Autumn 2022
The Serenity Prayer
At your local - In season plants - Flowers - Natives Mandevillas Groundcovers Autumn harvest
4 6 8 10 12
On the table - recipes Autumn beet salad Beet dip Stuffed figs
14 14 15
Lemon scented herbs Good Bugs - lacewing Strawberries in baskets What is Zeolite? 100th edition
16 17 18 18 19
About autumn - Edibles - fruit trees in pots - Flowers - sweet peas - Dirt Doctor - Lawn grubs - Climatic zones
TM
Issue 100
20 21 22 23 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.
Con Searle
Front cover image: Mandevilla
Autumn flowers p4 Autumn edible planting p12
Managing Director: Conway Searle Contributors: Ashley Searle, Jillian Coomb. 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 2022 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.
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Sunpatiens ‘Fire Red’ The SunPatiens family delivers unsurpassed performance in the outdoor garden! Bred for a mounding, spreading habit, SunPatiens® offer unrivalled three-season flower power, tolerating all weather. These power houses of flowers are sun-loving, heat-loving impatiens that flourish in full sun or part shade and deliver continuous colour from spring through hard frost. SunPatiens® are an excellent alternative to seed impatiens, offering Downy Mildew resistance, nonstop colour and impressive coverage in the garden.
Camellia sasanqua start to flower in autumn – Australian bred, Paradise camellias come in a wide range of colours and are a great addition to garden for big bloom displays. Look out for this range in any good gardening outlet. page 04 | About the garden magazine
SIZE
80cmH 65cmW
LOVES POTS
Dainty, long term bloomers, available in a dazzling array of colours to suit potted displays, combination planting and garden bed spreads. Plant in a full sun position and liquid feed fortnightly with Searles FlourishFlowers & Foliage Soluble Fertiliser for strong flowering.
Polygala
‘Little Bibi’
is a dwarf evergreen shrub with glaucous grey green leaves. It flowers heavily with its main flush in spring and summer, and continuously throughout the remainder of the year (in some areas) with pretty mauve/purple pea like flowers. Heat and frost hardy, this tough plant offers many garden attributes. Great for low hedging and borders. 1m x 1m. Plant in full sun to part shade.
SIZE
1mH x 1mW
FULL SUN PART SHADE
Image & information courtesy of Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au
Anigozanthos Frosty Yellow is a stunning kangaroo paw with blue-green foliage and glorious golden sprays of flowers appearing during spring and autumn, which will attract birds and butterflies. Easy to grow in most well-drained soils either tucked in the garden as a showy feature, or in a pot. An ideal cut flower if you wish to bring some beauty indoors.
SIZE
60cmH 60cmW
Plant in Searles Native Specialty Mix to provide all the necessary nutrients for native growth.
Simply sensational!
Adenanthos Silver Sensation is a tactile, compact shrub with silky-soft grey green foliage. Bright orange flowers cover the plant for most of the year, attracting birds and other wildlife. Adenanthos is ideal for mixed garden plantings, coastal gardens, and large pots and containers. For best results, prune after flowering to maintain a compact and tidy habit.
SIZE
1-2mH 1-2mW
Growing to around two metres high with a spread of approximately a metre, this shrub had been bred to be the ideal hedging choice for fence lines along driveways and paths due to its narrow growing habit. SIZE
2-4mH 1mW
COASTAL
page 06 | About the garden magazine
Like so many Aussie plants, Sentinel’s flowers will be visited by honeyeaters; the large lemon brushes will keep the birds happy from summer through to mid winter, whether you have an inland garden or a first-line coastal plot. You can also grow it as a small windbreak or clip it as a neat hedge. Moist but well drained clay loam or sandy soils are all good for Sentinel, and cold temperate to tropical climates will suit it. Images & information on this page courtesy of www.austraflora.com.au
‘RSL Spirit of Anzac Grevillea’ - a spectacular Grevillea hybrid has been released to commemorate the ANZAC Centenary. Its vibrant red flowers, grey-green foliage has a resilience to tough environments. It’s a beautiful bird-attracting addition to any garden. Australian bred. Plant into a native specific soil, Searles Native Plants Specialty Mix.
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.
is unique. Reject products said to be "just as good", nothing is at all "like it". For more specific information send 2 x $1 stamps, Please mention your problem, post to:
D-TER, Dept. A, PO Box 3, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225. Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9589 0703 Fax: (02) 9589 0147
GG20-260/02
SIZE
3mH 2.5mW
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.
Mandevilla ‘Aloha Red’
page 08 | About the garden magazine
Mandevilla ‘White Fantasy’ Mandevilla ideal for pool & pergola planting side
Mandevilla (sometimes called Dipladenia) is a lush, tropical climber that flowers flamboyantly all year round in warmer climates. Hardy and versatile, it flowers in shades of deep burgundy, scarlet, through all shades of pink and white. It is great in large pots where it can bring an instant lush, tropical look to poolsides and outdoor entertaining areas. Give it a sunny position Healthy growing m an for best flowering, a rich, well drained soil and are generally pe devillas Fertilising Mandevillas though look out fo st free, plenty of moisture during the growing season. r aphids. Keep mandevillas well fed with an Originating from tropical South America, it loves application of Searles Robust Flower a Cairns or Brisbane climate but will grow well as far Booster in October and again in April. south as Melbourne if given a warm position and shelter Alternatively, year-round feeds with Searles from frost. It is likely however, to stop flowering in winter in Flourish Flowers & Foliage — fortnightly in cooler regions. summer, monthly in winter, will keep plants healthy and promote flowering.
