you
Saturday, February 13, 2021
AND YOUR LIFESTYLE
Waiting FOR
the call
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YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, February 13, 2021
HEART
Tomorrow will mark six months since Methven teenager David Dirks was officially placed on the waiting list for a new heart. For Heart Awareness Month, Matt Markham caught up with his mother,
AWARENESS
MONTH
Young David D
avid Dirks is, in so many ways, your typical teenage boy. He loves video games, particularly Minecraft, playing on his computer and booting it around the paddock in the family gokart. All the usual things a 13-year-old boy, growing up in the Ashburton District would normally be in to. But flip the coin and on the other side you’ll find a situation where David is far from typical. Things people take naturally for granted are difficult. There are restraints in place that limit what he can actually achieve and for now, it’s just a waiting game. At a young age, David was diagnosed with a severe cardiac condition. And already the young superstar has endured four open heart surgeries, insertion of a pacemaker and transplanted heart valves and going into heart failure twice. But the next operation David undertakes, will be his biggest yet. He’s on the list for a new heart and he, along with his family and friends, are just waiting for that phone call that will change their lives. Getting that notification six months ago that they were officially on the list was a huge moment.
Jackie
Pool and Pump World
Brydie
Lifestyle Motor Homes Ltd
Jo Metcalf
Memory Funerals Ltd
Geoff
Richard Begbie
Begbies Plumbing & Gasfi�ng
Billy
JKF Homes Ltd
Ashburton Joinery Ltd
Craig
“It was both a massive relief and then a huge ‘holy cow’ moment,” mum, Rebecca Dirks said. “It took a few moments to sink in and then there were tears of both happiness and complete and utter fear.”
Tracey Henderson
Methven Seed Cleaning
Harcourts
Carmen and Glen
Sarah Everist
???
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE
HEART
Rebecca Dirks, to talk about the struggles they’re facing as a family, but also the glimmers of hope that they’re holding on to.
d’s waiting game
But the good news of the next major step on the map that is David’s story has been tough ever since it came. It’s a case of literally waiting on tenterhooks for that phone call to come and then being prepared to drop everything and get
Paul
to Auckland’s Starship Hospital as soon as possible. There are contingency plans in place to help there. The Canterbury District Health Board will assist in getting David to Auckland with Air
Lucas
PlaceMakers – Ashburton
AWARENESS
MONTH
New Zealand and if the call was to come in the middle of the night, the Starship plane would fly down and pick him up. But it’s tough playing the waiting game. Tough on everyone. “Every damn time an Auckland number pops up on my phone I have a minor freak out. “We count the days and wait and wait – it’s exhausting to be honest and stressful and every day that goes by the anxiety for both David and us as a family grows.” As David has grown older, he’s become far more aware and alert to what’s happening but not being able to dive head first into the normal trials and triumphs of a 13-year-old comes with it’s own frustration. “David is a trooper, but he is tired, always and his anxiety levels are fairly high. “Stepping up from Our Lady of the Snows to Mount Hutt College was big, back at OLS everyone looked out for him. “Just walking from class to class is exhausting, but his class mates are being amazing and they’re definitely keeping an eye on him which is great. “He knows he’s getting sicker, he can barely make it across the field without being blue and wrecked – we’ve always been pretty open with him about things, but he’s
finding it harder to do the things teenage boys do. “We, and he, hope that a new heart will mean all the things most take from granted. Things like growing to a normal size, riding a bike, playing sport and not being out of breath when you’ve got to do the groceries.” While that glimmer of hope on the horizon is keeping things as positive as they can be, Dirks did admit that it was pretty tough on the family both mentally and financially. Having to be prepared at any moment to literally drop life in Methven and get on a plane to Auckland for a few months makes employment difficult so the family is surviving on dad, Sean’s, wage while they wait. “David can only go to school part-time at the moment because he is so tired, so between me being on call to pick him up and appointments in both Christchurch and Auckland, I need something fairly flexible – and they’re not easy to come by. “But we also need to be able to fly Hunter (David’s brother) up at short notice too, as he’s not covered by the district health board and we’ll have all the normal expenses of life while David’s in hospital and Sean and Hunter fly up and back.”
