Titirangi family create a versatile, easy-care garden with room for both nightcaps and howzats

OUTDOOR DIARY

February checklist

Text by Carol Bucknell. Illustrations by Pippa Fay .

FLOWER OF THE MONTH

Dahlia It’s been a couple of hundred years since plant hunters first brought dahlias from Mexico to Europe, and there are now hundreds of varieties of this late-summer perennial available. From cactus and orchid to waterlily and peony, double or single, giant or small, there’s a dahlia to suit the most finicky of horticultural palettes. If you have good, well-drained soil, you can grow them (from seed, seedlings or tubers) in a sunny spot out of the wind. In colder districts, grow from sprouted tubers to get them cracking during the shorter summers. Staking plants in windy areas is advised, as is regular watering, liquid feeding and deadheading.

GROW THIS Want a plant that gives you plenty of gorgeous, colourful flowers without a lot of fuss? Then look no further than petunias. Easy to grow if planted in a sunny spot, petunias will cope with drought but do much better in moist, fertile soil. New varieties of these popular plants, both annual and perennial, keep arriving in garden centres, expanding the already extensive range of flower colours on offer. Perfect for pots, planters, hanging baskets and newbie gardeners.

Try these top tips for the month

SUMMER LOVE Keep your garden happy with regular watering and frequent deadheading (removing faded blooms encourages plants to keep producing new ones instead of making seed from the spent flowers). A liquid feed also helps to boost flower production. SEED BANKS If you want to collect seed, leave a few blooms to set seed, then sprinkle the seeds around the garden where you’d like more plants next season. Or gather them on a dry day and store in a paper bag or envelope (not plastic) over winter in a cool, dry spot. AIR FLOW To discourage pests such as passionfruit hoppers, aphids and white fly, thin the canopy or crown of shrubs and trees, taking out crossing, dead or diseased branches, and ensure there’s plenty of space between plants. Neem oil is a popular treatment, too. WELL CUT Grow shrubs cheaply from cuttings of Chinese lantern (Abutilon ), box, cistus, fuchsia, hebe, hydrangea, lavender and teucrium. Cut a 5cm piece, with no flower buds, just below a leaf node. Trim most of the leaves. Pot with coarse sand and compost.

Harvest

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LEMONGRASS Lemongrass is an extremely versatile herb. The inner leaves and white stalks are delicious in Asian dishes and can also be used to make medicinal teas for soothing headaches and aiding oral health. You can also rub the leaves on your skin to repel mosquitoes. Just having a lemongrass plant in a pot near your outdoor area will help to keep bugs at bay.

TOMATOES Tomatoes left on the vine to ripen will have the best flavour, but watch out for birds wanting their share. Pick only what you need each day as tomatoes lose flavour when stored in the fridge. For good-sized fruit and to reduce the stress on plants (which means better resistance to pests and diseases), take out the top shoot once there are 4-5 flowering trusses.

FRUIT While harvesting nectarines, plums and other fruit, collect rotten and damaged fruit from the ground and tree to reduce the spread of pests and diseases. This also helps to take some of the weight off tree branches. If branches are still heavily laden, pick some of the healthy fruit, too. Don’t compost the diseased or infested plant material. Instead, put it in a bucket of water to fully rot down.

TIP When the flowers and leaves on potatoes start to yellow and die down, they are ready to harvest. To check, gently remove soil at the edge of a mound; replace if your spuds need a bit longer. Digging them up with a spade can damage crops so use a fork to loosen soil, then pull spuds out by hand.

Sow

Vitamin-rich bok choy can be sown in a sunny spot into the ground, or into seed trays in cooler areas. In warmer regions, find a partly shaded place so plants don’t flower and stop producing leaves. Thin out seedlings as they develop for final spacing of around 20cm apart. Soil needs plenty of compost and manure dug in well before sowing. You can sow carrots where soil is not too hot, though young carrots don’t like very cold soil either, so don’t leave it too long if early frosts could hit your area. Keep soil moist and thin seedlings regularly so plants ultimately have 3-5cm between them. New Zealand spinach (kōkihi) copes better with heat than common spinach. Sow seed into moist, rich soil in full sun or part shade. Thin out weaker seedlings so plants are about 50cm apart when mature. Water regularly and lay mulch in hot gardens. Sow kale into seed trays or directly into the garden in warmer areas. In cooler gardens, plant seedlings. Thin out seedlings to avoid plants becoming leggy with weak stems. Aim for 30-40cm between plants.

