ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle
• Faster & stronger new plant establishment.
• Improves soils & adds nutrients.
• Feeds plants for 6 months.
see what’s new at your local gardening outlet
With over 150 days of flower, the blooms either start as blue or pink and change over the course of the season to shades of red-burgundy to deep purple-burgundy. It is ideal for containers to lowborder planting. This is a plant that really performs – indoors and in the garden. A living bunch of flowers, perfect on the kitchen bench and will outlast any cut flowers by months and months.
Dianthus ‘Pink Eclipse’ features stunning silver/ blue/green leaves and double petalled flowers that start as rich magenta and fade to softer shades - providing a gradient of colour. Flowers are fragrant, and plants perform thick flower displays excellently in the garden. They are equally spectacular as potted displays planted in Searles Platinum Potting Mix.
Extremely long flowering period from summer through autumn. This form requires very little maintenance. Dry and frost tolerant once established.
The world’s first garland form, Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride’, features a semi-prostrate form that flowers all along the stem. It is also a Hydrangea that you don’t need to prune - the less you prune the more flowers it will have!
This variety displays white flowers for upwards of 5 months providing long-term colour through late spring to early autumn. Ideal for a spiller in baskets and pots. Tolerates severe cold temperatures. Position in part shade for best flowering.
VARIETY
Hula ‘White’
Tibouchinas are starting to bloom during summer. Here are our stand-outs. ‘Peace Baby’ (pictured) - large clear white flowers with pink stamens. Cold tolerant and compact height of 60cm.
‘Groovy Baby’ - compact with a height of 45cm and a large electric purple flowers covering the plant during the summer months. Can tolerate and performs well in cooler climates as well. Well suited to pots. ‘Foxy Baby’ – height to 1m, fast growing with bicoloured pale blooms with purple stamens, evergreen and easy care. All varieties mentioned are quite dry tolerant once established. Grows well in most soil types.
The Begonia Hula series is a unique spreading type of begonia that’s highly branched with loads of small flowers and attractive, highimpact colour.
It’s fastest to flower and fastest to fill spaces. Hula looks fantastic trailing out of hanging baskets, but the plants also provide an instant performance advantage for landscapes, with its masses of flowers showing on top and a blanketspread effect to fill garden beds.
The Begonia Hula series creates a blanket of high-impact colour! Available in Bicolour Red White, Blush, Pink, Red and newly released, White.
Hoyas will quickly become a gardeners favourite after they experience their hardiness and scented pendulous blooms during the warmer months from spring to autumn. Their small root requirements make them perfect for pots. If planting them in the ground, provide them with a trellis or climbing vessel to happily trail along. Ideally, plant hoyas in Cymbidium & Bromeliad Specialty Mix. This mix has open free draining properties and contains a 9 month fertiliser for flower boosting, ideal for pots or gardens. Hoyas flourish in very bright light, in dappled shade areas and under patios in warmer zones. Keep soil moist.
2 NEW COLOURS
SIZE 30 to 60cmH
Mandevilla Sunparasol - The original and still the best – the Sunparasol Mandevillas have a bushy vigorous habit with wide range of colours. This season, two varieties are introduced to the market - ‘Stars & Stripes’ and ‘Gold’. They can be grown as a bush or trained as a climbing vine. The brightly coloured flowers bring a sense of the tropics to any garden. Sunparasol Mandevillas provide a bright blossom, with striking shiny foliage with no dead heading. Create your own tropical paradise with SunParasol Mandevillas.
‘Stars and Stripes’ - unique flowers red with white stripes with vigorous upright habit. ‘Gold’ – yellow with dark throat with upright vigorous habit. Makes for a great bushy pot plant with vibrant yellow colour.
repeat BLOOMS
Plectranthus ‘Mona® Series’ is the perfect shrub for shady nooks around the garden that will provide long floral displays. Available in deep richly coloured purple-pink, pink, lavender and white flowers, crown proudly on deep-green serrated foliage throughout autumn and repeat flowering other seasons in the year. These bold flowers provide colour contrast to darker spots in the garden where it can sometimes be a challenge to find long-lasting colour. With a naturally neat, compact growth habit Plectranthus ‘Mona® Series’ is well suited for a splash of colour in garden beds, as fillers or featured in pots closer to the house.
Water requirements are medium, and moderately dry tolerant once established. Tough and easy-care plant. If growing in containers, care should be taken not to allow the soil to dry out completely. Plant in a welldraining Searles Platinum Potting Mix in pots or in Searles Planting Mix for garden beds.