Leah Harrison
Rainer Irriga�on
PROPERTY BROKERS
Unichem Ashburton Pharmacy (Life Pharmacy)
Petzone Ltd
GRAIN SYSTEMS
Ma� Dellit
PMR Grain Systems
Automo�ve Diagnos�cs & Servicing
Great Southern Ashburton
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03 307 0213
Argyle Welsh Finnigan
Autosparks
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YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, February 13, 2021
HEART
AWARENESS
MONTH
continued over page From P19 Luckily, as is so often the case – there’s a hero out their in the community, without a cape, but just a big heart who wanted to help. Barbora (Bara) Padertova and Dirks met while working up Mt Hutt during the winter and when she learnt of the battle ahead she decided she wanted to do something to help. Last Tuesday, Bara began a two-month walk taking her from one end of the South Island to the other on the Te Araroa Trail to help raise funds for the family and also to help support Heartkids. “In Czech, where Bara is from, everyone is a donor unless you opt out, so she was pretty horrified to find out it wasn’t the case here. “She’d wanted to do the walk for a long time, so she decided that before this ski season starts she was going to do it and she knew if she had a big reason then it would be the motivation to really push through what are going to be some tough days. “We’re incredibly grateful that she chose David and Heartkids, it’s pretty special stuff.” Bara has 13,000km ahead of her and was aiming to average around 21 kilometres per day. Her progress and the link to donate can be found at https://
givealittle.co.nz/cause/beckysfamily-and-heart-kid Further fundraising opportunities are in the pipe line for the near future too, thanks to the people of Methven such as the team at the Dubliner and some amazing community service crews but for the Dirks family right now, there’s only one thing they want. A healthy heart from an amazing person, anywhere from an average size 13-year-old all the way up to someone weighing around 60kg.
Above – The Dirks family (from left) Becky, Hunter, David and Sean. Left – Hunter and David
Speight’s Ale House Ashburton
Smith & Sons
We donate from every property sold!
$25,000 & still counting!
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE
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The ever-popular donburi FROM JAPAN with Miya Komatsu
D
onburi (Don refers to the bowl that the dish is served in) is a Japanese rice bowl dish, combining a bowl of steamed rice, meat or seafood, vegetables and sauce. I would like to share one traditional and always popular oyako donburi recipe and, another favourite dish, pork chashu donburi. I shared the chicken chashu recipe last year, but this time I’m using pork cooked in a different way. Happy cooking! Miya Komatsu is a Japanese-trained chef and nutritionist who has made Ashburton her home. She has been living here for 14 years.
Oyako donburi (chicken and egg rice bowl) 2 servings
2C cooked rice 300g chicken thigh, cut into small bite-size chunks 1/2 onion, thinly sliced 1/4 small carrot, cut into julienned 1 spring onion, thinly sliced 2 eggs, beaten in a small bowl Sauce 3/4 C dashi stock soup 1Tb soy sauce 2Tb mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
– Combine all sauce ingredients and set aside. – Place a medium frypan over medium heat and pour the sauce. – Bring the sauce to simmer, then add the chicken, onion and carrot and bring to a boil. – Cook for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, slowly drizzle the egg over the chicken and vegetables. – Cook covered on low heat until the egg is done to your liking. – Serve the rice evenly into two bowls and top with the chicken and egg mix and sauce divided into two bowls. – Garnish with spring onion.
More recipes over page
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YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, February 13, 2021
Pork chashu donburi 2-4 servings
2-4C (depending on how many servings) cooked rice 500g pork shoulder 1 shanghai pak choy, cut in half lengthwise then boiled and cooled
Marinade 1/4 C soy sauce 2T honey 1t crushed garlic 1t crushed ginger
– Pierce the pork on both sides with a fork. This makes the pork soak up the marinade well. – Place the pork in a big Ziplock bag or big bowl and add all marinade ingredients. Marinade for at least 1 hour to 3 days. – Preheat the oven to 170°C. – Place the pork in a lined oven dish. Keep the marinade in a small pot and set aside. – Cook the pork in the oven for around 40 minutes and check with a skewer. If the juice runs clear, it’s cooked. – Rest the pork for 15 minutes. While it is resting, heat the marinade in a small pot and cook until it is reduced to half. – Take out the pork and cut into fine slices. – Dish the rice into bowls and arrange the pork and the pak choy on top. Drizzle with some marinade sauce. Miya’s hint – Chashu is good accompanied with hot ramen noodles and, of course, it makes good sandwich fillings too!
