney’

Roadside plan ting of aloes with Agav es, Rhoeo, Euphorbia spp and yuccas.

Aloe ‘Gemini’ Hybrid aloes make fantastic flowering potted specimens. Some of the taller cultivars maybe difficult in this application but any of the small to medium height choices would be excellent. Use a premium potting mix and mulching the tops of the pots with decorative pebbles can be a nice touch, especially if being given as a gift.

One of the nicest and most prolific flowering of all of the China Roses would have to be Rosa ‘Mutabilis’ (circa prior to 1894). Apart from the disease and fungal free element of this outstanding rose, the captivating feature is the continual flushes of its simple yet dainty blooms. Flowering strongest from late winter into late summer, they open to a delicate buff shade, then deepen to a delectable shade of apricot, then finally to a rich shade of cerise pink over a period of three days. Grow to approx. 2m H.

In a world full of beautiful flowers, the rose still stands firm as being the most loved of all. Each year, many thousands of home gardeners visit garden centres or mail order bare rooted specimens to place in their gardens.

Noel Burdette

r stages many colou One of the ilis’ Rose. b of the ‘Muta

Most on offer these days are the new generation of Hybrid teas and floribundas and although there is no doubt many of these will perform well for their new owners, most, if not all flower predominantly during spring, summer and early autumn. But there are a group of roses that are often overlooked and although many are happy to flower alongside the modern roses of today, truly come into their own during the coolest times of the year and they are the heritage or heirloom roses. Heritage or “Old fashioned” Roses branch out into many groupings such as Teas, Damask, China, Bourbon, Noisette (pronounced Nwar-zette), Polyantha and Hybrid Musk roses. This group of roses are varieties that date back as far as the 17th century and are the rightful great, great grandparents of the current cultivars of the roses that we know and love today. These old fashioned forms have proved time and again that their adaptability to difficult conditions is their strength. How many times have you witnessed those old rose bushes surviving in long neglected gardens or even cemeteries where people once planted them in memory of others? We owe a debt of gratitude to the early settlers in this country who brought with them a little piece of their homeland so they could remember loved ones and their own heritage from Europe and the United Kingdom. What they hadn’t realised

was they were growing an amazing legacy for all rose lovers to embrace and enjoy for many generations to come. Most are incredibly resilient to the dreaded black spot problems often associated with many roses and are less reliant on heavy feeding than most other roses. ‘Madame Isaac Apart from the coldest Pereire’ regions, in most of the warmer Eastern seaboard areas of Australia, many of these older style roses take centre stage as they prepare for their flowering from late autumn right through until early summer. Climbing roses are always a popular choice for arbours or archways and the heritage forms are no exception. One of the very best for vibrant colour, perfume and vigour would have to be ‘Madame Isaac Pereire’ (circa France 1880). This gorgeous and much loved bourbon Rose will grow quite vertical to over two metres if allowed, yet is best trained horizontally either on a frame or fence line where each leaf node can produce large clusters of rich crimson pink blooms with an intense perfume that simply lifts the spirits on a winters day. Regular deadheading will encourage continual flowering from this beauty right through until early summer, at which time a good pruning by one third is recommended.

Polyantha roses were once highly popular choices with home gardeners before the rise of the modern floribunda roses that took the gardening world by storm. Thankfully we are now witnessing a resurgence of interest in this form of rose as they bring with them their own unique charm unmatched by other roses. For smaller spaces, the much loved ‘Cecile Brunner’ (circa France 1881) is the perfect choice. Growing to a height of one metre, the perfectly formed flowers of delicate shell pink are held on strong stems that are perfect for picking. There is a climbing form of this also, yet requires stronger maintenance in warmer climates and is not so prolific in its flowering as its original shrub form. A white sport of Cecile Brunner is also available. Another rose by the name of ‘Bloomfield abundance’ (circa USA 1920) resembles Cecile Brunner so closely that it is often sold incorrectly under that name, yet will grow to a much larger shrub to over two meters.

Cecile Brunner

One of my personal favourites of the Polyantha roses would have to be the form called ‘Perle d Ör’ (circa France 1875). This highly prolific flowering rose can literally smother itself in blooms from late winter and continue right through off and on all year if you happen to live in a warm climate. The exquisite Peach and cream coloured blooms are produced (as are all Polyantha roses) in tight clusters held on sturdy compact plants and are an amazing site to behold in any garden. Again, due to this being a Polyantha form, its growth is compact to just over a metre and is suitable for beginners and advanced gardeners alike.

‘Perle d Ör’

Mrs Dudley Cross

Some tea rose varieties such as ‘Monsieur Tillier’ (Circa France 1891) can grow into substantial sized shrubs that can be used extremely well as screening or filling those larger spaces at the back of garden beds. The intense watermelon coloured blooms of this variety are eye catching and last well as cut flowers.

‘Crepuscule’ (circa France 1904) is capable of coping with higher levels of humidity and cooler climates. This is a fast growing climber that has handsome burgundy new growth followed by rich apricot blooms appearing through winter and spring. In warmer climates, flowering is not uncommon to be year round.

Another form known as ‘Mrs Dudley Cross’ (circa UK 1907) has the interesting ability to change the colour of its flowers depending on the temperature. During autumn and winter, the delicate lemon coloured blooms fade to a rich crimson pink on the edges of the petals, providing an extra spark of colour, while during the spring and summer, sporadic blooms will age gracefully to a pale shade of pink. This is also a thornless cultivar that allows for easy cultivation in and around the base of the plant without the concern of being pricked. The term ‘tea rose’ does not refer to them being the source of tea or being confused with modern hybrid tea roses; but more to the method of transport in which they were first brought to the United Kingdom packed in Tea chests from the orient in the mid-19th century.