Plant

Leek seedlings can be planted now (or seeds sown) so they can get growing well before the weather turns cold. Soil should be well drained with plenty of compost added in advance. Apply allpurpose fertiliser as plants mature. For whiter stems, mound soil up around base of plants. If you cut leeks about 1cm above soil, the base will resprout. Plant late-cropping potatoes into soil fertilised at least 2 weeks beforehand. Mix in compost, sheep pellets and other organic matter thoroughly as too much of this good stuff around tubers can cause potato scab and other diseases. Phosphorus is also essential for root-vegetable development. There’s still time to pop in a courgette plant or two in warmer gardens. Space about 75-100cm apart or use a strong support to grow them vertically. They need fertile soil and regular feeding and watering. Plant young celery seedlings in a sunny spot that doesn’t get too hot in the middle of the day. Regular moisture is essential. Space 15-20cm apart. In cooler regions wait until spring before planting. C A R O L BUCKNELL G A R D E N EDITOR

In store This month’s must-haves for your home

STACKS OF STYLE A minimalist take on shelving solutions, freedom’s Stacks range is designed in a chic black steel frame and features generous shelves for ample storage. Perfect as a standalone piece or positioned with another for a style statement. Now available in two heights from only $449. Shop in-store or online at freedomfurniture.co.nz.

DESIGNED FOR YOU Create a statement in your bedroom with the Rhia set by Linen House. A dark and serene ground with artistic fl owers blossoming on top creates the look of an oil painting. Printed on a cotton sateen, the luxurious story is brought to life with richly saturated shades of olive and wine. Available at Farmers.

THE PERFECT OPTION For some people who have trouble drinking regular cow’s milk, it might be because of the A1 protein. a2 Milk TM brought to you by Anchor TM might make a difference as some people say it just feels better in their bodies. It’s perfect in smoothies, coffee, over cereal or just on its own. Available through leading retailers throughout New Zealand.

HONEY I’M HOME ecostore’s new Mint & Manuka Honey Hand Wash is made from plant and mineral-based ingredients, with soothing Manuka Honey and hydrating harakeke that leave hands clean and soft, with a refreshing mint fragrance. Available in New World, Pak’nSave and at ecostore.com in a 250ml pump, RRP$5.49, and 500ml refi ll, RRP$7.49.

HOLIDAY AT HOME The new Zaza Outdoor sofa by King Living features the same contemporary design and modular fl exibility as the award-winning Zaza sofa. Designed by renowned Australian designer Charles Wilson, Zaza Outdoor maintains its enticing deep seats, elegant slender legs and adjustable arms and back; making it the most comfortable outdoor sofa under the sun. For more details visit kingliving.co.nz.

BERRY, BERRY GOOD Tucking into a punnet of plump, juicy blueberries is truly one of summer’s great pleasures – and longtime grower Dan Hutchins, of NZ Gourmet, produces the kind that have kept Countdown buyers coming back for 15 years. Taste the Grower Fresh difference for yourself this summer at your nearest Countdown store, or shop online at countdown.co.nz.

ADVERTISING PROMOTION

MAKE IT YOURS WITH STRIA Stria cladding is an ultra-sleek cladding option that plays with defi nitive lines and shadows to instantly transform home designs into an extension of your own personal style. Stria delivers a look that’s distinctive and modern, while also being a clever way to achieve the appearance of masonry. Visit jameshardie.co.nz to fi nd out more.

NUTRITION FOR A VERY GOOD BOY Made fresh in New Zealand, Meat Mates is a tasty meal enhancer of pure protein which can be sprinkled on your dog’s daily food to nutritionally enhance their diet. With a choice of Beef, Lamb, Chicken and Tripe, it will be hard to pick their favourite – even for fussy eaters. RRP from $9.99. Visit meatmates.com to fi nd your local stockist.

