Summer Scoop 2024-2025 by Kings Plant Barn

WHAT’S HAPPENING At Kings

After a busy growing season, we’re all feeling excited for the warmer weather and the arrival of summer! It’s time to reap the rewards of our veggie gardens, enjoy vibrant and colourful blooms, and check out the new growth on our indoor plants.

We’re delighted to share that we’ve been voted gold winners at the Reader’s Digest Quality Service awards for the fifth year in a row! At Kings, we're plant people, and we're thrilled to hear that you think we're as good with people as we are with plants. Thank you to everyone who voted for us—we’re so pleased to have helped so many kiwis grow well.

You may have seen some of our Kings-branded fertilisers with a fresh new look. We’ve started rolling out new packaging across our smaller bagged fertilisers, pottles, and liquid fertilisers, with all of our fertilisers to be refreshed over the next year.

There are so many exciting arrivals through the summer months, from new houseplant releases thanks to our friends at Gellerts, to the usual favourites like petunias, sunflowers, and star jasmine. Keep an eye on our socials and emails to get the scoop on what’s arriving in our garden centres this summer!

In this issue of Scoop, you'll read all about chillies, tropical fruit, hydrangeas, and more. Alongside our usual staples, we’ll take you through how to bring summer fragrance to your garden, planting for patio colour, plus tips and tricks for companion planting. We’ve also included a guide to creating your own cocktail garden, and one of our favourite recipes!

With the warm weather and sunny days finally here, it’s time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work in spring. Sit back, sip on a cocktail, and grow well with this issue of Summer Scoop.

- The Kings team

CELEBRATING YOUR SUCCESS Gardeners’ Mail

Kowhai Planting

In celebration of Howick College's 50th jubilee in October, a magnificent Kowhai tree kindly gifted by Kings Plant Barn was planted, symbolising growth and resilience within the school community. This vibrant native tree, known for its golden-yellow blossoms, reflects the spirit of the current students, staff and alumni who have nurtured the college over the years.

This beautiful addition to the college grounds not only enhances the landscape but also serves as a lasting reminder of the school's legacy and commitment to sustainability.

- Howick College

Manuka Delight

Every spring, my three Manuka bushes bring me much joy with their glorious blossoms.

The bees also buzz happily around the flowers, collecting nectar.

Thank you Kings for beautiful plants.

Nga mihi nui

- Lynn

ASK THE Plant Doctor

Got a tricky plant question? Ask instore or try our online Plant Doctor at plantdoctor.co.nz

Hi Plant Doctor,

I have a hedge with lots of new growth but I’m noticing lots of bugs on the new leaves. Please help!

- Thanks, Francis

Hi Francis,

These are black aphids. As this is a hedge, we recommend Grosafe GroVentive Garden. If you find aphids on edibles or prefer an organic option, try Aquaticus Bugtrol. These sap-sucking insects will often prey on plants that are stressed. Keep your hedge well-fed and watered over the summer months as aphids can reproduce prolifically when it's warm.

Hello Plant Doc!

My tomato plant has just started fruiting, but I’ve noticed some of the tomatoes have these dark bruised spots. What can I do?

- Cheers, Rob

Hi Rob,

Your tomatoes have blossom end rot. This is often caused by a lack of calcium, and irregular watering. To keep your tomatoes growing well, ensure that you are watering deeply and regularly. Feed with Kings Tomato Food regularly, and remove any affected tomatoes to encourage new fruit production.

SUMMER PLANTS

We’re Loving

The sun has settled in, the days are longer and warmer, and our gardens are filled with new growth. Summer is a wonderful time to be in our garden centres, filled with new arrivals of lush seasonal plants.

Raspberries

Nothing says summer like a handful of fresh, juicy raspberries picked straight from the garden! These berries are ideal for both beginner and expert gardeners, as they are easy to grow with minimal care. We love how delicious they taste when picked straight from the garden.

Frangipani

With lush green foliage and fragrant blooms in shades of pink, yellow and white, frangipani are the perfect summer flower for any gardener. Frangipani grow well in pots or planted directly in the garden. We love the tropical vibe frangipani bring to your outdoor space.

Michelia Figo

Michelia Figo are popular for their glossy green foliage and beautiful creamy yellow and burgundy blooms. Also known as the Port Wine Magnolia, this stunning tree will bring a sweet perfume to your garden that can be smelt from dozens of metres away!

Palms

Bring visual interest to your space with the addition of palms. Not only will they provide a lovely shady spot all year round, but some palms will also add privacy to your garden. We love the impressive height and tropical feel of palms , and the curated vibe they bring to your outdoor space.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a vibrant show stopper, with masses of blooms in a range of stunning colours. These fast-growing climbers look great when planted against walls and trellises. Plus, they’re low-maintenance, so you can enjoy maximum impact with minimal effort - what’s not to love!

Citrus

With delicious fruit, highly scented blooms and lush foliage, citrus are suited to almost any garden. These versatile favourites are the ideal addition to your kitchen garden - we love how many different varieties are available, especially coming into summer!

KingsPlantBarnNZ

KingsPlantBarn

FROM BUD TO BLOOM Hydrangeas

With striking blooms in a stunning array of styles and shades, hydrangeas add a classic charm to any garden space.