MONA White
MONA Amethyst
MONA Pink
‘Gold’
‘Stars & Stripes’
Proven Winners® are proud to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) through raising awareness & funds from the sale of Proven Winners® Supertunia® Vista range with the standout pink label.
BCNA is Australia’s leading breast cancer consumer organisation. It works tirelessly to ensure that all Australians who are affected by breast cancer receive the best care, treatment, and support.
BCNA sees its role as advocating, connecting, supporting, and informing those affected by breast cancer. They are represented by the Pink Lady silhouette, focusing on the people affected by breast cancer and all those around them, not the disease. Learn more at: https://www.bcna.org.au/
How it began….
Over the last 6 years Proven Winners have donated over $90,000 to Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand through their Pink Ribbon Appeal. The success of this campaign has opened the door for Proven Winners® to now partner in Australia with BCNA to raise much needed funds. Breast cancer is a cause close to our hearts & we value the opportunity to raise awareness & contribute to patient advocacy and support.
Facts….
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women.
• Australia has one of the best breast cancer survival rates in the world.
• The incidence rate of women and men being diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia is increasing; however the mortality rate from breast cancer is decreasing.
• There are around a quarter of a million people in Australia today who have had a breast cancer diagnosis in the last 40 years.
• If this disease has not yet touched your life, chances are, it will.
Get involved….
• Purchase Proven Winners® Supertunia Vista® series potted plant with pink label from your local garden centre. Royalty collected on each sale of Supertunia Vista® series will be donated to BCNA.
• #plantitpink and share your garden, basket, or container planting of Supertunia Vista® on social media in support of BCNA and all Australians affected by breast cancer.
• Host a #plantitpink morning tea or event in October to support Breast Cancer Awareness month.
• Support BCNA’s upcoming events, scan QR code here.
Kangaroo paws are flowering now
A low maintenance Australian hybrid that works as an excellent ground cover plant, with a dense growth habit that effectively suppresses weeds. It blooms over an extended period, from winter to spring, with occasional flowers in autumn. The small, spider-like flowers are red and cream, rich in nectar, and attract small birds and native bees. This plant thrives in coastal areas, performs best in sunny spots, but also does well in partial shade. It tolerates light frost. For a denser growth, prune lightly after flowering and feed in spring with a low phosphorus fertiliser - Searles Robust Native Plants - Controlled Release Fertiliser.
This unique Australian native will add a pop of colour to your garden with its fun and playful bright yellow ball shaped flowers that bloom from spring to summer on tall and stout stalks. The flowers make for an interesting contrast against the woolly grey foliage, and come to life in a light breeze which make the flowers look like they’re dancing in the wind.
They will look at home in a cottage or Australian native garden design. Plant sporadically to add a burst of colour to your garden, or use along paths and borders. Perfect in a vase or in cut flower arrangements.
A very hardy plant that is both drought and frost tolerant. Remove the spent flowers to encourage further blooms and tidy at the end of summer by removing old flower stems.
Easily the best hedging form of non fruiting Olive in the Australian market. Natural lateral branching form of olive that is incredibly hardy/ drought resistant, non-fruiting form which means its perfect for driveways, along decks etc, no fruiting dropping and staining the areas around it or clean up to do. Creates a beautiful blue grey hedge over time and is now a lot more accessible in the market thanks to mother stock propagation numbers boosting over the years.
GROUND COVER
Ornamental VARIETY
Begonia Bewitched ‘Lavender’
Part of a larger range of spellbound unique patterned begonias. Great in pots, but also perform well in the garden in a sheltered shady location. Plant into Searles Platinum Potting Mix for strong, dense leaf growth.
Vriesea bromeliads are easy-care indoor plants and are very adaptable to a wide range of light. They will flourish in shaded areas as well as areas with bright indirect sunlight.
A beautiful tropical shrub that goes by its common name copperleaf and Jacob’s coat and has varying different leaf colouring available. The evergreen shrub can grow to an impressive height of 3 metres. The branches of the tree spread out in the pattern of a crown and have an erect stem. The leaves themselves are round with crinkled edges and are covered in fine hairs.
Their foliage is dense covering, making it popular to plant along walls, fences and for screening. The speciality of the plant is its leaves which come in combinations of green, purple, yellow, orange, copper, crimson, pink, or white.
It doesn’t have a lot of demands and can flourish well in almost all types of soil. Additionally, regular pruning of leaves may result in dense growth that occurs rapidly.
Reverse leaf variegation compared to Carex ‘Feather Falls’, Carex ‘Moon Falls’ showcases a much smaller form, and leaves have a lovely curl. This form still carries the same hardiness - great in heat, cold, wet, dry and snowy conditions. It is a smaller form great for borders, general landscaping but provides solutions to containers, vertical walls and hanging baskets!