Training your mandevilla
The mandevilla is naturally a climber but can be pruned into a compact bush. If untrained, it will grow upward to a certain height and then the long runners will tumble downward like a fountain, so a decision needs to be made whether to train it as a bush or as a climber. Support at the base of the plant by staking it when it is young will help it develop a solid ‘trunk’ and give it a bushy or shrub-like habit. If you want your mandevilla to be a climber, provide it with a trellis or plant it near a fence or pergola and wind the long tendrils onto the structure as it grows.
Pruning
Tip prune non-climbing plants regularly to promote bushiness. Cut back thoroughly in late winter or spring, when flowering is lightest. Even mandevillas trained as climbing plants will do best if pruned annually.
Watering
They are also better in the container than in the ground. This is because mandevillas need good drainage. If grown inground they should be planted only in very light, sandy soil which will need plenty of compost. Plant in mounds, to make sure that their roots can’t become waterlogged. Never plant in clay. In the container, they are just about the perfect plant because they are easy to look after and flower pretty well all year round. Because of their tumbling habit, they need large containers, planters or hanging baskets. Placed so that they spill over walls creates a glorious effect. Although mandevillas will grow in part shade, they flower best in full sun, which makes them more suited to open patios than covered verandahs.
Mandevillas have a tuberous root system which makes them hardy during dry spells but which also makes them susceptible to root rot in boggy conditions, so make sure they have good drainage and don’t overwater during winter. Apply a generous layer of mulch to conserve water. About the garden magazine | page 09
Dwarf bamboo ‘Whitestripe’ easy, compact ground cover. Photo courtesy of Bamboo Down Under
Aussie Winners
Supertunia ‘Vista Series’, colour up a large area, quickly.
Floriferous
scented
Gardenia radicans: Gardenias are famous for their outstanding perfume and most are familiar with the various cultivars in the range of shrubs but there is a ground cover form named Gardenia radicans as well. Performing best in an acid soil and a semishaded location, the crisp typical white gardenia flowers are smaller than the shrubs but still have that amazing perfume. page 10 | About the garden magazine
Calibrachoas: If you want serious colour and wow factor, you can not go past the range of Calibrachoas that are readily available in stores. Flowering almost 12 months of the year these beauties love a full sun, free draining spot. Erigeron They make stunning basket ‘Seaside daisy’ and pot specimens as well. The colour range in the flowers is endless, with nearly every colour imaginable except blue. Floriferous favourites: Verbena, Calibrachoa, Bacopa, Diascia, Gardenia radicans, Lobularia, Lobelia, Supertunias & Pigface.
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
‘Desert Flame’
Juniperus
Mixed gazanias
Faithfuls
Gazania hybrids: Who could go past the old fashioned gazania for a hardy drought tolerant ground cover choice. Best in full sun and in a free draining soil. The flowers come in an amazing range of warm colour tones such as yellow, orange, burgundy, lemon, pink, burnt orange, mauve as well as white. There are also some lovely double flowering cultivars. You’ll often see these beauties planted in roundabouts and car parks, a testament to their hardiness. Favourites: Evolulus pilosus ‘Blue sapphire’, Erigeron karvinkskianus ‘Seaside daisy’, Zoysia tenufolia ‘Temple grass’, Trachelospermum jasminoides var variegata ‘Varigated jasmine’, Juiperous conferta ‘Creeping juniper’, Gazania repens ‘Gazania’, Sagina subulata ‘Irish moss’.
Succulents
Portulacas: Succulent plants are great when it comes to those hot dry locations where nothing else seems to grow. Portulaca ‘Sunjewels’ will open their pretty face in the morning and close during inclement weather and nightfall. Their flowers come in an array of tropical colours and even a few two-tone varieties as well.
These plants are also extremely easy to strike from cuttings. Keep in mind they detest wet feet. Succulent favourites: Sedum, Aptenia cordifolia ‘Sunrose’, Mesembryanthemum ‘Pigface’, Kalanchoe, Euphorbia millii dwarf.
Edibles
Sweet potatoes: the popular edible varieties of sweet potato can be really quite a large spreading plant, requiring ample room to spread out and produce tubers. There are also some ornamental cultivars available that still produce some edible tubers but do not spread as far and have fabulous coloured foliage. The bright, lime/green, burgundy and dark purple cultivars make eye catching contrast plants in the garden or containers. Full sun to semi shade, humus rich soil, moderate water and protection from frost will get you off to successful sweet potato cultivation. Edible Favourites: Thymus ‘Creeping thyme’, Mentha pulegium ‘Pennyroyal’, Origanum vulgare ‘Oregano’, Ipomea batatas ‘Sweet potato’, Mentha requienii ‘Corsican mint’, Mentha x piperita ‘Peppermint’, Arachis pintoi ‘Pintos peanut’, Tropaeolum majus ‘Nasturtiums’ Rosmarius officinale Prostratus ‘Creeping rosemary’.
