Your local gardening advice for Australian gardens
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2021 | ISSUE 96
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The Serenity Prayer
Autumn 2021
TM
Issue 96
At your local - In season plants - Foliage - Grasses
4 6 7
Balcony gardens Autumn veggies
8 10
On the table - recipe Bean & fetta salad Chunky zucchini chips Fig salad with walnuts & fetta
10 12 15
Coastal gardens Pest watch Transplanting success
16 18 19
About Autumn - Edibles - Watering tips - Flowers - Mail bag - Climatic zones
20 21 22 24 24
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
Let nothing disturb thee. Let nothing affright thee Who has God. Wants for nothing. All things pass God alone suffices. God never changes. (St Teresa of Jesus) Patience gains all.
Front cover image: Banksia
Managing Director: Conway Searle Contributors: Ashley Searle & Lauren 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 • 4914 D’Aguilar Highway, Kilcoy or P.O. Box 70, Kilcoy Qld. 4515 Ph: (07) 5422 3090 atg@aboutthegarden.com.au 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 2021 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.
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BUZZ Buddleja Bu
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Buddleja davidii
Flowering: Their perfumed flowers are almost constant year round in most climates. Attracts butterflies and small birds. Size: Its dwarf habit is well behaved, growing only to a metre in height with little pruning needed. Position: Easy to grow in sunny to semi-shaded positions. Buddlejas will not tolerate heavy frosts. Great for large pots, massed plantings or in a mixed garden. Care: Plant in well composted soil mixed with 5IN1 Organic Fertiliser. Trim back the older growth when flowers are showing signs of slowing down and getting smaller.
Stardust lavender SIZE
30cmH 30cmW
SIZE
15cmH 90cmW
White
Double Bonita series Enjoy bold double blooms from spring to autumn for excellent hanging basket and container displays. Loves shade and plenty of water for best results. page 04 | About the garden magazine
An attractive groundcover with the ability to pop up amongst other plants in your garden, and in tight spaces such as path edges and between rocks. For most of the year it’ll bloom with delicate pink flowers, striped with deep magenta. They’re sweetly scented, butterfly attracting, and make a lovely cut flower. Plant in a container or hanging basket to enjoy their beauty. This plant can also be a “living mulch” as it’s hardy enough to cope with the full sun. Flourishing in dry to moist soils, and performs best in cool temperate to semi-arid climates. Use a low phosphorous soil such as Searles Native Plant Specialty Mix.
SIZE
30cmH 30cmW
FULL SUN
PART SHADE
It is hard to find a great plant with lots of bright blue flowers. Here we have an improved version of Evolvulus, dwarf and spreading in its habit, which flowers its head off. This plant makes a statement in frost free gardens. Keep soil moist with good drainage. Any well prepared garden in sun to semishade will be suitable. Liquid feed every two weeks with Searles Flourish Flowers & Foliage Soluble Plant Food to keep the plant flowering.
Pentas attract butterflies and are an easy and fast way to bring cheerful colour to the garden throughout the year. Great as cut flowers, take your pick from their cheerful hues of bright red, every shade of pink, white and mauve. Tough performers in a range of climates, they’re also easy to propagate from cuttings. Plant them in full sun in a rich, well-drained soil. Feed with Searles Flourish Liquid Plant Food every two weeks for prolific flowering.
SIZE
1.5mH 1mW
About the garden magazine | page 05
Famed for its unique foliage colour, ‘Kaleidoscope’ has beautiful tones that change with the seasons. By autumn this combination turns to a bright orange to fiery red throughout the winter months extending until the early spring. Low water needs and requiring little maintenance, this shrub is ideal for informal hedging and garden colour contrast in a sunny location.
SIZE
70cmH 90cmW
FULL SUN
Image & information courtesy of Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au
The ultimate low native hedge with formal style. Featuring subtle grey-green leaves, this fuss free plant is perfect for coastal gardens or as container plants. The ideal Australian native hedge! Bred in Australia by leading native experts for Australian conditions. This plant is the perfect alternative to traditional English Box hedging! A versatile landscape performer with outstanding resilience to the harshest coastal conditions. Leptospermum ‘Fore Shore’ tolerates salt sprays and salt laden winds, making it ideal for difficult coastal sites. It boasts stand out grey-green foliage with bronze coloured new growth. Very hardy, drought tolerant and a low water user, ‘Fore Shore’ is a stand out performer for any garden or public landscape.
SIZE
50cmH 50cmW
Image & information courtesy of Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au
FULL SUN
SIZE
50cmH 50cmW
COASTAL
SIZE
40cmH 50cmW
• Season-changing leaf colour • Glossy, disease free foliage Image courtesy of Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au
Image courtesy of Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au
Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ tolerates extremes of heat, cold and drought and makes a striking contrast against other plant foliage. Beautiful in Meditteraneanstyle gardens or in pots, it loves full sun, part shade and good drainage. Flowers from Winter into Spring, but the foliage can be enjoyed all year round.
Liriope ‘Emerald Cascade’
SIZE
Carex ‘Feather Falls’
50cmH 50cmW
SIZE
100cmH 50cmW
of Plants Management Austra
lia www.pma.com.au
If you want a modern plant that looks fantastic in almost any spot, and practically takes care of itself, then Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’ is it. Producing lush lime green, strappy foliage in a compact form and staying green all year round. It grows well in frost, full sun positions and in shaded areas which may be dry, such as under a tree or the eaves of your house. An excellent plant for mass planting, dotted amongst other plants for a conpact colour and understory planting. Put it in a pot if you want to add a simple touch of patio green.