A STYLISH WAY TO CHERISH MEMORIES As a specialist in stylish hanging systems, we develop fl exible ways to display art, photographs and other wall decorations. A picture-hanging system consists of a hanging rail with suspended wires and hooks. There are many ways to hang art and decorate your walls. Artiteq guarantees a safe yet fl exible way to hang pictures and wall decorations. Visit artiteq.co.nz for more information or contact us at 0800 820 840.

WE’RE WATCHING… NEON Even over summer, there are always those days when you just want to curl up on the couch in front of the TV, with a glass of wine and a sweet treat. Over the holidays our streaming service of choice is NEON. We need to catch up on series two of Big Little Lies, plus there is the riveting all-time classic The Wire , as well as the always entertaining Grey’s Anatomy. Get a taste with a free 14-day trial at neontv.co.nz.

THE ELEGANT CHOICE The Adesso Urban vanity range from Mico will give your bathroom modern, uncomplicated style. With a premium matte white vanity top and NZ-made cabinetry, it will add the ‘wow’ factor to any bathroom. Cabinet colour options are available. Ask in store for more details, or shop our range online at mico.co.nz.

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GORGEOUS cowhide rugs and accessories Check out our Phone: 021 536 788 www.thecowhidecompany.co.nz

WASTE-FREE LUNCHES – MADE EASY! The Lunchbox Queen

NZ's largest range of bento boxes • beeswax wraps • drink bottles • insulated bags • reusable food pouches • sandwich cutters • and much more!

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Grace + Wild is excited to share its beautiful range of quality handmade rattan and bamboo pendant lighting. These on-trend lights will bring an effortless style to your home at an affordable price - whether you're building, renovating or just after a fresh look for summer.

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Baby Store Online specialises in a high quality range of baby products, globally recognised brands, including Bloom, Graco and Taf Toys.

To advertise here contact Kim Chapman. Phone: (07) 578 3646 or 021 673 133. Email: classifieds@xtra.co.nz HASTINGS | AUCKLAND | QUEENSTOWN Freephone: 0508 550 550 www.flbone.co.nz F. L . BONE MULTISIZE CAKE PAN This 30cm (12”) pan breaks new ground with its versatility and practicality. The vast range of sizes and the simplicity of removing cakes, make this a firm favourite with bakers. Experience a world of difference with these simple but innovative designs which are geared to add value to your outdoor experience. Whether it's backyard entertaining, an outdoor concert or relaxing at the beach or park. Simple. Portable. Functional. We’ve got you covered! www.lifestylegear.co.nz

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The Mind Full 2020 Planner is an inspirational journal to help you discover your purpose, fi nd inspiration, set goals, manage to-do lists and embrace creativity. Divided into four seasonal sections, it will help you fi nd your fl ow and set you on the path to making 2020 your best year ever.

O N S ALE N OW

LAST LOOK

Get schooled

This year’s stationery list is all about geometry, graphics and colour theory

Styling by Fiona Kerr. Photography by Rebekah Robinson .

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Grid cork placemat , $9.99 for 4, from Shut The Front Door. Unity tape dispenser, $8, from The Warehouse. Bento box , $49, from Paper Plane. Darling Clementine Norway boxes , $24, from Tea Pea. 2020 diary , $9, from The Warehouse. Think glass bottle , $45, from Shut The Front Door. Penco scissors , $23, from Paper Plane. Faber-Castell pencils (blue and red), $2.99 pack of 3, from Warehouse Stationery. Milligram cork pen pot and desk tray , $29.90 each, from Good Thing. Fjallraven Kanken backpack , $159, from Good Thing. Nuuna yes/no notebook , $27.90, from Good Thing. Acro grid notebook , $14, from Paper Plane. White pencil, $16.50 for 6, from

Everyday Needs. Super Sprinkles A5 notebook , $24, from Paper Plane. Uniti paper clips , $4 for 40, from The Warehouse. Blue brass bookmark , $26, from Paper Plane. Pastel washi tape , $5 for 10, from Kmart. Uniti binder clips , $4 for 6, from The Warehouse. Designworks Ink Nashville no 2 pencil set , $22 for 6, from Tea Pea. Pegboard from Bunnings. Background in Resene Endeavour. Desk in Resene Casper.