Asian tsukemono (pickle) 2 servings
1 medium size courgette - thinly sliced 1t crushed ginger 1/2Tb soy sauce 1/2Tb vinegar 1t sweet chilli sauce 1/2t sesame oil Sesame seeds for garnish
– Put all together except sesame seed into a medium bowl and mix well. – Cover and leave in a chiller for 30min. – Serve topped with sesame seeds.
Miya’s hint This quick pickle is good accompanied with the donburi. If you don’t like sweet chilli sauce or you are dishing up to children, just omit it.
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE
Weddings
&
balls
Don’t let your big day turn into a stress-fest! Good pre-planning can take the bulk of hyperventilating out of the big event, so we’ve put together some tips and information!
When love is in the air, let it blossom with a Samantha Rose bouquet
Alpine Florist Methven Stunning Wedding Flowers, School Ball Corsages & Buttonholes
Rosie posie, incl ceramic vase ONLY $79
Open Saturday 13th AND
Sunday 14th 179 Burnett Street
03 302 8832 www.alpineflorist.co.nz
Mt Hutt Memorial Hall Function Centre
is an attractive, modern and versatile venue located in the centre of Methven, Mid Canterbury. Five different rooms provide spaces suitable for meetings from 3 people, weddings up to 150-200 people, through to conferences for 435. Our venue provides the ability to offer a variety of choices for catering, and a blank canvas for you to put your own personal touch. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall/ Function Centre Methven Call 03 302 9666 Or email: info@mthuttfunctioncentre.co.nz
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YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, February 13, 2021
S
A special venue
Whether you’re planning a wedding, conference, team-building exercise, or just a gathering of friends and family, you’re about to discover a very special place. Tucked into the hills, within walking distance of the beautiful village of Akaroa, Mt Vernon Lodge is your balcony seat for one of the best views in New Zealand, looking straight across the world-famous harbour below. Set amid green lawns and mature
trees and offering absolute peace and privacy, Mt Vernon Lodge is an oasis of calm in an increasingly-hurried world. It’s the perfect place to escape – yet it’s located only an hour’s drive from Christchurch. Mt Vernon Lodge offers a range of characterful accommodation for up to 50 guests, as well as a fully-equipped function and conference room which caters for up to 130. Advertising feature
Amanda and David are excited to announce they still have availability from March 2022 and limited spaces until then – CONTACT US NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT –
Finding th
o you’ve set the date and time, found a venue and a caterer, chosen your bridesmaids and best men, chosen the dresses, hired some suits, organised the flowers, purchased some wedding rings – but have you booked the marriage celebrant and thought about the form of your wedding ceremony? A marriage celebrant is registered with the Department of Internal Affairs, (Births, Deaths and Marriages), to conduct your wedding ceremony to fulfil the legal requirements, but also to offer you a very personal ceremony to reflect the love you have for one another. Many celebrants belong to their professional association – the Celebrants Association of New Zealand (CANZ) – this means they agree to offer a professional service where members have agreed to work to a code of ethics and professional standards. Check out their website at celebrantsassociation.co.nz
How do you find a marriage celebrant? You’ve probably seen a celebrant take a service or perhaps a friend has recommended one. Do a search in Google – many celebrants have a website and/or Facebook page and this gives a couple a look at what they offer; it is a place they can share photos of their weddings, provide links to download your application to be married along with links to other wedding suppliers. Search the CANZ website or the BDM website. Look in the yellow pages or the services section at the front of your local directory, under marriage celebrants. Ask for a list from your local BDM office or courthouse. Ask for recommendations from friends and family. Is it OK to ask to meet the celebrant before you make a decision? Definitely, yes. This person you may not know is going to play a very important role on your day and it is important that you “click”. Of course, if a celebrant is recommended to you, or you have been able to see them in action, you will feel comfortable making a booking without this initial meeting.