Grevilleas: There are many species and named cultivars of Grevilleas that are prostrate in their growth habit. These are a fantastic choice for native enthusiasts or people wanting a hardy drought tolerant flowering ground cover that has the potential to be bird attracting as well. My favourites: Grevillea ‘Fanfare’, ‘Royal mantle’, Grevillea lanigera, Grevillea banksii prostrate form, ‘Carpet Layer’ & ‘Pink Midget’.
Grevillea ‘Fanfare’
Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’
Native Favourites: Scaevola, Banksia prostrate forms, Hardenbergia violacea, Myoporum, Hibbertia, Brachyscome, Goodenia, Casurina prostrate form, Carpobrotus glaucescens ‘Native Pig Face’.
About the garden magazine | page 11
Young beetroot leaves are edible and extremely nutritious. Use them in a salad in place of lettuce with a little dressing.
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. Peas prefer to be sown in their final position. Find a position in full sun and cultivate the soil by digging in 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser. For peas in pots, grow in Searles Herb & Vegetable Mix. Although peas grow better in the cool season, young plants will need protection from frost and plants won’t flower until frosts have passed. Peas, like other legumes, produce their own fertiliser (nitrogen) so they usually require very little nurturing. Searles Liquid Potash can be applied to boost flower and pod production. Feeling like a healthy snack? Munch away! The more peas you pick, the more they will produce, so harvest them as soon as they reach their full size.
page 12 | About the garden magazine
Beetroot need good drainage and prefer full sun. Make sure you get them in the ground by early autumn in frost-prone areas. Like most root vegetables, they prefer to be grown from seed. Beetroot will grow best in a loose, fairly sandy soil. They are not fussy however, and will also grow well in clay soils. If your soil is acidic, liberally lace it with lime and organic matter two weeks before planting and dig it in well. Beetroot seeds contain a tough outer coat, so soak them in water overnight before planting. The best beetroot will grow in a bed which has been trenched to a depth of 10cm with a sprinkling of 5 IN 1 Vegetable & Herb Organic Fertiliser in the bottom and then half-filled with good quality soil. Sow the seeds or position the seedlings 8cm apart on top and backfill with 5cm of soil. Finally, water well. Beetroot can also be grown in containers, following the same planting principles. Thin out emerging seedlings once they are 3cm high and keep them moist to ensure a crisp, plump crop; otherwise the flesh can become woody. Beetroots will benefit from a monthly fertiliser application of Searles Liquid Potash. Few ailments bother beetroot. Brown spots on older leaves indicate a fungal condition but this is a minor problem and the unaffected leaves and roots can still be eaten. It’s common for the roots to bulge up above ground level as they mature. Don’t cover them with soil at this stage or they may rot. Harvest time depends on the variety; baby beets should be eaten when small, others should be grown to the size of cricket balls. Lift the whole plant and twist off the foliage.
Cauliflowers are best planted in autumn and early winter to enable the flowering heads or curds to ripen in cold weather. Plant them in a full sun position with good drainage and deep, rich soil to accommodate their extensive roots. Growing them in a raised bed is ideal. They should be protected from frost. Cauliflowers require liberal quantities of fertiliser to produce the large, edible head so dig in some 5IN1® Organic Fertiliser. Seedlings should be thinned or transplanted to allow for plenty of space between each plant. Cauliflowers need a steady supply of food and water to develop good heads. Keep weeds at bay and fertilise fortnightly throughout their growing period with Searles Flourish® and/or SeaMax® Fish & Kelp. As the head grows, wrap the large outer leaves around it to protect it from sun and prevent it from becoming discoloured. Cauliflower heads also dislike being wet, so irrigation with a dripper rather than a mister system is recommended. A good soak once a week is preferable to daily sprinklings. If heavy frosts have been forecast, protect the head with hessian at night, but remove this during the day to allow air to circulate. Cabbage white caterpillars are the main problem with cauliflowers, and should be removed by hand or dusted with derris if necessary. For aphid infestations, treat with Searles Bug Beater. Cauliflower heads are ready to be picked when it is firm and tight and large enough to fill one’s hand. Dig up the whole plant and discard the stem, roots and outer leaves.
Broccoli loves the cold season. It needs good drainage and plenty of sunlight, although late maturing varieties may prefer some shade to protect them from sudden heat in late spring. The harvest period can be extended by planting a few different varieties that mature at different times. Prepare the soil to a depth of at least 30cm, digging in plenty of 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser. Sweeten with garden lime if your soil is acidic. Sprinkle Searles Penetraide ReWetting Granules, water well, mulch and leave for 2 weeks. If planting seed, thin out the two weakest seedlings later. Each seedling should have a central bud or growing tip — discard any without. Keep broccoli moist and weed-free. Harvest when the heads are still green and compact (they’re too old once they turn yellowish with flowers starting to open). To harvest, cut off the head along with about 10cm of stalk and a few leaves. Two smaller, but more tender heads will grow in its place. Remove cabbage white caterpillar and spray aphids with Searles Bug Beater.