‘Monsieur Tillier’

Osteospermum Zion ‘Pink Sand’ This range features large flowers on well formed stems and full, mounded habit. Go to page 11 to see the range of dazzling colour available. 45cmH - 35cmW.

Osteospermum ‘White Lightning’ Flowering: Flower right through the winter months and into the warmer weather. Habit: Low spreading habit with very flexible stems with high impact white coloured daisies and yellow undersides. Size: 25-40cm H x 60-70cm W Position: They do best in full sun. Loves warm days. Weather tolerant. Features: Well suited to containers, baskets, patios and gardens. Continuous flowering. Care: Use Searles Peat 80 Plus if planting in baskets and pots. Fertilise with Searles Flourish® every few weeks to promote more blooms. No dead heading necessary.

White Lightning are perfect planted in pots.

‘White Lightning’

love

Grevillea ‘Fire Cracker’

Grevillea ‘Fire Cracker’ Flowering: Explosion of fiery coloured flowers appearing from April to October. Habit: Compact, rounded habit. Small evergreen foliage soft to touch. Size: 40m H x 80cm spread. Position: They do best in full sun. Features: This winter flowering native is ideal for small gardens and is a show stopper if planted around patios and verandahs.

Grevillea ‘Deua Gold’

Flowering: Stunning rich golden yellow flowers appearing at its heaviest from March to October. Habit: Arching glossy green foliage. Size: 1.2m H x 1.5cm spread. Position: Loves full sun. Features: Extremely hardy, frost and heat tolerant. Great addition to native gardens, coastal plantings and dry areas.

Hellebore ‘Wintersunshine’

Hellebore ‘Ruby Glow’

Hellebore ‘Anna’s Red’

Hellebore ‘Ivory Prince’

Angelonia Angelfaces Flowering: The Angelface series bears tall spikes of flowers in vibrant colours and bloom constantly from spring to late autumn. Habit: Angelonias are members of the foxglove family and resemble tubular flowers. Size: 35cm High x 20cm Wide. Position: They are sun lovers that revel in the heat of summer. Varieties: Sky Blue, Blue, Pink, Wedgewood Blue, White & Bi-colour.

Lobelia ‘Lucia’ Dark Blue Flowering: Sparkling bright blue blooms smother the plant from late winter and through spring into summer. Habit: Neat habit, holding its form well. Size: 20-25cm H x 30-40cm spread. Position: Full sun to part shade. Features: ‘Lucia’ is ideal for massing with other low growing colour. Plant into fertile, well draining soils and keep plants evenly moist. Lightly tip prune in summer and remove spent blooms to encourage new growth and flowering. Feed with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp.

Angelonias grow and flower quickly once they are established. They are well suited as cut flowers for floral arrangements. Angelonias will add colour to the garden in mixed plantings or in massed displays. They can be planted in pots with Searles Peat 80 Potting Mix. Applications of Searles Flourish® Soluble Plant Food every fortnight encourages better flowering.

Angelface ‘Pink’

Angelface ‘Bi-color’

Hardenbergia ‘White Out’

Senorita Blanca

Flowering: Long, delicate sprays of pure white pea-shaped flowers adorn the plant from mid winter to mid spring. Habit: Fast growing evergreen low climber with lime green foliage and stems. Size: 2.5cm High x 2.5cm Wide. Position: Plant in full sun in a well drained position to cover fences, archways and pergolas.

Cleome ‘Senorita Blanca’ & ‘Senorita Rosalita’ For flowers that bloom right though spring, summer and autumn, try these two compact varieties of Cleomes. In warmer districts flowering continues all year round. They require minimal watering and maintenance. Plant in full sun in garden beds or large containers for a dramatic effect. ‘Senorita Blanca’ is sterile, it does not set seed so there is no dead-heading to keep it flowering. Plant next to its close relative, ‘Senorita Rosalita’ for stunning results. Tip prune to encourage more flowering. Senorita 50cm High x 30cm Wide. Rosalita

Regular pruning is recommended to maintain fresh, vigorous growth. Feed with Robust® Native Plants.

love Australian Rice Flower - Ozothamnus

These two compact Aussie natives are easy to grow in a sheltered, sunny position in most well drained soils. Flowering is from winter through into spring. Just Blush has long lasting, deep pink buds opening to a mauve pink. Winter White has large heads of pure white buds and flowers. For use in floral arrangements cut the stems when the plant is in full bud before the flowers open. To dry the flower heads, keep in a cool dark place until dried. Do not place in water. Rice flowers are perfect for use in floral arrangements.

Winter White

Cherry on Ice Raspberry

Quince

Sunsatias Series

Just Blush

The Sunsatia series of Nemesias are genetically bred to produce more blooms and flower for a longer period of time. They come in a variety of growing habits. Upright forms are well suited to container planting or as taller colour in combination planting. Spreading Sunsatias fill up a large pot or hanging basket and left to they own devices look stunning cascaded over the edge of the pot, basket or raised terrace garden. Plant in full winter sun for best results. Use Searles Peat 80 if planting into pots. Regular light applications of Robust® Flower Booster Plant Food will keep them blooming better.

