About the garden summer 2013-2014 magazine

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2013/14

Festive Flowers Ponds Summer Colour Summer kitchen Terrariums

ISSUE 67

For more gardening hints & tips, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au

Flourishing Gardens...

c r e e t s i s.... e h t SCAN FOR FACT SHEET

More flowers, vegies & foliage.

www.searles.com.au Garden Products

Issue 67

The Serenity Prayer pt the things God grant me the serenity to acce ge the things I I cannot change; courage to chan erence. can; and wisdom to know the diff one moment at ying Enjo ; time a at day Living one pathway to the as s ship hard a time; Accepting ul world as it is, peace; Taking, as He did, this sinf that He will make not as I would have it; Trusting That I may be ; Will His to r ende surr all things right if I happy with Him ly eme supr and reasonably happy in this life t in the LORD with all Trus n.

Ame . next the in ver Fore own understanding; in all your heart and lean not on your he will and him, dge your ways acknowle 5-6 direct your paths. Proverbs 3,

le Con Sear

• Managing Director: Conway Searle • Contributors: Claire Bickle, Noel Burdette, Nicole Grant, Alana Searle and Ashley Searle • Magazine Manager: Alana Searle • Design & Layout: Alana Searle • ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle • Front Cover Photography: Scheurich Cover Pot - 808 Matt Orange.

Ask for it at your local gardening store.

About the Garden is published seasonally by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. ABN 21 076 919 992 • 4914 D’Aguilar Highway, Kilcoy or P.O. Box 70, Kilcoy Qld. 4515 Phone: (07) 5422 3090 • Fax: (07) 5497 2287 Email: atg@aboutthegarden.com.au The material appearing in About the Garden is subject to copyright. Other than as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. No responsibility is accepted by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. for the accuracy of information contained in the text, illustrations or advertisements. Although believed to be accurately and correctly sourced, thereof disclaims any liability against itself, editor/s or employees arising from any person acting on the material herein. The opinions expressed in the magazine, or by contributors, do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. ©Copyright 2013 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.

The About the Garden Magazine is proudly produced from sustainable resources.

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Claire Bickle

Verbena spp: You can’t go past the humble old-fashioned Verbena when looking for a blast of colour in the garden Available as ground cover or hanging basket specimens. They come in a great range of colours and even sport some two-tone flowering forms as well. Choose a full sun position. Too much shade will affect bloom production and encourage diseases like powdery mildew. In baskets they look fabulous planted alongside petunias, lobularias and nemesias.

Now is the time for friend and family get-togethers, so start jazzing up gardens, decks and outdoor entertainment areas with these stunning living creations.

Mandevilla: What a fabulous and lengthy display these climbers produce throughout the year. Great along fences, pergolas and arbours they also make an ideal choice for pots for the festive season due to the selection of varieties, from crisp frosty white to cheery bright red blooms. They are now available in more compact growing varieties as well. These make great choices for hanging baskets. The climbing varieties can have their tendrils pruned off to maintain their bushy habit but I find putting a cone or fan trellis in a pot to give them room to climb creates a spectacular display. They look like a floral Christmas tree. They prefer full sun to semi shade and detest wet feet, so let your Mandevilla dry out a little between watering and do not have a saucer underneath their pots.

5

NSW Christmas bush: native. Ceratopetalum gummiferum.

Want a more Australian feel then there is the Ceratopetalum gummiferum or more commonly known as the N.S.W Christmas Bush. This is often found in abundance at this time of year in florists as dainty festive bouquets but why not grow your own. You can grow this native in a container but it will be best off planted out in the garden, as they are a large shrub to small growing tree. Here you can then enjoy this plant and its flowers to its full potential. The flowers which are cream usually appear around October and November and it is the colourful red sepals which are left behind after flowering that we enjoy.

NSW Xmas bush - Ceratopetalum gummiferum New Guinea impatiens: Festive colour for shady decks and verandas, the New Guinea impatien has come along way over the years, with there now being such a varied and spectacular range of colours in the flowers and the foliage to choose from. These plants will tolerate some sun and actually need a bit to flower well, but avoid any hot afternoon western sun and remember these soft succulent plants require ample water even when in a cool shady location. Undergrowth and southern aspects don’t have to be areas devoid of colour anymore when you can pop a few of these beauties in.