This striking dracaena can be grown indoors in bright diffused light or in the sun outdoors. The vivid green leaves with red margins will achieve their best colour possible when positioned in full light. Use as a feature plant to highlight patios and courtyards, perfect for indoor home and office spaces, entrances and entertaining areas. Protect from frosts in colder areas.
Sunflowers, the bringers of joy, with their wondrous blooms that follow the sun throughout the day, are a marvel to behold. In many regions in Australia, the prospect of two planting times for these plants can be quite exciting.
‘Russian Giant’
‘Royal Velvet’
Typically, the seeds can be sown in tropical to subtropical regions from spring to autumn and late winter to early summer in temperate zones. It’s a thrilling wait for the soil to warm in cooler regions, heralding the arrival of spring to early summer, the perfect time for planting.
We generally look to plant seeds in spring, and in the lucky zones, you can plant seeds in late summer as well. Sunflowers flourish in a wide range of soils, and with a little extra care to fertilise and ensure they receive adequate, regular water when the buds first appear, you will produce a better flower crop. Once established, sunflowers are drought-tolerant but still need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water deeply to ensure roots grow strong.
Sunflowers need full sun to flower well. Choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Plant sunflower seeds into Searles Planting Mix for garden beds or Searles Premium Potting Mix for small sunflower varieties in pots.
Giant sunflowers
Sunflower ‘Russian Giant’ – 3m tall, classic bright goldenyellow flowers up to 50cm across
Tall sunflowers
Sunflowers, with their range of heights, colours, and flower types, are a canvas of nature’s creativity. When you look at Sunflower ‘Teddy Bear,’ it appears more like a chrysanthemum and only grows to 45cm, while Sunflower ‘Royal Velvet F1’ grows to 1.5m, a testament to the diversity of these plants. Once the plant is at its height and the buds start to emerge, use a fertiliser higher in potassium, such as Searles Flourish Flower and Foliage Soluble Plant Food or Liquid Potash, to boost the flowers. Tall-growing varieties may appreciate extra support or staking in windy conditions.
Many varieties, from planting seeds to producing flower heads, take 10 to 14 weeks. They can stay in bloom for up to a month. Many use the flowers as cut flowers or enjoy them in the garden. If you want to collect the seed, leave the flower on the plant till the flower starts to fade. The seeds need this extra time to ripen, but be aware the birds love them, so once they begin to take an interest in the flower, it is time to harvest the seeds. Once the seeds are ripe, remove the flower and leave some stalk. Like lavender, you can tie a few heads together and hang upside down in a cool, dry place. From there, it can be as simple as putting them in a large bag or bucket and giving it a good shake or thump. Those that don’t immediately fall away will easily be removed by hand. If you collect seeds, it is not a guarantee that they will produce plants identical to the parent.
Look out for aphids, caterpillars, and birds. Fungal diseases like downy mildew can affect sunflowers. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent this.
Sunflower ‘Double Dazzler’ – 2m tall, with multi-petalled deep yellow flowers
Sunflower ‘Royal Velvet F1’ – 1.5m tall, with deep bronze coloured velvety petals
Sunflower ‘Lemon Queen’ – 2m tall, pale lemon flowers
Sunflower ‘Yellow Empress’ – 2m tall, with large bright yellow flowers and black centres
Dwarf sunflowers
Sunflower ‘Teddy Bear’ – 50cm tall, with round double yellow fluffy pompom flowers about 15cm in diametre
Sunflower ‘Dwarf Sensation’ – 20-30cm tall with bright yellow flowers, ideal for pots
‘Lemon Queen’
‘Double Dazzler’
‘Italian White’
When the topic of melons arises, a diverse array of options comes to mind. In Australia, watermelon, rockmelon, and honeydew melons reign as the major crops. However, the melon landscape is far more expansive, with varieties like Canary melon, winter melon, and horned melon also making their mark. While we could delve deeper, let’s focus on these main varieties of these highly nutrimental fruits.
Where the water gets muddy is cantaloupe, which is a melon common in America. Honeydew melon or Cucumis melo Inodorus has green flesh and is sweet, and cantaloupe or Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis, which is orange in colour and softer flesh. You guessed it, rockmelons or Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis is the same as cantaloupes. The Latin name tells us when plants are different rather than relying on the common name.
