GardenTalk Autumn 2012

®

GARDENSHOP’S MAGAZINE

Autumn 2012

Homegrown kitchen gardens – shows you how!

Beautiful bulbs

Autumn hints & tips GardenRewards

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Editor’s Letter Welcome to a glorious autumn!

It’s hard to believe that autumn is here again and the signs are all there!

Gardeners get very excited about autumn: it’s time to give the whole garden some attentio­n after a gruelling and busy summer. Give back to the soil by simply fertilising, try usin­g Seamungus from Neutrog – a natural fertiliser that will re­ward you with lots of healthy new growth.

Lawns will also benefit from autumn feeding and now is also the best time to fill in those bare patches. Roses love a feed in autumn as well – give them a light prune to remove diseased and shabby growth. Follow up with a deep watering.

This autumn is all about growing your own vegetables, herbs and fruits, and there is nothing more local than food grown in your own garden, patio, containers or windowsills. At GardenShop you will find everything you need to help you get started.

Happy gardening, Deborah

Editor: Deborah Hele e-mail: deborah@gardenshop.co.za Publisher & Ad Sales: First Wave Media cc e-mail: gardentalk@firstwavemedia.co.za GardenShop Tel: 011 516 9700 Fax: 011 516 9701 Web: gardenshop.co.za PO Box 70966, Bryanston, 2021 For more information, visit any GardenShop or call us on 0861 G-A-R-D-E-N (427336).

You can contact us on 0861 G-A-R-D-E-N (427336) Queries: To provide you with excellent service, we have a team of dedicated and passionate gardening experts and there are several ways of directing your gardening queries to us: visit our website: www.gardenshop.co.za, call 0861 G-A-R-D-E-N (427336) or alternatively email us on info@gardenshop.co.za.

e y b d o o G

to plastic

Don’t continue to fill our landfill sites with plastic that can easily be recycled. Bring all your garden plastic to GardenShop , which in turn will be sent off for crushing and recycling. Before you bring them in remove soil, rocks and other foreign articles from the plastic.

Plastic accepted • Seedling trays • Hanging baskets • Planting pots of all sizes

• Planting bags of

GardenShop proudly supports BirdLife South Africa. www.birdlife.org.za Giving Conservation Wings.

GardenTalk is published on behalf of GardenShop (Pty) Ltd by: First Wave Media cc Tel: 011 640 7354 Web: www. firstwavemedia.co.za Postal: PO Box 28845, Sandringham, Johannesburg, 2192

Contacting us

all sizes

Not Accepted fi rst wave media

• Plastic bags • Household plastic • Food plastic • Clay pots • Soil

AUTUMN 2012 GARDENTALK

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Conditions are just perfect for dividing, planting, fertilising and trimming. Here are some great tips to keep you busy and to help get your hands dirty!

Autumn seasonal tips Flowers • Remove summer annuals that are faded, and replace with Pansies, Primula’s, Stocks, Calendulas and Petunias for lovely winter colour.

• Sow hardy flower seeds like Primulas, Sweetpeas, Stocks, Namaqualand Daisies, Delphiniums, Gazania and Iceland Poppies.

• Continue spraying your roses on a fortnightly basis to prevent both fungal and disease attacks.

• Continue to prune your roses lightly, remove dead and diseased wood.

Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit

Bulbs • It is also the time of year again to plant spring flower bulbs Hyacinths, Daffodils, Ixias, Sparaxis, Anemones, Ranunculus, Waterblommetjies and Leucojums.

• Indoor bulbs such as Hyacinths can also be planted now.

• Plant fruit bearing berry bushes/ vines like Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries and Blackberries.

• Plant vegetables like Cabbage, Spinach, Beetroot, Cauliflower and leafy greens like Pak Choi, Tat Soi, Mizuna and Chinese Cabbage.

• Plant winter culinary herbs like Thyme, Oreganum, Chervil, Parsley and Sage.

• Cut and dry herbs for use in the winter.

• Sow vegetable seeds like Broad Beans, Broccoli, Beetroot, Swiss Chard, Carrot, Cabbage and leeks.

• Citrus trees can be fed with 2kg of Rose Food and 75g of Magnesium Sulphate (Epson Salts).

• Continue to take precautions against slugs and snails.

