Simpsons Seasons - Jun-Aug 2018 by D C Thomson & Co Ltd

Complimentary issue

| Jun-Aug 2018 |

enjoy your garden

Outdoor living

Look after the bees

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Japanese garden design

Money off vouchers

Expert local advice

Win a bottle of Rock Rose

Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Destination Garden Centre of the Year 2016 & 2017 and UK Garden Centre of Excellence 2017/18

The small card with BIG benefits

Get your card instore today! 3 points for every ÂŁ1 spent in store*

Buy 6 hot drinks & get 7th FREE

For full terms and conditions see www.simpsonsgardencentre.co.uk *exclusions apply

Welcome Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the garden. This issue is all about making the most of your garden and outdoor space over the summer months with tips and advice, home and garden inspiration and a few opportunities to win some great prizes to make your summer even better! All the hard work is done and now is the perfect time to relax and enjoy your space with Simpsons.

what’s inside? Garden Care.........................................4 Outdoor Living....................................8 Top 5’s This Season.......................12 Garden Showcase..........................14 The Glasshouse Restaurant....18 Simpsons Home.............................. 20 The Foodhall...................................... 23 Fun and Rewards............................ 25 Events Diary...................................... 26

Produced by Creative within The Press and Journal and published by D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd., 185 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2HS. © D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd., 2018 on behalf of Simpsons Garden Centre, Inshes, Inverness IV2 5BA. Email: siobhan@simpsonsgc.co.uk. Neither D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage to any material submitted to this publication. For production and content enquires, telephone The Press and Journal in Inverness on 01463 272 300 or email nmcgregor@dcthomson.co.uk. All data collected through competitions and offers is processed by Simpsons Garden Centre. By entering our competitions or sending us photos for offers you are consenting to us adding you to our marketing database. If you do not wish to be added to our database please add ‘NO MARKETING’ to your entry. For further information on Simpsons data privacy policy please ask for details instore

Garden Care Tips and tricks for getting your garden the way you want it with expert advice

Regardless of your gardening skills, we have everything you need to make sure your garden is blooming marvellous.

Alan Gulliver Senior Horticultural Advisor, part of the team for 12 years Main responsibilities with Simpsons – areas of expertise: – I’m very knowledgeable in all areas of horticulture in our outdoor area and here to help customers with all types of queries about their garden. This year  Calum and Graeme enjoy drinking water in the hot days

he summer months are a great time to enjoy your garden, however there are still a few key things to do to keep your garden ticking over and keep it looking great. Borders and Containers Plant your summer bedding plants and keep them well watered especially on warmer days. Make sure to feed container plants every 2-4 weeks with a liquid food. Deadhead bedding plants and perennials to ensure continued flowering over the summer months Cut back plants in baskets and feed to encourage new growth and revive your basket display Fill in patchy areas in rock gardens with gritty compost which will encourage regrowth Water tubs and new plants if they are looking dry Continue to feed and water established plants and vegetables Take cuttings of patio and container plants for next year Watch out for aphids on stems and leaves of young shoots Look out for black spot, mildew and aphids on roses Mulch borders to help retain moisture and reduce weeds Be on the look out for Viburnum Beetles and Lily Beetle grubs who love to eat your foliage! Vine Weevil larvae

containers, against a wall or can be a real pest for your container plants at this time of newly planted. year. Keep on top of them with Protect heavily-laden fruit tree biological or chemical controls. and bush branches against snapping under the weight. Cut back dead bulb foliage Use a stake or prop to keep if you haven’t already done them upright. so. Ensure this is not done too early but rather when the Lift and pot up rooted foliage dies down naturally. strawberry runners Grow Your Own Cut old fruited canes on raspberry plants Sow spring cabbage, turnips, Oriental vegetables, chicory, Vegetables fennel, and Ensure all autumn/ Stay Safe vegetables winter salads get a regular, in the Sun and plant out consistent leeks and When the sun is out it’s supply of brassicas water. This will great to be out in the for a winter aid healthy garden – don’t forget to supply, if not look after yourself in the development, yet done and help heat, keep protected in Carrots can to avoid the sun with sun cream, still be sown, diseases, wear a hat and keep well but beware disorders and hydrated! of carrot fly bolting. when thinning Don’t forget existing to stop cordon tomatoes by seedlings. removing the main shoot. Watch out for potato blight Look for the leaf that’s above and tomato blight. the fourth truss (set of Keep an early eye out for the developing fruit) and cut it off here. This should ensure sunken brown patches of blossom end rot on tomatoes. that all the fruits ripen by the end of the season. Bush Harvest vegetables as they tomatoes can be left to their become ready own devices. Fruit Complete summer pruning of Climbing beans may also gooseberries and redcurrants need stopping, to maximise cropping on existing and white currants. sideshoots. Stop them when Pull off suckers appearing they reach the tops of their around the base of fruit trees. supports. Make sure fruit isn’t drought Beans need sufficient stressed, especially those in