Watermelons or Citrullus lanatus have a vast range from seedless to mini to flesh colour of pink, orange or yellow. Collecting seeds from a watermelon does not necessarily mean you will get the same variety as the parent plant if you raise them yourself. Unless they are in an insect-proof netting, cross-pollination by bees can mean it is like a box of chocolates: ‘you never know what you are getting’. If you enclose the melons with insect-proof netting and hand pollinate them, you will get the same result as the parents. This is how people often collect heirloom varieties, which are open-pollinated cultivars that have been passed down through generations due to their valued characteristics.
The world of melons can become even more profound. Wild melon or bitter melon sounds like a sweet option, but they are bitter and sour. Melons are usually very easy to grow and well worth trying; all you need is space and patience. To grow melons successfully, it’s important to provide them with plenty of sunlight, water, and welldrained soil. Additionally, regular pruning and pest control measures can help ensure a healthy crop.
Companion planting - 3 sisters method
Companion planting, a practice steeped in centuries of tradition, is a proven method for controlling pests and diseases. The native Americans, in particular, utilized this technique to cultivate a harmonious trio of corn, beans, and squash, maximizing their crop yield. By growing three different varieties in combination, they minimised the need for fertilisers and support structures, while maximising the mutual benefits of the three plants, all within a compact space.
Prepare the ground by building a mound in the middle; this can be made larger if the area permits. Build a mound using three bags of Searles Garden Soil Mix or Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix. These blends are suitable for pots or the garden. Create a mound approximately 30cm high and just over a metre wide in the middle of a raised garden bed. Plant a punnet of corn in the middle of the mound, following the guide on the back of the corn label for the distance between the plants. Water corn daily for the first week, watering every second day for the second week and every third day for the third week. Corn is a quick grower, but tall-growing sunflowers are another great option.
Growing dragonfruit (also known as pitaya) in Australia can be a rewarding endeavour in the trouble-free home garden. They are a fruit of a cascading-branched cactus plant and the large white flowers which bloom at night emit a delicious fragrance. Here’s a step-bystep guide to help you get the most out of your dragonfruit cultivation.
Choose from the commonly grown varieties include Hylocereus undatus (white flesh), Hylocereus costaricensis (red flesh), and Hylocereus megalanthus (yellow skin, white flesh). Most dragonfruit varieties flourish in hot, humid climates in tropical and subtropical climates, which makes many parts of Australia suitable. For cooler areas, they can be grown in large pots in a protected area away from frosts.
Dragonfruit plants require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure there’s enough space for the plant to grow and is supported by a solid frame, such as a fence or trellis, as it is a climbing cactus that can spread out and cascade down.
Grow dragonfruit using cuttings at least 30-50 cm long. More advanced plants are available from gardening outlets.
Dragonfruit requires regular watering for better cropping, but avoid waterlogging. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
After three weeks, plant climbing beans seeds around the corn, using four seeds per corn stalk. Beans are known as a nitrogen fixing crop which means they supply fertiliser to those plants around them. The corn provides support for the beans to climb up, and the beans supply the corn with added nitrogen for growth. Once the beans sprout, it is time to choose the final ring of plants. Two squash and two zucchinis were planted, in this case, in the outer ring. The beans again supply extra nitrogen to the zucchini and squash, which in return, they will keep the soil cool with their sprawling leaves and suppress weeds in the garden. Pumpkins can also be used as an outer ring; zucchini tend to be very heavy croppers, and four zucchini or squash may produce too much for a small family.
Use a balanced fertiliser every three months during spring, summer and autumn by applying Searles Robust Cacti & Succulent Controlled Release
Fertiliser
Prune the plant after fruiting to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant for better air circulation and sunlight exposure. This will also help produce new growth for next seasons flowers and fruits.
Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and ants, and manage them promptly. Fungal diseases can be managed by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Some dragonfruit varieties are self-pollinating, while others need cross-pollination. If required, hand pollination can be done using a soft brush to transfer pollen.
Dragonfruit typically takes 30-50 days to mature after flowering. Flowers appear in late spring. The fruit is ready to harvest when the skin colour is vibrant, and the scales (small leaf-like structures on the skin) start to wither.
Bean seedlings growing amongst corn
Squash and zucchini planted in a ring around corn
Pick your favourite fish for this easy-to-assemble hot taco
Prepare
1/3 cup (50g) plain flour
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs
500g fresh fish fillets, cut into bite-size strips.
10 mini flour tortillas
1/4 iceberg lettuce or red cabbage, shredded
200g sour cream
Mango salsa
1 mango, chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
Chopped coriander, plus extra leaves to serve
Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges to serve
Combine flour and spices in a bowl and season. Place the egg and breadcrumbs in separate bowls. Dip the fish pieces first in the flour, then the egg and finally coat well in the breadcrumbs. Cook in frying pan until crumbs are golden colour and fish is cooked through.