Ponds • Continue to feed pond fish.

• Check filters on pumps to ensure they are not blocked.

• Remove any plant material that has fallen into the pond to prevent the buildup of disease.

• Net the pond to prevent leaves falling into it.

Lawns • An ideal time to create a new lawn using seed or grass.

• Continue fertilising your lawn with Vitaliser Lawn and Leaf, Vita-Lawn 5:1:5 or Neutrog’s Upsurge.

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GARDENTALK AUTUMN 2012

General Tasks • Clear up any fallen leaves and other dead plant material to prevent diseases over wintering.

• Plant new shrubs and trees to ensure a good start in spring, as roots will have time to establish through the winter months.

• Divide and split perennials and groundcovers like Agapanthus, Dietes, Redhot pokers, ornamental grasses, day Lilies, Alstromerias and Asters.

• Transplant plants that are in the wrong positions in autumn so that they have time to settle in during the winter months.

• Prune back and clean out hedges.

• Mulch your beds with lawn clippings, fallen leaves and bark chips to prevent loss of moisture.

• Start your own compost heap.

• Or alternatively start your own wormery - to create the best garden compost you will ever lay your hands on. It is easy and effectively takes care of your organic kitchen waste like vegetable and fruit peelings, stale bread, coffee grindings, tea bags, leftover cooked rice and pasta.

• Start feeding the birds – hang up some feeders with a variety of seeds and suet balls to attract different birds to your garden.

(See page 7 for some great wild bird products from GardenShop!)

AUTUMN 2012 GARDENTALK

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A Colourful Feast of Bulbs

Imagine splashes of Daffodils, Tulips, Ranunculus, Hyacinths. If you have the space, plant large, bold clumps or natural swathes, among perennials. Otherwise plant them up in containers which will be ideal for small balconies and courtyards.

To make your bulb choosing and planting easier this autumn GardenShop has packaged together different colour bulbs to allow for special colour combinations to suit every style of garden.

Flushed Pink Pink Watsonia, Ranunculus and Freesia Bulbs bulbs with Suzie pink Sweetpea and pink allysum seeds will add sparkle and fun to a pink inspired garden. This combination will cover 10 square metres.

What you will need for planting bulbs:

•

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Shovel, Trowel or Bulb planter.

GARDENTALK AUTUMN 2012

•

Well rotted manure and compost.

• Bonemeal.

Wild Bird Care Range GardenShop has the best seed blends, feeds, treats and snacks that contain the high energy nutrients birds need to survive and thrive. Our fabulous range of feeders, nesting boxes, bird baths and feeding tables will help you to attract a wide variety of wild bird species.

Exclusive !

Imports

Premium Flip Top Suet

R125

Wall & Post Seed

R195

GardenShop supports BirdLife AUTUMN 2012 GARDENTALK

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Kitchen Garden

Good enough to EAT!

Autumn is a busy and vibrant time in the vegetabl­e garden with plenty to harvest and plent­y of things to get into the garden now. It is the ideal time to start growing your own herbs and vegetables. In no time at all you will be harvestin­g and enjoying your own fresh produce from your garden.

Plant Brassica vegetable seedlings like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts and cabbage. It is essential for them to be planted in a sunny position with well-drained soil with plenty of compost, including manure and fertiliser. It’s also a good time to sow broad beans, beetroot, carrots and turnips. Don’t forget leafy greens like lettuces, Kohlrabi and spinach which can be grown and harvested throughout the year for fresh salads.

Good companion planting is advisable, and there are plant families that grow well in the company of a ‘neighbour’ they enjoy, or their scents will deter insects from attacking their ‘neighbour’.

Good companion plants for your Brassica varieties are Borage, Swiss chard, Calendula, Beetroot, Celery, and Broad beans, Leek, Thyme and Caraway. Poor companions for Brassica include Garlic, Strawberries, Onions and Mustard.

Your Spinach plants will enjoy good companion plants like the Brassica family, Lettuce, Borage, Bush-beans and Raspberries.

South African Books to make the start into growing Organic Vegetables easier If you are still unsure on how to get started with your own vegetable garden look no further than local and experienced gardeners who have compiled all their practical knowledge into excellent references on how to plan, plant and grow your own organic vegetable garden.