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

watering to help the seed pods set. Check climbing vegetables are securely tied to supports. Your Lawn Give your lawn a quick acting summer feed if you didn’t feed in spring – a soluble feed and weed product is good if weeds are present. Isolated weeds can be spot treated with a weed gel or gun. Keep mowing regularly however in hot weather, set your mower at a slightly higher level to prevent your lawn drying out. As lawn growth slows down towards the end of summer, keep the cutting height raised to help your grass resist the wear and tear of summer use. If using a sprinkler, place a jam jar or an empty tin can on the lawn and leave the sprinkler running long enough to collect 0.5in of water in the bottom. This ensures enough not to waste water, while wetting the roots sufficiently. General Make sure the vents and doors are open in your greenhouse on warmer days. Collect rainwater and investigate ways to recycle it in your garden for irrigation purposes e.g watering hanging baskets. Check for nesting birds if clipping your hedges and top up water features and feeders. Keep an eye out for weeds

I am focussing on shrubs, perennials and trees.

Top Tip: Take a picture of your garden over the summer and use this to plan for next year. This is a great way to plan ahead and look at where you might want to move plants to or see where there are spaces to be filled. If you didn’t work for Simpsons, what would you be doing? There’s nothing better than gardening but I really enjoy baking so maybe I could give Paul Hollywood a run for his money on Great British Bake Off! and regularly hoe them off to prevent spreading. Remove dirt and algae from walls and patios using a stiffbristled brush or pressure washer Keep ponds and water features topped up Pruning: Hebes and lavenders can be given a light prune after flowering and rambling roses can be pruned once they have finished flowering.

See p16 for our top plant offers

Fun for kids. See our BEE-AMAZED puzzle on p25

Get your Garden Bee Friendly

ore and more of us are beginning to realise how important pollinators are 2. Creating a wild flower garden in an empty patch of ground, border or even in a container is also a great way to encourage bees into your garden. Look out for for our gardens. It’s estimated that 84% of crops, 80% of wildflowers wildflower seed packets in store. and many garden flowers depend on insect pollination. So the role bees play in our garden is pretty important! Create and protect potential nesting sites within your garden. Some species set up home in different places, you can also pick up bee homes. Kids can Many people are aware of the role of honey bees in the food chain, however they create a bee nest by placing strips of bamboo canes into an old plant pot or are not the most effective pollinators. Therefore the work of solitary bees and the bottom part of a plastic bottle and hang from a tree, or by drilling holes into bumblebees is very important as they pollinate crops such as apples, strawberries, untreated wood blocks which can be distributed throughout potatoes etc. the garden in sheltered, sunny dry spots. Look So how do you make your garden bee friendly? Here’s our ‘top tips’ to encourage out for 3. Provide long and short grass areas. The perfect excuse and keep these essential pollinators in and around your garden. to leave sections of your lawn with longer grass areas! Inverness How to welcome bees into your garden Honey Festival 4. Provide a water source. As well as birds, bees enjoy 1. First and foremost, make sure that you plant plenty of pollen-rich flowers. this September a drink too. By creating a wildlife pond with wildlife Many of the flowers, plants and shrubs at Simpsons will have Bee Friendly friendly plants you can encourage them in. You can also logos on them, making it really easy to select the ones that the bees make a look at creating a mini watering hole with a pot sunk into the ‘bee line’ for. ground, or even adding a few pebbles or stones into a bird bath, which will help the bees reach the water. Avoid plants with double or multi-petalled flowers as they are harder for the bees to access and may not have as much pollen as other varieties. Here’s a 5. Help a tired bee. If you see a bumble bee on the ground, chances are it’s tired list of some of the best plants to have in your garden this summer: and in need of some food. One of the quickest and easiest ways to help is by mixing some sugar with water on a teaspoon and placing it in front of the bee. Hypericum, Potentilla, Cornus, Halimum, Euphorbia, Cistus, Scabious, Erysimum Once it’s had a feed it will ‘bee’ on it’s way! and Ceanothus, Sedum and Sunflowers - to name just a few.

Not too late for hanging baskets Get Basket Ready Here’s our four steps to creating a basket that can be overflowing with colour all summer and, if you look after it, often right through Autumn as well. Many hanging basket plants are also bee friendly, providing even more feeding opportunities in your garden.

the addition of a couple of ingredients such as a general purpose slow release feed. This releases feed to your plants over time and each time you water your basket. You can also pick up compost specifically for containers and hanging baskets with these ingredients already added. Ask in store for details.