Acacia ‘Limelight’ We just love this great garden performer. Its year round fresh lime green foliage, mounded weeping habit, minimal fuss and tolerance to most soils makes this one a winner. It is also native to Australia. Limelights suit native, exotic, oriental and tropical style of gardens and feature well in pots. Plant in well draining soil in full sun or part shade. Before planting, mix in or pot up with Searles Native Plant Specialty Mix and feed with Robust® Native Plants Food to keep that fabulous foliage beaming.

Acacia ‘Limelight’ make great pathway borders and low screens.

Build a terrarium. Visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au

* Visit www.pma.com.au for terms & conditions.

Osteospermum Zion

Cop

Apricot Pink

Shadow Red

P ink S and

per Amethy

Red

Gordonia axillaris

Hints & Tips

love

Lavender ‘With Love’ is the perfect way to say ‘I love you’ and makes a gorgeous housewarming present or tabletop display piece! Lavender ‘With Love’ flowers prolifically from late winter and continues in flushes throughout the year. It has a compact, mounded habit with the aromatic flowers holding tightly just above the foliage. Resistant to diseases. Plant in gardens for a cottage garden display and in containers for around patios. Can be moved indoors for up to two weeks for indoor colour.

Possibly the perfect shade tree or large shrub for small gardens, the Gordonia (Gordonia axillaris) bears unsurpassed white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves that develop red tips in winter. It will grow 5 metres tall and wide if left unpruned, with a beautiful, dome-shaped canopy. Its large, crinkly-petalled flowers are borne over a long period from autumn into spring and its orange-brown bark is another beautiful feature. Its large, white blooms (about 10cm across) tend to fall from the tree intact with their prominent, egg-yolk yellow stamens facing upward. The resulting effect has been likened to the appearance of fried eggs lying around the tree and has earned the plant its unglamorous common name, ‘the fried egg plant’. Gordonias are easy to grow and are practically pest and disease-free. They well suited to a range of climatic zones including sub-tropical, Mediterranean and cool-temperate. Like their close relative, the camellia, gordonias enjoy a slightly acidic, well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun or part shade. Gordonias are slow-growing when young, so buy a more advanced plant if you want a tree in a hurry. One advantage of their slow growth is that they are easily kept to a small size if desired, with gentle pruning. If you want a bushy shrub rather than a small tree, tip prune lightly after flowering. Otherwise, pruning is unnecessary. In spring, apply a plant food like Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Food, mulch well and keep the soil moist when young.

13 If you’re looking for a flowering shrub that’s as hardy as it is beautiful, look no further than the Indian Hawthorn (Raphiolepis). This evergreen beauty tolerates frost, heat, drought and coastal conditions. Its main flowering period is winter and spring but it also flowers sporadically throughout the year.

Raphiolepis ‘Apple Blossom’

David Grays Garden Problem Solvers

AVAILABLE FROM ALL LEADING NURSERIES, GARDEN CENTRES & HARDWARE STORES.

Hints & Tips ...continued from page 13

Bay Leaf

ALL ZONES

bay leaves

Plant evergreen herbs like bay tree, cress, garlic, marjoram, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme, now. These are all great in winter stews, savoury scones and muffins. Give them well-drained soil and full sun. Liquid feed organically with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp fortnightly.

Ask for this charming new variety of David Austin’s English rose. Princess Anne has upright growth with succulent-like foliage. The young fragrant flowers are deep pink, almost red, gradually fading to a pure deep pink as the bloom matures with hint of yellow underbelly. The compact, bushy growth makes this rose ideal for borders and hedging.

Beautiful Medinilla myriantha bears flowers and decorative fruit throughout the year. Plant in part shade in moist, well-drained soil and avoid direct sun. Grow in pots and containers with Searles Peat 80 Plus. Originating in the tropics, this variety of Medinilla does well in cooler regions and tolerates light frost.

For more information on garden hint & tips and what’s on visit

www.aboutthegarden.com.au

There are few flowers more versatile or distinctive to the winter garden than the pansy. Available in just about any colour of the rainbow, their cheery faces are the perfect way to fill your garden with winter mirth.

Did you know?

Like their cousins the violets and violas, pansies are edible and can make an exciting garnish or addition to fresh garden salads. They also have similar growing requirements.

Regional Garden Diary Darwin

Cairns Broome Townsville Whitsundays

N.T.

Mackay

Mt. Isa Longreach

Alice Springs Carnarvon

Emerald

Blackall

W.A.

Hervey Bay

QLD

Gympie Roma Toowoomba Warwick

Coober Pedy

Geraldton Kalgoorlie

Rockhampton Gladstone

S.A. Port Augusta

Perth

N.S.W.

Albany

Victor Harbour

North Queensland Tropical — Wet & Dry Tropics

Mt Gambier

Armidale

Orange

Adelaide

Gold Coast

Grafton Port Macquarie

Tamworth

Bunbury Esperance

Moree

Sunshine Coast

Brisbane

Newcastle

Sydney

Canberra Wodonga

Vic.

Melbourne

Plant angelonia, aster, begonia, dahlia, daisy, gazania, geranium, impatiens, marigold, nasturtium, pentas, petunia, portulaca, salvia and verbena.

Herbs

Plant dill, garlic bulbs, marjoram, mint, parsley, oregano, sage, Thai coriander and thyme.

Fruit & Vegetables

Plant broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, peas, potato, pumpkin, spinach, sweet corn and tomato.

