Prized for their compact, long flowering delicate blooms, Lavandula English Summer series are now available in two extra classic colours.
LAVINNOVA® Lavender English Summer ‘White’ produces clear white flowers from early summer that sit proudly above the bright silver aromatic leaves.
LAVINNOVA® Lavender English Summer ‘Sky’ features graceful stems of light blue blooms that dance above its green aromatic foliage. Both varieties are naturally compact in habit and repeat flowering, ideal for adding colour to any space. It is suitable for mixed plantings, low borders, and containers.
LAVINNOVA® Lavender English Summer series is an Australian-bred form with exceptional garden hardiness and performance. Pollinator Friendly. English Summer Series is frost and dry tolerant.
For pots, plant in Searles Platinum Potting for strong displays of flowering. Sprinkle Searles Recharge Ultimate Fertiliser - Flower & Fruit for slow release nutrient top up.
‘White’
A stunning small and compact evergreen shrub for a modest garden, low hedge or container. Spires of stunning flowers in tones of pink fading to white are held above glossy green foliage. The peak period of flowering is throughout the summer months, but spot flowering can also be seen well into autumn. An easy care, low maintenance and tough plant for many applications. Plant in full sun to part shade. Keep moist during extended dry periods and whilst flowering, fertilise with Searles Flourish Soluble Plant FoodFlowers & Foliage.
Buddleja Pugster
This summer, we are excited by the coming release of the dwarf butterfly bush Buddleja PugsterTM ‘Pinker’ in stores and PugsterTM ‘Blue’ due for release in January 2026.
The PugsterTM series displays full-sized, honeyscented, candy-coloured blooms from spring to autumn on a compact dwarf butterfly bush. Dense foliage and good branching result in a full, lush display of candy coloured, fragrant repeat blooming flowers all summer long. Thanks to thick, study stems, the PugsterTM series offers vastly improved hardiness and winter survival over other types of dwarf butterfly bush.
The PugsterTM series of buddleja are a sun-loving plant that provides lots of colour and fragrance. Ideal for perennial gardens, mixed borders and containers. They also make a neat and showy edging/border.
TM
‘Pinker’
‘Blue’
flowers
‘Magical Rubyred’ has the deepest burgundy flowers of any Hydrangea. The rousing red display starts in spring and goes through to autumn finishing with an exotic dusky mulberry. Bring a splash of passion and romance to your garden or as an indoor tabletop feature. Perfect for the festive season.
The hydrangea ‘Magical’ series are perfect container displays for patios and long lasting garden bed colour and equally used for indoor colour. Ideal for home-grown cut flowers for gifts and home decoration.
Hydrangeas in the ‘Magical’ series are best grown in part-sun and afternoon shade in moist well-drained soil. Plant in Searles Platinum Potting Mix for 18 months feeding.
Magical Revolution’ is a GAME CHANGER™ that breaks all the rules: a revolution indoors and out. A revolution for gardeners and home decorators, bringing garden beauty into the home. Flowering continuously for up to 150 days with a magical colour transformation from pastel pink or blue through to deep burgundy, this is a plant that performs indoors for a moment and in the garden for a lifetime. A living bunch of flowers, perfect on the kitchen bench and will outlast any cut flowers by months. Ideal for planting outside, Hydrangea ‘Magical Revolution’ has improved resistance to sun, frost, rain and all the elements.
If your garden craves a touch of serenity, Salvia ‘Blue Chill’ is ready to deliver. This herbaceous perennial rises gracefully to 45–60 cm, carrying soft, sky-blue blooms that wash across the garden from spring through summer.
Taller than the ever-popular Mystic Spires, Blue Chill holds its form with a well-branched, heat-loving habit that makes it a standout in warm climates. In frost-free regions, its lush green foliage will even hold through winter, ensuring yearround appeal.
Equally at home creating a bold hedge in the landscape or standing tall in mixed containers, Blue Chill combines easy care with striking beauty. For gardeners looking to add cool tones, reliable performance, and a stately presence, this salvia is a perfect choice.