Choose Your Basket

Plants Galore

There are a number of different baskets available, the most popular ones being wire baskets, wicker baskets and wrought iron baskets. Go for the largest basket that you can accommodate but bear in mind that some plants can grow quite a way out from the basket itself.

To achieve a good looking basket it is best to limit yourself to two or, at the most, three colours. Always place an upright plant in the middle of your basket and trailing plants around the side and, if applicable, underneath.

Use the Right Compost This is where your plants will get all their water and nutrition. A good quality multipurpose compost will be adequate, with

Rest and Enjoy When you have planted your basket, place it somewhere where it is protected from strong winds and allow it to settle in before moving it to its final position. Remember to water and feed your basket regularly and you will be rewarded with an excellent display right through summer and autumn.

Red and yellow basket recipe This colour combination is hot and vibrant and will bring a warm & lively feel to garden. You will need: • 1 x wire basket • 1 x basket liner • 1 x red upright Geranium • 3 x red Calibrachoa (sometimes referred to as Million Bells) • 3 x golden Lysimachia • 3 x red trailing (or ivy leaved) Geraniums • 3 x yellow Bidens • 6 x French Marigolds Plant the 3 red Calibrachoa and 3 golden Lysimachia alternately in the spaces in your liner underneath your basket. Put the upright red Geranium in the middle and then put the 3 red trailing Geraniums and 3 yellow Bidens alternately around the edge. Finally fill in the gaps between the upright geranium and the trailing plants around the edge with the French Marigolds.

Send us a pic of your planted hanging baskets and you could feature in one of our future magazines • If we feature your pic • we’ll send you £10 of Simpsons gift vouchers. Please include your name and contact details with your picture. See p3 for full data privacy terms and conditions.

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

terested in in s lt u d a 0 0 ,0 With 30 section in y t r e p o r p e h t reading t showcase o n y h w , s r e p a newsp vertising in d a y b y t r e p o r your p Journal. The Press and 18 Q1 (Oct 16

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The Scottish Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Energy Scotland interest-free loan is helping homeowners make energy and money saving improvements to their home. Up to ÂŁ38,500 per home is currently available to owner occupiers and some registered private sector landlords in Scotland. The loan can be used for energy efficiency improvements like insulation and replacing single glazing with double glazing, with cashback grants of up to 25% also available for a limited time. Home renewables systems like biomass boilers and solar photovoltaic panels are covered as well as energy storage systems and connections to an approved district heating scheme powered by renewable energy. Loans must be used to improve existing residential buildings. New buildings under construction, where the property is already owned by the intended owner occupier, are also eligible for support for renewables systems or district heating connections but not energy efficiency improvements.

General information Funding is on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability. Cashback grants are not available for renewable technologies like solar PV or for district heating connections. Only Home Energy Scotland can arrange to have an application form sent to you; third parties like installers or letting agents cannot apply on your behalf. Work must not commence on any installation until you receive a loan offer in writing. All applications will undergo credit and affordability checks. Successful applicants who claim funding will need to pay an administrative fee of 1.5% of the total loan value up to a maximum of ÂŁ150 per application. The complete loan terms and conditions are stated in the application form.

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Outdoor living Now’s the time to enjoy the outdoors in your garden. Do you have everything you need for that enjoyable experience?

Making the most of your outdoor space is easier than you think. This summer, think of your garden as an extension of your home and the extra living space you’ve always wanted.

 Saigon Bistro Set - Perfect for smalll spaces

Michael MacAulay Supervisor, part of the team for 13 years

Main responsibilities with Simpsons – areas of expertise: As part of the indoor retail team I have lots of experience and knowledge in Outdoor Living, BBQ’s, fertilisers and chemicals, propagation & planting, visual merchandising and I’m part of Christmas buying and organising team.