Autumn and winter are great times to plant onions. They tolerate poor soils and dislike fresh fertiliser. Good drainage is essential — raised beds in an open, airy position can be ideal. Larger varieties need full sun and can tolerate wind. Small varieties can be grown in pots and can tolerate part shade. Plant seed to the depth recommended on the packet and tamp the soil down gently around them. Thin the seedlings if there is more than one in each hole. Don’t cover maturing onions with soil if they break through the surface — this may rot them. Maintain even moisture levels but don’t overwater. Stop watering when leaves start to yellow and harvest when their green tops have dried off and become limp and brown. After digging them up, leave them in a dry, sunny position to harden off, then remove any excess roots and stem. String them in bundles or open weave bags and store in a well-ventilated room. Thrips can cause white spotting on the foliage. Combat these insects with Searles Bug Beater.
About the garden magazine | page 13
simple recipes made from garden kitchen produce
70g raw cashews, soaked and drained 200g cooked beetroot in pieces, (about 1-2 beets) 3 tbsp tahini 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup lemon juice 1 tsp salt 1 clove of garlic crushed black pepper
page 14 | About the garden magazine
Try this decadent salad at your next lazy lunch with friends. It celebrates all the fruits of an autumn harvest.
2 apples, quartered then sliced 1 beetroot, sliced blue cheese (or your favourite creamy feta) 1 cup baby spinach walnuts, chopped roughly parsley, finely chopped olive oil
A quick to assemble velvety dessert or a sweet starter.
Ripe figs Goat cheese Walnuts Honey Pepper
Mexican quinoa salad
For more tasty recipes from the garden, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au About the garden magazine | page 15
Lemon verbena
lemon verbena
(Aloysia/Lippia citriodora)
A deciduous, woody shrub to 2.5m tall, flowering in spring. The leaves have an intense lemony tang. Harvest leaves in the summer and dry for use in the winter months when the plant is dormant. Plant in full sun in well drained soil, enriched with compost and slow-release fertiliser. Trim back bush by one third in autumn after the leaves have fallen to keep it compact and productive. For a refreshing tea, cut off a 20cm length of stem with lots of leaves on it and steep in one litre of boiling water for 10 minutes before serving.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) A fast growing no fuss herb, with lemon scented light green leaves and pretty pale yellow flowers. It’s great for a soothing cup of tea either hot or cold to make a soothing, replenishing drink. Garnish salads and fish and poultry dishes. Lemon balm is part of the mint family, which means it spreads quickly like other mints, so restrict rampant growth by planting in a pot.
Lemon thyme
lemon basil
Make pretty pot specimens with their lovely fine foliage which has a genuine lemon flavour. This herb is available in variegated form, adding bright green and yellow colour in the garden. A fairly hardy herb in dry conditions. Plant in well drained potting mix or garden soil in full sun. Pick in bloom for the best flavour. Pop a few sprigs into a foil parcel with fish on the barbecue for some great, fresh flavours. Provides excellent flavour to chicken, fish and salads.
lemon balm
Lemon basil They are many different basil flavours, but lemon basil is one of the more popular ones. Great for making pesto, as a garnish for fish and gives a garden salad a lemony, fresh kick. Plant in a mixed garden to help confuse those chewing insects. Like most other basil, plant in full sun, with plenty of water.
lemon thyme
Handy to keep for whenever a recipe calls for it. This grassy perennial looks great when mature, growing into 1m x 1m round tufts. Loves a full sun or semi shade position with steady warmth and water. It’s great in big pots, mass planted toward the back of a mixed garden or in its own bed. Trim back dead foliage in winter; divide large clumps in spring and replant immediately. Cut a 15cm length of stem near the base where it is fattest and juiciest. Cover with 500ml boiling water and allow to steep for 10 minutes before serving. Lemongrass has a fresh lemon taste and smell with a slightly grassy flavour. Lemongrass can also be chopped fine and added to Asian cooking, especially Thai and Vietnamese. page 16 | About the garden magazine
This great Australian native plant is readily available and growing in popularity. Many bush tucker restaurants have found the scent and flavour of the foliage very versatile. It can be brushed onto meat on the barbecue to add a subtle flavour, it can be used as a wrapping on chicken pieces or as a sweetsmelling garnish. This is a relatively slow growing, medium-sized tree with lovely, soft new growth on darker, olive green foliage.
Adult Lacewing
Eggs of lacewing
/lemonherb butter Mix 5 tbsps of finely crushed and chopped lemon herb* to 250g of room temperature unsalted butter. Season with salt or pepper if desired. Ideal for herb bread and melting over vegetable, chicken, fish & meat dishes. * Not suitable for lemongrass
Lacewing Chrysopidae These nocturnal insects search for unsuspecting prey such as small grubs, aphids and mealybugs (amongst others) during the night. This is most distinguished by their large eyes which allow them excellent night vision. During the early morning and throughout the day they can be encountered resting underneath densely foliaged plants such as hibiscus, plectranthus or coleus. Although they have large wings, they are weak flyers and can only manage to fly a few metres before requiring rest. They in turn are easily predated by small birds and reptiles if they move around too often during the day. Their young larvae however are wonderful daytime predators feasting on most small insects that plague roses and vegetables. They have the amazing ability to disguise themselves with plant debris which they attach on their backs on small spines. During the summer, the adults are highly attracted to the lights in our homes. About the garden magazine | page 17
/strawberries Everyone loves strawberries, and anyone with a reliable patch of sunlight can grow them in baskets for a productive display. Strawberries grow beautifully in hanging baskets, pots, strawberry planters or wine barrels and look gorgeous on a sunny deck or verandah. This also benefits the fruit, as the fruit spills over the edges making them easy to reach and protects the fruit from the soil. Growing them in baskets and pots is also a great solution if space is limited or you have poor soil. Grow in Searles Platinum Potting Mix for easy results. Position baskets in full sun for better fruiting.