South-east Qld & Northern NSW Subtropical — Coastal

Tas.

Flowers

Hobart

Flowers

Winter is a time when Bindii start to invade our home turf, causing much pain and frustration. Bindii set seed late winter to early spring, so spray your lawn now, with Searles Lawn Perfect, to avoid the painful prickles in spring.

Subtropical

Before spring, fertilise roses with Searles Rose & Flower Food and dig in a small amount of 5IN1TM Organic Plant Food. Fertilise azaleas and flowering bulbs.

Temperate

Herbs

REGIONAL ZONES Tropical

Cool Mediterranean Arid

Plant chamomile, comfrey, dill, garlic bulbs, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, parsley, oregano, sage, and thyme.

Fruit & Vegetables

Plant spinach, silver beet, lettuce and early-maturing cabbage. Fertilise fortnightly with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp and keep the water up to them to ensure an excellent crop.

More advice...

UÊ >ÀÛiÃÌÊ>ÕÌÕ Ê«À `ÕVi° UÊ- > ÊÌ iÊÛi} iÊ}>À`i ÊÜ Ì Ê SeaMax® Fish & Kelp every two weeks. UÊ7>ÌV Êv ÀÊ«iÃÌÃÊ iÊ grasshoppers and caterpillars. UÊ/> iÊvÀ> } «> ÊVÕÌÌ }Ã° UÊ i Ê> `Ê«Õ « ÊÛ iÃÊ can be pruned to keep them within a 2m radius. This will give denser growth without decreasing the yield. UÊ iÀÌ Ãi]ÊÜ>ÌiÀÊ> `Ê Õ V Ê > } ÊÌÀiiÃÊ once flowering has finished. UÊ ÞÊv ÜiÀ }Ê >Ì ÛiÃÊ iÊV V ÞÊ apple, kapok and woollybutt.

More advice...

Kalanchoes

UÊ ÕÌÊL>V ÊÀ ÃiÃÊÌ Ê>L ÕÌÊ i Ì À`° UÊ i> Ê ÕÌÊv Ã Ê« `Ã° UÊ * > ÌÊìV `Õ ÕÃÊv ÜiÀ }ÊÌÀiiÃÊ and shrubs. UÊ ÕÌÊV> >Ê iÃÊÀ } ÌÊ` Ü ÊÌ Ê ground level - they will grow back beautifully in spring. UÊ i>` i>`Ê>}>«> Ì ÕÃ° UÊ ÕÌÊL>V Êì>`Ê«iÀi > Ã° UÊ Û ìÊ«iÀi > ÃÊÌ >ÌÊ >ÛiÊ become overcrowded. UÊ / ÃÊ ÃÊ> Ã Ê>Ê} `ÊÌ iÊÌ Ê« > ÌÊ native plants — a great way to attract native fauna.

Sydney

Adelaide, Perth

Mediterranean Climate

Temperate areas

Flowers

Sow ageratum, alyssum, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, Iceland poppy, lobelia, lupin, marigold, pansy, petunia, phlox, primula, stock, verbena, wallflower and zinnia.

Plant pansies and violas for winter colour. Small native shrubs such as leptospermum and grevillea can be planted now and are a good option for a difficult spot as they are tough and tolerate dry conditions.

Produce

Herbs

Plant artichoke, asparagus, broad bean, carrot, English spinach, lettuce, onion, pea and radish.

Plant chamomile, comfrey, coriander, dill, feverfew, garlic bulbs, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, parsley, oregano, sage and thyme. Protect coriander from frost.

More advice...

Fruit & Vegetables

Plant Chinese greens - Pak choi can be harvested just 3 to 4 weeks after planting. Grow English spinach quickly in rich soil. Harvest citrus. Plant peas where summer annuals were planted they will enrich the soil for next summer’s blooms.

More advice...

UÊ *ÀÕ iÊ >Ì ÛiÃÊ> `ÊÀ ÃiÃÊÌ >ÌÊ >ÛiÊ finished flowering. UÊ *ÀÕ iÊ Þ`À> }i>Ã° UÊ Û `iÊ>}>«> Ì ÕÃÊ> `Ê Ì iÀÊ strappy-leafed perennials. UÊ ½ÌÊÀiÌÕÀ ÊvÀÕ ÌÊv ÞÊ viVÌi`ÊvÀÕ ÌÊÌ Ê the compost. UÊ /À> Ã« > ÌÊ> ÞÊÌÀiiÃÊÌ >ÌÊ ii`Ê moving, especially in wet weather. UÊ µÕ `Êvii`ÊÜ ÌiÀÊ}Àii ÃÊÃÕV Ê as cabbage, spinach, lettuce with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp for healthy growth. UÊ * > ÌÊ`iV `Õ ÕÃÊ> `ÊvÀÕ ÌÊÌÀiiÃ° Peach Blossom

Melbourne Cold & Southern Tableland areas

Flowers

Plant alyssum, aquilegia, begonia, calendula, cineraria, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, erigeron, foxglove, geranium, hollyhock, larkspur, lobelia, nemesia, pansy, polyanthus, poppy, primula, ranunculus, snapdragon, stock and viola.

Herbs

Plant chives, curry, dill, mint, parsley, sage and thyme.

Fruit and vegetables

Plant artichoke, asparagus, beetroot, broad beans, broccoli, Brussels sprout, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, endive, leek, lettuce, onions, peas, snow peas, silver beet and spinach and radish.

More advice...