Top Tip: Feeding and watering is very important over the summer months. Ask for advice about what you might need. If you didn’t work for Simpsons, what would you be doing? I love music and festivals and go to Belladrum every year, so I would love to be a roadie for Franz Ferdinand!

lfresco living is all about preparing meals outdoors, cooking, dining and entertaining family and friends. Create a dedicated area with some comfy garden furniture and bring the indoors - outdoors! Make your space fabulous with mood solar lighting and create a wonderful ambience with a firepit to create a lovely and relaxing atmosphere – and additional warmth as the sun goes down! What’s right for your garden? Not sure what type of garden furniture is right for you? At Simpsons we stock a range of classic and luxury garden furniture in various materials and designs. Have a look at our guide below for some ideas to help you choose, with the full range available in store. Let me entertain you… For those who need a little more room with more seats and table places our

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

range of garden furniture suites will more than accommodate your needs. Here you will find sets that range from the stylish four seaters to the luxurious modular options that can comfortably seat eight to ten people, perfect for unexpected guests!

use. All of our outdoor seating ranges are made of durable and lightweight fabrics, great for busy families! Get Cosy

If cosy and intimate dining is more your scene, or you only have a small space to accommodate, then make sure you have a look at our Tea for Two and duet Place solar lighting along borders or hang from trees sets. Ideal for lazy afternoons to create an extra special in the garden, feature in your garden. patios or if you’re short of Outdoor lighting wrapped round trees and containers space.

Top tip

Or why not chill out with a swing chair, luxury lounger or even a day bed! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with the beautiful sound of the outdoors.

can also be really magical on a summer and autumn evening.

Family Time If you’re looking for every day dining for the family, have a look at our four to six seater options. Also giving you the option of fixed or recliner seats, these dining sets are perfect for every day

Garden Benches: A Little extra seating where you need it most Need a little extra seating? Perhaps you just want a

perfectly placed bench to admire all of your hard work. Our collection of garden benches range from the classic bench options to the rather elegant Arbour benches perfect for training plants. Garden Accessories From BBQ’s and chimineas to colourful parasols and cushions as well as solar lighting and wind chimes. We have everything you need to co-ordinate with your garden furniture to have your outdoor living space looking absolutely fantastic! And last but not least – outdoor furniture covers for the days the sun isn’t shining! How we pick our ranges. Our buying team personally select all of our outdoor living furniture, and their main consideration? The highland weather! Every piece of outdoor furniture is selected for it’s performance in our unique weather environment.

SAIGON 4 SEATER SET

ATLANTA MODULAR DINING SET

Our Price: £999

Our Price: £1,499

Save £360 OFF RRP

Save £399 OFF RRP

Save £200 OFF RRP

Our Price: £799

STAINLESS STEEL 4 BURNER BBQ SAVE £50 OUR PRICE:

£549.99

ALEXANDER ROSE ROBLE SWING SEAT

CERAMIC CHIMINEAS FROM

sOLAR LIGHTING FROM

£49.99

£3.99

Mosaic BISTRO SET SAVE £30 OUR PRICE:

£139

Our extensive OUTDOOR LIVING range includes: • Hardwood furniture • Log cabins & • Low maintenance furniture summer houses • Sun loungers • Chimineas • Table suites • Fire pits

APR Representative

on all furniture over £500

• Solar lighting • Parasols • Benches • Glazed and ceramic pots

FREE Local delivery on all purchases over £500 Representative example: Saigon 4 Seater Set, 10 payments of £79.90, total amount payable £799.00

Bring The Outside In ERG Scotland, a local family business, began life in Invergordon in 1974 as Easter Ross Glass. Since then, over more than 40 successful years, ERG have gone from strength to strength, adding further products and services to their range. Now the company have one of the widest ranges of windows, doors, conservatories, orangeries and secondary glazing in the Highlands and Moray. ERG delivers the very highest quality products, workmanship and service; every year, their customers return and recommend their services to their friends and family, so that over 80% of their work originates from recommendations. They travel across the Highlands and Moray, helping to bring the outside in, with some amazing views afforded from the conservatories and windows they install. They understand that many customers can be put off by the pressure selling techniques carried out by some businesses. At ERG Scotland, they rely on the quality of their services and their reputation as “a home improvement company with a difference” to do the talking. Their website, www.ergscotland.co.uk showcases the full range of services and products. However, if you’re looking for something particular that isn’t displayed, just get in touch and they will be happy to discuss options with you. ERG products are available in a variety of materials, including timber, modern PVCu and durable aluminium. They ensure that their windows and doors are manufactured using traditional craftsmanship by the finest suppliers, who like them, have demonstrated their commitment to quality and service. All their products are fitted by experienced and friendly installers working in accordance with strictly regulated standards, to achieve a perfect finish. At ERG, they work as a team to ensure they provide the highest quality of service possible. Visit the newly refurbished showroom in Invergordon, to see a wide range of products and styles. Or visit their Facebook page. You’ll get to see some tremendous views from all over Scotland, as well as some inspirational home improvement ideas. You can improve your home today and spread the cost, interest free, over the next 24 months. You can find out more details on the 0% interest offer at www.ergscotland.co.uk. As always, credit is subject to status and a summary of the terms and conditions are below. If you would like to join the thousands of satisfied ERG customers in Scotland, please get in touch and they will be happy to discuss your requirements or give you a tour of the showroom so you can get a feel for how they can help transform your home. For a free quote, visit the website or give ERG a call on 01349 856900 Credit is subject to application and status. 40% deposit required. Minimum credit purchase £1000.Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ERG (Scotland) Limited 19 Clayton Court Invergordon IV18 0SB act as a credit broker and not the lender. Credit is provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a division of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