A magical hideaway in the heart of Akaroa, Mt Vernon Lodge offers a spectacular location for your wedding day. At Mt Vernon Lodge you can have an unforgettable ceremony, a custom-designed reception, and stylish accommodation for you and your guests, all in the one place. Set on six hectares of manicured lawns and mature trees coupled with amazing views over the Akaroa harbour, and along with our great facilities, Mt Vernon Lodge is the only choice for your special day.
Contact David & Amanda Kinnaird | 33 Purple Peak Road, Akaroa 03 304 7180 | info@mtvernon.co.nz | www.mtvernon.co.nz
How many meetings should you have with the celebrant? At least two to discuss the ceremony. Your celebrant will offer some guidance and choices on the wording for your ceremony. You should be able to have as much input as you want. For example, you may wish to share your love story with your guests; choose a reading. You can write your own vows. It is your wedding ceremony and it should reflect the way you feel about one another. You should discuss a rehearsal with your
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE
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he right celebrant for you
celebrant. The celebrant should give you the opportunity to review the ceremony to make sure everything is 100 per cent before the rehearsal – your opportunity to go over the finer details. How much does a marriage celebrant cost? There is no set fee so make sure you ask this right at the beginning of the process. If there is considerable travel involved, the cost of this and perhaps accommodation for the celebrant will need
to be factored in. The celebrant may require a deposit and usually asks for payment in full before the day of the ceremony. Who is responsible for the marriage licence? As a couple you need to apply for the marriage licence which you can now do online at https://www.govt.nz/browse/ family-and-whanau/getting-married/get-amarriage-licence/#how-you-apply Where and when can we hold the ceremony? Your wedding can take place
on any day of the year, at any time of the day in a location of your choice. So yes, you can choose midnight on New Year’s Eve! Private gardens are very popular but there are some beautiful venues who will often take care of some of your wedding planning for you. If you are intending to hold the ceremony outside, do have a back-up indoor venue. Should we invite the marriage celebrant to the reception? You can if you like, but most celebrants would not expect an
invitation. The celebrant may stay for a short time after the service and enjoy mingling with your guests. I recommend, to avoid disappointment, that you book your celebrant early as some are booked up to one year in advance. This is one of the most magical days in your lives so make sure you have the right celebrant for you both! Prepared by Carol Gunn, Registered Marriage Celebrant since February 2001
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YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, February 13, 2021
I
Be prepared for
f it’s nearly school ball time then you need to make sure that you are nice and prepared. There’s a lot to organise and get ready. The following advice will make sure you don’t forget anything and you’re all set for your big event.
Your dress The first thing that you need to think about is what you are wearing. You need to think about what style of dress you would like and you’d need to consider this a good few weeks in advance. If you need some ideas then head online and see if you can find something that suits you. Consider what style you like – do you like modern, classic or romantic? What’s important is that you find the dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident. It is worth getting your dress nice and
early in case you need any alterations. If you’re on a budget then try some charity shops and see if you can pick up a bargain. If you’re in the mood for splashing out then look and see what designer dresses are available. If you have a date for your ball then you also need to make sure that you are co-ordinated.
Your shoes The next aspect that you need to consider is your shoes. Ideally you need to pick some shoes that match your dress. If this is proving difficult then you could go for black or a nude colour. Take your dress with you when you go shoe shopping so that you can try the two together. As well as purchasing your heels for your dress, it may be worth considering purchasing some flat shoes which you can keep in
your bag, in case your feet start to ache. In order to prevent your heels hurting your feet, wear them around the house, as well as outside in the garden so that you can break them in and make them as comfortable as possible before your school ball.
Your hair You can either get your hair done by your hairdresser or, if you prefer, you could do it yourself. If you decide to go to a hairdresser then remember to take pictures of any hairstyles that you like so that your hairdresser can try them out in your hair to see if you like them. There are so many different school ball hairstyles that would be perfect for your special occasion. Go on YouTube and look for tutorials that you could use to practise a hairstyle that you may like but may not be able to do
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE
your school ball!
yourself.