Dianella ‘Goddess’ is hardy and easy to manage as a garden or
container plant in partly shaded areas. Dainty deep blue flowers are followed by purple fruit; and as a foliage & contrast plant it’s a stand out. Growing to 50cm in width, if you want a multi-stemmed effect that’s easily achieved just plant several beside each other. Its versatility extends to liking a wide range of climates from cool temperate through to tropical; it’s happy in moist clay loams of a neutral to acid pH. Truly a queen of a plant.
Try this hardy, cascading foliage plant for a dramatic display. This noninvasive form of Liriope, ‘Emerald Cascade’ spreads slowly to form graceful thick mounds of glossy green foliage, ideal for a low-maintenance dense groundcover when planted en masse or a potted specimen. In spring and summer cobalt blueberries appear. Not only will ‘Emerald Cascade’ tolerate extended periods of dryness, but it also does well with minimal care inside the home.
Carex ‘Feather Falls’ is a highly decorative Carex with outstanding
garden and pot performance. The long clean and crisp foliage will reward you with a year round maintenance free plant. A highlight of this new variety is its beautiful plumes of feathery flower stems that emerge from the centre of the fresh new variegated foliage during the spring months.
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, fruit bats and microbats. Protects homes, gardens, patios, shop fronts and paved areas from both dogs and cats or rats and mice.
Protects 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.
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About the garden magazine | page 07
Planter boxes and pots are used here for a private, interactive space.
Plants for sun
For those with a sun-drenched balcony, you can take one of two approaches to this.
Whether you choose plants for screening, productive plants for the kitchen or to house your growing leafy collection, consider how much light, wind and rainfall your area receives at different times of the year. If your balcony is roofed, then you should consider this element as the plants you choose will not receive natural rainfall or maybe even no direct overhead sun light which is beneficial to all productive plants. If your balcony does happen to be shaded, then believe it or not, there are wonderful choices for some beautiful ornamental plants to provide a green oasis.
Plants for shade
Plants such as Monstera, Aspidistra (Cast Iron plant), Clivia lily, Chloraphytum (spider plant), Maranta (Prayer plant), Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), Spathyphllum and many indoor leaf plants are tough contenders for these shaded spaces and will bring a lush appearance to smaller balconies. If privacy is required then consider erecting a small lattice or trellis screen and encourage the beautiful Climbing Hoya or perfumed Stephanotis to intertwine through. These are not demanding and will take slightly drier conditions, making them easy to grow and care for. page 08 | About the garden magazine
One is to embrace the sun trap and turn your balcony into a Mediterranean style haven with the scent of citrus, geraniums, dwarf bougainvilleas, lavender and a myriad of kitchen herbs like basil and thyme alongside ripening cherry tomatoes, capsicum and Chillies. What about some splashes of bright colour from Bird of paradise (Strelitzia Regina), the highly perfumed Gardenia or Ixora. If the sun is just too much to handle over summer, then consider placing some generous sized containers filled with citrus, small clumping bamboo Malay Dwarf (Bambusa heterostachya), Chinese Star Jasmine, Lillypilly, Tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima) or smaller deciduous trees such as Japanese maple (cool climates), flowering prunus or some of the many beautiful Magnolia species. If Palms are your thing, then take a closer look at the delicate Wedding Palm (Lytocaryum weddellianum), Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea Seifritzii), Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans) or Dwarf growing Cascade palm (Chamaedorea Atroviren). With the exception of the smaller growing parlour palm which relishes dappled light, all of these will provide light shade and screening. Sunny balconies are the ideal choice for growing productive plants. Most fruit and veggies plants require many hours of sunlight per day to produce.
Another way of enjoying plants on balconies is to have some wellplaced hanging baskets filled with cascading flowering plants such as petunias, calibrachoas, hardy geraniums, lobelias, bacopa, fuchsias and spreading succulents.
Raised veggie and herb planter boxes are great for easy access.
Container choice
Be generous when it comes to choosing your pots and containers to grow plants in this situation. The larger the container, the more they can accommodate. Of course, be mindful of how heavy they can be if you happen to live higher than the first floor and always check with your body corporate to see if large pots are allowed due to weight restrictions on balconies. With any pots, comes the need to fill them with potting mix and eventually the drainage aspect of water. Where possible, it is advisable to choose pots that are sold as ‘self-watering’. These specially designed containers will all have an in built water reservoir at their base and will reduce, or in most cases, eradicate excess water from draining onto the neighbours balconies below. There are many modern styles and colours these days that will fit into any décor and growing requirements. When planting any plant in pots, never skimp on the quality of the potting media as this is the most important step in ensuring optimum health and growth. Choose Searles Platinum Potting Mix, a premium mix with excellent water retention and controlled release fertiliser for 18 months feeding.
Plant care Plants in balcony gardens do have a tendency to dry out faster than those planted in the ground or on low level apartments. So it is important to use Searles Penetraide on a regular basis to ensure that the soil can store water more readily. Fertilising should be done on a more regular basis for all potted plants and due to increased watering, applications of Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food, or SeaMax Fish & Kelp for an organic option, will ensure that all plants will remain in top condition.