For the mango salsa, combine all the ingredients, then season and set aside.
Serve fish on tortillas with mango salsa, lettuce, topped with sour cream, sweet chilli sauce or hot Tabasco. www.aboutthegarden.com.au for more recipes, visit
Ingredients
200g risoni or orzo pasta
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2cm lengths
Green beans
100g Persian fetta, or other marinated fetta, drained, 1/3 cup (80ml) olive oil
Bunch chives, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lemon + extra lemon for wedges to serve
250g smoked salmon fillets or cooked salmon fillets
Prepare
Bring saucepan of water to boil. Add risoni and simmer for 7 minutes or until al dente, adding asparagus and green beans for the final 2 minutes. Drain and return risoni to pan.
Add olive oil to pan with chives and mix. Season. Break up the salmon and fetta into bite-sized pieces, add to the risoni mixture and toss to combine.
Serve
Transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle any remaining chives on top. Squeeze over lemon juice and add extra lemon wedges to serve.
Ingredients
1 tsp fine brown sugar
Juice of 2 limes
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 1/2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
4 large peaches, cut into 1cm wedges
1 bunch arugula, leaves picked
200g packet of jamon
150g soft cheese, e.g. fetta, blue vein cheese
Coriander
Handful walnuts, lightly roasted
Prepare
In a small bowl, whisk the sugar, lemon and lime juice until sugar dissolves, then whisk in oil until combined. Add peaches and toss gently to coat. Grill peaches until slightly charred and soft.
To assemble salad on a serving plate, lay arugula down first, then add grilled peaches, jamon, soft cheese and coriander.
Serve
Sprinkle with roughly crushed, lightly roasted walnuts to serve.
Different mulch and their benefits
You read many articles telling you to mulch your garden, but the choices are many. So, how do you use mulch, and which one is best for your garden?
It is an aesthetic choice of how you want your garden to look. When any mulch is applied, you want it to be to the depth recommended on the packaging.
The main job of mulches is to - Enhance gardens
- Aid moisture retention in the soil.
- Suppress weed germination.
- Protect soil against erosion & temperature extremes.
- Enrich soil & encourages worms.
For vegetable gardens, there’s a practical and cost-effective solution-sugar cane mulch. It breaks down quickly and can be easily turned into the soil with 5 in 1 Dig In Organic Fertiliser when it’s time to replant. Being 100% organic, it’s a perfect match for vegetable gardens and edible crops. Plus, it’s a great value for money, especially when you have a large area to cover.
For areas where termites are prevalent, cypress mulch is termite resistant and is a preferred option. It is a beautiful natural mulch and can be used on all gardens or on top of pot plants.
Pine bark mulch, a traditional and commonly used option, offers a sense of security. It’s a mid-range mulch, with pieces that are generally uniform in size but can look bulkier than cypress. Its slightly larger size ensures durability and long-lasting performance, giving you confidence in your gardening efforts.
All mulches are meant to be replenished, so look for signs that they have broken down, such as a decrease in
depth, a change in colour, or the presence of weeds, and reapply before weeds appear and the temperature rises.
Steps to follow when you are laying mulch.
1. Remove weeds from the garden area or around plants to be mulched.
2. Apply fertiliser appropriate for that garden.
3. Water soil before applying mulch.
4. Spread mulch over soil approximately 50mm deep for mulching. To re-mulch, apply mulch over the top of the existing at a depth of 25mm.
Remember, it’s crucial not to place mulch directly against plant and shrub stems. Leave a gap of 5-10cm to ensure proper air circulation and prevent rot. This caution and responsibility will help your plants thrive.
5. Water mulch well to moisten and settle into place.
Gravel or pebbles provide decorative soil protection
allzones
summer planting & care guide
> If growing tomatoes, keep your watering regime consistent and regular to avoid blossom-end rot. This disease is caused by insufficient calcium supply however, the most common cause is from irregular or insufficient water during the critical growing period of the young fruit. Even when calcium is in sufficient supply, a plant receiving insufficient or irregular water will have difficulty absorbing and delivering calcium to the fruit. Liquid feed tomatoes fortnightly with Searles 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser to boost fruiting.
> Harvest macadamias from the ground. Summer brings harvests of berries and many stone fruits in cooler climates, from early summer cherries and apricots to late summer peaches and plums, and finishes with grapes and the beginning of the apple and pear. Early spring planted melons will be ready for harvest late summer. Keep water up to fruit trees as they are starting to develop flowers and fruit. Add some Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food for these hungry feeders.