Australian
Corymbia ficifolia, or Flowering Gum, is a spectacular Australian native tree prized for its brilliant clusters of red, orange, or pink blossoms that attract birds, bees, and pollinators, making it a vibrant feature in any garden. It flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerates coastal conditions, and is drought-resistant once established. Compact grafted forms are perfect for smaller gardens, while light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourage more blooms, ensuring year-round beauty and ecological benefits.
The Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi) brings a soft, natural charm to the garden with its delicate star-shaped blooms and silvery foliage that provides year-round interest. Its flowers attract native pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity. Perfect for rockeries, native-themed beds, or containers, it also makes a stunning cut flower due to its long-lasting blooms. Being droughttolerant and low-maintenance once established, it’s an excellent choice for sustainable gardens, while its gentle texture and pale colouring add contrast and softness against bolder native plants.
Native
success <<
Lemon myrtle is a loved bush tucker plant, native to South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales dry rainforest edges. Lemon myrtle will grow happily and easily in full sun or part shade. During summer, this large shrub or small tree is adorned with fluffy, cream-coloured flowers that emit an irresistibly delicious, lemony fragrance.
Westringia Wynyabbi Gem is sure to captivate the audience with its hedging ability growing up to 2m depending on conditions, speckled with purple flowers it’s a coastal hedging dream.
Westringia Silver Lining is a ground cover form of Westringia. With stunning white flowers in spring, it’s the perfect spot filler when you need a low growing shrub but don’t want it blocking existing plants or garden features behind it.
Pearl’ Westringia. ‘Wynyabbi Gem’
Westringia Grey Box is a fantastic mid sized natural balling shrub, up to 45cm H. A great colour contrast with grey foliage and white flowers from September – May. A great drought tolerant alternative to English Box.
Summer Beauty ‘Red’
Summer Beauty ‘Pink’
‘Precious
‘Silver Lining’ ‘Grey Box’
Rhipsalis is in the cacti and succulent family and over the past ten years has become a more mainstream hanging plant. Rhipsalis is also called mistloe cacti but does not harm the plant it is living on. The varieties usually seen are weeping and make a lovely hanging basket. They are often seen as indoor plants for a shaded area.
It is an epiphytic flowering plant. Rhipsalis come in a variety of stem types and can be flat or thin. They do have flowers, but they are small but do develop into berries for reproduction. They are very easy to grow, like many cacti and succulent and do best in morning sun and afternoon shade. Plant them in Cacti and Succulent Specialty Mix and use Flourish for Cacti and Succulent to promote more stems. Since the stems are succulent, they are not a plant that demands daily water. Rhipsalis is also a very easy plant to propagate from by cutting and an easy beginners plant when learning propagation.
Tassel ferns (Huperzia
spp.) flourish in warm, humid, shaded spots and are perfect for hanging baskets or growing on trees. They need free-draining, organic media like sphagnum moss, regular moisture without waterlogging, and protection from direct sun. With occasional liquid feeding in warmer months, they reward you with lush, trailing green fronds that create a striking, cascading display.
Unique variegated on large foliage
Easy care that love indoors. Left to right: Birds nest fern (Asplenium nidus), cacti, aglaonema, succulent, rhipsalis, succulent and golden pothos.
Healthy pond plants, like garden plants, need regular care, fertilising, pruning, and maintaining ecological balance to stay resilient against pests.
Balance Plants & Water Volume
Aim for 40–60% surface coverage with aquatic plants to control algae naturally and provide shade.
Avoid Overfeeding Fish
Only feed fish what they can consume in 2–3 minutes to reduce waste and water pollution.
Remove Debris Regularly
Scoop out fallen leaves, twigs, and algae to prevent decay and nutrient build-up.
Install a Good Filtration System
Use a mechanical and biological filter to keep water clean and oxygenated.
Check Water Levels
Top up regularly in hot weather, using dechlorinated water if needed.
Control Algae Growth
Add barley straw or beneficial bacteria. These help break down sludge and improve water clarity without harming fish or plants. Ensure plants shade the water to reduce sunlight.
Clean the Pump & Filter
Clean your equipment monthly or as needed to maintain strong water circulation.
Monitor Water Quality
Use test kits to check pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, especially during seasonal changes.
Check for Leaks
Inspect the liner or edges if the water level drops quickly.