Hydrangeas are timeless shrubs with classic appeal. Their versatility suits both traditional and contemporary garden styles, whether planted en masse or as a feature. With a colour palette ranging from delicate pastels to vibrant purples and blues, there are so many hydrangeas to choose from. Not only do hydrangeas make a stunning addition to your garden, but they are also perfect for cut flower bouquets and dried flower arrangements.

Care

Most hydrangeas prefer being planted directly in the ground; however, some varieties grow well in pots, and a few can even be enjoyed indoors.

Hydrangeas grow well in full sun to part shade, with protection from the strong midday sun. Choose a

spot with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and mix in Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets at planting time. As hydrangeas lose their leaves and blooms during the cooler months, pick a spot in your garden that can tolerate a barer look over winter.

Ensure your hydrangeas have a consistent watering routine, with slow, deep waterings two to three times a week during summer. Avoid wetting the foliage to help prevent fungal diseases. Feed your hydrangeas Kings General Garden Food or Kings Rose Food between early spring and early autumn to give them everything they need for lush growth and vibrant blooms.

If you already have established hydrangeas in your garden, only a little care is required to keep

them growing well. After your hydrangeas lose their leaves in winter, prune back to a healthy bud to prepare them for another blooming season.

Kings

Top Tip

If you have classic blue or pink flowering hydrangeas in your garden, consider enhancing their colour by adjusting the soil's acidity. To deepen blue hues, use aluminium sulphate, and to intensify pinks, opt for dolomite lime.

Our Top Varieties

Magical Revolution

Spectacular blooms transform from pink or blue through to deep burgundy over a long flowering season. Grows to 70cm high.

Limelight

Striking lime green blooms mature to cream and then to beautiful shades of pink in late autumn. Grows to 1.5m high.

Helps improve soil structure and promotes composting of organic matter. Increased soil pH allows more nutrients to help the plant grow healthy.

Petite hydrangea plants with rounded heads of large white blooms contrasting against deep green foliage. Grows to 1.5m high.

Tuxedo

Deep, near-black foliage contrasts with bright red or pink blooms from spring through autumn. Grows to 90 cm high.

Ayesha

This mophead variety has lush dark green foliage, and fragrant pink or blue blooms depending on soil acidity. Grows to 1.2m high.

Hydrangea seemanii

This evergreen climbing hydrangea is a more unique choice with masses of white blooms. Grows to over 8m high.

A great organic fertiliser for all plants, trees and shrubs, helping to improve soil structure.

The ideal liquid fertiliser for all indoor and outdoor plants including trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowering plants.

Snowball

Kings Dolomite Lime

Kings Sheep Pellets

Kings General Garden Food

FILL YOUR GARDEN WITH Summer Fragrance

Sit back, enjoy the warm summer air, and awaken your senses with a garden filled with delightful fragrance. Nothing quite compares to the scent of summer flowers, transforming your outdoor space into a fragrant oasis.

Star Jasmine

Smothered in dainty white blooms, Star Jasmine will fill your garden with a sweet scent. Star Jasmine grow well in full sun, and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. This versatile plant can be trained up walls and pergolas, allowed to trail along the ground, or even grown in containers. With its hardy nature and year-round greenery, Star Jasmine is an ideal choice for adding structure and fragrance to any part of your garden.

Stephanotis

With fragrant white blooms contrasting beautifully against glossy, dark green foliage, Stephanotis is a must-have in any summer garden. Blooming from spring through autumn, its vining growth habit brings the scent of the tropics to new heights. Stephanotis grow well in full sun and acidic, well-draining soil but need to be in a warm, sheltered area over winter. Consider using them to frame a doorway or archway, creating a beautifully scented entrance to your garden.

Gardenia

Popular for their white blooms with rich, intoxicating fragrance, Gardenia make a stunning addition to any summer garden. These subtropical evergreen plants grow well in dappled shade and prefer acidic, well-draining soil. Blooming throughout spring and summer, consider growing gardenia in pots on your patio or by your front door to enjoy their wonderful fragrance as soon as you step outdoors.

TASTE THE

TROPICS WITH Tropical Fruit

Bring a tropical vibe to your summer garden by growing your own tropical fruit. With the right tips and tricks, you can create your very own tropical fruit garden right in your backyard!

Auckland’s subtropical climate creates the ideal environment for growing many fruits typically found in the islands. With the arrival of summer, our stores are filled with all the usual garden centres, plus a few unique options to try.

Due to their island origins, tropical fruits are best suited to full-sun positions, sheltered from harsh winds. Most tropical fruits thrive in slightly acidic, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Consistent watering is

key for tropical fruit, especially in the hotter summer months. Water slowly so it feeds down into the roots. Feed from spring through autumn with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.

Our Top Varieties

Passionfruit

This vigorous vine is a must-have for any tropical garden! With sweet and tangy pulp, freshly picked passionfruit offers a flavour like no other. Prune regularly to manage growth and encourage fruiting. Passionfruit vines are available in stores in late spring and summer, and now is the perfect time to get planting!

Pineapple

Sweet, tasty pineapples can be grown right here in Auckland! They’re low-maintenance and can be grown in containers or garden beds, so long as they are protected from frost. Pick a bright spot, and water once a week in spring and summer. Pineapple 'Queen' is one of the our favourites, with sweet gold flesh.