Stone fruit are stunning when they burst into flower at the end of winter or early spring. In cooler zones, now is the time to buy bare-rooted varieties from your local garden centre.

UÊ* > ÌÊÛ ÀÕÃ vÀiiÊÃÌÀ>ÜLiÀÀÞÊÀÕ iÀÃ° UÊ*ÀÕ iÊ}À>«iÊ> `Ê Ü vÀÕ ÌÊÛ iÃ]Ê raspberries and other berries. UÊ ÃÊÌ iÊ iÜÊLÕ`ÃÊÃÌ>ÀÌÊÌ ÊÃÜi Ê Ê fruit trees such as plum, nectarine, cherry and peach, spray with Searles Copper Oxychloride to control fungal disease. UÊ* > ÌÊL>Ài À Ìi`ÊÀ ÃiÃ° UÊ* > ÌÊ`iV `Õ ÕÃÊÌÀiiÃÊ> `Ê fruit trees. UÊ Õ V Ê}>À`i ÃÊÌ Ê«À ÌiVÌÊÌ iÊ« > Ì½ÃÊ roots from frost. UÊ ÜÊ ÃÊÌ iÊÌ iÊÌ ÊÌÀ> Ã« > ÌÊ> ÞÊ plant that is in the wrong spot. UÊ ÛiÊvÀ ÃÌÊ«À iÊ« > ÌÃÊÌ Ê>ÊÃ>viÀÊ spot until warmer weather.

UÊ* > ÌÊL>Ài À Ìi`Ê`iV `Õ ÕÃÊvÀÕ ÌÊ trees. UÊ*ÀÕ iÊiÃ«> iÀi`ÊvÀÕ ÌÊÌÀiiÃÊ and berry bushes. UÊ-«Ài>`ÊÃÕ«iÀ« Ã« >ÌiÊ and potash around fruit trees. UÊ*ÀÕ iÊÀ ÃiÃÊL>V ÊLÞÊÌÜ thirds. UÊ* > ÌÊVÕÌÌ }ÃÊ vÊ` > Ì ÕÃ]ÊvÕV Ã >Ê> `Ê chrysanthemum. UÊ*À ÌiVÌÊ« > ÌÃÊvÀ ÊÃ Õ}ÃÊ> `ÊÃ > Ã°

Inland Areas

Arid or Outback areas

Flowers

Sow ageratum, aster, balsam, carnation, celosia, chrysanthemum, cockscomb, coleus, cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, everlasting daisy, gaillardia, gazania, geranium, gerbera, impatiens, kangaroo paw, African marigold, French marigold, nasturtium, petunia, portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, verbena, wallflower and zinnia.

Produce

Sow artichoke, asparagus, broad bean, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, lettuce, onion, parsnip, pea, potato, pumpkin, radish, rhubarb, silver beet, spinach.

More advice...

Now is a great time to garden in warmer parts of inland Australia: UÊ*iÌÕ >ÃÊÜ Ê` Ê«>ÀÌ VÕ >À ÞÊÜi ÊvÀ Ê late autumn until spring. UÊ* > ÌÊvÀÕ ÌÊÌÀiiÃÊ> `ÊÛ iÃ° UÊ Û `iÊV Õ « }Ê« > ÌÃÊÃÕV Ê>ÃÊ agapanthus, canna lilies, liriope, iris and clivia. UÊ,i ÛiÊÃ«i ÌÊv ÜiÀÃÊÌ Ê `ÕViÊ iÜÊ blooms. UÊ vÌiÀÊ >ÀÛiÃÌ }ÊÜ ÌiÀÊVÀ «Ã]ÊÀi« i Ã Ê the soil with compost ready for the following seasons crop growth.

For a long harvest throughout the cooler months, it pays to prepare your soil and get your crop in early. Here’s how to grow some of your favourite coolseason crops with the minimum of fuss... Cauliflowers are best planted in autumn and early winter to enable the flowering heads or curds to ripen in cold weather. Plant them in a full sun position with good drainage and deep, rich soil to accommodate their extensive roots. Growing them in a raised bed is ideal. They should be protected from frost, so avoid planting them in low-lying areas.

Ashley Searle

throughout their growing period with Searles Flourish® and/or SeaMax® Fish & Kelp. As the head grows, wrap the large outer leaves around it to protect it from sun and prevent it from becoming discoloured. Cauliflower heads also dislike being wet, so irrigation with a dripper rather than a mister system is recommended. A good soak once a week is preferable to daily sprinklings. If heavy frosts have been forecast, protect the head with hessian at night, but remove this during the day to allow air to circulate.

Cauliflowers dislike acid soil, so if yours is sourer than 6.5, dig in lime at least two weeks before planting. They require liberal quantities of fertiliser to produce the large, edible head so dig in some 5IN1TM Organic Plant Food. Seedlings should be thinned or transplanted to allow for plenty of space Cabbage white caterpillars are the between each plant. main problem with cauliflowers, Cauliflowers need a steady supply of food and should be removed by hand and water to develop good heads. Keep or dusted with derris if necessary. weeds at bay and fertilise fortnightly Aphid infestations can build up in

warmer weather and should be sprayed on contact with Searles Bug Beater. Cauliflower heads are ready to be picked when it is firm and tight and large enough to fill one’s hand. Dig up the whole plant and discard the stem, roots and outer leaves.