Feeding
Straight after planting, give strawberries a good watering and feed them with a half-strength application of SeaMax Fish & Kelp. To produce the amount of fruit required for a healthy crop, feed them as you would a hungry teen boy - often. Continue feeding every two weeks with a potassium rich instant fertiliser such as Searles Flourish Fruit & Citrus Soluble Plant Food throughout the growing season for a bumper crop.
Watering
Strawberries are shallow-rooted, so mulch them well and keep them well-watered — especially in very hot or dry weather. Strawberries in baskets need to be watered more frequently — once every day in normal conditions. Laying straw around the base of each plant will help control weeds and keep the roots from overheating in the sun.
Picking
Pick strawberries as soon as they’re ripe — you’ll beat the birds and insects to it. Snipping them off with scissors makes it easier not to squash them. Strawberry plants will perform at their prime for about 3 years, after which time they should be replaced.
Zeolite is a crystalline mineral constructed of silicon, aluminium and oxygen. The physical structure of cavities and channels throughout the mineral holds water and nutrients, acting as a absorbent prill. Due to zeolites excellent water holding capabilities, when added to soils and potting mixes, water runoff is reduced and moisture in the soil is retained. Zeolite in potting mixes regulates the uptake of nutrients by absorbing excess nutrient from the soil solution and storing it within the structure of the zeolite. When the particular nutrient becomes deficient in the solution around the root zone, it is released from the zeolite and made available to the plant. This greatly reduces leaching of excess nutrient and ensures more efficient use of applied fertiliser, hence increasing plant growth. Zeolite doesn’t break down from microbes and resists compacting from soil, aiding aeration and permeation for better water and nutrient uptake from the plant’s root system.
page 18 | About the garden magazine
So look out for potting mixes with zeolite added for better water and nutrient storage, aiding plant health and growth.
100th edition! The About the Garden Magazine team is celebrating producing our 100th edition for Australian gardeners. We would like to thank our industry supporters and you, the keen gardeners who read our magazines.
To help celebrate our 100th printed edition of the magazine, we have planned some exciting events on our social media pages over the coming months. If you haven’t already, follow About The Garden on Facebook & Instagram pages now to ensure you can take part over the coming months. Your garden will love you for it! In 1997, recognising a demand for quality reading material available through garden centres, Con Searle (industry expert) created About the Garden Magazine. About the Garden’s motto is simple - to promote gardening through garden centres with an emphasis on new releases, current home gardening advice, helpful advice from experts, what is trending and what plants are available each season in Australian gardens.
Here is to the next 100...
About the garden magazine | page 19
autumn planting and care guide
> Autumn is a great time to plant cool season vegetables, such as brassicas, cauliflower, celery, onion 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. > Planting citrus trees in Autumn allows roots time to establish a little before winter. Fertilise citrus trees with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food while fruit is forming to ensure bountiful crops later on. Keep trees well mulched, water them deeply and regularly. Yellowing older leaves can mean magnesium deficiency, in which case a dose of trace elements will correct any nutrient deficiency. > 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. > Before planting passionfruit, prepare the soil with plenty of Searles Blood & Bone to a diameter of about 1m. Plant only at the base of a fence or sturdy trellis that can allow their spread (at least 5m) and support their weight when laden with fruit. Ensure the vines have full sun and keep them well watered until established. > Now is the time to plant peas (which includes snow peas). In frost-prone areas, sow seed by April. Choose a sunny spot with a trellis so they have something to climb onto. To promote flowering, fertilise with a liquid potash. Once mature, continual harvest will increase the crop.
Scale is an immobile, sap-sucking insect which can seriously weaken plants if it colonises in great numbers. Control with Searles Pest Gun page 20 | About the garden magazine
> 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, passionfruit vines and strawberries. Plant in Searles Fruit, Citrus & Rose Specialty Mix for the right nutrient balance to establish these plants leading up to the winter months. Prune lower branches and dead branches to concentrate new growth into new branches and flowering. > Zucchini can be planted in the garden and in pots now. If planting in pots, one plant per pot. Use Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for strong growth. > Carrots can be planted now and are a favourite with children. They generally dislike being transplanted, so sow them directly where you want them to grow and thin them at a later date rather than starting them in seed trays. Carrots like poor, lumpfree soil, so don’t add any fresh fertiliser into the soil at planting. Plant in full sun and keep them fairly moist.
> Time to plant a few rows of beetroot. Grow them in sweet well drained soil and full sun. Sow in early March for a mid May crop. > If you’ve always wanted to grow your own veggies, lettuce is a good one to start with as it is easy to grow and you can usually start harvesting within a few weeks of planting. Keep it well mulched to protect its shallow roots. For a sweet and juicy crop, keep it well watered and don’t let the soil dry out, which will help prevent the leaves becoming bitter.
Growing fruit trees in pots allows you to have them in paved areas and unlikely garden spaces. To grow a decent, fruit bearing tree, it is recommended that you use a pot at least 40cm in size, depending on the size the tree is likely to be when it reaches maturity. A pot this size can be difficult to move once it contains potting mix, so it’s best to carefully consider the position of your tree before potting it up. Fruit trees need good levels of sunlight to perform well and bear fruit, so position your tree where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.