Get a quote in June, July or August for your chance to

win £100 Quote “PJSM” when you call

Buy now pay later

Buy from ERG today and pay nothing until 2019 (or after 12 months spread the cost & pay monthly at 19.9% APR Representative).*

interest free credit Spread the cost over 24 months interest FREE†

Local to the Highlands, Local to Moray, Local to you! 19 Clayton Court Invergordon Industrial Estate Invergordon IV18 0SB Tel: 01349 856900

enquiries@ergscotland.co.uk • www.ergscotland.co.uk This is the small print. There’s no catch to the deals we offer, we are open and honest about how we go about our business with you but please note there are a few things to understand and make clear about our deals. *Credit is subject to application and status. Minimum credit purchase £1000. †If spreading the cost over 24 months, a 40% deposit is required. Authorised and regulated by the Financial conduct Authority. ERG (Scotland) Limited 19 Clayton Court Invergordon IV18 0SB act as a credit broker and not the lender. Credit is provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a division of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

Simpsons 5 Top 5’s A look at this Seasons trends to accompany your home and garden 1 3

Top 5 from the Food Hall

Rock Rose Gin....................................................................... from £34.99

2. Fevertree Tonic........................................................................... from £1.19 3. Gin and Tonic Gourmet Sweets.............................................. £4.29

4. Gin Bubbles......................................................................................... £3.69

5. Ladies and Gentlemen Gin Balloons........................... each £3.99

5 3

Top 5 Glassware

4 1.

Small Tropical / Beach Tumblers (set of 3)........................... £6.99

2. Large Tropical / Beach Tumblers (set of 3)........................... £7.99 3. Large Tropical or Beach Tumblers (set of 6)........................ £9.99 4. Milk Bottle with Straw......................................................... each £2.99 5. 1L Tropical / Beach Swing Top Bottle......................... each £3.99

Top 5 Kids Gardening

5 1 2

Little Gardeners Greenhouse............................................. £12.00

2. Little Gardeners Grow your own pizza topping.......... £5.50 3. Little Gardeners Seeds Packets................................. each £1.49

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

4. Gardening Cloggs (size 10-2).........................................pair £6.99 5. Gardening Tool Set.......................................................................£4.49

Top 5 Garden Ornaments 1.

Giant Japanese Buddha....................................................... £499.99

2. Hanging Chimes............................................................................... £6.99 3. Hanging Spring Ornament......................................................... £4.99 4. Metalic Lizard Wall Art...............................................................£29.99 5. Metalic Garden Flamingo........................................................ £49.99

Top 5 Solar Lights 1.

Wooden Wind Chimes................................................................. £17.99

2. Solar Bulb light.................................................................................. £4.99 3. Colour Changing Wind Chime............................................... £14.99 4. 3D holographic cosmos globe................................................. £6.99 5. Solar Martini Nickel Stake Light............................................. £5.99

We love Social We love getting your social media pics using products purchased from instore, whether it’s showcasing your garden or enjoying inside your home with Simpsons Home furniture.

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

Japanese Haven in Inverness Simpsons customer Harry Nicholl shows us his 30 year love affair with Japan

Achieving great results in the garden takes patience and passion

Azaleas

Harry Nicholl

impsons customer Harry Nicholl has had a 30 year love affair with Japan, and you just need to step into his absolutely stunning garden to see the fruits of his labour. His garden is an absolute testimonial to the peace and tranquillity of a traditional Japanese garden. Having taken lots of trips to Japan for inspiration, and his passion for bonsai cultivation and design, Harry has filled his beautifully designed garden with azaleas,

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

rhododendrons, Japanese azers, peony roses and bonsai trees. The focal point of Harry’s garden is a beautiful red Torii gate, which are found at entrances to temples and gardens across Japan and are a symbol marking the transition from the mundane to sacred. And there’s nothing mundane about Harry’s garden! Every corner of the garden has a link to Japan; from the Buddha and temple statues peeking out of azalea and rhododendron bushes, to a stunning

Rhododendrons

raised Japanese seating area which looks over the garden. The garden borders, which line traditional Japanese slate river beds, are full of delicate plants, solar lighting and ornaments. A truly inspiration garden which we’re sure Harry is very proud of, we were privileged to be invited along to see it. We asked why Harry visited Simpsons, he said “90% of the plants in my garden come from Simpsons. I have just been in to get some new white

and pink peony roses, which will sit perfectly in my borders and compliment the garden. Simpsons is just a nice place to go, the atmosphere is really lovely. The staff are friendly and helpful and the garden centre has so many good quality plants. It’s a really nice place to go, even just for a cup of tea, and has so many diverse products. It has everything for all my gardening needs (apart from a few really specialist items I may need).”