Bananas

Unlike other tropical fruit, bananas grow well in clay soil. They are incredibly resilient as long as they are sheltered from any harsh wind, so why not try growing your own? Bananas are heavy feeders, so regular fertilising is essential. We recommend the 'Misi Luki' variety and you’ll be rewarded with bountiful harvests of sweet fruit.

Casimiroa (White Sapote)

Known as the ‘ice cream fruit’, Casimiroa (or White Sapote) is a hardy tree that produces custardlike fruit with a sweet, tropical flavour. Prune regularly to control its height and shape, and you’ll soon have a beautiful, productive tree that will wow with its unique, creamy fruit.

Cherimoya

This unique fruit offers a taste that’s a blend of vanilla custard and fruit salad – delicious! While cherimoya is rarely found in supermarkets, it’s actually pretty easy to grow in Auckland’s climate. Once established, these trees can be quite productive, and the delicious fruit is most definitely worth the wait!

Black Sapote

If you’ve never tried a black sapote, you’re in for a treat! Often called the ‘chocolate pudding fruit’ for its rich and creamy texture, the flavour of a ripe black sapote resembles a decadent dessert. Perfect for gardeners looking to try something unique and a bit adventurous.

A SPLASH OF COLOUR Hibiscus

Looking to add a splash of tropical colour to your outdoor space? With striking blooms and lush foliage, hibiscus are the perfect choice for your garden.

Bring the tropical vibe indoors with HibisQs. These evergreen hibiscus stay under 1 metre tall, and have long-lasting blooms. Choose a spot with bright, indirect light, and keep the foliage misted for extra humidity.

Kings

Top Tip

Planting

Hibiscus are well-suited to any sunny garden. Plant in a spot that gets full sun, but has some protection from stronger winds. Hibiscus grow well in containers or when planted directly in the ground, so long as the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Consider planting hibiscus en masse for an eye-catching floral display.

When planting hibiscus directly into the ground, add Kings Compost, Kings Sheep Pellets, and Kings Citrus Food. When planting into pots, use Kings

Container Mix, as this has water storage crystals which help with moisture retention. Water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster whether they’re planted in the ground or in a pot.

Care

Regular watering is essential for your hibiscus, especially while they are getting established. Ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Monthly feeding during spring, summer and autumn with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster will encourage strong, healthy plants and profuse flowering.

In early spring, prune hibiscus back by about one-third. Hibiscus blooms on new growth, so pruning encourages more flowers and bushier growth.

Deciduous Hibiscus

Evergreen hibiscus are the most common in Auckland, and maintain lush green foliage year-round. Deciduous hibiscus, though less common, are also available and tend to be hardier than evergreen varieties. They boast large, dinner plate-like blooms, and flower slightly later in the season, from late-summer to mid-autumn.

ELEVATE YOUR GARDEN WITH Patio Colour

Transform your patio this summer with vibrant colour. With the right plants and styling tips, you can create a colourful and relaxing outdoor space.

For a curated look, consider combining pots and planters, and incorporating height with hanging baskets. Think about your patio’s style, and choose pots and flowers in a colour palette that complements this vibe. We love using a mix of pots with different flower combinations for a dynamic display.

When selecting plants, check the sunlight requirements and make sure your choices have similar

preferences. Kings Container Mix is an optimum choice for patio planting as it contains water crystals that help with water retention in the soil. If you are using a mix without water crystals, we recommend adding a handful of SaturAid when planting in summer, as this helps channel water directly to the roots.

Arrange your plants to ensure you're happy with the placement before planting. After planting,

Kings

Top Tip

We love the thrillers, fillers, spillers method for spectacular patio displays.

Thrillers are tall, striking centrepieces that act as the focal point. Spillers drape over the edges, creating a beautiful cascading effect, while fillers add fullness and fill the gaps between thrillers and spillers.

gently firm the soil and water deeply with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.

Through the summer months, water every few days and feed with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster every second week. To encourage prolonged flowering, prune and deadhead regularly.

Our Top Varieties

Tropical Impatiens

With large, vivid blooms in red, pink, white, or orange, Tropical Impatiens are perfect as a thriller in your pots. They have a long flowering cycle and can provide colour for up to 10 months of the year.

Petunias

Flowering profusely throughout the warmer months, petunias are a striking addition to your patio pots. Available in a range of stunning colours, these hardy plants are perfect for filling empty spots in your containers.

Helps conserve water by directing moisture in the soil straight to your plants' roots.

Pelargonium

Popular for their clusters of bright blooms in a range of vibrant colours, Pelargoniums are a standout choice for thrillers. These hardy plants thrive in warm conditions, making them the perfect low-maintenance option.

Dichondra 'Silver Falls'

With a distinct trailing habit and silvery, cascading foliage, Dichondra 'Silver Falls' is a striking choice for hanging baskets and containers. This spiller is a fantastic low-maintenance choice, and thrives in Auckland’s climate.

Kings Container Mix

Kings Container Mix is great for using with trees, shrubs, hanging baskets, and any edibles that prefer moist soil.