Food into the soil. Cabbage can be planted as seed or seedlings; refer to the label for depth and spacing requirements and water immediately after planting. Water regularly and keep them weedLike other cold season crops, cabbage free. Cabbage white caterpillars should need full sun and good drainage. However, be removed by hand on sight. Heavy they prefer a slightly acidic and somewhat infestations can be sprayed with Searles heavy (clay) soil which will prevent leaching Bug Beater. Harvest when their heads feel of nutrients with the regular watering they hard. To do this, dig up the whole plant, require. Alkaline soil can be balanced by sever the stalk with a sharp adding organic compost or the pH can be knife and remove lowered by adding sulphur powder. any outer leaves Most cabbage varieties are quite before storing Raw frost hardy so it can be planted the cabbage cabbage salads throughout winter. In the tropics, in the fridge. plant in the beginning of winter Compact cabbage such as coleslaw to ensure the heads have time varieties can be are packed with to form before heat returns. grown in pots Vitamin C to fight Cabbage are greedy feeders, of Searles Herb off winter colds. so dig plenty of Searles Kickalong & Vegetable Vegetable & Herb Organic Plant Specialty Mix.

19 ‘Hot but still crisp’ is the way to serve snow peas, so make sure they are added to the wok no more than a minute or two before serving. Sweet, crunchy peas straight off the vine can be the ultimate winter treat — and they are so easy to grow! Being a climber, snow pea and pea plants will need a trellis to grow onto. It’s easiest to install this before planting so as not to risk damaging young plants. Readymade trellises can be bought from garden centres. They can also be constructed from 3 or more tall sticks wound together with twine and meeting at the top to create the shape of a teepee. As peas are tall plants, any trellis should stand at least 1.8m high. Peas prefer to be sown in their final position. Find a position in full sun and cultivate the soil by digging in Searles Kickalong Vegetable & Herb Organic Plant Food. Plant peas about 9cm apart and (for seeds) 35mm deep. Although peas grow better in the cool season, young plants will need protection from frost and plants won’t flower until frosts have passed. Peas, like other legumes, produce their own fertiliser (nitrogen) so they usually require very little nurturing. Searles Liquid Potash can be applied to boost flower and pod production.

Feeling like a healthy snack? Munch away! The more peas you pick, the more they will produce, so harvest them as soon as they reach their full size. Being an annual crop, peas will die at the end of their season. When they have finished, plant leafy vegetables (such as lettuce, silver beet, cabbage or broccoli) in their place. If you’re not growing vegetables, any plants that grow lush, leafy foliage will benefit from being planted in a previous pea bed. This is because the nitrogen that peas ‘fix’ in the soil is an important nutrient for healthy foliage growth in other plants, so rotating crops in this way can make the most of this natural boost of nutrients. Don’t allow peas to flop off the trellis or they may become spoilt by soil or infected with fungus. Fungus can also be a problem in humid conditions, in which case water only in the mornings and rotate crops to limit contamination. Protect young seedling from birds.

Plant sprouts in late autumn and early winter to ensure that the plants mature during the coldest months of the year. Brussels sprouts are unsuitable to grow in frost-free areas. Drainage and sunshine are the prerequisites of these useful and delicious winter vegetables. They need plenty of space around each plant to enable the sprouts to ripen, so do not crowd them in with other vegetables. They also enjoy a touch of frost, so they can be planted in low lying areas that receive regular winter chill, providing these are well drained. Brussels sprouts prefer a slightly alkaline soil, so if yours is more acid than pH 6.5 apply lime. Dig in 5IN1TM Organic Plant Food to feed their large appetites. Feed developing plants with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp on a fortnightly basis. Keep the soil weed free and consistently moist. Mature plants can grow to over 1m and need to be well anchored in the soil. If necessary, hill the soil up gently around each stem to provide additional support as they grow. Remove some of the lower foliage to concentrate the plants’ growth energy into the

budding sprouts and to enable air and light to reach them as they develop. Caterpillars of the cabbage white butterfly and aphids are the main pests of Brussels sprouts. Spray them with Searles Bug Beater. Fungal disease can be avoided by growing the plants in a very well drained and sunny position, and spacing them generously to allow for ample air circulation. Sprouts taste sweetest once they have been frosted. They are ready to harvest when they are slightly smaller than a golf ball and firm to the touch, and should be gathered before they get too large and burst. Most varieties ripen from the bottom upwards and should be picked accordingly. The fresh, young leaves can also be harvested and eaten like cabbage.

Snow Peas ripening on the vine.

Step 1: Top and tail the stems and then dice into 5cm pieces and place in a large glazed mixing bowl. Bring a mixture of organic honey and water up to heat in a stainless steel boiler, but do not boil. Once the syrup is steaming hot stir in some fresh vanilla and infuse. Step 2: Pour this mixture hot over the chopped rhubarb in your mixing bowl and cover with a cloth. Leave over night in a cool place. This process is called steeping and partially cooks the rhubarb while infusing the honey but still allowing the rhubarb to remain firm. Step 3: Drain the rhubarb and pour the steeped syrup back into the boiler and add more honey, as the rhubarb will have probably soured the mixture. Now bring the boiler up to the heat again, while you’re preparing the organic pears. Step 4: Peel, halve and remove pith from pears. Leave the stalks on for show. If you’re doing a few pears at a time, plunge them in a bowl of cold water and citric acid to stop them going brown. Rinse the pears before you jar them or they will be bitter when consumed.

with Stephen Hogwoo

Step 5: Filling the Jars. Make sure the rubber rings are on the Vacola jars prior to filling so you don’t burn your fingers putting the rubbers on after filling. When packing the jars, place the rhubarb in first and then use the pears to keep the rhubarb in place down the base of the jar - pack your jar firmly and think of presentation. Once the jar is packed, leave a 5mm head room at the top of the jar to form a vacuum, wipe the rim and rubber and place the lid and clip on firmly.