Plants can dry out faster on a hot balcony. Water often. FOR SUNNY BALCONIES Camellias Bamboo Lillypilly Mandevilla Star jasmine (perfumed) Bird of paradise Dwarf bougainvilleas
FOR SHADY BALCONIES Climbing Hoya Stephanotis (perfumed) Ivys Abutilons
About the garden magazine | page 09
Carrots are best grown in the tropics/ subtropics during autumn to early spring, winter to early autumn (temperate) and spring to early autumn (cool climate). Carrots dislike high nitrogen fertilisers and often grow best in soil that has been ‘used’ by other vegetables the previous season without further feeding. If planted in rich composted soil, the main root will grow too fast and the root will fork. If your soil is poor in nutrients, rich compost should be dug through at least three months in advance and allowed to decompose before seeds are sown. Carrots must be grown in open, lump free soil and deep enough to accommodate their roots. If your soil is shallow it will be necessary to either grow them in raised beds, or bulk up your existing soil until it is at least 30cm deep with Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix. Acidic soils should be sweetened with lime. Good drainage is important in preventing rot-related diseases, so build up garden beds and mix in plenty of river sand if you need to improve drainage. Planting from seed is preferable as carrots don’t usually transplant well. When seedlings are at the two leaf stage, thin them out to give more room for the developing carrots. Regular watering will ensure your carrots are sweet and juicy and the roots will not split or fork. Too much watering however will create boggy soil that may lead to root rot. Keep the soil between the plants perfectly weed free, removing them by hand. If the carrots emerge from the soil as they grow, do not cover with soil as this may rot them. page 10 | About the garden magazine
2 cloves garlic, chopped finely 500g fresh green beans 1/4 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped Greek Fetta, crumbed Dukkah Extra-virgin olive oil Heat frying pan and lightly fry to soften garlic. Add green beans into the pan and stir constantly to heat and cook slightly. Place green beans on a serving plate, sprinkle with fetta, walnuts and dukkah. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.
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. Find a position in full sun and plant seeds or seedlings straight in Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix. This mix is ideal for planting into containers, raised vegetable beds and gardens. Although snow 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. 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.
Beans are an easy-to-grow, productive and nutritious warm-season crop. Beans prefer a slightly acidic soil between pH 6.5–5.5. They need full sun and a well-drained, friable soil. At least two weeks before planting, loosen the soil to 15–20cm deep, breaking up any large clods. Add Searles Premium Organic Compost to a depth of about 10cm. Beans are not heavy feeders; in fact, they will fix their own fertiliser (nitrogen) in the soil. If the soil is too fertile they will likely produce too many leaves at the expense of beans. Beans are available either as ‘climbers’ or ‘bush beans/dwarf beans’. Climbing beans grow vertically and can produce large volumes of beans in relatively little garden space. They can be ideal for sunny courtyards and smaller gardens. Beans can be easily grown from either seed or seedlings and handle transplanting well. In cool or mountain areas, make sure the last frost has passed before planting. Avoid planting them too closely as overcrowding can encourage fungal diseases. Do not repeatedly plant beans in the same garden bed practice crop rotation as this will maintain soil fertility and avoid soil-borne diseases. Beans should be planted after ‘flowering’ crops like broccoli and cauliflower and should be followed by ‘leafy’ vegetables like lettuce, cabbage and silverbeet. Keep beans moist, but not wet, while they are growing and water the roots of the plant, not the foliage or flowers. A fortnightly dose of SeaMax Fish & Kelp will promote better cropping. Harvest beans young and daily to maximise crop quantity. The more beans you pick, the more they will produce and well-maintained plants can keep cropping for months.
About the garden magazine | page 11
Plant a few zucchini seedlings in your garden patch this Autumn and you’ll have these shiny forest green beauties appearing from the base in a matter of weeks. Zucchini are a warm season crop. They can be grown in either full sun during Spring and Autumn or semi-shade in the heat of the Summer (late Autumn to early Spring for the Tropics). Cultivate groups of three plants each month successively over the warm season. Seed or seedlings are available in yellow, green, striped or mottled varieties. It is important to bear in mind that only one type of zucchini should be cultivated in the garden at any one time, to prevent cross-pollination affecting the quality of your crop. Zucchini likes a well-composted, deep soil that has been heavily manured the season before. Good drainage is important to prevent fungal infections. Dig the soil over to a depth of 15cm, adding plenty of 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser. Zucchini have delicate, shallow roots so ensure that the soil is well dug to facilitate good development. Seed should be sown in groups of three, spaced according to the directions on the packet but usually at least 1m apart, into saucer-like depressions in the soil. Seedlings should be planted in a similar fashion, taking care not to damage the fine roots when transplanting. Sprinkle Searles Penetraide Granules over the soil and keep young plants well watered. Compact varieties grow well in large containers with plenty of drainage holes, such as poly-styrene boxes. Plant with sweet corn for companion planting. Soil should be kept very moist up until the time that the fruits begin to mature, after which watering should taper off so the roots remain slightly damp. When watering it is important to use a dripper system, so the foliage, stems and fruit are kept dry. To protect their shallow roots from drying out and to prevent the above-ground parts of the plant from coming into contact with the soil, spread a layer of mulch under each plant. Fertilise plants fortnighty before and during flowering with SeaMax Fish & Kelp Organic Fertiliser Fertiliser. This liquid fertiliser will organically fertilise plants to keep fruit production strong and help aid protection against fungal diseases.
4 small zucchini, cut into 1cm wedges 1 cup breadcrumbs 3/4 cup parmesan (grated) 1 tbs fresh mixed herbs (chopped) 1 egg (beaten) 1/3 cup milk 1/3 cup plain flour Preheat oven to 220˚C (200˚C fanforced). To dry out zucchinis, place wedges in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and toss page 12 | About the garden magazine
to coat. Set aside for 10 minutes to drain. Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan and herbs. In a separate bowl, combine egg and milk. Coat zucchini wedges lightly in flour, then dip in the egg mix followed by the breadcrumb mix. Place crumbed zucchini on an oven tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve with sweet chilli sauce, sour cream and avocado dip.