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa boasts an abundance of petite, bell-shaped blooms, and are an ideal filler for your pots. Known for their easy-care nature and versatility, Calibrachoa add vibrant colour and texture to any arrangement.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia can be stunning as a spiller, with elegant, drooping blooms resembling tiny lanterns. The blooms range in colour from deep purples and reds to soft whites and pinks, so there’s a variety to suit any garden style.

Aquaticus Garden Booster

An all-purpose natural and organic fertiliser that feeds plants, helps increase and promote healthy soil biology, and creates healthy soils.

Saturaid

PASSIONATE PLANT PEOPLE

Meet Our Team

The team at Kings are plant people – passionate and enthusiastic about caring for plants. Get to know a few of our team, and the story of how their love for plants came about. With their expertise and love for plants, they’re here to help you grow well.

Micah CEO

I got my first plant when I was 10. Inspired by The Karate Kid, I put a bonsai tree at the top of my Christmas list, and my parents obliged. That bonsai became my first real project, teaching me the patience and joy that come from nurturing and shaping something over time. Since then, I’ve loved bringing art and theatre to my gardens— whether it’s creating a buxus-lined rose bed, training star jasmine into diamond patterns on a fence, or shaping lomandra into perfect spheres.

Now, as CEO of Kings, I’m excited to bring this sense of inspiration to our stores. With a long career in retail, I’m passionate about creating instore experiences that inspire, offering fresh ideas and innovations that enrich our customers' lives. My wife and I even owned a garden centre for four years, it was both fulfilling and a wonderful way to connect with the community. My goal is to ensure Kings delivers the best possible customer experience, with excellence in service and advice at its heart. I love engaging with customers, so if you see me in one of our stores, please say hi—I’d love to hear about your own gardening experiences and inspirations.

With a lifelong passion for nature, my love for plants began in childhood, nurtured by my parents and grandparents, who were avid and skilled gardeners. Their influence led me to complete a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2014, where I developed my skills in sustainable design and landscape planning.

For five years, I had the privilege of working as the Park Presentation Manager at Rainbow's End, overseeing both the daily maintenance and creative design of the park’s 7.5 acres. One of the most rewarding challenges was using a wide variety of plants in themed areas to craft magical experiences for guests. During this time, we planted over 10,000 plants to enhance the park’s natural beauty.

I find incredible relaxation and peace when surrounded by plants, with a particular fondness for English lavender and cherry blossoms. These beautiful flowering plants not only add charm to any space but also support my beehives, making them even more special. I’ve worked at a number of the Kings branches through the years, and I love helping others discover the joy of gardening and assist in bringing their gardens to life.

Head instore today and meet our team of expert staff and knowledgeable Plant Doctors. Whether you’re a beginner or a gardening pro, our team are here to help you grow well.

Brendan Garden Centre Assistant

HEALTHY GARDEN HACK Companion Planting

Have you ever heard of companion planting? It’s a technique that involves growing different plants together in ways that benefit each other, whether by deterring pests or attracting pollinators!

Companion planting offers a range of benefits that help you cultivate a healthy, thriving garden. Let’s dive into the secrets of this age-old gardening technique.

Certain plants have natural properties that deter specific pests, and pairing them together can be a fantastic alternative to spraying. Garlic and marigolds, for example, are excellent for deterring aphids, while basil and lavender work well to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Companion planting can also be a great way of attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Plant

bee-friendly blooms such as lavender, echinacea and cosmos to bring pollinators to your garden, increasing cross-pollination and in turn boosting your fruit yields. Just make sure your bee-friendly plants bloom at the same time as your fruit and veggie plants for maximum benefit.

Another benefit of companion planting is that some plants can improve the growing conditions of those around them. Plant strategically to provide shade, suppress weeds, or even enrich the soil with nutrients, giving neighbouring plants a better chance to grow well.

Finally, sacrificial crops can be a clever way to divert pests away from your main harvest. By planting decoy crops that pests prefer, you help keep your valuable crops untouched. Just be sure to plant sacrificial crops slightly ahead of your main crop!

Grow well with

Our Top Varieties

Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the ultimate companion plants. They repel a variety of harmful insects, including aphids, beetles and nematodes. They are hardy, easy to grow and their bright blooms also attract pollinators. Plant marigolds as a companion plant for tomatoes, beans and carrots.

Basil

Plant basil to repel common garden pests such as aphids, mosquitoes and whitefly. Basil is a perfect companion for tomatoes; not only do they complement each other taste-wise, but basil can also help improve the flavour of tomatoes grown nearby.

Alyssum

Alyssum is a small, low-growing plant that attracts a range of beneficial insects, including bees and ladybirds. Its dense groundcover is effective at suppressing weeds and makes a lovely, colourful border for garden beds. Plant with veggies like lettuce and broccoli.

Sage

Sage is a versatile herb with a strong scent which acts as a natural insect deterrent. It’s pretty low-maintenance once established, making it the ideal low effort companion plant. We recommend planting sage with brassicas, carrots and tomatoes.

PLANTING ESSENTIALS

Kings Sheep Pellets

A great organic fertiliser for all of your plants, vegetables and flowers. Apply a handful into your dug hole, or sprinkle around drip-lines.