UÊ- iÊvÀiÃ Ê À}> VÊÀ ÕL>ÀL UÊ `ÊÃ âi`Ê«i>ÀÃ°ÊThe best pears to use are Packhams, Williams or Boch. UÊ iÞ UÊ6> > UÊ*ÀiÊsterilised jars, with clips, caps and rubbers.

For more information on preserving, visit http://1910lifestyle.com/

Step 6: Boiling the Jars. Place sealed jars gently in cold water in a boiler or pot with a cake tray at the bottom to keep the jars off the base. Bring cold water to boil, turn heat off and allow the jars to rest for 5 minutes in the boiler. Remove jars with jarring tongs and place in a draught free area on a wood, cloth or plastic surface. Do not place the jars in a draught or on marble, granite or stainless steel bench tops or it will crack the jars. While the jars are hot, press the lids and clips down firmly with a tea towel as the clips and lids can move during boiling and could breach the seal on the jars. Allow the jars to then cool for 12 hours before removing the clips - store in a cool dark cupboard and consume within 6 months.

just fantastic on muesli, porridge in the morning or evening desert with yoghurt or custard!

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable so once you plant it correctly in your garden you will be able to harvest its stems year after year. Rhubarb may take up to three years to reach maturity if grown from seed, so it is best grown from young fleshly crowns available from garden centres. Plant rhubarb crowns into well-drained soil, late autumn and early winter, about 75cm to one metre apart to allow for their stem and leaf growth. Sufficient air flow around the plants will also keep diseases and fungus at bay. They love well composted soil. Dig 5IN1TM Organic Plant Food into the soil two weeks prior to planting for a rich healthy soil base. Rhubarb need a period of frost to make the stems juicy and bring on stem maturity, so they grow well in temperate and cooler regions of Australia. They can be grown in warmer climates in a shadier spot. To keep the stems juicy all year round, water rhubarb regularly with long deep watering once a week and more often during summer. Infrequent watering will make the stems dry and tasteless.

Discourage the rhubarb from flowering by picking out the flowers when they appear. Flowering stops leaf stalks production. To harvest rhubarb, pull the stem gently from the base of the plant. Don’t harvest all the stems at once, this will compromise the plant and you will have to wait longer to harvest the next growth of stems. Every five years, divide the plant and replant to aid longevity and vitality for each plant.

Note to remember!

Rhubarb contain oxalic acid which is poisonous if eaten raw. Always cook the leaves and stems before consuming and never cook rhubarb in an aluminum saucepan as the acid in the plant reacts with the aluminum to form a poisonous compound.

SUPERWAY

GARDEN, Ag & Pest PRODUCTS PTY. LTD.

INSECTICIDE

Delta-M: is a non staining residual insecticide, for the control of spiders, cockroaches, fleas, ants, silverfish, flies and mosquitoes. Available in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre packs.

NEW RELEASE

TERMITE CONTROL

Superway White Ant Termite Bait: A D.I.Y. ‘Back to the nest’ termite treatment primarily for use in Termite baiting stations. Available in 500g, 1kg & 2kg packs.

Highly concentrated. Available in 1litre pack.

HERBICIDE

HOUSEHOLD PESTS

Available 250ml, 500ml & 1litre chamber pack.

Superway Dicamba-M is a selective herbicide for the control of bindii, thistle, cudweed, clover and dandelion in most lawns except buffalo grass. Active ingredients: 80G/L Dicamba 340G/L MCPA

Weedkiller: provides effective control of most broadleaf weeds and grasses. 1 litre of concentrate’ Makes up to 100 Litres of weedkiller. Available in 250ml to 20 litres and 1 litre 'ready-to-use' spraypack.

Superway Inside-Outside Cockroach, Spider, Flea & Ant Residual Insecticide: Concentrate for indoors porous surfaces. Odorless & stain-free. Available in 250ml, 500ml, 1litre & 2.5litre bottles.

TERMITE CONTROL

PEST CONTROL

Grub, Ant & Pest Controller: Controls ants, spiders, cockroaches, lawn beetle, lawn grub, and armyworm in the home garden.

HERBICIDE

(a quality assured company, proudly Australian owned and operated)

Superway Bifenthrin Termite & Pest Controller: Termite/Insecticide for use as a termite barrier spray around poles etc. as well as control of ants, spiders, etc. Available in 1Litre Chamber Pack as well as larger pack sizes.

Superway P.O. Box 183, Beerwah Qld 4519

www.superway.com.au

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Trade enquiries welcome.