Fertilise plants
Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release
Fertiliser: Water Gardens & Aquatic Plants is a set and forget, no-fuss water plant fertiliser designed for your water gardens and aquatic plants to stimulate lush green growth. Tabs feeds for up to six months.
Insect
Control
Pests like mealybugs, aphids, caterpillars, and snails are common in ponds. Frogs, fish, and beneficial insects such as dragonflies and parasitic wasps can help control them naturally. Hand removal is the first line of defence; biological control is preferred, with chemical treatments as a last resort. Predatory mites like Californicus and traps or lures offer safe options. For snails, use lettuce leaves as bait for easy removal.
Weed Control
The best way to control weeds in ponds is to physically remove them, but this may not be suitable for larger areas like dams or waterways. The safest way to do this is to drag the waterway or use machinery to control the weeds. There are also boom nets to control weeds, barriers or curtains. The most commonly sought way to control weeds in water is to introduce aeration in the form of fountains, to circulate the water.
Gerberas make us recall long stemmed colour flowers used in floral arrangements and borders in the garden. The gerbera is a type of daisy and they are known by a variety of names including Gerber or transvaal daisies. The flowers are now often vibrant and larger than their ancestors. When bought as cut flowers they usually have a wire around the stem and into the flower head to stop them from drooping. They cannot tolerate heavy frosts and are prone to several diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, or root rot.
The larger amazing flowers of the gerbera have been further developed and now are often used as short-term indoor plants. They come in a glorious range of bright colours, and larger bloom size to lend themselves to this. Alas they are not a permanent plant when used as this, and even when used outdoors are not as hardy when it comes to diseases.
Garvinea is a newer variety of gerbera which has been developed as a tougher garden variety, with impressive disease resistance. They prefer warm regions and a full sun position, with flowers developing in spring to autumn, either in pots or
massed garden displays. They are a hardy plant and are known to grow back after a harsh winter, even when they have lost their flowers and leaves. Garvineas have been bred by crossing multiple varieties of gerbera from across the world and resembles a gerbera flower but the leaves and growing habit are slightly different.
Garvinea have a range of flower colour and have proved themselves as a longer-term perennial plant. They work well in a cottage garden or as a border with a profusion of flowers that can be cut and used in floral arrangements.
The old-world gerbera from yester year were considered tough. They pocketed grandma’s garden and needed no maintenance but the colours were rather dull. The breeding went on to increase the flower size and colour range, leading us to the popularised gerberas we see in small pots at nurseries. The small pots of dazzling gerbera in flower are perfect as an indoor splash of colour, where for an enduring plant the Gavinea triumphs. Do not be too harsh on the flashy gerbera but think of them as a brilliant short term inform plant and the gavinea as a garden plant.
Gerbera
Cucumbers are an abundant producer and are quick and easy to grow. There are many varieties of cucumber but all are annual vines with similar growing requirements to the cucurbit family, such as pumpkins. Cucumbers need a warm, sunny position, a well-drained, loamy soil and space to ramble. Cucumbers can be planted just about anywhere in Australia during the summer. Plant more plants every two months to ensure a constant supply of fruit. Water well after sowing, then mulch.
Pumpkins are so easy to grow that they have been known to spring up out of the compost heap or self-seed in worm farms, and will grow just about anywhere there is space for them to spread out.
The most popular types of pumpkin are available as seeds or seedlings. Pumpkin can be planted in most parts of Australia during the summer. In the tropics, some varieties will be more suitable than others so check with your garden centre for varieties most suited to your area.
For best fruiting, plant pumpkin in full sun or part shade. Because pumpkins spread over a far greater area (3m x 3m) than their root zone, there is no need to dig over an entire garden bed; simply cultivate a small pocket of soil for each plant, about 30cm wide x 30cm deep and plant into that according to the instructions on the seed packet or punnet.
If you have limited space, pumpkin vines can be pruned to a more compact size. If this is done before flowering, it will cause the plant to grow more densely, producing a greater number of stems in a smaller space without significantly reducing the yield.
Pumpkin vines grow rapidly and require ample water to reach their full potential, so keep them well mulched and water them as required during dry weather. Continue to lay mulch under the vine as it grows. This will inhibit fungal diseases by preventing the stems and developing fruit coming in direct contact with the soil.