> Your summer crop of tomatoes may be finished, but it’s not too late to plant more! Give tomatoes a well-drained, compost rich soil, full sun and feed fortnightly with SeaMax Fish & Kelp Organic Fertiliser.
Any plants grown in pots will be more vulnerable to dry-out than plants grown in the ground. They will also be more susceptible to extremes of temperature. Large pots can also have problems with drainage and waterlogging if the wrong type of potting mix is used. Unlike plants grown in the ground which can access water and nutrients from over considerable distances, plants grown in pots will be completely dependent on the potting mix for all their nutritional needs. This means a quality potting mix is vital, and is a wise investment in insuring the success of your tree. High quality potting mixes like Searles Platinum Potting Mix and Searles Fruit, Citrus & Rose Specialty Mix are highly recommended.
While established fruit trees in the ground should only need watering once a week during very hot, dry weather, the same trees grown in pots will need to be watered at least a couple of times a week in similar circumstances. While they’re still establishing, potted fruit trees will need watering at least once a day in hot, dry conditions. Even at cooler times of year, potted trees will need more watering than those in the ground. This extra watering can cause leaching of nutrients from the potting mix, which means it is also necessary to feed plants more regularly. Apply 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Fruit & Flower, an excellent organic fertiliser, at the beginning of spring through to autumn, every 8-12 weeks. Fruit trees that don’t grow too big or too fast are the best candidates for growing in pots. Some good choices are the dwarf lemon tree, ‘Lots a Lemons’, grafted dwarf oranges, Kaffir lime, table grapes, dwarf pomegranate, dwarf peaches, blueberries, sweet Jiro dwarf persimmon, feijoa, Brazilian cherry and strawberry guava. Potted fruit trees can benefit from an annual pruning to make sure they stay compact.
About the garden magazine | page 21
Tibouchina ‘Groovy Baby’ are an easy compact form to grow.
autumn planting and care guide Evolvus ‘Blue my mind’
> At the end of a long hot summer, some plants that have copped months of searing sun begin to look a bit tired and gardeners find themselves scouting around for things to fill the gap. Look no further than the salvia family! Many gardeners already know that these perennials can cope with extended periods of heat and drought without turning a hair, and even at this late stage of the gardening calendar are still looking their best. Salvias come in exciting shades of vermillion, maroon, purple and cerise but the delightful Mexican sage, Salvia leucantha, is a favourite for its grey foliage and delicious woolly grey and white spikes of flowers – a perfect foil for its hotterhued relatives. > Trim bougainvilleas if they have grown out of control during summer. > If you’ve got a spot in semi-shade and want a neat looking shrub which gives good autumn value, choose any of the growing number of ixora cultivars. Ixoras have glossy green foliage similar to gardenias and sasanqua camellias and like these shrubs they look good even when not smothered in their salmon-orange, butter yellow, rosy pink or apricot flowers. > Plant 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. > The most compact form of tibouchina available at about 60cm high, Groovy Baby, is very hardy and easy-care. It has low water needs and bears large, vibrant purple flowers throughout the warmer months. Plant it in full sun or part shade in a moist, well-drained soil. Give it occasional, deep waterings during extended periods of heat. page 22 | About the garden magazine
oak leafed scented pelargonium
> 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. > Many banksias are in flower in autumn attracting birds from far and wide. The diversity of this genus will surely cater for any type of gardener and garden climates. The coastal banksia is perfect for coastal gardens. Banksia spinulosa ‘Honey pots’, ‘Coastal Cushion’ and ‘Birthday Candles’ all flower on a spreading shrub in autumn. Plant in Searles Native Plant Specialty Mix designed for Australian natives. > Natives are susceptible to scale during autumn. Look out for evidence of these insects on leaf stems and branches on bottlebrushes (Callistemon and Melaleuca), lilly pillys (Syzygium), emu bushes (Eremophila) and wax flowers (Philotheca).
Aechmea fasciata This large bromeliad showcasing vibrant pink flowers sitting proudly above silvery green banded foliage, is an easy one to grow in containers, indoors, or in the garden in a bright indirect light position. Ask for the A. fasciata primera which is a thornless form. Being epiphytic, this bromeliad prefers excellent free draining soil, such as Searles Cymbidium & Bromeliad Mix. Flush out the centre ‘well’ every month and keep it filled with a little well of water during summer. Reduce the watering in winter, but don’t let the soil dry out too much.
> Golden Penda ‘Fairfill Gold’ (Xanthostemon chrysanthus) is a spectacular flowering shrub, originating from north Queensland. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, mulch well and keep it well watered while establishing. Attracts nectar-feeding birds. > 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! > Another low maintenance plant is the abutilon, and although this is a member of the hibiscus family it requires less sun than its Hawaiian counterparts and flowers well in relatively dense shade. It is commonly referred to as the Chinese lantern, a very apt moniker since its blossoms in vibrant red, yellow, tangerine, apricot and white really do look like little paper lamps. Abutilons are willowy plants that reach a height of approximately 3m and the best way of enjoying them is to view them from below. Again, they can be grown successfully in pots (they look particularly good when trained as standards) and positioned in a shady spot near the house to be enjoyed at their peak.
cattleyas Cattleyas have some of the largest blooms of all the orchids and are often fragrant. Cattleyas love high humidity and don’t like very cold winters, but some will tough it out if kept dry. When cattleyas are in flower, avoid watering the flowers as this may lead to the flower rotting prematurely. Cattleyas are good candidates for growing in pots. Cattleyas flower only on new flushes of growth. Give them plenty of light but not full sun.