Kings Garden Mix

Ideal for flowers and a wide variety of plants. 100% weed-free, and includes blood & bone and slow release fertiliser to encourage healthy, sustained growth.

Kings Fruit & Flower Booster

Sulphate of Potash gives your plants the boost of potassium they need to produce new flowers with stronger colour and fragrance.

LIVING EARTH

TURNING GREENWASTE INTO AMAZING RESULTS

LIVING EARTH

TURNING GREENWASTE INTO AMAZING RESULTS

PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE

MOTUTAPU RESTORATION TRUST

PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE

MOTUTAPU RESTORATION TRUST

Half a million trees and counting

‘People often come into our nursery and say, Wow, what fabulous plants,’ crediting Living Earth for the results.

‘People often come into our nursery and say, Wow, what fabulous plants,’ crediting Living Earth for the

Half a million trees and counting

- Deputy Chair Bridget Winstone

‘People often come into our nursery and say, Wow, what fabulous plants,’ crediting Living Earth for the results.

- Deputy Chair Bridget Winstone

A FIERY FAVOURITE Chillies

Add some spice to your kitchen garden with fiery chillies. From the tiniest varieties to those that are eye-wateringly spicy, there really is a chilli for everyone.

Planting

Whether you’re a seasoned spice enthusiast or just starting to embrace the heat, chillies are easy to grow with a little know-how. Chillies grow well in a spot with at least six hours of sun each day, and well-draining soil.

When planting directly in the garden, choose a location that hasn’t previously hosted tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants to reduce disease risk. Leave at least 30cm between each plant, and prepare the soil with Kings

and Kings Sheep Pellets before planting.

When planting in a pot, choose at least a 20L size to give your chillies room to thrive. Fill your pot with Kings Container Mix to keep them growing well.

Care

Chillies are relatively lowmaintenance. Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease. To enjoy a bumper crop, feed

regularly with Kings Tomato Food or Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.

To enjoy your chillies for longer, consider drying them. When harvesting, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth until you’ve thoroughly washed your hands. Select ripe, unblemished fruits, slice them lengthways, and remove the seeds. Pop them on an oven tray and bake for six to eight hours at 80°C. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!

Compost

Our Top Varieties

Chilli Fire

Chilli Fire is popular for its disease resistance and prolific fruiting. This chilli variety is perfect for cooking fresh when green or red.

Carolina Reaper

The world’s hottest chilli, the Carolina Reaper has a sweet, fruity flavour that kicks into intense heat moments after you bite.

Jalwa

Popular for their moderate heat and excellent flavour. Their finger-shaped fruit is tasty when green, or fully ripened to red.

How hot is too hot? Your guide to choosing chillies:

From mild and fruity to mind-blowingly hot, there’s a chilli to suit every palate. When deciding what to grow, there’s much to consider, and lots of varieties to choose from. Chillies range widely in spiciness, and flavour can vary based on growing conditions and ripeness

Variety

Bell Pepper

Banana Pepper

Jalapeno

Hungarian Wax Pepper

Manzano

Tabasco

Cayenne

Chilli Fire

Rocoto

Bird's Eye

Jalwa

Scotch Bonnet

Bhut Jolokia

Trinidad Scorpion

Carolina Reaper

Kings Compost

Mix into your garden soil for organic nutrients, as well as helping to improve drainage.

Heat

Top Tip

In New Zealand’s cooler winters, most chillies are grown as annuals, meaning they’ll only last for one growing season. However, a few exceptions like Rocoto and Manzano can tolerate the lower temperatures and may survive multiple seasons.

Great for using on trees, shrubs, containers, hanging baskets, and any edibles that prefer moist soil.

Great for chillies, capsicum, eggplant, and other fruiting veggies. Feed once every two to four weeks.

Kings Container Mix

Kings Tomato Food

What you'll need:

• Terrarium stones

• Terrarium sand

• Moss

• Soil

• Container for planting

• Decorations

• Plants

Email a photo of your finished Fairy Garden to scoop@kings.co.nz before 8th March 2025 and go in the draw to win a $50 Little Growers prize pack!*

Choose a shallow container as the base for your fairy garden. Add a layer of stones and sand for drainage, then cover with a layer of soil.

Select plants that fit your theme –succulents are one of our favourites for fairy gardens!

Add stones, moss, and any decorations you’ve chosen to bring your fairy garden to life. Keep your fairy garden thriving by misting it with a spray bottle.

Tip: If fairies aren't your Little Growers' thing, try dinosaurs instead!

STYLING TIPS FOR Indoor Plants

With longer days filled with lots of sun, summer brings a flush of new growth to your indoor plants. Whether you’re new to indoor plants or already have an extensive collection, we’ve got all the tips to keep your houseplants looking lush this summer.

The summer months bring more time spent outdoors, and often more time spent at home. This is the perfect opportunity to freshen up your indoor space. Take some time to consider where you want to get creative and change things up, and which new indoor plants you might like to welcome into your home.

Care

With warmer temperatures, your indoor plants will be thirstier than usual. Keep an eye on the soil’s moisture levels, and make sure your plants stay evenly moist. Your plants may have differing watering needs, so get familiar with their requirements before setting your summer watering schedule.