Harvest when the vine has withered and the stalks have turned brown and dry. Always take at least 4cm of the stem away with the fruit when picking. This will preserve the fruit for longer by preventing air and moisture from reaching the flesh. Store pumpkins in a cool, airy position.
Chillies need a well-drained soil and protection from frost. They are at their best during the warmer months of the year and tend to sulk a bit if the winter is too cold. In very hot regions, semi shade can be preferable, otherwise full sun is best for chilli cultivation. Like most fruiting plants, chillies need a nutrient-rich soil to bear a good crop of fruit. Planting chillies in Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix will give them a great start and all they need for healthy produce.
Feeding with Searles Flourish Tomato and Vegetable Soluble
Plant Food from November to April will help produce more fruit. Continually harvesting your chillies will also encourage more setting of the fruit. In really hot weather, regular watering is beneficial. Keep in mind in tropical and subtropical areas the chilli is grown as a short lived perennial but in colder regions it’s usually grown as an annual with bushes being replaced each year.
Chillies belong to the same family as tomatoes, capsicums and eggplants which makes them prone to root knot nematodes. This is usually only a problem in very poor soils. To counteract this, add plenty of organic matter such as compost and manures before planting.
Set fruit fly traps to monitor population in the warmer months and spray an organic fruit fly spray if needed. Another option is to use exclusion bags to cover and protect chillies from being stung.
For insects like aphids, scale and thrips: Use a pyrethrum spray, Searles Bug Beater or white oil as a spray applied to foliage to keep these pests at bay.
MORE ON CHILLI GROWING
Plant capsicums in the sunniest part of your veggie patch or into large pots, but never let them dry out. In pots, use Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix; in the garden, dig in plenty of 5IN1 Organic Fertiliser before planting. Give the bed a long, deep watering before planting and make sure seedlings are kept moist and have plenty of space to grow. If growing tall varieties, erect a stake and tie each plant onto the stake as it grows. Keep plants well mulched and wellweeded. Feed fortnightly with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser liquid up until fruit set. (Plants grown in pots should be fed weekly). Capsicums are a perennial in frost-free climates and will start bearing bigger fruit in their second year. When fruiting has finished in late autumn, cut them back and they’ll reshoot the following spring. Don’t prune them during summer as this can expose the fruit to sunburn. Hide fruit among the foliage on very hot days to protect them. Few pests and diseases affect capsicum. If fruit fly becomes a problem, remove affected fruit, install Searles Fruit Fly Traps and harvest fruit as soon as it is ripe enough to eat. Crop rotation can minimise soil-borne diseases like spotted wilt and powdery mildew.
3 whole capsicums, washed
2 cloves garlic, minced
handful parsley, finely cropped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tbsp capers
salt and pepper to taste Ingredients Prepare
simple recipes made from garden kitchen produce
Can be served a room temperature or cold. To serve, sprinkle with extra parsley. www.aboutthegarden.com.au
In a bowl, combine garlic, olive oil parsley, salt and pepper to create a marinade, set aside.
In an oven on 200°C or hot barbecue, roast whole capsicums until charred and inside flesh is soft. Turn capsicums to char and blister all sides. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cooled, remove charred skin. Cut capsicums into thin long strips, about 2cm thick.
Toss capsicums and capers with marinade to coat.
Allow to marinate at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Or in the fridge overnight.
Ingredients
600g chicken thigh, diced
4 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
6 tbsp soy sauce
5 tbsp honey
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 small capsicum, thick slices
1 small onion, thick slices
2 shallots, cut diagonally
30g piece of ginger, finely grated
3 cloves garlic, crushed
Handful cashews
Prepare
In a bowl, coat evenly chicken with cornflour.
In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, honey and lemon juice.
In a hot wok or pan, heat oil until hot, add in capsicum, onion, ginger, garlic and shallots and cook until softened and remove from pan, set aside. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly golden. Stirring regularly. Add capsicum mix, sauce mixture and cashews back into the wok and stir fry for 5 to 10 mins until chicken is cooked. Serve with rice.