Growing fruit in your own backyard can be fun, rewarding and just plain delicious. Suited to warmer climates and easy to grow, citrus trees are the pick of the crop. Citrus trees are well suited to home growing and with minimal care will reward you for years with juicy, delicious fruit. Now is a great time of year to plant them. The trick to successfully growing citrus is to plant them in the right position and the right soil. Citrus need a full sun position and need plenty of room to grow in all directions. Ideally, they should have a 2–3 metre gap all around them. If you plant them in a position where they are overcrowded or shaded by other trees they will not grow or crop well. Therefore, it is important to choose the right position from the start. When planted in the right position, citrus trees will grow and crop beautifully and cause you very little trouble. For citrus trees to grow well and produce delicious crops, they need a rich, well drained soil. To give them an excellent start, dig a hole at least two to three times the size of the pot they are growing in and dig in Searles Rose & Citrus Compost. Plant your citrus tree straight into the hole. Because citrus like a well drained soil, it could be beneficial to mound up the soil before planting. Beware of planting citrus trees too deep, especially in heavy, clay soils. After planting, mulch all around your citrus trees with Searles Mulch Plus. Mulch placed right up against the trunk of the tree can encourage collar rot, so keep the mulch about 10cm away from the trunk of the tree. Mulching is highly beneficial for citrus trees. Mulching saves water, adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down, keeps the root system cool and promotes stronger growth (which means more fruit). Another trick when caring for citrus is to water them deeply and thoroughly. Occasional, deep watering is more beneficial than frequent, light watering. Give them a good, deep watering about once a week. Like all plants, citrus trees need regular fertilising to promote strong, healthy growth which in turn will help it to produce better crops of fruit. Citrus trees are known as heavy feeding plants, especially once they are old enough to bear fruit. In late winter or early spring, apply Kickalong® Organic Fruit & Flower Plant Food to the soil out to the drip line (the area of soil immediately underneath the branches of the bush) and thoroughly water afterward.

Many plants can absorb nutrients through their leaves even more quickly than they can through their roots. For immediate results, it is therefore advisable to liquid feed over the leaves of the plant as well as onto the soil. This is commonly referred to as ‘foliar feeding’. A handy tip when foliar feeding is to apply the fertiliser early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Avoid foliar fertilising in the middle of the day as this can cause leaf burn. We recommend SeaMax® Fish & Kelp. Citrus trees have been bred for their prolific ability to bear fruit, and it can be exciting to see some freshly planted young trees bearing their first flush of flowers and fruit within the first year of planting. However, it is advisable to remove this early crop before it is able to develop. A young tree needs to focus its early years on increasing its size and establishing a healthy root system. This will help it to anchor itself in your garden and will make it more resistant to winds and drought. Bearing fruit can be a considerable strain on its resources, so allow the tree to grow to a healthy size before it to bears a crop of fruit. This way, your tree will be hardier and more prolific in the long term.

from Citrus Leafminer and scale with Searles Ecofend® Fruit & Garden. 100% organic and easy to use.

This is sooty mould, which grows on the honey-dew secretions made by sap-sucking insects like scale, aphids and mealybug. Sooty mould is unsightly but does not directly harm the plant, other than to inhibit photosynthesis. Of more concern are the sap-sucking insects which can be controlled with Searles Pest Gun. Removal of these pests will curtail the mould. Plants that are under stress from other factors such as lack of water can be more susceptible to these kinds of problems, so watering your fruit trees during very hot, dry weather can prevent this problem from recurring.

Scale on roses, citrus and ornamental plants.

Sooty mould on citrus

D-TER is not only an extremely effective repellent, but its use is also environmentally sound – it is very safe, is not a scheduled poison, and there is no withholding period, it does not harm the creatures, plants or soil. D-TER repels by creating a feeling in the creatures that the treated area is unsafe and threatening.

Protect herbs, vegetables, trees and shrubs from possums, kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, hares, bandicoots, deer, foxes and other wildlife. Protect vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, seedlings and buildings from cockatoos, crows, ducks, pigeons, rosellas, starlings, swallows, other birds & bats.

This memory of ‘danger’ thus ensuring the repellent effect continues for lengthy periods – far longer than the D-TER itself. It has produced excellent results against all wildlife, including Rabbits, Kangaroos and Wallabies, Possums, Bandicoots, visiting Dogs and Cats, Rats and Mice. It is equally effective against all birds, protecting both plants and ripening fruit, against Rosellas, Lorikeets, Parrots, Cockatoos, Crows, smaller birds, Bats and fouling of buildings or ground areas by Ducks, Pigeons, Starlings, Mynas, Sparrows and Swallows. For further information contact Lorac Australia, Ph. 02 9589 0703

Protects homes, gardens, patios, shop fronts and paved areas from both dogs and cats or rats and mice.

Protect one plant or a whole area — perimeter &/or band sprays. Repels — without harming animals or humans. Not considered a poison — no withholding period. Easy to use — spray on. Effective when dry. Safe, Proven and Effective. Available in 100g, 1Kg & 4Kg Sizes. is unique. Reject products said to be "just as good", nothing is at all "like it". For further information send 2x60c stamps to:

D-TER, Dept. A, PO Box 3, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225. Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9589 0703. Fax: (02) 9589 0147

GG20-260/02

Various animals and birds regularly cause substantial damage to fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Fortunately D-TER, a very safe animal and bird repellent, is most effective in these situations. Creatures returning to a treated area immediately become agitated and leave. The result is up to 100% reduction in further damage. D-TER is the leading animal and bird repellent internationally.

This fungus generally attacks the flowers of azaleas, camellias and roses making the petals brown off. It is more prevalent in moist, cool weather. Remove all infected blooms promptly and spray with Searles Mancozeb Plus to stop the spores from spreading. Repeat sprays maybe necessary. Avoid watering overhead.

SCAN FOR FACT SHEET

Available in Pellets Pellets not available in WA.

www.searles.com.au Ask for these great Searles products at your nearest gardening outlet. Ph: 07 5422 3000