GardenShop highly recommends Jane’s Delicious Garden and Essential Organics, The Essence of Organic Gardening.

Both books will be available at selected GardenShops.

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GARDENTALK AUTUMN 2012

Fruit from the Garden Why on earth have we stopped growing fruit in our gardens and on our patios?

They are no more work than pruning and spraying roses, but certainly more advantageous and worth all the extra effort you put into all the fertilising, pruning and spraying.

Best of all, autumn is the ideal time to plant fruit trees as they will enjoy settling in through the next couple months of cooler weather.

GardenShop’s list of fruits for growing is rather tempting. So let’s start with citrus – Kumquats, Lemons, Limes and Calomondins – all ideal for growing in containers and perfect for balconies and apartments with limited garden space.

Return to your childhood of Peach, Apricot, Plum and Apple trees, GardenShop has a good selection and we know that you will enjoy growing trees that will give you an abundance of fruit. Perhaps when they do start bearing fruit you can consider making your own bottled jams and preserves!

And to tempt you even further GardenShop also has a good selection of Gooseberries, Strawberries and Avocado, Fig, Pecan and Olive trees.

Look out for the incredible special on Olive ‘Mission trees’, only R195 for a beautiful specimen.

Herb Collection Choose from our selection of easy-to-grow herbs.

These exclusive collections of culinary herbs have been grown in 18cm pots and are ready for instant harvesting. Each pot contains three to four different herbs that are suitable for growing now during the cooler months. Position in full sun and establish a good watering and feeding programme. Fertilise every two weeks with Vita Herb and Veg, an organic alternative.

Look out for the Mediterranean Mix Collection which contains Rosemary, savoury leaves like Thyme, Oregano and Chives. Try the Salad Mix of Rocket, Coriander, Basil and Parsley and a sure winner the Greek Salad Mix of Moss-curled Parsley/Italian Parsley, Chives, Sweet Basil and Marjoram.

Available at GardenShop for R89.95

AUTUMN 2012 GARDENTALK

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Wooden Veggie Boxes New to GardenShop and a brilliant solution for those who have limited gardening space and ideal for those who struggle to bend down to ground level.

These veggie boxes – which include two plastic trays – are designed and perfectly suited to growing seasonal vegetables, herbs and even flowers.

It is essential to provide your plants growing in containers and boxes with a good soil medium which must include drained soil with plenty of compost, including manure and fertiliser. Throughout the growing period it is advisable to fertilise on a regular basis with either a liquid fertiliser like Multifeed or a granular fertiliser like Talborne’s Vita-Veg or Bounce Back from Neutrog.

Available this autumn at GardenShop, from R595 for the small veggie box and from R995 for the large one.

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GARDENTALK AUTUMN 2012

GET MORE THAN YOU

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PAY FOR

365 days of the year GardenRewards members earn Triple Rewards on selected gardening products feature­d in all of our stores. Look out for these products that are clearly marked with Triple Rewards signage throughout the garden centre. o sive t Exclu Shop en Gard

The Benefits of GardenRewards Free Membership You don’t pay a cent to join the GardenRewards programme.

5% Cash Back Reward on Every Rand You Spend Only GardenRewards gives you 5% cash back reward for every rand you spend. You automatically qualify for your rewards to be used against your future purchases.

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Discounted Deliveries GardenRewards members enjoy discounted local deliveries from any GardenShop (conditions apply). It saves time and money.

Free Advice Call our Contact Centre on 0861 G-A-R-D-E-N (427336) and not only can you tele-order any products we stock, but your questions on anything and everything related to gardening will be answered by qualified staff.

Click here to view our Products that will qualify for Triple Rewards!

AUTUMN 2012 GARDENTALK

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child Gardeners

Gardening with children is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.

Give them a pair of their own gloves and spade and let them work alongside you. Give them their own little patch where they can dig and create their own little magic.

Best of all let them grow things that they can eat, like beans, pumpkins and strawberries. Teach them how to water and feed them. The joy of seeing them rush out every day to check on them, it is these moments that you know will give a start to a healthy and happy future.

Teach your children well with making your own earthworm compost – we promise you that they will love to see how earthworms take your kitchen waste and turn it into compost. It can be their chore everyday to feed the worms.