Most indoor plants will be happy with a liquid feed every three to four weeks over the summer months. For lush foliage, we recommend Kings Houseplant Food, and for flowering plants, a liquid orchid fertiliser with higher potassium levels will work beautifully.

Summer Styling Tips

Gorgeous Groups

Grouping plants is a design technique that adds style and cohesion to any room. Clustering plants on shelving, coffee tables, and in corners can transform your space with vibrant greenery.

One of our favourite groupings is the structured elegance of the Snake Plant, paired with the unique style of the ZZ Plant, and softened by the cascading charm of the Spider Plant.

Mix and Match Foliage

Experiment by choosing plants with different textures and colours. We love pairing the delicate fronds of maidenhair ferns with the large, glossy leaves of a ficus. Combining contrasting plants is an excellent way to accentuate the unique characteristics of each.

Statement Plants

Create a captivating focal point in your indoor space with a large indoor plant. These feature plants look striking when placed in a corner or filling a spacious room. Our favourites for statement plants include Bird of Paradise and large Monsteras.

Vertical Interest

Trailing plants add elegance to your indoor space with their lush foliage and cascading growth habits. Ideal for smaller spaces, they can be placed on shelving units to create visual interest without taking up floor space. Some of our favourite trailing plants include Pothos, String of Turtles, and Tradescantia.

Provides plants with up to six months worth of

Kings Houseplant Mix

Help your indoor plants grow well with this perfect blend promoting healthy growth and lush foliage.

Kings Houseplant Food

A complete feed which provides the nutrients your plants need to produce healthy foliage, and vibrant flowers.

Kings Slow Release Houseplant Food

nutrients.

SIP INTO SUMMER Cocktail Garden

Create your own cocktail garden and spend warm summer afternoons sipping delicious cocktails or mocktails with ingredients picked straight from your backyard.

Setting up a cocktail garden is easy, fun, and the perfect way to add fresh, homegrown flavours to your drinks all season long! Think about your favourite beverages and what flavours or garnishes make them stand out. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious backyard, you can create a cocktail garden that suits both your space and your tastes.

Zesty Citrus

Citrus are a staple in any cocktail garden. They are extremely versatile, and grow well in containers - making them the ideal choice for those smaller outdoor spaces.

Choose a pot of at least 50L, pop them in a sunny spot and water deeply and regularly during summer. Feed with Kings Citrus Food from spring through autumn to enjoy fruitful harvests.

We love the tangy, refreshing notes that citrus brings to summer beverages.

Berry Bliss

Berries are a popular cocktail ingredient for their natural sweetness and vibrant colour. Easy to grow, they thrive in sunny spots with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. For bountiful harvests, feed with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.

After fruiting, prune back dead and overgrown sections to increase fruit yield and improve plant health for the next season. Harvest your berries, and enjoy both a sweet and tart flavour in your cocktails.

Heavenly Herbs

Herbs are the secret ingredient in many cocktails, adding an aromatic touch to your garden. They’re easy to grow in pots, making them conveniently accessible from your kitchen!

Most herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, so choose a sunny spot for your herb garden. Each herb has different watering and care preferences, so check specific requirements before planting. Regular harvesting encourages bushier, more productive growth, giving you a constant supply of fresh herbs to enhance your cocktails.

Lemons

The sourness of lemon tastes divine in Mojitos and Lemon Drops. We recommend 'Yen Ben' or 'Lisbon' varieties.

Lime

A perfect choice for Margaritas, Mai Thais and Cosmpolitans.

Orange

Freshly squeezed orange juice will elevate an Old Fashioned.

Blueberries

Bursting with natural sweetness, try them in a Blueberry Mojito or use as a garnish.

Raspberries

Freshly picked raspberries add sweet-tart goodness to a Raspberry Snakebite.

Strawberries

These versatile berries can be used as garnish, or muddled into cocktails like Frosés and Strawberry Daiquiris.

Sage

With an earthy, slightly peppery taste, sage is fantastic in cocktails like the Sage and Honey Whiskey Sour or Sage Gin Fizz.

Mint

A classic for Mojitos and Mint Juleps, mint adds a cool and refreshing flavour to your cocktails.

Rosemary

This aromatic herb has savoury notes perfect for adding depth to an Old Fashioned or a Lemon and Rosemary Bourbon Sour.

Kings Top Tip

Garnish Garnish Garnish

Simple yet impactful, garnishes add the final touch that takes a cocktail to the next level. From cucumber strips to fresh berries, herb sprigs, and even edible flowers, your homegrown cocktail only needs a little garnish to shine. Fresh herbs bring an aromatic touch, while berries and edible flowers add a splash of colour and freshness. Garnishes are the perfect chance to get creative, with your cocktail garden providing endless inspiration.

Edible Flowers

Add colour and elegance with Borage, Nasturtium and Violets.

Berries

Fresh berries will elevate both the aesthetic appeal and the flavour of your cocktails.

Cucumber

For a refreshing and cool twist, consider adding strips of cucumber to your cocktails.

With their easy-care nature and minimal space requirement, herbs make an excellent easy-care gift. They serve as versatile ingredients for various culinary endeavoursincluding cocktails!

Kings

Citrus Food

Improves taste, colour and size of citrus and fruit trees, while also promoting growth and healthy foliage.