> Mangoes are ripening now. Protect mangoes from birds by picking fruit slightly early or netting fruit. Watch for anthracnose on mango and avocado leaves and developing fruit. Spray with Searles Mancozeb on mango trees and Searles Copper Oxychloride on avocadoes to stop the fungal disease from spreading.
> Grow heat loving herbs and pick regularly for better taste. Plant chives, basil, lemon thyme, lemon myrtle, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemongrass, chilli, coriander, kaffir lime, mint and ginger in sunny areas.
> Pumpkin, rockmelon, watermelon, eggplant, cucumber and squash vines grow well during summer in most Australian climates. Plant in full sun and give them plenty of room to spread their vines. Dig in plenty of 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser before planting and mulch under vine leaves as they grow. Provide ample water during fruit development to create a tasty harvest.
> Capsicums grow well in warmer climates. Beans, carrots (not tropics), radish, zucchini, sweet corn produce great crops now.
> Leafy greens grow quickly during summer - kale, spinach, leek, spring onion and lettuce. Provide consistent and regular watering for a sweeter tasting leaf. Provide shade if the weather becomes too strong for them to grow happily. Harvest young before they start to head.
> Encourage beneficial insects by planting a variety of flowers amongst the vegetables. Use shade cloth or netting to protect delicate plants from intense sun. Protect young seedlings from extreme weather conditions.
> Lessen the effects of heat stress on your plants with a fortnightly feed application of SeaMax Organic Fertiliser Liquid to give them a balanced array of nutrients and minerals. This will keep them healthy and increase their resistance to hot, dry summer days.
Warmer weather brings fruit fly which sting the fruit of tomatoes, capsicum, citrus, passionfruit, apples, pears, citrus, figs & stone fruit. Place fruit fly traps in orchards or veggie gardens. The traps will kill the male flies stopping the breeding cycle and also indicate fruit flies are around.
Mites, thrips and aphids can damage young vegetable plants. For large infestations, organically spray with Searles Ecofend Vegetable & Garden Insect & Mite spray.
allzones
summer planting & care guide
> A deep watering for roses at least weekly will help maintain moisture levels during summer. More often if planted in pots. Mulching of beds will also assist in keeping the dampness of soil at the proper level. Maintain a regular spraying programme for black spot on ornamentals with Searles Rose Pro spray. This spray will treat black spot as well as aphids and thrips, both of which plague roses in warmer weather.
> Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases. Remove and dispose of any diseased plant material promptly to stop the spread.
> For summer flowering potted colour, try poinsettia, or drought busting bloomers - dianthus, lobelia, strawflower, marguerite daisy, buddleja, geranium and salvia (Heatwave series). Geraniums are a water wise summer stunner that look great in any garden style. If you haven’t already planted summer annuals, plant these now, petunia, sunflower, rudbeckia, phlox, Californian poppy, amaranthus, aster, bedding begonia, carnation, portulaca, salvia, celosia, dahlia, dianthus, gerbera, gypsophila, zinnia and verbena.
> For summer flowering plants for garden bed colour - plant agapanthus, frangipani, geranium, hydrangea, hibiscus, petunia, mandevilla, crepe myrtle, salvia, zinnia, bacopa, New Guinea impatiens, dahlia and osteospermum.
> Hibiscus flowers are on full display this season. Keep feeding the procession of blooms by fertilising with Searles Hibiscus & Bougainvillea Food at the start of the season.
> Climbers are wonderful space-savers and not all of them are rampant. Allamandas (yellow, dusky pink, purple and maroon), dipladenias and mandevillas (both pink, white or cerise) can all be kept within manageable proportions. But if you have got the space for something bigger, nothing beats bougainvilleas for brilliance. Again, it’s the bracts which are the focal point and these appear for most of the year in every colour except blue.
> Fertilise gardenias, magnolias and all acid loving summer flowering plants with Searles Azalea & Camellia Soluble Plant Food to promote flowering.
> Hydrangeas put on a show in summer. Great for longlasting cut flowers indoors. Feed hydrangeas fortnightly with Searles Flourish Flowers & Foliage Soluble Plant Food during their peak flowering period.