Your accessories The final part of your outfit is your accessories, which complete your look. You need to try and pick accessories that enhance how you look but don’t overshadow what you are wearing. If you really struggle to find accessories that work with your style then you could always get creative and design and make your own. Another aspect that you need to consider is a shrug or something similar to cover your shoulders for when the outside temperature drops. Finally, you will need to pick a handbag or a clutch that suits your outfit. Make sure that you choose one that can hold all of the items that you will be taking with you.
Any appointments
If you decide that you are going to get your hair, nails, or makeup done then you need to make sure that you’ve booked your appointments nice and early. The same applies if you plan to visit your dentist for whitening teeth or a polish. Try and make an appointment for your hair and make-up on the day of the school prom. As for your nails, you can make that appointment a couple of days or the day before the school ball.
Your makeup If you decide to do your own makeup then you need to get some practice in! Decide what look you are going for and then you can start practising. You need to pick a look that suits your style and outfit – either classic or more vibrant. Again, go online and search for make-up tutorial videos and see if you can
find a look that you like. Some possible ideas could be smoky eyes for a sultry look, contouring your face if you want to define your features or a bright lipstick if you want your lips to be the feature on your face that stands out.
The night before To look and feel your best on the day of the school ball you need to make sure that you are do the following the night before: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
Get plenty of sleep Do some exercise Eat healthily Drink plenty of water
It’s also worth getting your bag ready the night before so that you don’t forget anything. Pack your bag with essentials such as hairspray, pins, perfume, lipstick, keys and your purse.
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The day of your school ball Wake up at a good time so that you can get prepared in time. These are the things that you need to remember to do: ◊ Have a facial to revitalise your skin. ◊ Shave your legs, armpits etc ◊ Exfoliate your skin. Use a scrub to help. ◊ Make your feet feel soft and smooth by using a pumice stone on them. ◊ Add a top coat to your nails to make sure that they don’t get chipped. ◊ Finish off by moisturising your skin so that you feel nice and soft.
Relax and have fun! So, it’s finally arrived, you are ready to go to your school ball! It’s now time to relax and enjoy the experience. Don’t worry if it doesn’t all go to plan as it’s probably those little things that you will look back at and laugh about in years to come.
EVERY DAY | your way Cotton Yarns Large selection in store, perfect for dish cloths, garments, craft and macramé.
Fabric Beautiful soft drapey rayon’s, linen in a wide range of colours; still time to wear those summer garments!
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE TO ANY AMOUNT! Monday – Thursday 8am – 5.30pm, Friday 8am – 6.30pm and Saturday 10am – 3pm
Sewing Baskets Lovely gifts or stylish way of helping to organise your sewing room!
Tapestry and Cross Stitch Kits New ranges of both tapestry canvases and cross stitch kits, including the new stamped, no count cross stitch.
158 Stafford Street, Timaru | 03-688 6764 | www.timarusewing.co.nz | facebook.com/TimaruSewingCentre
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YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, February 13, 2021
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$129
F
winter fashion tips
rom creative layering to dressing up leggings, here’s how to combine comfort and style for the months ahead. For the better part of 2020, our biggest fashion questions were ones of genuine confusion. Do we really need to get dressed while working from home? Where can we buy more sweatsuits? And, when will we finally get to wear the dresses, skirts, and slacks still sitting in our closet? It makes perfect sense that the season’s top trends and tips have less to do with details like ruffles and sequins, and more do with layering, scarves, and finding fun outerwear.
Play Peek-a-Boo On freezing cold days, you might feel the need to pile on those sweaters and jackets. But dressing for warmth doesn’t always equal boring. Let a layer with a print or eye-catching trim peek out from beneath your coat to add some spice to your outdoor ensemble.
Go Beyond the Basics We love our puffers and classic black coats, but if you’re tired of blending in (or never getting show off your specific aesthetic, since you’re always bundled up), choose to stand out. Instead of wearing solids and neutrals, find a trench or top coat with a playful print.