GardenShop has earthworm composters available at all their stores.

Autumn Workshop for children Children are encouraged to get their hands dirty in GardenShop’s Autumn Gardening Workshop, where they will be introduced to the world of bulb planting and bird feeding ideas.

Each child will receive a terracotta pot, which they will paint and decorate before planting their bulbs. We will be giving them a mix of different varieties of Daffoldils, Irises and Freesias. Hands-on demonstrations will show them how to plant them up with soil, fertiliser and compost. They will be amazed at how they come to life and watch their faces glow with pride when they burst into brilliant flower!

Children will also partake in making their own bird feeders. They will be rewarded with many different birds visiting their gardens.

Encourage them to make a bird diary where they can make notes on what birds come to their garden!

Ages: Date: Time: Venue:

5 – 11 years old 12 May 2012 10 – 12pm GardenShop Broadacres, Broadacres Lifestyle Centre Cost: R200, which will include light refreshments and all material.

To Book: Call 011 465 4216 or email megan@ gardenshop.co.za , alternatively click here to complete a booking form.

Comfortable clothes will be advisable and please bring sun cream as the workshop will be held outside, weather permitting.

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GARDENTALK AUTUMN 2012

Fit for any Gardening Space There is a piece of furniture for every garden space that will enhance and add interest. Take advantage of GardenShop’s varied styles, from two seater wooden benches, bistro sets and wrought iron patio sets.

AUTUMN 2012 GARDENTALK

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GardenCafe GardenCafe Bryanston captures the essence of outdoor cafe dining, an absolute delight to experience a wholesome meal in our tranquil garden centre surrounds. So here it is – GardenShop Bryanston’s best unkept secret – unhurried and relaxed dining perfect for the whole family. GardenCafe’s menu ranges from hearty breakfasts, tempting tea-time treats to healthy salads and filling sandwiches and wraps for lunch.

Choose to dine outside overlooking our gorgeous garden centre and children’s playground or inside for a relaxed and quiet ambience.

GardenCafe is open every day, including most public holidays from 8am to 5pm.

For more information on their catering platters call GardenCafe on 011 463 7056 or alternatively email annemarie@gardencafe.co.za or abel@gardencafe.co.za.

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Gardencafe Specia A TRULY DELIGHTFUL

2 FOR 1

Cream Scone Offer • 7 Days a week • From 2 – 5pm • Available at ton GardenCafe Bryans adacres only and GardenCafe Bro Offer expires at the

end of May 2012

Children’s Birthday Parties Celebrate your Birthday with us!

To find out more, phone GardenCafe Bryanston on 011 463 7056 or alternatively email annemarie@gardencafe.co.za or abel@gardencafe.co.za.

12 May 2012

Autumn Workshop for children (see page 12) 14

GARDENTALK AUTUMN 2012

Dig that garden

The most popular sown African Daisy seed. Ideal to sow now on mass, the African Daisy will thrive in hot sunny positions. Plant now for an unexpected blaze of colour.

Large Bumper packs are now available at GardenShop for R49.95.

Where to find Gardenshop The easiest is to visit our website that will provide you a list of all our stores and maps for location. www.gardenshop.co.za JOHANNESBURG: Broadacres: (011) 465 4216 Cnr Valley Road and Cedar Avenue GPS Co-ordinates: 26° 00’ 02” S • 27° 58’ 56” E Bryanston: (011) 463 5773/4 Cnr Halifax and Main Road GPS Co-ordinates: 26° 04’ 31” S • 28° 00’ 47” E Edenvale: (011) 524 0257 Stoneridge Shopping Centre Cnr. Modderfontein and Hereford Rd GPS Co-ordinates: 26° 06’ 56. 88” S • 28° 08’ 42. 73” E Parktown North: (011) 447 2368 Cnr Jan Smuts and Bolton Road GPS Co-ordinates: 26° 08’ 55” S • 28° 08’ 03” E PRETORIA: Menlo Park: (012) 460 5137/4275 Cnr Thirteenth and Mackenzie Street GPS Co-ordinates: 25° 46’ 09” S • 28° 15’ 29” E NATIONAL CONTACT CENTRE 0861 G-A-R-D-E-N (427336)

AUTUMN 2012 GARDENTALK

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A garden

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