Send us your garden pics and you could feature in the next issue of Seasons magazine. See p3 for full data privacy terms and conditions.

Peony Roses

Available in Simpsons

If you would like to get some Japanese inspiration for your garden, Simpsons has an array of beautiful garden flowers and features

1. Buddha ornaments............. ........................ from £57.99 2. Rhododendrons................... ........................ from £17.99

Harry Nicholls Garden Bridge

3. Azaleas from........... £10.99 4. Peony Roses from...... £9.99 5. Japanese Azers ........................from £19.99 All items subject to availability. Ornamental Buddha

Harry Nicholls back Garden

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

Container Planting Service Planted containers create instant colour and interest

You pick the plants and pots and we’ll put it all together for you

 a beautiful container puts a smile on everyone’s face

t Simpsons, our team of horti experts and gardeners are available to plant containers, pots and hanging baskets for you absolutely FREE at our planting bar, which is located in our outdoor area.

Plant Offers at Simpsons Summer Potted Plants 1L

Summer Flowering Bedding...................3 for £10 Selected Herbaceous .............................3 for £25 Selected Lavender and Hebe Plants £9.99 each or 3 for £25 Selected Conifers................................ £9.99 each

You don’t always have time to do these things yourself, and our team just love planting! All you have to do is select your container and plants and let us do the rest!*

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

or 3 for £25

We are so confident of the quality of our plants and the knowledge of our plant experts that we are happy to offer a no-quibble 5-year guarantee* on all hardy**

Whether it’s a container or hanging basket for your own garden or for a gift, our team can help you choose the right plants or help with some inspiration. With a whole plant area to select from, there’s guaranteed to be something that’s perfect for you! Simply pop into store any time and speak to a member of the horti team, who will be delighted to help.

£4.99 each or 3 for 2

nursery stock.

* Extreme weather conditions may invalidate this guarantee. ** This guarantee excludes all seasonal plants such as bedding, annuals and tender nursery stock. This guarantee does not in any way, affect your statutory rights.

See p25 for discount voucher’

Simpsons Restaurant The Glasshouse Restaurant serves up a treat not to be missed.

Freshly prepared and locally sourced. Our award winning restaurant.

his summer take a trip to the Simpsons Glasshouse restaurant where you can enjoy delicious tasty food all day long from breakfast with the family to Afternoon Tea with friends!

Overlooking Inverness, the Black Isle and beyond, make sure you get a seat at our panoramic windows for some of the best views in Inverness!

Mike Dignan

Glasshouse Restaurant Manager, part of the team for over 8 years Main responsibilities with Simpsons – areas of expertise: running our very busy award winning restaurant which includes everything from working with the kitchen to ensure they have everything they need from suppliers and sourcing new products to being front of house and helping customers from individuals to the large groups we have on a regular basis.

Top Tip: step away from your usual favourites and try something different from our new menu like our hot smoked salmon with avocado and lemon mayo, it’s absolutely delicious! Or give our Afternoon tea a whirl! If you didn’t work for Simpsons, what would you be doing? I volunteer for Jog Scotland and numerous sporting events such as the Inverness festival of running and the Inverness Etape so maybe I would be in event management.

Mike Dignan, restaurant manager said “We always listen to the feedback from our customers and many were asking for us to introduce new breakfast choices and more vegetarian and vegan options. As a result we now have a delicious extensive breakfast menu packed with totally tasty dishes to get your day off to the perfect start. “New options include smashed avocado with poached eggs on toasted rye bread, Belgian waffles with a choice of 3 fillings including bacon and maple syrup and healthy porridge oats with fruit. Traditionalists need not worry, the famous Simpsons Highland breakfast is still available along with new breakfast favourite toasted bagels with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.

 Smashed Avocado and Poached Egg Breakfast

The new menus also introduce fabulous new fillings for vegan and vegetarian diets. Including home-made spinach pesto, roasted vegetables, mixed bean chilli and vegetarian haggis as well as many new gluten free options. This summer you can also continue to enjoy favourites from our salad bar, where our team will make to order delicious fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps. Our team will create your perfect plate with a huge choice from our bar including freshly poached chicken, salmon, home made quiche, prawns, ham and much more! Complete your salad plate with a selection of salad greens, peppers, potato salad, carrot, cous cous, beetroot, coldslaw and all the delicious salad favourites. Not feeling overly hungry? Our team can also make you a half portion salad plate.