Swap Out Your Sweats We get it: loungewear is it right now. But if you’re searching for a way to combine comfort and style for when you (safely) venture out, try a baggy pair of khaki pants. They’ll be loose on your legs, allowing for movement, but are sleek and elevated at the same time.
Mix and Match Instead of haphazardly throwing on shirts, sweaters, and scarves, dare yourself to mix prints while sticking with the same color scheme.
Invest in a Neckerchief We love the look of a turtleneck or collared shirt layered underneath button-downs and sweaters, but sometimes, piling on those pieces can make us feel a little too toasty. A small neck scarf tucked into your top will provide a similar pop, minus the risk of sweating.
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE
T
Things that go bump in the night ...
here’s nothing like a mystery to solve in the New Year. To be honest I wasn’t that keen on any more drama after 2020, but as the New Year rocked around, I was faced with just that. A dead body on the deck. Just to back-track for a second here, we have recently been plagued by a noisy, heavy-footed possum running amuck on the roof, using the outdoor furniture as a dirt box, and making annoying clicking, clacking and hacking sounds in the wee hours of the morning directly outside our bedroom window. The farmer occasionally started mumbling that he would “deal to it” but then it simply stopped. No-one really
FARMY PRINCESS with DONNA-MARIE LEVER
thought about it any more – that was until a big black furry body emerged on the deck one morning. We were slightly perplexed, even the farmer couldn’t work out if an actual crime had taken place. Did this possum die of old age? A quick google revealed their lifespan is only 2-4 years, but it wasn’t sporting any greys and as it had no ID it was impossible to determine its actual age. Could this be the work of the elusive black panther? Well, there were no teeth marks, blood or injuries, so an attack could be ruled out.
It definitely didn’t die of starvation, as it was the roundest, fattest ball of fur I’d ever seen. The mystery lingered. Could it have had a heart attack? Was that even possible? Or did a stroke take it out? As we contemplated the possibilities this mystery took another slightly odd turn. This time the body on the deck simply disappeared. As quickly as it appeared, the following day it was gone again. I briefly thought I may have imagined the entire episode and wondered if I needed a Panadol or something slightly stronger… but then, under the trees on the boundary of the garden, I discovered the possum lying next to a very
shallow grave. This was getting super weird. Thankfully I have a dog who is very easy to read and she had guilt written all over her furry little face. As she patrolled the area, we can only assume she was planning to give the recently deceased a send-off in a very farmy way – I didn’t want to entertain that fact she was probably hiding it to dig up later! Mystery solved, well kind of ... but it’s definitely one I won’t overthink! TV reporter, journalist, mum and born and bred Aucklander Donna-Marie Lever talks about life after marrying a farmer and moving to rural Mid Canterbury
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YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, February 13, 2021
The last month of sum
H
ot, dry conditions make it a difficult month in the home garden. Fortunately pip and stone fruit are now ripening and there are plenty of summer vegetables to be harvested!
In the vege patch Well maintained summer vegetable gardens will reward their owners with an abundance of vegetables to harvest including; aubergines, beans, cucumbers, courgettes, corn, onions, peppers, radish, tomatoes, and pumpkin. Remove summer vegetable plants as they finish producing crops and start preparing the soil for the winter garden. At the end of the month, begin planting the first of your winter vegetable seedlings such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. This will ensure a supply of winter vegetables in May and June. Successive plantings over the next few months will help to stagger winter harvesting time. Prepare the soil thoroughly with fresh compost before planting, and rotate areas for a variety of crops to be grown.
Summer flowering annuals For those summer annuals that thrive in the heat of summer, February provides the
best month for displays of flowers. Every year, garden centres increase the variety of seedlings available so be adventurous and try new flowering annuals in your garden or containers. The secret to continuous flowering is deadheading (removal of the finished flower). Keep this up during the month and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of blooms.