Poinsettias: Euphorbia pulcherrima. The Poinsettia is actually a winter flowering shrub which is traditionally grown in the northern hemisphere. Here in Australia, the Euphorbia pulcherrima is grown in a special microclimate to prompt flowering out of season so that we can enjoy their festive bracts at Christmas time. At this time of year most people tend to keep their poinsettias in containers for decorative displays but they can be planted out into the garden afterwards. Choose a well-drained sunny location and be aware that the colourful bracts will probably lose their colour quickly due to the hot weather but return e u aga again in winter. e.

Basket & potted combos: Using of a mix of perennials and annuals can make a spectacular display. Planted combos including petunia, calibrochoas, begonias, verbenas, vincas, zinnias, gazanias, salvias, coleus, pig face, nemesia and diascias can offer an instant splash of colour. Grasses and succulent combinations can also make striking festive displays..

Red fountain grass, kalanchoes, aloes, blue fescue, Euphorbia millii cultivars,, the combinations are endless.

Indoor spark in the form of festive foliage: Bromeliads, spathiphyllums, calatheas, agloemenas and begonias can all bring a festive green and coloured foliage theme to your shadier, outdoor locations as well as inside the house.

Euphorbia “Snowflake and red geraniums make a fantastic combination.

Jazz up your pots: Why not jazz up planters and pots with decorative mulch in the form of coloured glass or pebble mulches. These days there are a great range of pot decorators as well, in the form of decorative stakes with ornaments on the end, solar push in lights, animal pot hangers and the list goes on. Check out your local garden centre for what’s in store this summer.

Herbs in pots create an easy table display.

6

One of the most popular elements in garden design is the inclusion of a water feature.

Noel Burdette

Louisiana iris

Ponds bring a feeling of tranquillity into any garden space and can enhance the pleasure of being outside amongst nature, but more importantly, ponds provide an amazing eco system that promotes healthy gardening practices.

For best results, ponds should be positioned clear from any large overhanging species such as Poinciana, jacaranda and bamboo that continuously shed foliage. This will ultimately raise the acidity levels in the water and turn clean, clear water into the shade of a strong cup of tea from the tannins that are released from the fallen leaves and twigs. Of course this will also mean that cleaning the pond will be an unavoidable and continual job that even the most avid of gardeners will quickly tire of.

Ponds are a haven for a wide plethora of wildlife and such should be respected as a natural environment and restrictions of chemical use are of the highest importance.

Koi fish are a resticted species in Australia.

They are illegal to breed in Queensland, yet legal in southern states. Koi require high quality filtered water.

Dwarf Carex

Acorus gramineus Pusillus Aurea

Pink Lotus

Many often shy away from ponds as they are seen as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This can be very true if the owner has neglected to add fish into the pond. Fish are an important part of the cycle of pond life as they will devour any mosquito larvae, preventing them from developing into adulthood. As much as they may look attractive, try (if possible) to avoid adding too many goldfish into your pond. Remember that Goldfish are members of the carp family and are continuously digging in the debris and around the base of potted water plants. It’s fine to have one or two nice sized goldfish, but team them up with the likes of Native rainbow fish, White cloud mountain minnows, platy’s or even Danios. Apart from not being considered as tasty treats by visiting bird life, these smaller species of fish are mid level to surface dwellers and will make quick meals of any fallen insect or larvae in the pond. Feeding should be no more than once a week. This will restrict the build up of ammonia and phosphate levels. The fish should be encouraged to naturally forage as this will help keep the water cleaner for longer.

7 Planting around the ponds edge is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a healthy pond environment.

A ponds edge is where many species hunt for prey, forage for food (in the case of small birds) or secretly come to drink, and in a frogs case, to find a mate and emerge as young frogletts after they have changed from tadpoles.

This is a crucial time in a young frogs life as they enter the big world...with even bigger predators!