Ingredients
6 lamb cutlets
2 rashers of bacon, diced
8 Brussels sprouts, halved
1 small red capsicum, sliced
3 Garlic cloves, crushed and chopped roughly
2 Shallots, sliced Tomato, quartered Jar of pesto
Prepare
On a plate, thinly coat lamb cutlets with olive oil. Cook to your preference in a cast iron pan, set aside and cover to rest.
While the pan is still hot, add a little more olive oil and cook bacon, garlic, brussels sprouts, capsicum, shallots and tomatoes until just softened. Add in pesto and heat through.
Serve as is or with a side of leafy greens.
Protect your garden from stormy weather.
Summer brings many sun filled days of outdoor activities in the garden but it also brings stormy afternoon weather.
1. Let it drain
Check your plants’ soil has adequate drainage. Heavy rain can water log pot plants causing them to drown if their drainage is poor. Ensure excess water can drain away from garden beds.
2. Protect from winds
Summer storms bring gusty winds. Secure taller potted plants or vulnerable trees and shrubs by tying them to a strong support such as stalks or posts.
3. Protect from hail
If your plants are mobile move them to a sheltered area to protect them from hail and strong winds. Stems can be bruised and many leaves lost from the impact of hail. To aid recovery, fertilise promptly after hail event with Searles Seamax Organic Fertiliser to provide plants with rich nutrients and a plant tonic to stimulate their recovery.
VWhat is the difference between re-wetting granules versus water crystals. Each product serves a very different function to improve water effectiveness in soils.
Put simply, re-wetting granules aid water penetrating into the soil, water crystals act like water reservoirs in the soil for when the plants need the water.
Re-wetting granules are ideal to add to dry, hardened soil in gardens and potting mixes where water doesn’t penetrate the soil and runs off, causing plants to suffer poor health. Inconsistent watering and poor nutrient soils can compact and harden over time, causing the soil to become water repellent. Use Searles Advanced Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules to prevent and correct water repellent soils improving water & nutrient delivery to plant roots and provide optimal moisture handling for improved plant health. This product also contains a 12 months controlled release fertiliser.
Think of water crystals as tiny water reservoirs. Each crystal is super absorbent, capable of holding up to 400 times its own weight with water. When the plant needs water, the roots penetrate the expanded crystal and extract the moisture it requires. Water crystals are best mixed throughout the soil before planting.
Tips to keep your indoor jungle friends happy during the summer months while you enjoy the summer playtime.
• Adjust the light requirements to suit more sunlight hours
• Keep away from air-conditioning units, as they can dry out quickly
• Quarter turn pots regularly for even growth
• Regularly remove dead leaves to promote health
• In their growing season, regularly feed with Searles Flourish Indoor & Greening Soluble Plant Food
Owner forgot to water regularly Receives too much direct sunlight.
allzones
summer planting & care guide
> In season now. Harvest macadamias, mangoes and in cooler climate pears, peaches, apricots and nectarines.
> Iceberg, cos lettuce, spinach, Asian greens, radish, leeks, spring onions and herbs can still be grown in summer. Use a shadehouse or cloth if growing them in the height of summer in warmer climates. A few hot days can turn your leafy greens bitter. Keep them well watered and provide a shade for them until the hot days have passed.
> Grow tomatoes, chilli, eggplant and capsicum. Water tomatoes consistently. Dramatic changes in watering and temperatures will encourage fungal problems, blossom-end rot and poor fruiting. If growing in hotter climates, protect from summer heat and bugs with a shade cloth.
> Grow heat loving herbs and pick regularly for better taste. Plant basil, chives, lemon thyme, lemon myrtle, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemongrass, chilli, coriander, kaffir lime, mint and ginger in warm and sunny parts of the garden.
> Pumpkin and watermelon grow well during summer in most Australian climates. Plant in full sun.
Fruit fly are in full swing during the warmer months. Signs of this pest are discoloured spots and rotting developing around the skin area, generally on vegetables, particularly tomatoes and capsicum, plus citrus. Eggs hatch into maggots that destroy the soft interior of the fruit. Use Searles Fruit Fly Trap in spring and summer to monitor activity. This will attract, trap and kill male fruit flies only, so use these together with fruit fly exclusion bags/netting for best results.