Warmer Climates
• Canna
• Hibiscus
• Heliconia
• Poinciana
• Ginger
• Frangipani
• Metrosideros
• Geraldton Wax
• NSW Christmas Bush
• Golden Shower
• Leopard Tree
• Crepe myrtles
• Pompom tree
Cooler Climates
• Azalea
• Rhododendron
• Metrosideros
• Waratah
• Gardenia
• Lavender
• Pittosporum
• Photinia
• Hydrangeas
• Weigela
• Persimmon tree
• Lemon myrtle
• Hydrangea
• Lilly pilly
• Buddleja
• Prostanthera
• Photinias
• Illawarra Frame Tree
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Corymbias
• Marmalade Bush
• Escallonia
• Daphne
• Bougainvilleas
• Crepe myrtles
• Smoke bush
• Mock orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
• NSW Christmas bush
NOTE: This may vary in different climatic zones.
plant & grow by climatic zone
I’m writing to say “Thank you” Searles.
I am a second generation of searles flourish plant soluble food user. My parents used to enter into garden competitions and my Mum always told me to use this product. I used to water her plants in the garden with flourish for the competition and we won twice.
Now that I have my home I have been using flourish and my plants haven’t looked back. I am a massive fan of the product.
So from myself and my plants I say “Thank you” Karen Sippel
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3, 5-6
FLOWERS
> Many trees are flowering now. Frangipani and lemon-scented myrtle have a heavenly scent to fill gardens. Crepe myrtles, poincianas and hibiscus are well into their flowering cycle. Bougainvilleas display better colour with less watering.
> Feed frangipanis and hibiscus with Searles Hibiscus & Bougainvillea Food to keep the flowers coming.
Let nothing disturb thee.
Let nothing affright thee
All things pass
God never changes.
Patience gains all. Who has God. Wants for nothing.
God alone suffices. (St Teresa of Jesus)
Water pot plants and gardens early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water evaporation from the soil.
Use mulch to retain moisture, keep the roots cool and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Implement drip irrigation systems for efficient water use. Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry spells.
Provide shade for sensitive plants during the hottest part of the day.
> Plant sunflower seeds early summer to maximise flower display time. Spread zinnias, portulacas, summer flowering salvias, torenias and marigolds around the sunny spots. Coleus are putting on their foliage flair. Petunias, gauras and cosmos spread their colour easily.
EDIBLES
> Avocadoes, mango, pineapples, custard apples, papaya, bananas, passionfruit, guava, lychee, dragonfruit, starfruit and jackfruit are fruiting now.
> Plant warm season cucurbits such as pumpkin, watermelon, cucumber, summer squash and other vegetables artichoke, beans, capsicum, celery, Chinese cabbage, eggplant, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, okra, onion, potato (tubers), radish, rhubarb (crowns), rosella, silver beet, spring onion, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato. For herb gardens, plant basil, chives, coriander, fennel, gotu kola, heliotrope, lemongrass, mint, parsley and tarragon.
PLANT CARE
> Before mulching, give plants a liquid dose of SeaMax Organic Fertiliser to promote strong plant health to combat the heat.
FLOWERS
> Tropical edible and ornamental gingers, heliconias, bird of paradise and cannas display lush foliage and noticeable flowers in the warmer months.
> For those tricky dry part shady spots where you want flowers you can’t beat cliveas, begonias and bromeliads. All have rich, luscious dark foliage and flower well in warm weather.
> Take advantage of all the rain by growing the large leafed alocasia, acalypha, caladiums and cordylines.
EDIBLES
> Mango, pineapples, papaya, bananas, guava passionfruit, lychee, dragonfruit, starfruit and jackfruit are some summer fruiting gems to have. Rosella need warm weather to grow fruit well.
> Time to plant capsicums, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuces, melons, mustard, pumpkins, radish, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, potatoes, tomatoes and zucchinis. Harvest veggies while still young and tender. In the tropics the heat and humidity can ripen vegetables quickly. Liquid feed fortnightly with 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Liquid to keep growth strong and promote flowering.
> Coriander, chillies, basil, lemongrass and mint love rain and humidity.
GARDEN CARE
> Reduce watering pot plants and gardens if there is too much rain around.
OR Pay by Electronic Funds Transfer. We will send you account details via email. Cheques will not be accepted.
Please send this form to: About the Garden P.O. Box 183 Kilcoy Q. 4515 atg@aboutthegarden.com.au Ph:(07) 5422 3090
> Mould may occur in gardens during long periods of rain. This is nature and will settle down once the soil dries. Name: ............................................................................... Age: 25–35 36–45 46–55 55+
www.aboutthegarden.com.au scan QR code
plant & grow by climatic zone
FLOWERS
> Many rose varieties bloom throughout the summer and come in a wide range of colours and sizes. Control common roses pests and diseases early with Searles Rose Pro to ensure your roses stay beautiful and healthy to display.