Lettuce is a quick crop which should be consumed when it is still young and tender, and therefore it is important that all its growing requirements are met for best results. Spread a generous layer of 5 IN 1® Organic Fertiliser over the top of existing soil and dig through as lettuce are greedy feeders. Good drainage, to prevent waterlogging, is essential. Lettuce prefers sun or partial shade, but should be sheltered from excessive wind and summer heat to avoid wilting. The smaller varieties of lettuce grow superbly well in containers. Lettuce takes approximately seven days to germinate and seedlings which mature within six to eight weeks after planting depending on the variety. If you are sowing seed, lightly rake the soil over and make a furrow with the tip of the rake handle. Cover the row of seeds with a fine layer of sand, seed raising mix or vermiculite. Lettuce seed are very fine so check the packet so ensure you cover them to the correct depth as different plants have different requirements. Water the seed bed well with a fine spray and continue to water regularly until the seedlings are approximately 3cm high and ready to transplant. Succession planting on a monthly basis will ensure a constant supply of fresh, tasty leaves. To ensure the quality of taste it is very important to water lettuce daily and an extra deep watering on hot and windy days, preferably in the morning to enable the plants to dry out before the cool night air settles. To keep lettuce tasty, liquid feed every two weeks with Searles Flourish Tomato & Vegetable Soluble Plant Food (or SeaMax Fish & Kelp, for an organic option). Lettuces are relatively disease free. Watch out for chewing pests such as snails and caterpillars, spray with Searles Bug Beater.
Autumn and winter are a great time to plant onions and spring onions. They tolerate poor soils and dislike fresh fertiliser. Good drainage is essential — raised beds in an open, airy position are ideal.
About the garden magazine | page 13
simple recipes made from garden kitchen produce
page 14 | About the garden magazine
In a decorative bowl, loosely place mixed lettuce leaves of your choice at the base. Sprinkle over the top of the lettuce quartered fig wedges, chopped walnuts and fetta. Drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For an extra salty/sweet combination, add shaved prosciutto.
For more tasty recipes from the garden, visit
This salad will pair beautifully with stronger flavoured meat, such as quail or duck dishes.
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check online for our recipe
If storing figs on the bench, set them on their sides on a paper towel-lined plate and eat them within a few days. Figs keep for about a week in the fridge.
About the garden magazine | page 15
Banksias are a natural in coastal gardens
Know Your Soil
No matter where you live, knowing your soil type is a key ingredient to successful gardening. Many coastal areas have sandy soils with little water holding capacity. In this case, improving the soil with composted organic matter and using products with water holding properties like water crystals will help your plants to grow and flourish. On the other hand, some coastal areas have heavy clay soils. If you’re unsure, dig a hole somewhere in the garden - about the size of a bucket - fill it with water and see if it drains away within a reasonable time. If it doesn’t, you probably have a clay soil and will need to treat it with gypsum. The addition of composted organic matter, such as 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser, can also help in ‘opening up’ the soil and allowing for root penetration. If your soil has rocky characteristics, you might need to find areas to plant amongst the rocks or consider building up the garden to provide your plants with sufficient soil for root growth. Where this is not possible, the use of a potted garden might be the answer. No matter what your soil type, it’s always a good idea to have a pH test done. This will be a great help to determine remedial action if necessary and appropriate plant selection.
page 16 | About the garden magazine
’Best not to choose plants with large soft leaves which will be constantly torn by the wind. Look for plants with small, tough leaves and flowers that are not easily damaged by wind.’
Photinias are great screening plants & boast red leaf new foliage
Know Your Climate
Many coastal areas are subjected to moderate to strong winds for a considerable proportion of the year. In this situation, choice of plant is imperative. Best not to choose plants with large soft leaves which will be constantly torn by the wind. Look for plants with small, tough leaves and flowers that are not easily damaged by wind. If you are very close to the sea, you may need to consider the effect of salt water spray or even a salt laden atmosphere and find plants not affected. Look for plants that grow naturally in seaside positions such as some banksias, pandanus and coastal grasses. Search out sheltered spots for plants more susceptible to damage or create sheltered areas - courtyards, pergolas or fenced areas, or screen with suitable hedging plants, for your special treasured plants.
Westringia (Coastal Rosemary)
Know Your Plants
Main Photo Credit: GAP Photos/Jerry Harpur - Design: Naila Green
Not all plants will grow and flourish everywhere. Tropical plants are more suitable to the tropics and alpine plants more suitable to colder regions. Humidity and seasonal weather variations also affect many plants. Mediterranean plants grow naturally in areas of cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. If you plant these in areas of high summer rainfall and dry winters they are likely to suffer. Plants like lavender thrive in the sub-tropics during periods of low rainfall but when wet, humid summers return, they’ll suffer and possibly die. Trying to emulate a plant’s native habitat is one way of creating a happy, healthy garden. Be especially cautious with plants originating from different areas of Australia as our country has many different climatic zones. For example, you may experience difficulty trying to grow plants native to Western Australian on the northeastern seaboard. Some recent plant developments have led to the grafting of desirable species from other regions onto local rootstock to overcome this problem. Wherever you live, be it coastal or inland, if you address these three aspects, you’re sure to have a garden that will give you endless pleasure.
Here are just a few suggestions for the basic levels of planting. You should check with your local garden centre about the suitability of any plant to your region.