Sweet corn can be planted from late spring until early autumn throughout Australia and all year round in the tropics. Sweet corn can be purchased as seed or seedlings. It is important to bear in mind that only one variety of corn should be cultivated in the garden at any one time as cross-pollination can adversely affect the quality of your crop.
Plant in blocks of a dozen or more plants, grown at three-monthly intervals for a continual supply. Sweet corn pollinate themselves more effectively if grown in blocks rather than in rows of plants.
They need deep, rich soil, and a sunny position in a wind-protected area. Dig in 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into your soil before planting to promote lush growth. Sweet corn demand a lot of water. However, it is important to keep the cobs dry as they mature, so when watering, avoid the foliage and developing cobs. Mulch under corn to prevent weeds. Harvest corn when the silk tassels which hang from the top of each cob turn dark brown.
Whiteflies resemble tiny white moths that congregate in large numbers underneath the foliage, mostly on vegetable species. Nymphs and adults cause discolouration of the leaves. Leaves turn a pale shade of yellow and often show streaking along veining. Control with barrier netting and encourage natural predators. If severe, spray with Searles Organic Ecofend Vegetable and Garden spray
allzones
summer planting & care guide
> Frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea great summer colour. Fertilise with Searles Hibiscus & Bougainvillea Food for better flowering. Frangipani rust is new to home gardens, so remove any fallen leaves around the base of the plant and bin them to help prevent spores spreading. Control any rust outbreak by spraying Searles Trifend on the plant, leaves and on the ground where the leaves have fallen.
> Hydrangeas put on a show in summer. They make long-lasting cut flowers indoors. Feed hydrangeas fortnightly with Searles Flourish Flowers & Foliage Soluble Plant Food during their peak flowering period.
> Hoyas wow gardeners during the warmer months from spring to autumn with their scented large pendulous blooms. Their small root requirements make them perfect for pots. If planting them in the ground, provide them with a trellis or climbing vessel to happily trail along. Ideally, plant hoyas in Cymbidium & Bromeliad Specialty Mix. This mix has open free draining properties and contains a 9 month fertiliser for flower boosting, ideal for pots or gardens. Hoyas flourish in very bright light, in dappled shade areas and under patios in warmer zones. Keep soil moist.
> For summer flowering pots, try poinsettia or drought busting bloomers like dianthus, lobelia, strawflower, marguerite daisy, buddleja, geranium and salvia (Heatwave series). Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ flowers all year round. Geraniums are a water wise summer stunner that look great in any garden style. If you haven’t already planted summer annuals, plant these now, petunias, sunflowers, rudbeckia, phlox, Californian poppy, amaranthus, aster, bedding begonia, carnation, portulaca, salvia, celosia, dahlia, dianthus, gerbera, gypsophila, zinnia and verbena.
Poinsettias are beautiful and festive plants that bring a touch of colour and cheer to any space. They are best known for their vibrant red and green foliage, which is often mistaken for flowers. Add vibrant colour to your favourite living space.
Summer roses
Roses are prone to more pests and diseases in sultry summer weather. It is important to maintain a regular check on blackspot which loves hot, humid weather. Maintain moisture levels and increase watering especially during hot, dry conditions. Don’t prune rose branches heavily during summer. Wait until the hottest part of the summer is over. Liquid feed with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser to reduce plant stress from floods or drought. Keep soil well mulched and weed free.
Citrus hydration
Citrus and fruit trees still need consistent watering and a dose of organic fertiliser, 5 IN 1 Fruit & Flower Fertiliser at the start of the season to aid growth and combat the hot weather.
Summer Protect
A plant in good health can withstand pests and diseases far more efficiently than a struggling plant. Fungal disease generally needs moist, shady areas and worsens in high humidity or extended rain periods. Some fungal spores can live dormant for up to three months. Reduce outbreaks of rust, powdery mildew, leaf blight by not overwatering plants, remove any diseased leaves or branches promptly. Treat the plant’s leaf and soil with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser. This will boost plant health to build resistance to diseases.