> Snapdragons, echinacea and cosmos are all popular summer flowers to spread about the garden. Ageratum, alyssum, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, fuchsias, geraniums, Iceland poppy, lobelia, lupin, marigold, pansy, petunia, phlox, primula, stock, verbena, wallflower and zinnia can be sown now.
> Dahlias (pictured), lavender, hydrangeas, geraniums and petunias are great summer performers. Frangipani, corymbias, metrosideros and crepe myrtles are larger trees or shrubs which show a summer flair. Mandevillas, passionfruit, allamanda and bougainvillea provide climbing colour power
EDIBLES
> Plant basil, borage, chives, coriander, lemongrass, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon and thyme for summer culinary compliments. Plant beans, beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, English spinach, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnip, pumpkin, radish, silver beet, spring squash, swede, sweet corn, tomato, turnip and watermelon. Corn, zucchini and beans planted together support each other. See 3 sisters method, page 12.
> Watch out for fruit fly activity on tomatoes, citrus and capsicum. Monitor with Searles Fruit Fly Traps
FLOWERS
> Pansies, violas, primroses, hellebores (some varieties still flowering), delphinium, foxgloves, forget-me-not and lupins are ideal to plant early summer. Agapanthus, ageratum, alyssum, aster, boronia, calceolaria, cleome, cosmos, California poppy, cyclamen, dahlia, gazanias, geraniums, Iceland poppy, linaria, marigold, nasturtium, phlox, salvia, stock, verbena, vinca and wallflower give summer gardens colour. Sunflower can be planted in a sunny spot in summer.
> Peonies (pictured) are hardy perennials that produce large, fragrant blooms in the summer.
> Crepe myrtles and flowering gums are flowering now.
EDIBLES
> Summer fruiting raspberry and cherry bushes are ablaze of fruits this time of year. Use a bird friendly net on ripening summer fruit.
> Summer is the time to plant most vegetables due to the warm soil. Plant beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbages, capsicums, celery, cucumbers, cress, eggplant, leeks, lettuces, melons, mustard, pak choy, pumpkins, radish, rhubarb, rocket, silver beets, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato, tomatoes and zucchinis. Plant most herbs. Plant in Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for pot plants and gardens. Spray vegetable pests with Searles Ecofend Vegetable & Garden Insect & Mite spray.
FLOWERS
> Red hot pokers and kangaroo paws display strong structural floral displays in summer gardens. They flourish in dry conditions.
> Keep roses well watered during drier periods of weather. Fertilise early summer with a controlled release fertiliserSearles Recharge Ultimate Fertiliser - Flowers & Fruit to boost growth. The fertiliser also contains re-wetting granules to aid water and fertiliser delivery to roots.
FLOWERS
> Grevilleas, corymbias and callistemon feature striking floral blooms that can handle the drier conditions.
> Succulents like yuccas, mesembryanthemum, sedums, agaves and aloes provide structural and hardy features for arid gardens.
> Salvias, lavender and echinacea are also flowering until autumn providing fodder for the bees. Mandevilla flowers are still on show from summer until autumn, their excellent climbing habit covers fences and pergolas beautifully. Water and fertilise hydrangeas regularly during summer for better flowering. Use a fertiliser for acid loving plants like Searles Azalea & Camellia Soluble Plant Food. Water regularly to avoid wilting leaves.
EDIBLES
> Fertilise fig, pomegranate and olive trees with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food, as they start to fruit for autumn.
> Plant tomato, zucchini, sweet corn, cucumber and capsicum. Keep well watered. Keep watering tomatoes constantly during the summer months. Irregular watering will encourage blossom end rot caused by calcium deficiency. Grow hardy herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, lemongrass, sage that can tolerate drier, hotter weather.
> For pot and hanging basket displays, plant petunias, scaevolas, calibrachoas or portulacas in Searles Platinum Potting Mix, a premium potting mix with advanced water technology which contains 18 month fertiliser and is excellent on water conservation. Water mandevillas regularly for better bloom displays.
> Lavender, rosemary, echeveria and salvias are ideally suited to hot, dry conditions, flowering happily during summer and autumn and providing fodder for the bees.
> Two attractive ornamental grasses to add to summer gardens are kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), a native grass with attractive seed heads and pennisetum (fountain grass) (pictured), featuring fluffy flower spikes and can handle dry conditions.
EDIBLES
> Hardy varieties of tomatoes, capsicums, eggplant, cucumbers and zucchini are perfect to grow now. Fig, pomegranate and olive trees benefit from regular fertilising with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food. The hotter the temperature, the more water is required for your garden. Fruit trees and vegetables require regular watering to keep growing. Grow hardy summer herbs in pots grouped together for easy watering.