Now is the time of year to plant sweet peas and although they are traditionally planted on St. Patrick’s Day, in warm climates they can be planted right through until the end of April. The correct preparation now will ensure a spectacular display right through into spring to share with loved ones. Sweet peas love full sun and a rich soil. Find a sunny site and dig in plenty of organic fertiliser, such as 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser. Sweet peas also love a slightly alkaline soil, so add some lime or dolomite to the soil before planting. Sweet peas like a soil pH of about 6–7, so if you have a pH test kit, test the soil to see if it needs lime or dolomite. Once the soil is limed, the lime will take effect slowly, so you will not be able to accurately measure the final result until a couple of weeks after application. The next step is to make sure you have a good, strong trellis in place to support the sweet pea’s vigorous growth. Do this before planting the sweet pea seeds. This way you won’t disturb the seeds once they are planted. Plant the seeds and once the seedlings have four sets of leaves, nip off the top of the plant to encourage more side shoots. When fertilising sweet peas, it is important to remember that they make their own nitrogen and don’t like being fertilised with extra nitrogen. For excellent flowering, feed your sweet peas every 2 weeks with Searles Liquid Potash, which contains both phosphorus and potassium, from the time seedlings emerge right up until flowering and pick the blooms regularly to prolong the life of your plants.
About the garden magazine | page 23
Rockhampton Gladstone
Emerald
Hervey Bay Toowoomba Warwick
Brisbane
Grafton Port Macquarie
by climatic zone
> Brisbane Garden & Plant Expo - Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th March 2022, Rocklea Showgrounds, Brisbane. > Once the last of the really hot days is over, tomato seedlings can be planted again for a season of your favourite red fruits. Water consistently to avoid blossom end rot and feed fortnightly with an organic liquid fertiliser to replenish the soil’s nutrients. > Sow snow peas, peas and beans mid autumn. For a continued harvest plant a follow up crop a month later. Liquid feed fortnightly with SeaMax Fish & Kelp to feed their nutrient demands.
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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.
> Many of us in warm climates assume that fiery autumn foliage is a privilege for only cool climate gardeners, but with clever plant selection you can have your warm climate and a blaze of autumn glory, too! Great choices are Liquidambar, Crepe Myrtle, Ginkgo biloba, Acer palmatum and Chinese Tallow Wood. > Geraniums, salvias, dahlias and mandevillas are showing their brilliance in the autumn garden. > Sow ageratum, alyssum, candytuft, carnation, cineraria, coreopsis, cornflower, cyclamen, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, Iceland poppy, impatiens, marigold (English), pansy, snapdragon, sweet pea and viola. > Towards the cooler end of autumn, start preparing your veggie patch for winter vegetables, such as, broad beans, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, onion, peas, radish, shallots, spinach, spring onion, sweet corn and turnip. Dig 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into the soil prior to planting seedlings. > Time to lift and divide and replant agapanthus, daylilies and clivias after flowering. Check roots for diseases. > The striking red flowers of the firewheel tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus) and the white flowering ivory curl tree (Buckinghamia celsissima) are two outstanding natives that are at their best now.
For more information for what to grow in your climatic zone visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au page 24 | About the garden magazine
Darwin
Cairns Townsville Mt. Isa Longreach Carnarvon
Rockhampton
Emerald
Blackall
Brisbane
> Plant alyssum, amaranthus, begonia, celosia, cosmos, dianthus, gerberas, gomphrena, marigolds, pansy, petunia, phlox, portulaca, salvia, sunflower, torenia & zinnia for garden colour. Plant in Searles Garden Soil Mix for gardens or Searles Platinum Potting Mix for great potted results. > Sow or plant herb seedlings in a large pot of Searles Herb & Vegetable Mix. Autumn weather is mild and favourable to plant dry season herbs, like basil, coriander, dill, garlic, garlic chives, marjoram, oregano, parsley, savoury, thyme and winter tarragon. > Cordyline fruiticosa varieties are easy care plants for tropical foliage all year round. Prefers full sun to part shade in well drained gardens. Look out for Rubra, Negra, Pink Diamond, Tartan and Tangelo.
25–35
36–45
46–55
55+
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cordyline fruiticosa
> Sow beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, melons, mustard, okra, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, rosella, silverbeet, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato. > You should already have noticed the Mussaenda (Bangkok rose) charming autumn gardens with their large pink-white blooms. > Plant new citrus, Davidson’s plum, loquat, macadamia and avocado now. Before planting, mix into existing soil 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser to provide plenty of organic nutrients for growth.
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> Sun tolerant impatiens produce endless colour during autumn. Liquid feed fortnightly with 5 IN 1 Liquid Organic Fertiliser. > Regularly check your lawns and gardens for lawn grubs and armyworm before they chew through your lawns roots and kill off the grass. Control them in Searles Dead Grub Pro when they first appear.