When it comes to fungicide sprays, it is imperative that you identify the issue and use a fungicide that treats that specific fungus. Different fungicides treat different issues, so read the back of the packet and make sure it mentions the plants you are treating, as well as the actual fungal issues. Repeat spraying is often best practice to treat any remaining fungus that was missed the first time.
plant & grow by climatic zone
The main job of mulch is to;
- Enhance gardens
- Aid moisture retention in the soil.
- Suppress weed germination.
- Protect soil against erosion & temperature extremes.
- Enrich soil & encourage worms.
For vegetable gardens, there’s a practical and costeffective solution, sugar cane mulch. It breaks down quickly and can be easily turned into the soil with 5 in 1 Dig In Organic Fertiliser when it’s time to replant. Being 100% organic, it’s a perfect match for vegetable gardens and edible crops. Plus, it’s a great value for money, especially when you have a large area to cover.
For areas where termites are prevalent, cypress mulch is termite resistant and is a preferred option. It is a beautiful natural mulch and can be used on all gardens or on top of pot plants.
Pine bark mulch, a traditional and commonly used option features pieces that are generally uniform in size but can look bulkier than cypress. Its slightly larger size ensures durability and long-lasting performance, giving you confidence in your gardening efforts.
All mulches are meant to be replenished, so look for signs that they have broken down, such as a decrease in depth, a change in colour, or the presence of weeds, and reapply before weeds appear and the temperature rises.
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3, 5-6
Let nothing disturb thee.
Let nothing affright thee
All things pass God never changes. Patience gains all.
Who has God. Wants for nothing.
God alone suffices.
(St Teresa of Jesus)
FLOWERS
> Look out for blackspot and powdery mildew on roses during warm, humid weather of summer. Remove affected leaves promptly and spray the remaining bush with Searles Rose Pro Blackspot & Insect Killer. This product is a handy spray to have in your arsenal. It also kills rust, aphids, thrips, budworm and mites on ornamentals.
> Poinciana, hibiscus, crepe myrtle, lemon scented myrtle, bougainvillea, bloodwood (pictured), frangipani, ornamental ginger, clivia, bird of paradise and buddleja all flower in summer. Fertilise with Searles Plant Food range to boost flowering. Sow ageratum, aster, balsam, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, gomphrena, impatiens, marigold, salvia, sunflower, torenia, vinca and zinnia.
EDIBLES
> Plant early summer warm season cucurbits such as pumpkin, watermelon, cucumber, summer squash for an early autumn crop. Also plant artichoke, beans, capsicum, celery, eggplant, leek, lettuce, okra, onion, radish, rhubarb, rosella, silver beet, spring onion, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato. For leafy greens, protect from extreme heat with a shadecloth until the period has passed.
GARDEN CARE
Maximise water penetration into your garden soil and particularly pot plants by sprinkling Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules on the soil before mulching. Penetraide will also fertilise at the same time.
> Many types of ginger are flowering and at their peak. Plant shell ginger, roscoea, blue ginger, torch ginger plus the commonly edible Zingiber officinale, cardamom and galangal.
> Heliconias, strelitzias, rangoon creeper, pink euodia, frangipani and many forms of ginger dazzle during summer and make lush tropical garden features. Sprinkle 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Pellets to boost foliage and flower growth.
EDIBLES
> Harvest summer fruit like avocadoes, bananas, coffee, jackfruit, mangoes, papaya/pawpaw, passionfruit and custard apples. Lookout for fungal diseases on fruit and leaves and spray infestations with Searles Copper Oxychloride
> Time to plant capsicums, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuces, melons, mustard, radish, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes and zucchinis. Liquid feed fortnightly with 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Liquid to keep growth strong and promote flowering.
GARDEN CARE
Liquid feed garden beds and pot plants with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser Liquid to keep plants healthy to combat heat stress.
plant & grow by climatic zone
FLOWERS
> Summer gardens are ablaze with classic blooms of lillypillies (pictured), frangipani, corymbias, metrosideros, gardenias, crepe myrtles and mandevillas. Geraniums grace water wise gardens in summer. Hydrangeas bloom easily during summer. Pentas are compact, free flowering plants.
> Plant annuals and perennials in Searles Platinum Potting Mix for summer pot displays. Plant ageratum, alyssum, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, Iceland poppy, lobelia, lupin, marigold, pansy, petunia, phlox, primula, stock, verbena, wallflower and zinnia.