Plant choice around your pond is highly determined by the style of your garden and can be gentle, or bold depending on your taste. Remember that the creatures that will call your pond home require space to hide during the day, or stay cool in hot weather. Some of the best plants to choose for around ponds and water features are the many species of ornamental grasses and sedges which are readily available at all good garden centres. Native grass species such carex, Pennisetum, Lomandra and Poa are obvious choices, but their beauty is doubled when combined with the likes of Iris, Alocasia, Arum lily, or even tropical sun loving bromeliads to bring bright colour and long term visual interest to the area. Low care plants such as philodendrons are great choices as small frogs will stay hidden within the large lush foliage. Smart landscaping around your pond is also a subtle way of keeping young children out yet still encourages them to interact with nature.

ALGAE & WATER PLANTS: The growth of Algae in the pond is a common problem and can be brought on by several factors. Over feeding your fish is the main reason for troublesome algae growth. Phosphate levels can increase due to uneaten food that has sunk to the bottom of the pond, plants that have been submerged into the water using slow release fertilizer within standard potting mixture, or from high levels of excrement from the fish themselves. Other causes include an excessive amount of oxygenated water from fountains, shallow water that is too warm and has insufficient surface covering. This is not to be confused with overhanging branches for trees etc, but is directly to do with the aquatic plant life in your pond.

If dirty water is of concern, then there are special outdoor filtration systems on the market that you can install. Bear in mind that in nature, electronic filters don’t exist. Maybe you could use the natural method of pumping your water to a slightly more elevated section of the garden and encourage it to naturally run back down through a creek type set up over small rocks and ledges planted with native reeds and juncus species, which can then flow back into the main pond. This is a method that is now becoming more and more popular for the most natural effect.

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TO FILTER OR NOT TO FILTER;

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Waterlilies and floating plants such as water poppy, and Elodea will help to cover the surface of the pond. Aim to cover at least sixty five percent of the water’s surface. This will help to regulate the water temperature and decrease the chances of algae growth considerably as the growth rate is increased with warm water that is in full sun.

on

lotu

s s te m Striped Marsh frog

Crimun pedunculatum

Purple Fountain grass (pennisetum advena rubrum)

8

Magenta

Here are some new season beauties to get you into the garden spirit this summer time. Ask for them at your local garden centre.

Agapanthus Goldstrike ®

Flowering: Masses of deep blue striped blooms in summer.

Habit: Compact habit with broad green and gold foliage.

Size: 45cm H x 45cm spread.

Position: Full sun to part shade.

Try Agapanthus ‘Golds trike’ for its variegated foliag e.

Agapanthus Baby Pete ®

Flowering: Long flowering - throughout warmer months Habit: Dwarf evergreen variety with compact mound forming foliage and flower stems only reaching to approx. 35cm.

Size: 20cm H x 40cm spread.

Position: Full sun. Ideal for container planting, small gardens, mediterranean-style gardens and coastal regions.

Try the variety Agapanthus ‘Baby Pete’ for a more compact form.

Agapanthus ‘Goldstrike’ and ‘Baby Pete’ are low maintenance, dry tolerant and also look great in garden beds or on the patio. Remove old flower heads once flowers are finished if desired. Mass plant for a no fuss ground cover, path or driveway edging. Plant in garden beds mixed with 5IN1TM Organic Plant Food or for pots use a quality potting mix like Searles Peat 80 Potting Mix.

Callistemon ‘Hot Pink’ Flowering: Hot pink bottlebrush-like flowers on the end of the branches during in spring. Grown for their brilliant coloured flowers.

Habit: Similar but more compact than other callistemons.

Size: 1.5m H x 1m W. Position: Full sun in garden beds or large containers.

Suits most conditions.

Callistemon ‘Hot Pink’ require minimal maintenance. All shrubs need to be watered in well at planting and kept moist until established. Mulch to keep the soil cooler around the surface feeder roots. This plant is an Australian native so fertilise with Robust® Native Plants Controlled Release Fertiliser for better plant growth and more blooms. Their straight branches are ideal for floral arrrangements.

9

Senorita Blanca

Senorita Rosalita

Cleome ‘Senorita Blanca’ Flowering: Flowers right through spring, summer and d autumn. In warmer districts flowering continues all year round.

Habit: Features pale lavender pink flowers on compact deep green foliage.

Size: 50cm High x 30cm Wide.

Position: Plant in full sun in garden beds or large containers for a dramatic effect.

Requires minimal watering and maintenance.

‘Senorita Blanca’ is sterile, it does not set seed so there is no dead-heading to keep it flowering. Plant next to its close relative, ‘Senorita Rosalita’ for stunning results.