Groundcovers
Zieria prostrata Carpobrotus (Pig Face) Native grasses Liriope Dwarf Agapanthus Gazanias Succulents
Mid level - Compact
Banksias Callistemon Westringia (Coastal Rosemary) Dwarf Raphiolepsis Succulents Bromeliads Agave Crotons
Feature Plant
Banksia integrifolia Yucca Camellia Pandanus Evergreen Magnolia
Screening
Min-a-min Acmena ‘Allyns Magic’, Westringia Photinia Camellia Hibiscus Michelia figo such as Michelia ‘Coco’ Lillypilly About the garden magazine | page 17
Like scale, mealybug sucks sap from plants and can weaken or kill plants in severe cases.
Bla
cks p
Black spot is a prevalent fungal disease effecting roses, citrus trees, apples and paw paw. Black spots appear on leaves, quickly turning the leaf yellow and dropping off. Fungal diseases spread quickly during periods of wet weather, high humidity and the cooler seasons. Healthy plants and specifically bred black spot resistant varieties are better at keeping black spot at bay. Control black spot early and improve the health of the effected plant by using a combination of organic liquid fertiliser SeaMax Fish & Kelp and Searles Rose Pro – Black spot and Insect killer.
Citrus leaf miner
Citrus leaf miner is a tiny insect that tunnels through the inside of leaves as it feeds. Control infestations of these pests with Searles Pest Gun. Fruit fly infests fruit with its maggot-like larvae and is a major pest in warm climates. Hanging Searles Fruit Fly Traps around your trees breaks the breeding cycle by trapping all male fruit flies in the area. Slugs and snails. You will see these slimy creatures on the rampage in Autumn and Winter, either early mornings or at night. Control snails with Searles Snail & Slug Pellets. These pellets have a pet and children taste deterrent.
Do you have unexplained sudden dead patches in your lawn? You might have lawn grubs or armyworm and they can quickly devour the whole lawn within days. Sprinkle Searles Dead Grub Pro evenly over the lawn where they are present and water it in well. The granular shaker bottle means there are no messy concoctions or spraying. page 18 | About the garden magazine
Fruit Fly
ot
So you have decided your plant needs a different home in your garden. A little bit of prep work will ensure your plant doesn’t suffer shock from the move.
What is transplant shock?
Many plants suffer from transplant shock more often than you’d think. In fact, transplant shock in plants is an unknown topic for many gardeners. When uprooting a plant and moving it to a different location, whether it be the other end of the garden bed or further, it will soon undergo some degree of transplant shock. This is when a plant experiences a number of stresses within its system. In the process of transplanting the plant, parts of its root system are destroyed or disturbed. With less of an extensive root system, the plant is unable to supply the same amount of water as beforehand. Water is a necessity for a plant to grow and, just like us, when plants aren’t supplied with a sufficient amount of nutrients, their systems become more susceptible to bacteria and diseases, preventing them from functioning properly.
What effects does it have?
Transplant shock can have a multitude of effects on a plant. If worried that your plant is experiencing transplant shock, there are a few key symptoms to look out for. These can include:
How to successfully transplant a plant.
Although preventing transplant shock is difficult, a few things to reduce it can include: • Avoiding transplanting at a time that the plant is most vulnerable, such as before they begin to bloom or during extreme of weather. Transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening/early morning so that the roots aren’t exposed to those harsher conditions. • Water plant well before removing plant from its original position. • Try to dig out and keep together as much of the root ball as possible. Keep soil moist while in transit. • Reduce the time between planting out so that less of the smaller roots have time to dry out and die off. • Avoid breaking off some of those smaller roots.
• Dieback: the canopy or crown of a plant starts to thin, from the tip of the branches, gradually down to the trunk.
• Planting the plant at a reasonable depth so that the roots don’t suffocate or that the temperature and moisture of the soil don’t fluctuate too frequently around the roots.
• Leaf scorch: the tissue in the leaves, generally on the edges, begin to discolour into a yellow colour and then dry out into a brownish colour.
• Embed the plant in its new location by watering well and often. Fertilise with SeaMax Fish & Kelp to promote new growth.
• Leaf rolling/curling: the leaf will roll in on itself at the edges, generally accompanied by leaf scorch and signalling the plant roots are not receiving enough water.
How to treat transplant shock?
If your plant is already suffering from transplant shock there are a couple of ways to repair your plant and keep it looking as healthy as ever. This can be done by:
• Premature colouration/early leaf drop: leaves that change colour between seasons may develop a newer colouration earlier or deciduous plants may lose their leaves earlier.
• Properly watering your plant appropriate to weather conditions and the conditions of the soil, such as drainage.
• Pest and disease troubles. Plants under stress will be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Healthy, growing plants are more robust against pests and diseases.
• Pruning down larger plants or trimming for smaller plants. This allows the roots to supply to less of the plant and be able to supply a sufficient amount of water. • Plant it in soil with the appropriate drainage for the plant and weather conditions. About the garden magazine | page 19
Strawberries make excellent pot and hanging basket mates
allzones autumn planting and care guide
Autumn is a great time to plant strawberries for a long cropping season. Loved by children and adults alike, it’s little wonder this easy-to-grow groundcover is among the most popular food crops in Australian home gardens.
Figs produce two crops annually, in Autumn and Spring, so now is ideal to plant one and enjoy its fruits. Fig
trees love a hot, fairly dry climate similar to their native Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, yet they are ideal for most parts of Australia where frosts aren’t excessive. They need full sun but dislike strong winds, so choose a sheltered position if this is an issue in your area. Their attractive feature and ability to grow well in a smallish space make them popular pot specimens. For potted features, plant figs in Searles Premium Potting Mix and fertilise monthly with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food.