Kings Container Mix

Great for using on trees, shrubs, containers, hanging baskets, and any edibles that prefer moist soil.

Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster

Help your outdoor plants grow well with this all-purpose fertiliser.

Juicy pineapple, zesty lime, and minty freshness make this cocktail a perfect sip for sunny days.

GARDEN TO GLASS Recipe Fresh Pineapple Mojito

This delicious drink can be enjoyed as a mocktail - just leave out the rum!

What You'll Need

∙ 60mL white rum

∙ 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks

∙ 15mL freshly squeezed lime juice

∙ 6-8 fresh mint leaves

∙ 2 tsp sugar

∙ Ice cubes

∙ Soda water

∙ Pineapple slice and mint sprig for garnish

Method

In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh pineapple chunks, mint leaves, and sugar. Muddle everything well until the pineapple is crushed and juicy, releasing all the flavours.

Add the lime juice and white rum to the shaker, then fill with ice and shake well until everything is nicely chilled.

Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.

Top up with soda water and give it a gentle stir.

Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple and a mint sprig.

When harvesting pineapples, wait until the fruit is fully ripe - you'll be able to smell them once ready. Twist gently or cut with a small section of the stem attached to avoid damaging the plant.

Kings

Top Tip

GARDEN TO PLATE Recipe

Chilli & Tomato Jam

This sweet and spicy chilli jam is perfect for adding a fiery kick to sandwiches, cheeses, and marinades!

Ingredients

∙ 5 long red chillies (mild to medium), deseeded

∙ 2 garlic cloves, peeled

∙ 1 small thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled

∙ 150g fresh tomatoes, chopped

∙ 200g caster sugar

∙ 100ml apple cider vinegar

∙ Juice of half a lime

Instructions

In a food processor, add the chillies, garlic, and ginger. Blitz until everything is finely chopped and smooth.

Pour the chilli mixture into a small saucepan. Add the chopped tomatoes, caster sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Squeeze in lime juice for a bit more brightness.

Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Reduce to a low simmer, cooking for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The jam should thicken and turn glossy. To test, place a small spoonful on a plate – it should have a sticky, jammy consistency when cooled.

Carefully pour the hot chilli jam into a sterilised jar, sealing it tightly while still hot. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Store in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep in the fridge and use within a few weeks.

Kings Top Tip

If you're looking to add a bit more heat to your jam, try bird’s eye or habanero chillies - a little goes a long way!

Not sure what to get the green thumb in your life?

Give the gift of choice with a Kings Gift Card, available instore and online.

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the silly season!

Summer has arrived and so has

Enjoy a break from the holiday chaos and get stuck into the gardenit’s the perfect peaceful escape.

Flowers And Perennials

Add a pop of colour to your hanging baskets with Kings Super 4 Packs and Kings Colour Your Garden.

Annual chrysanthemums and feverfew will selfseed. Add these to flower beds and enjoy them as they come to life each year.

Support dahlia flowers with a bamboo stake and soft tomato ties if their flower heads become too heavy for their stems.

YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO-DO LIST December

Fruit

Generously mulch your fruit trees with Living Earth

More Than Mulch. Sprinkle Kings Slow Release Citrus Food around the base of your potted fruit trees, including lemons, limes, mandarins, feijoas, figs and even olive trees. For cross-pollination and a bumper crop, plant two different varieties of blueberries in your garden.

Veggies

Tomato plants are heavy feeders, so feed them every two weeks with a potassium-rich liquid feed like Kings Tomato Food.

Plant summer seedlings now for delicious late-summer harvests of lettuce, courgettes, cucumbers, squash, and melons.

Water your veggies in the mornings so they have plenty of time to soak up the moisture before the afternoon heatjust avoid wetting the foliage.

Treat your veggie garden to Kings Sheep Pellets. Dissolve a handful in water before pouring around your crops every three weeks. Use Aquaticus Soil Conditioner at planting time to improve soil quality and make nutrients more readily available to your veggies.

General Tasks

Create fresh floral bouquets for the festive season. We love using hydrangea, dahlia, sweet William, lavender and lilies. Tackle weeds before they seed and spread throughout the garden. Pull out small ones by hand, or spray with organic weed killer if they are still young.

Trees And Shrubs Plant hydrangeas in partly shaded areas of your garden. Our stunning rose varieties are out in full bloom in stores now, so take a moment to enjoy the colours, smell, and to choose a new favourite!

Create your own tropical oasis by planting bromeliads, ferns, palms, ligularia, and gardenia in a partly shaded spot.

Indoor Plants

It’s time to propagate! Grow cuttings of your favourite indoor plants in water or in a sandy or pumice-rich mix that is kept moist. Encourage new growth from hibernating nodes with cloning paste. Use on monsteras, philodendrons, hoyas, epipremnum and other vining and climbing plants. With warmer temperatures, your indoor plants will need more water. Test the soil’s moisture with your finger to see if it needs a deep drink or a light trickle. If the soil feels dry a few centimetres below the surface, it's time for a deep watering.

Aquaticus

Soil Conditioner

All purpose, organic soil conditioner made from NZ green-lipped mussels. Safe for pets and people.

Living Earth More Than Mulch Contains bark which creates a barrier between the sun and earth, keeping plants hydrated for longer.