Time to plant bulbs You can begin planting bulbs later in the month. Add plenty of compost before planting – especially if you have heavy clay soils. Bulbs do best in a well-drained soil and sunny position. Plant them in clumps to provide a stunning display come flowering time. Mark the areas with a stake and label for at least the first year in the ground so
you don’t forget what you’ve planted or accidentally dig them up! Bulbs to be planted include anemones, crocus, daffodils, freesias, hyacinth, iris, lachenalias, nerine, ranunculus, tulips and watsonias.
Fruit tree care Late maturing varieties of plum and peaches can now be harvested. Apples and
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE
mmer in the garden
pears are also now ripening, especially towards the end of the month. Small fruit will now be appearing on citrus trees so mulch to help to maintain consistent moisture levels and to prevent the fruit from falling off trees. Regular sprays with a copper compound will help to prevent the outbreak of any fungal diseases.
Strawberry runners With strawberry plants having finished cropping, you will start seeing a multitude of stolons or ‘runners’ growing from the main plants. Each ‘runner’ has a tiny baby strawberry plant on it - some runners can have several along their length. These are your next season’s plants and can be detached and planted into newly prepared strawberry beds from May onwards.
Raspberry tasks Raspberry canes need to be tied up. Remove last season’s canes and be selective with new seasons canes as they tend to put on an enormous amount of growth in February.
Rose care It is a difficult month for roses with black spot and rust now becoming prevalent on many rose varieties. Continue to ‘deadhead’ and carry out a light summer prune to encourage air movement through the rose bush. Towards the end of the month, apply a light side dressing of rose fertiliser. Mulch around rose bushes with compost to prevent the soil from drying out.
Let the lawns grow Many lawns will look horrendous this month – dry and cracked! This is part of the yearly cycle of lawns in many parts of New Zealand. Where mowing may be required, DO NOT mow too low. Leaving the lawn slightly longer than normal cools the grassroots and helps retain moisture from rain or irrigation. Only mow when it appears very necessary!
Thriving herbs
Although many herbs thrive in the heat of summer, some will go to seed and should be replaced with new specimens. Always plant more than one specimen of your favourite herb so you have plenty on hand. With herbs like basil, pinch out the growing tips to encourage the development of a bushy plant. Grow mint in pots otherwise they will happily take over the entire herb garden. For more gardening advice or information on the wide range of Daltons products visit www.daltons.co.nz.
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YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, February 13, 2021
Berry nice
Fiona Flanagan is this month’s winner with the following question: How many seasons can raspberry canes grow for or should you replace after a certain time, as the fruit is getting smaller and smaller each season. The reason your fruit is getting smaller and smaller every season is that the canes are too old and/or there are too many canes. It is normal practice when growing raspberries to remove canes that have fruited by cutting them to near ground level. At the same time, select strong, young new season’s canes and tie them to the stake or wire that you have for supporting your raspberries. This involves removing surplus young canes as raspberries often produce many new canes over summer. Incorporating fresh compost around the base of your raspberry plant is also beneficial in helping healthy plant growth. You may find it helpful to read our free How to Grow Guides: www.daltons.co.nz/how-to-guides.
FREE
Mulch is the magic word when it comes to helping your garden survive summer. Adding a thick layer of mulch or compost around plants helps water retention and cool the soil. We have a Daltons Summer Maintenance Pack pack to give away valued at over $75 each. The pack contains 2 x Garden Time Compost, 2 x Premium Mulch and Grow (40L), 1 x Daltons Coir Mulch, 1 x Daltons Water Storage Crystals (250g) and 1 x Daltons Goldcote Landscape and Garden Fertiliser (500g), and a pair of comfortable, versatile Red Back gardening gloves from Omni Products www.omniproducts.co.nz.
Be in to win CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
Email goodies@theguardian.co.nz with Daltons Summer Maintenance prize
•
pack in the subject heading, or write to Summer Maintenance pack giveaway, Box 77, Ashburton.
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You must provide a gardening question for the Daltons experts to answer. Please include your address and phone number in email and letter options! Giveaway entries must be received by February 26.
For more information on Daltons products visit www.daltons. co.nz
All questions supplied are entered into the draw to win a Daltons prize pack, but the Guardian reserves the right to choose which questions and answers will be published. Daltons post the prize to our lucky winner.