Although they grow happily in alkaline soils, they especially enjoy a compost-rich, slightly acidic soil, so don’t hesitate to dig plenty of 5IN1 Organic Fertiliser into the soil before planting in garden beds. Good drainage is essential, so if you have heavy, clay soil, build up soil in mounds to improve drainage or plant on a slope where water will drain away easily in wet weather. Figs are very perishable and fresh fruit are best eaten within days of picking for best quality. Figs are ready to harvest when they droop rather than stand erect on their stems and should feel soft when given a gentle squeeze. The fruit may split slightly and the ‘eye’ at the base of the fruit may form a small opening and ooze a sweet syrup. page 20 | About the garden magazine
Everywhere outside the tropics, new strawberry plants are best planted by late Autumn. Tropical gardeners might prefer to put them in earlier, say from March to May to give them the longest growing season. Give strawberries a sunny position and improve the soil by digging in plenty of 5IN1 Organic Fertiliser before planting. Good drainage is essential, so build up garden beds if your soil is heavy clay. Strawberries are also ideal for growing in pots, planters or even in hanging baskets on a sunny balcony or courtyard. Plant in Searles Premium Potting Mix for best results. Maintain a good layer of mulch over the soil. This will conserve moisture, but it will also keep fruit in good condition by preventing it from touching the soil. Strawberries produce runners which makes them easy to propagate. It is actually recommended that strawberry plants be removed, thinned and the runners replanted every few years to ensure good crops and avoid overcrowding. Birds love strawberries as much as we do, so protect them with netting or place wire cages over your plants to protect your crop.
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Plant Olive trees in Autumn in a sunny position in large pots or placed as a feature in the garden. Olives flourish in cool winters with hot dry summers with low humidity. They are tolerant of winds, coastal salt spray, medium frosts and dry conditions. They need some cooling time to be more productive.
edibles > Autumn is a great time to plant cool season vegetables, such as brassicas, beetroot, cauliflower, celery, onion, peas and cabbage. These veggies prefer an alkaline soil, so prepare garden beds by digging in garden lime - along with plenty of 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser for good nutrition - at least two weeks before planting. If you’re limited for space, miniature varieties of these veggies can be grown in pots with Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix. > Fig fruit are forming now. It is also a great time to plant a fig tree, whether in the ground or in a large pot, plant in Searles Premium Potting Mix for the correct nutrient balance for producing succulent figs and an abundant crop. > Now that the last of the summer heat has passed, plant some quick sprouting greens for a culinary supply until the slower growing winter crops have time to produce a harvest. Micro greens, lettuce, dwarf beans, Asian greens (pak choy and chinese cabbage), sprouts, spring onions, peas, rocket and leafy herbs will produce a crop within weeks. Tip: plant seedlings for quicker produce. Ideal for small areas and in pots for easy reach. Plant in Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for excellent deep green leaf growth. Tomatoes can be grown again in warmer climates.
• Water when appropriate. Don’t overwater your plants, however, if unsure of whether your plant needs watering you can always stick your finger into the soil to see how moist it is. • The most effective times to water are in the mornings and the afternoons so that the heat of the day doesn’t evaporate the water you’ve just used. • Avoid watering plants that are susceptible to diseases in the evening, such as roses, tomatoes & cucurbits. When watering, only water around the roots, avoiding the leaves as moisture on leaves can cause fungal diseases to form. • Ensure that the soil around your potted plants hasn’t dried out as the pot can easily heat up and dry out the soil quicker than in a garden bed. • Check to see whether your pots are draining properly or not. If not, ensure that there are large enough holes for that extra water to seep through or the pot is lifted off the ground, so that the pot doesn’t capture all that water and drown your plant. • Water soil before applying mulch so that the mulch doesn’t absorb all the water and keep the soil dry. • If utilising a hose to water your plants, ensure that you use a trigger nozzle with a multitude of holes to evenly spread out the water coverage, preventing the topsoil or mulch from being blasted away. • If the soil has become hard and compact from long periods of dry causing the soil to repel water, sprinkle Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules onto the soil to allow the water to soak back into the soil. • Utilising drip irrigation systems can be an effective method of watering as it allows the plant to be watered at regular intervals, allowing the plant to receive the right amount of water over a longer period of time so it isn’t drenched within a short period of time.
> Plant cool-season herbs like coriander, chives, garlic, marjoram, oregano, parsley, thyme, winter tarragon and rosemary, now. In the tropics, now is the time to plant basil, a warm season favourite in zones further south. > With the milder weather here, plant new citrus trees and passionfruit vines. Plant in Searles Fruit, Citrus & Rose Specialty Mix for the right nutrient balance to establish themselves leading up to the winter months. Prune lower branches and dead branches to concentrate new growth into new branches and flowering. About the garden magazine | page 21
allzones Cymbidium orchid
autumn planting and care guide
/autumn come into full bloom in Autumn.
orchids
You will find some beautiful Autumn flowering orchids in stores. Phalaenopsis are the
easiest to care for. Blooms appear on long, arching stems Like other camellias, sasanquas for up to six months of the year. Cattleyas are also a popular are long-lived with excellent pick due to their large blooms and dynamic colours. Some drought and cold tolerance once are also fragrant which adds to the enjoyment of growing them in pots on patios when light is plentiful. established. Plant in Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Specialty Mix If you are looking for an orchid that grows perfectly in the for healthy pots and garden bed fork of a tree, look no further than Oncidiums. Give them displays. Water camellias regularly moist conditions and bright shade. in the first year of their life to ensure they establish All orchids enjoy an extra feed of nutrients. Liquid feed orchids quickly. every couple of months, especially during flowering season with Searles Flourish Orchid Booster.