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Rockhampton Gladstone
Emerald
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Grafton
Armidale
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Perth
Newcastle
Moree Port Augusta
Perth
Sydney
Canberra Wodonga
Albany
Melbourne
Brisbane
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Port Macquarie
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Adelaide
Hervey Bay
Brisbane
Moree
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Emerald
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Geraldton
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Adelaide
Grafton
Armidale
Port Macquarie
Tamworth Orange
Newcastle
Sydney
Canberra Wodonga
Melbourne
Hobart
> Broccoli and other winter crops should be planted towards the end of Autumn for a developing crop in winter. > Plant citrus, passionfruit vines and fruit trees now to give time for the roots to establish through winter and be ready to burst into growth in spring. > Feed azaleas and camellias in readiness for the next flush of blooms. Searles Azalea & Camellia Plant Food is perfectly designed for these big bloomers. > Feijoas and figs are fruiting now. Give them a fortnightly feed with Searles Flourish Fruit & Citrus Soluble Plant Food for better produce. > Autumn delivers stunning foliage colours in rich red, yellows and burgundy. Now is a great time to choose a tree. Enquire at your local gardening outlet. > Tibouchinas, ivory curl, camellia sasanquas, gordonias, blueberry ash and buddlejas are in bloom now. > Powdery mildew can destroy crepe myrtles, begonias, dahlias and roses. Remove and bin affected leaves and spray promptly with Searles Wettable Sulphur. > Plant spring flowering bulbs.
Gaura add long lasting colour to autumn gardens.
> Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show 30 Mar – 3 Apr 2022, Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens, www.melbourneflowershow.com > 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. > Fertilise and help protect flowering plants through winter with SeaMax Fish & Kelp. This liquid fertiliser helps protect from extremes of weather and transplant shock by strengthening the plants stem and root development. > Plant ageratum, dianthus, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, Iceland poppy, larkspur, lupin, cornflower, pansy, petunia, phlox, primula, stock, verbena, wallflower and zinnia. > Plant spring flowering bulbs now such as crocus, daffodils, tulips, bluebells, freesias, Dutch iris, hippeastrum and liliums. > Try berberis, enkianthus, prunus, punica and viburnum for deciduous autumn colour foliage. > Plant your winter veggies now for a long crop of edibles. Plant beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, English spinach, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnip, radish, silverbeet, swede and turnip. Prepare vegie patch two weeks prior with 5 IN 1® Organic Fertiliser to give your produce the best results. Keep up the water and remove weeds from around the base of the plant to keep the plant performing optimally. > Autumn is ideal to plant and settle in all new citrus and fruit trees including avocado and olives trees. Provide plenty of rich organic compost to the existing soil to feed and stimulate strong root and stem growth.
TM
page 26 | About the garden magazine
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> Don’t forget also that some native shrubs put on good autumn displays, perhaps the best of which is the Banksia integrifolia, whose yellow candles light up overcast days. An added bonus is their leaves whose silvery undersides become noticeable in windy weather. Banksia Cherry Candles (Banksia spinulosa dwarf selection) is an easy-care, compact shrub (up to 50cmH x 90cmW) and ideal in gardens or large containers. It flowers from late summer to winter. > 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.
Adelaide
Grafton
Armidale
Port Macquarie
Tamworth Orange
Newcastle
Sydney
Canberra Wodonga
Melbourne
Hobart
> Olives should be ready to harvest during autumn. And it is a great time to plant more.
Brisbane
Moree
Kalgoorlie
Port Macquarie Newcastle
Hobart
> Plant peas, leeks, beetroot, celery, lettuce, parsnips, spinach, broad beans and Asian greens. Garlic cloves and onion seedlings can go in too. > Lawns will enjoy a dose of complete controlled release fertiliser, Robust Lawn Booster before winter. > Plant olive, fig, citrus, passionfruit, strawberries and loquat trees. Mix into existing soil some 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser, water well and mulch after planting. > 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.
> By mid autumn, start fertilising fruit & citrus trees with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food. This plant food releases fertiliser slowly to supply balanced nutrients to the roots over the next few months to promote flowering and fruiting. Autumn is a good time to plant new citrus and fruit trees before the winter.
> Australian natives and wildflowers are popular to plant this time of year, like aloes, gazanias, salvias and pigfaces.
> Plant tomatoes, capsicum and zucchini early autumn for another crop before winter sets in. Winter veggies can be planted later in the season. artichoke, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cress, leek, lettuce, radish, onion, shallot and silverbeet can go in.
> Grow leafy greens fast and pick young for the tasty result. Water daily and liquid feed fortnightly for quick growth.
> Treat citrus and other ornamentals for scale with Searles Ecofend Fruit & Garden Spray.
> Feed fortnightly with Searles Flourish Soluble Fertiliser - Flowers & Foliage to provide autumn flush of roses.
> Australian natives and wildflower seeds are popular to plant this time of year, such as aloes, gazanias, salvias, Sturt’s desert peas and pigfaces.
> For garden and potted colour plant dianthus, gypsophila, hollyhock, impatiens, lobelia, marigold, pansy, snapdragon and violas. > Plant bulbs for Mediterranean climates such as jonquil, Spanish bluebell, ixia, ranunculus, anemone and lachenalia.
Grow your strawberries in hanging baskets or pots, so they are easy to pick.
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