 New Vegetarian Options

Malteser Slice Method:

Ingredients: margarine milk chocolate golden syrup large pack of maltesers (approx. 125g) digestives crushed (pop in a large freezer bag and bash with a rolling pin) white chocolate

100g (3.5oz) of milk chocolate

Our restaurant only uses compostable cups and straws for our takeaway drinks, helping the environment.

Using the freshest, locally sourced and seasonal produce, our team of chefs create tasty dishes for everyone and the restaurant have just launched a new range of items to their menu, including a new full breakfast menu and a whole load of new mouth watering fillings.

Give our famous Malteser Slice a try – perfect to enjoy as a treat on a lazy afternoon. You’ll need a greased and lined 8” square baking tin (or equivalent size) 1 25g (4.5oz) 200g (7oz) 3 ½ tbsp 1 250g 200g (7oz)

Did you know:

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

Put the margarine, milk chocolate and golden syrup into a large bowl and melt in the microwave for 1 minute, stir then add back into the microwave for 30 second increments, stir and continue until mixture is melted together. (Be careful not to over cook!) Leave to cool slightly. Add maltesers and the crushed digestives to the mix, and stir to combine. Pour the mixture in to the prepared tin, pushing down to level out, then leave to set. Once set, melt the white chocolate then pour over the top of the mixture, decorate with swirls of melted milk chocolate on top of the white chocolate. Once everything has set, cut into 12 or 16 slices (depending on your taste). Enjoy!

Afternoon Tea Â£18

for two

The Foodhall Within our now extended Food Hall, you will find a superb selection of artisan and deli products featuring the very best of Scottish and British produce all beautifully presented and a delight to browse round.

There’s always something new to try

his summer, you can’t beat outdoor living with a picnic, BBQ or alfresco dining so make sure you take a trip to the Simpsons Food hall & deli, with one of the biggest selections of local produce in Inverness for a choice of delicious food for a Simpsons Summer dining experience!

Sam Grant

Senior Foodhall advisor, part of the team for 4 years Main responsibilities with Simpsons – areas of expertise: I select and buy in ranges for the Foodhall and deli, sourcing as much locally produced ranges as possible. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting food and drink! I’m also the resident cheese expert in the food hall and love to recommend cheeses from across the world to our customers.

Top Tip: Always try something new, you never know what tasty treats you’ll really enjoy. You can always ask to try any of the cheeses at our cheese counter before you buy. If you didn’t work for Simpsons, what would you be doing? I’d like to think I would be travelling the world tasting their local cheese specialties or maybe become a conservationist in some far off tropical climate!

Our Cheese Counter

We also stock a selection of award winning dressings and marinades from local producer Salad Worx (which you can also find in our restaurant) plus don’t forget to visit our oil and vinegar bar where you can bottle your own special selection. Looking for something further afield? Travel the world with our selection of dressings and sauces from across the world.

Let our team take you on a cheese journey this summer. Enjoy Let Summer Be-Gin a delicious cheese and With an ever expanding Don’t cracker plate with gin selection from forget to pick locally sourced across Scotland, cheeses to a up some of our fun available in our food selection from and funky outdoor dining hall (we have 44 further afield. ranges from serving plates gins and counting) Don’t know what and bowls to glassware and you’ll be hard pushed to choose? – why sundae dishes. to decide which to not try a pick and choose to enjoy a See page 12 mix cheese selection refreshing gin and tonic in of 5 cheeses for only the garden this summer. £10. And you’ll not just find We also stock a super range of a delicious selection of cheeses, you’ll also find tasty smoked meats, locally produced craft beers and ales from Cromarty, Orkney and olives and pates! Colonsay. Great after some thirsty BBQ work in the garden! Check out our fresh selection of Grants of Speyside locally prepared Ice Cream Treat meat and sausages to fling on the Last but very not least – a trip to BBQ and why not jazz things up our Foodhall and deli this summer with one of our many marinades, would not be complete without a dressings, sauces or chutneys. visit to our ice cream counter, where Visit our BBQ station, with great you can pick up a cone or tub of items such as rubs, marinades, your favourite Simpsons of Buckie marshmallows and coal packs. ice cream!