Golden Penda ‘Fairfill Gold’
(Xanthostemon 3-4mH chrysanthus) is a spectacular flowering shrub, originating from north Queensland. Plant in welldrained soil in full sun or part shade, mulch well and keep it well watered while establishing. Attracts nectarAbout the garden magazine feeding birds. SIZE
page 22 |
When potted into pots, orchids require an open mix of specially graded pine bark to allow optimum air space as well as provide suitable water holding capacity. Ideally use Searles Orchid Specialty Mix for best results. Orchids only require re-potting every one to two years. They are happiest when their roots are dangling over the sides of the pot, so only repot them when they look like they are about to topple over. In the wild, many varieties of orchid will grow onto a rock (lithophytic varieties) or in the bough of a tree (epiphytic varieties). These orchids usually derive the nutrients they require from the air, leaf & tree litter and from rainwater. Orchids can be secured safely to a tree with a string or a strip of old rag (It’s important only to do this with trees that do not shed their bark). All orchids need good air movement to help prevent disease and fungal problems. It also helps cool the plant in high humidity. Orchids may need watering daily during hot, dry summers, but this should be cut right back considerably, maybe to once weekly, in winter.
> Sow sweet peas before Anzac Day. Give them a trellis for support and a rich soil full of well composted manure. They make pretty posies for indoor decor. > Hanging baskets may be looking tired now after a long summer. Rejuvenate them by pruning off any dead or straggly stems and sprinkle some Searles Recharge Fertiliser - Pots & Gardens, watering it in well. This fertiliser will boost plant growth for up to 12 months and reduce soil dryout. > Trim bougainvilleas if they have grown out of control during summer. > Sow autumn loving beauties like mandevillas, petunias, buddlejas, grevilleas, tibouchinas, orchids, sweet peas, pansies, violas, snapdragons, lobelias, cyclamen, marigold and nasturtium, geraniums, red hot pokers, salvias, camellias sasanquas, dahlias and plumbago. > 3 IN 1 pest control - Searles Trifend is a triple action garden spray. It contains an insecticide, fungicide and miticide that controls common garden pests and diseases including aphids, thrips, blackspot, rust, powdery mildew and two-spotted mite. Suitable for roses, shrubs, flowering annuals and perennials. > Plant spring flowering bulbs now, like daffodil, jonquil, freesia, snowflake, anemone and bluebells. In warmer areas, wait until mid to late April before planting bulbs as they may flower before winter if planted too early! Bulbs prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil which has been prepared in advance with the addition of organic compost or well-rotted cow manure. As a general rule, bulbs should be planted to a depth twice that of their size. Make sure the narrowest end, or neck, is at the top. Backfill the planting hole gently to avoid damaging the growing tip. Gardeners with the luxury of space should plant bulbs in large drifts, clumps and islands for maximum impact. Many, such as jonquils and snowflakes can be left to naturalise and multiply on their own for a number of years. If your garden is small, plant your bulbs into a large plastic pot and sink it into the ground. When your bulbs have finished flowering simply lift the pot out and store it in a cool dry place until next year.
No plant signals the end of a searing hot summer with a more brilliant hue of purple than the tibouchina! The traditional tree-like tibouchina
‘Alstonville’ is still a favourite seen in many gardens. New dwarf varieties are growing in popularity every year, filling small gardens and courtyards with lush, shimmering shades of purple, mauve and even white. Traditional varieties can be quite sensitive to cold and frost. New cultivars like ‘Groovy Baby’ (pictured above) can be grown reliably in cooler zones and the white flowering variety, ‘Peace Baby’ is especially frost tolerant. They like shelter from wind and hot afternoon sun, especially when young. Plant them in pots or out in the garden with Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Specialty Mix, mulch well and keep them well-watered. To promote better flowering, give your tibouchinas a light pruning after flowering at the end of autumn and a feed with Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Plant Food.
>>>
Some daisies, such as the federation daisies and Australian native brachyscome, have a style of classic beauty and elegance. Pretty, feminine flowers in gentle shades of mauve, pink, yellow or white give these long-time favourites a sense of calm and grace. Federation daisies are easy-care, compact shrubs and have long-lasting floral displays in Autumn and Spring. Brachyscome daisy flowers throughout the year in full sun or part shade. These daisies are great in Tuscan or cottage-style gardens and are beautiful teamed with rosemary hedges or lavender. Excellent in pots.
Rockhampton Gladstone
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> Prune mango trees after fruiting to reduce its size for a more manageable harvest next season. > Great time to establish new garden beds and prepare beds for cooler season vegetables. Dig some 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into the soil while you decide what veggie and herbs you’ll plant. > Tomato seedlings can be planted again early autumn for another years crop of your favourite tomatoes. Water consistently to avoid blossom end rot. > Time to lift and divide agapanthus, daylilies and clivias. > Plant chervil, chicory, coriander, fennel, garlic bulbs, lavender, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rocket, sage, sorrel, rosemary, thyme and winter tarragon. Plant herbs either in the garden or in large pots of Searles Herb & Vegetable Mix. Herbs planted in small pots dry out a lot quicker and outgrow the pot, so the bigger the pot the less work you have to do. > Sow ageratum, alyssum, candytuft, carnation, cineraria, coreopsis, cornflower, cyclamen, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, Iceland poppy, impatiens, marigold (English), pansy, snapdragon, sweet pea and viola. > Now is a great time to plant broad beans, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, onion, peas, pumpkin, radish, shallots, spinach, spring onion, sweet corn and turnip. > Cyclamen make the perfect Mother’s Day gift with their lovely, sweetly-perfumed flowers and can be easily grown as an indoor plant. Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis orchids are another ideal choice for living gifts.