EDIBLES
> Plant beans, beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, english spinach, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnip, pumpkin, radish, silver beet, spring squash, swede, sweet corn, tomato, turnip, watermelon and zucchini.
> Most herbs can be grown during summer if watered regularly. Some winter loving herbs can still be grown if given some shade during the hottest part of the day. Use Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for 9 month feeding and excellent water retention.
GARDEN CARE
Lawn grubs are out in army size proportions killing lawns. Keep vigilant for these grubs that can chew through lawn roots at frightening speed. Control with Searles Dead Grub Pro
FLOWERS
> Give summer gardens colour by planting agapanthus, ageratum, alyssum, aster, boronia, calceolaria, cleome, cosmos, California poppy, cyclamen, dahlia, gazanias, geraniums, Iceland poppy, linaria, marigold, nasturtium, pansy, phlox, salvia, stock, sunflower, verbena, vinca, viola, wallflower and zinnias.
EDIBLES
> Corn, beetroot, carrot, tomatoes and beans can be grown through the summer months. Keep growth fast and healthy with fortnightly feeds of SeaMax Organic Fertiliser Liquid
> Harvest cherries and the last of the fruiting nectarines, plums, peaches and apricots. Pears fruit at the end of summer. Apples are also fruiting. Persimmon trees make a lovely floral display in summer before the autumn harvest.
> Summer fruiting raspberry bushes (pictured) are ablaze of fruits this time of year. Strawberries can be grown now. Use a bird friendly net on ripening summer fruit such as blueberries, cherries and currents.
GARDEN CARE
Use these premium mixes for better plant health, growth and flowering. Searles Planting Mix for premium garden results and Searles Platinum Potting Mix for pot displays.
FLOWERS
> Geraniums and kangaroo paws are hardy for pot and garden displays. Salvias flower happily during the hot dry conditions of summer and provide fodder for the bees and beneficial insects.
> Crepe myrtles, mandevillas, petunias, hydrangeas, bougainvilleas, bracteantha, geraniums, dahlias, portulacas, red-hot pokers (pictured), verbena and zinnias love the summer. Liquid feed fortnightly with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser Liquid to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
EDIBLES
> Use Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for a summer harvest of tomato, zucchini, sweet corn and capsicum. Keep well watered. A second crop can be planted a month later for extended harvest. Keep watering tomatoes constantly during the summer months. Irregular watering will encourage blossom end rot caused by calcium deficiency. Provide semi shade for green leafy vegetables and water daily to keep their sweet taste.
> Herbs such as sage, thyme, lemongrass, parsley, Vietnamese coriander and rosemary all survive well during the hot summer and feature well in mixed garden styles.
GARDEN CARE
If your garden or potting mix soil is compact, hard and repels water, sprinkle Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules on the soil to aid water penetration and fertilise at the same time.
FLOWERS
> Mandevilla, salvia, buddleja, hibiscus, osteospermum, coprosma ‘ignite’, bracteantha and zinnia flowers are on call for flowering during summer. Many natives are flowering now.
> Plant petunia, scaevola, calibrachoa, portulaca or bambino bougainvillea for hanging basket and pot flowering splendour. Plant in a premium potting mix, Searles Platinum Potting Mix which contains 18 month fertiliser and is excellent with water conservation.
> For indoor and shaded areas under patios and tree canopies, bromeliad, ZZ plant, peperomia, elkhorn, devils Ivy, rabbits foot fern and anthurium are low fuss plants. Keep water up to indoor plants during the heat.
EDIBLES
> Summer growing vegetables such as tomato, capsicum, eggplant, cucumber and zucchini are perfect to grow now. Watch out for powdery mildew on the leaves of cucurbits and spray with Mancozeb Plus to control the spread. Water vegetables consistently to ensure strong growth and less disease attack.
> Fruit trees require regular watering to bear fruit in summer. Feed them at the start of summer with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food.
GARDEN CARE
For 12 months controlled release feeding of pots and garden plants, sprinkle Recharge Ultimate Fertiliser - Pots & Gardens around the soil to feed plants and ensure water is getting to the roots.