Enjoy a

SimpGins in the garden

A unique gin cocktail, citrusy with a fair amount of a herbal nose. made especially for Simpsons for you to try Alistair Rose at the Heathmount, Inverness Created by

Win a bottle of Summer Rock Rose Gin + Matching Rock Rose Gin Glass To enter simply answer this question:

Q. How many different gins does the Simpsons Foodhall stock? Send your entries to Simpsons Garden Centre, Summer Gin Giveaway, Inshes, Inverness, IV2 5BA. Alternatively, email siobhan@simpsonsgc.co.uk or pop in our special post box in store.

Answer:............................................................................................................................................. Name:................................................................................................................................................. Address:........................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................Postcode:.................................... Mob/Tel:............................................................................................................................................ Email:.................................................................................................................................................. Please tick the box if you would you like to join Simpsons Garden Centre mailing list to receive future offers and news. Closing date for the competition is 31st August and the winner will be notified. See p2 for further information on our data privacy policy

Shake the following ingredients: 50ml Rock Rose Summer Gin 12.5ml Grand Marnier 12.5ml Benedictine 12.5ml Highland honey 12.5ml Lemon Juice Toasted Rosemary and Fresh Thyme Top with: egg white 12.5ml St Germain 12.5ml lemon

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

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Asphalt Surfacing Civil Engineering Plant & Labour Hire Driveways

Competitive Prices ● No Obligation ● Free Quotation Service Highlands & Moray area 2 Seafield Road, Inverness IV1 1SG 01463 224456 enquiries@highlandsurfacing.co.uk

www.highlandsurfacing.co.uk

Grampian area contact Dave McGarvie on 01464 820080 enquiries@highlandsurfacing.co.uk

Fun & Rewards codebreaker

bee-amazed Can you guide the bee to the flower through the maze?

Can you spot 5 differences?

Struggling with the puzzles? answers on the next page

Spend £30 or more on Plants and Pots, pick up a 50L bag of Gro-Sure Easy Container Compost worth £6.99 for FREE Valid Friday 15th June – Thursday 5th July 2018 only. Must be presented at point of purchase, cannot be used retrospectively or exchanged for cash. One voucher per transaction, no photocopies accepted. One per person.

Buy One Scone Get One FREE

25% OFF Planted Containers

Valid Friday 6th July – Thursday 26th July 2018 only. Must be presented at point of purchase, cannot be used retrospectively or exchanged for cash. Excludes Foodhall purchases. One voucher per transaction, no photocopies accepted. One per person.

Valid Friday 27th July – Thursday 16th August 2018 only. Must be presented at point of purchase, cannot be used retrospectively or exchanged for cash. One voucher per transaction, no photocopies accepted.

Become friends of

Buy One Soup Get One FREE

20% off Wooden Zest Products

Valid Friday 17th August – Friday 31st August 2018 only. Must be presented at point of purchase, cannot be used retrospectively or exchanged for cash. One voucher per transaction, no photocopies accepted.

Valid from 15th June – 31st August 2018 only. Must be presented at point of purchase, cannot be used retrospectively or exchanged for cash. One voucher per transaction, no photocopies accepted.

Earn points and get exclusive offers. Sign up online or instore.

Seasons | Jun-Aug 2018

Diary of Events What’s on at Simpsons

June

Plant of the Moment Beautiful Clematis

Throughout the month Visit our plant area for inspiration

June

Fathers Day Treat dad to breakfast / lunch at

Simpsons Sunday 17th June

June

Fathers Day Speyside Falconry Visit

Sunday 17th June 10am – 2pm

July

Plant of the Moment Plant for Wildlife

Throughout the month Visit our plant area for inspiration

July

Kids Summer Activities

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10th July until 2nd August

August

Plant of the Moment Ornamental Grasses

Throughout the month Visit our plant area for inspiration

August

Afternoon Tea week

Monday 13th – Sunday 19th August

August

Bank Holiday Weekend

Saturday 25th – Monday 27th August

Opening hours

Puzzle Answers

THE DIFFERENCE

bee-amazed

Garden Centre Monday - Sunday 9.00am - 6.00pm (open until 7.00pm Thursdays) The Glasshouse Restaurant Monday - Sunday 9.00am - 5.30pm Breakfast served every morning until 11.30am Hot meals served until 3.00pm Afternoon Tea served Monday - Saturday 2.00pm - 4.30pm 3 roast carvery served every Sunday from 11.45am Flower Shop Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm (Thursday 7.00pm)

codebraker

Saturday 9.00am - 6.00pm Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm 01463 250 200

B900

WE LOVE SOCIAL

www.simpsonsgardencentre.co.uk Cu

B80

DRAKIES

llod

Inverness IV2 5BA

B9177

INSHES VIEW

INSHES WOOD

enjoy your garden with a summer house