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Brisbane
> Colour up your garden this Autumn with a mix of calendula, dianthus, pansy, zinnia, gerbera, snapdragon, petunia, sunflower, nasturtium and marigolds. Plant in Searles Garden Soil for gardens or Searles Platinum Potting Mix for great potted results. > Tidy up summer growing plants such as heliconia, ginger, calathea, maranta and cannas by pruning dead stems from the ground level first to concentrate new growth for the next season. Divide if desired and replant for new gardens.
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> Plant tomato, cucumber and zucchini seedlings.
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> Sow or plant herb seedlings in a large pot of Searles Herb & Vegetable Mix. Autumn weather is mild and favourable to plant oregano, thyme, dill and savoury.
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> Grasshoppers are on the hop at this time. Hand pick them off at dawn or spray them on contact with the natural pyrethrum spray, like Searles Bug Beater. > Protect paw paw from blackspot by spraying with Searles Wettable Sulphur at first sight of disease. > Watch out for armyworm and lawn grubs that can eat the roots of your grass and create large patches of dead grass in the lawn. Control them with Searles Dead Grub Pro when they first appear.
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> Feed azaleas and camellias in readiness for the next flush of blooms. Searles Azalea & Camellia Plant Food is perfectly designed for these big bloomers. Now is a great time to visit your local centre to see what sasanqua camellias are in flower. > Feijoas are fruiting now. Give them a fortnightly feed with Searles Flourish Fruit & Citrus Soluble Plant Food for better produce. Feijoas can be grown to form a tall hedge. > Encourage passionfruit to fruit by applying a bloom booster such as Searles Liquid Potash. > Autumn delivers stunning foliage colours in rich red, yellows and burgundy. Pop into your local gardening outlet to see what is suitable for your garden display. > Tibouchinas are in bloom now. Tall and dwarf varieties are available for different garden styles. > Figs put on a flush of fruit in Autumn. Net fruits with an animal friendly netting to safe guard against birds and bats who quickly know when the fruit is ripe for picking. Harvest regularly and fertilise with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food to keep the hungry feeders happy. > Powdery mildew can destroy crepe myrtles, begonias, dahlias and roses. Remove and bin affected leaves and spray promptly with Searles Wettable Sulphur.
Mandevilla’s lush, tropical-style foliage and bold flowers borne during Autumn, make it an Aussie home garden winner.
> Olives grow well in cold winters and dry summers, making them perfect to plant in this climate. Olive trees can be grown as medium size trees (4-6m) or grown in large pots to be featured around patios and entertaining areas. Plant in a quality soil which provides excellent drainage. They don’t like wet feet. Harvest olives from late April to early spring. > Prune roses to encourage new growth. Fertilise with Searles Rose & Flower Plant Food for their next flowering flush. > Now is the time to plant cool-season flowering annuals. Obvious choices are pansies and violas, but other good choices are snapdragon, alyssum, lobelia, cyclamen, marigold and nasturtium. > Plant avocado, persimmon, loquat, olive and feijoa trees. Plant all citrus including mandarins, lemons, limes, oranges and kumquats. Harvest the rest of your summer produce such as pumpkin and capsicum. > Plant your winter veggies now for a long crop of edibles. 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 zucchini. Prepare veggie patch two weeks prior with 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser to give your produce the best results. Plant spring flowering bulbs now such as crocus, daffodils, tulips, bluebells, freesias, Dutch iris, hippeastrum and liliums.
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> Anigozanthos - bring the bush to your garden with a range of colourful blooms. The taller varieties are generally the hardiest in the landscape and can grow up to 2 metres. Cut them back once a year after flowering.
> Harvest summer produce and store correctly to preserve shelf life.
> Start planting Winter vegetables after the worst of the heat has passed. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and silverbeet can all be planted in a rich well manured mix of Searles Herb & Vegetable Mix. Plant tomatoes, zucchini and capsicum early Autumn for another crop before Winter sets in.
> Plant beetroot, broccoli, carrot, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, endive, lettuce, leeks, onion, silver beet, shallots, snow pea and spring onion.
> Fruit on citrus trees are developing now. Keep up the water and fertilise with Searles Fruit & Citrus Food to produce a better crop. > Plant ageratum, alyssum, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, Iceland poppy, lobelia, lupin, marigold, pansy, petunia, phlox, primula, stock, verbena, wallflower and zinnia. Deadhead flowering annuals to keep them flowering. Liquid feed with SeaMax Fish & Kelp. > Autumn is the perfect time for planting shrubs and trees. The Autumn warm weather will give them time to establish their roots before the winter dormancy period. > Cymbidium orchids are flowering now until Spring. Place them in a sunny position. Liquid fertilise prior to flower bud formation with Searles Flourish Orchid Bloomer every 7 to 14 days.
Olives fruit from April onwards.
> Look out for autumn garden plant pests such as scale, fruit fly, citrus leaf miner and mealybug.
> Replant tired potted Summer plants into a premium potting mix which contains fertiliser to rejuvenate, such as Searles Platinum Potting Mix. > Now is a great time to plant citrus trees, passionfruit and strawberries before the cooler weather arrives. > Sow chrysanthemum, cockscomb, cosmos, dahlia, everlasting daisy, gazania, geranium, gerbera, impatiens, kangaroo paw, marigold, nasturtium, petunia, portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, verbena, wallflower and zinnia. > Autumn is the time to harvest olives, but it is also an ideal time to plant new olive trees, fig, citrus and loquat trees. Mix into existing soil some 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser, water well and mulch after planting.
Autumn is a better time to plant new citrus trees.
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