Kings Tomato Food Great for chillies, capsicum, eggplant, and other fruiting veggies. Feed once every two to four weeks.

Grow well with

DECEMBER

Pin me to the wall!

It’s a new year, so is it also time for new plants?

Enjoy a fresh start for 2025 and add some new plants to your collection!

Flowers And Perennials

Keep on top of any weeds in your flower beds. Feed flowers with Kings General Garden Food or try Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster for an organic option. Fill gaps in the garden with stunning summer blooms such as petunias, gazanias, marigolds, and tropical impatiens. Get drought-tolerant plants in the garden now! Some of our favourites include ice plants, kangaroo paws, portulaca pizzaz, and osteospermums.

YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO-DO LIST

Fruit

Plant delicious subtropical fruit now, including feijoas, cherimoyas, pawpaws, and natal plums!

Give your blueberry plants deep waterings, as they will drop fruit if they aren’t getting enough moisture. Any trees that have been planted within the last twelve months still need deep watering.

Veggies

Make the most of the warmer months by planting mature tomato plants, large-grade chillies, eggplants, and okra. Keep feeding your tomatoes with Kings Tomato Food, and watch leafy greens thrive with Kings General Garden Food. For a spray-free option, protect your crops with bug netting.

Indoor Plants

Watch the watering needs of your indoor plants closely; drooping leaves are a sign they’re thirsty. Always choose to plant into pots with drainage holes. Rocks in the bottom of pots without drainage may cause problems later down the track.

Trees And Shrubs

General Tasks

Boost your blueberry harvest by feeding with Kings Blueberry Food or Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. Blueberries prefer acidic soil, so be careful to avoid using lime around them. Mow your lawn once every ten days to two weeks. Don’t mow too low, as this can expose gaps and encourage weeds to grow. Encourage new blooms by deadheading spent flowers regularly.

Keep your hedges well-watered throughout the summer. Pittosporum and griselinia are hardy but may succumb to root rot when under-watered and planted in clay soil. Plant tropical hibiscus in your garden to enjoy their stunning blooms year after year. Noticing bubbled or curled new leaves on your eugenias? This could be eugenia psyllids. Cut back most of the affected growth and spray with Grosafe GroVentive Garden or Grosafe Bioneem.

Grow well with

Kings General Garden Food

The ideal liquid fertiliser for all indoor and outdoor plants including trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowering plants.

Grosafe GroVentive Garden

A two-way systemic spray that doesn’t affect bees. Deals with sap-sucking insects, including mealybug, aphids and scale.

Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster

An all-purpose natural and orga nic fertilis er that feeds plants, helps increase and promote healthy soil biology, and creates healthy soils.

Pin me to the wall!

Enjoy the last month of summer with quality time spent in the garden. Harvest fruit and veggies, pick beautiful blooms, and work your way through our February checklist.

YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO-DO LIST February

Flowers And Perennials

For prolonged flowering, stay on top of deadheading spent blooms.

Alstroemeria, penstemons, gazanias, geraniums and petunias will be in bloom this month, and they look fantastic when planted in pots or en masse.

Feed your summer flowering plants with Kings General Garden Food.

Fruit

Plant citrus trees such as lemons and limes in welldraining soil. Improve your soil by mixing in Kings

Compost. If your soil is clay-based, consider adding Gypsum Clay Breaker to the mix. Harvest late summer fruit as they become ripe, or pick them slightly early and share with friends and family. Once the main crop has finished fruiting, give your trees a light prune. Plant passionfruit vines in a sunny, warm and sheltered position, in well-draining soil. Remember that most feijoa varieties need two plants to pollinate fruitwe’ve got lots of varieties to choose from!

Veggies

Our final drop of fruiting chilli plants arrive instore this monthwhy not try growing a different variety this year? If your herbs are looking a little sad, consider replacing them with fresh plants. Check for caterpillars regularly, as they might be hiding in plain sight! Water around the roots each morning. Avoid watering the foliage as this may cause powdery mildew.

General Tasks

Remove medium-sized weeds from the garden using a grubber. Be sure to remove all the roots. If you don’t already compost, now is a great time to get started. If you have a smaller area, try a worm farm. Worms will dispose of your food and garden waste, as well as providing your garden with natural and organic nutrients with worm tea or composted matter.

Trees And Shrubs

Mulch trees and shrubs with Living Earth More Than Mulch and water deeply once a week.

Plant mandevilla, frangipani, bird of paradise, and hibiscus in well-draining soil and in full sun. If you have clay soil, mix in Kings Compost, creating a slight mound or raised bed for increased drainage.

Indoor Plants

For larger plants such as ficus and monstera, feed with Kings Slow Release Houseplant Food. If your peace lilies are wilting faster than usual, it may be time to repot them into slightly larger pots.

Maintain a regular watering schedule. To gauge if a plant needs watering, lift the pot and assess how light it feels.

Kings Slow Release Houseplant Food Provides plants with up t o 6 months worth of nutrients and minerals. Promotes healthy growth and lush flowers.

Gypsum Clay Breaker

A great means to break up clay-based soil ove r time, helping plants thrive.

Kings Compost Mix into your original garden soil for organic nutrients, as well as helping to improve drainage.

Grow well with

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