Mix 5IN1TM Organic Plant Food into the soil before planting. Tip prune to encourage more flowering.

Lobularia ‘Snow Princess’ Flowering: Sweetly honey scented white flowers grow well over the summer months.

Habit: Spreading. Ideal for mass displays. Sterile.

Size: 20cm H x 40cm W. Position: Grows easily in sunny garden beds.

This variety of lobularia, or sweet alyssum, is reliable and heat loving. If planted en masse will look like snow in the garden. Ideal for most situations including garden borders, display pots, combination planting, hanging baskets and around outdoor living areas. Keep moist and liquid feed with Searles Flourish® Soluble Plant Food to maintain their heavy flowering.

10 BubblegumTM Pink

Snowball

Happitunias H Ha appitunias® Bub Bubblegums bblegumsTM

BubblegumTM Blush

FFlowering: Fl o e ow These free flowering petunias flflow ower over many months of the year. o Habit: H ab Profuse flowering, compact and spreading. Greater resistance to diseases spre sp than earlier varieties. th SSize: ize: 3 30cm H x 100cm W in gardens.

PPosition: osition: Easy to grow in sunny positions to part shade. sh hade. Th They excel planted in large containers, ba baskets, ccombinations and in garden beds.

Colours: C olours: B Blush, Fuchsia and Pink.

BubblegumsTMM look superb in containers, hanging baskets, courtyards or planted in the garden. In Individual colours can be planted alone or in combinations or mix and match BubblegumsTM with other flowering plants. They can be planted in garden beds for a mass display, for eye-catching highlights or as great ground cover. Plant in rich well composted soil. Dig in 5IN1TM Organic Plant food into the soil before planting. If planting in hanging baskets and containers use Searles Peat 80 Potting Mix for the best results. Prune plants every few months to remove spent flowers. This will rejuvenate the plants if done several times during the year when they are getting leggy. Feed these heavy flowering plants with Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food every month.

Bacopa Scopia Double Flower Range Flowering: All summer.

Habit: Beautiful double flowers on compact branches. Semi-trailing habit.

Size: 15cm - 25cm H x 30cm - 40cm spread Position: Full Sun. Colours: Pink, Snowball & white.

Bacopa Scopia Double Flower range is highly decorative with large double flowers that bloom early in the season. This plant performs outstandingly in full sun to partial shade. Accepts the heat and is an ideal choice for mixed containers, hanging baskets and landscape areas. Fertilise fortnightly with Searles Flourish® Soluble Plant Food for more blooms.

Gardenia spp.

Flowering: Popular for their creamy white flowers and heavenly fragrance, gardenias flower throughout summer to winter. Their deep green, glossy leaves and evergreen habit make them handsome all year round.

Habit: Gardenias are available in many forms, ranging from miniatures and groundcovers to large shrubs.

Size: 1m to 1.5m tall.

Position: Full sun and part shade.

Gardenia augusta ‘Florida’ produces masses of flowers and is usually easy to source.

Give them acidic soil and good drainage. If you’re not sure about your soil condition, build up garden beds with Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Specialty Mix before planting.

Mulch well, keep them well watered until established and feed with Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia through the growing season for best results.

Gardenia ‘True Love®’ has large flowers and is more resistant to pests.

Gardenia ‘O So FineTM’ has fine dense leaves. A great choice for hedges.

Young Abby inspecting the flowers at her local flower show.

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Nicole Grant

A sensory garden can be great fun to design, build and of course, enjoy. Kids learn best when they have freedom to explore and play in an environment that is safe and amenable to lots of imaginative play. As well as being educational and fun, a sensory garden can help kids regulate their moods and allow them to obtain sensory feedback, they may otherwise be missing in their day. This can mean happier and calmer kids.

A sensory garden is one that features plants and decorative items that range in texture, colour, and scent. Light and sound can also be incorporated. A garden that is sensory-rich can both calm and excite, depending on the design elements used, and can become a favourite place to be for kids and adults alike.

Use

Sensory gardens can be made for any size space. A small court yard can feature potted plants, fairy gardens, or interesting wall art. Use sand, pebbles or rocks in pots for tactile play and wind chimes for auditory input. In larger yards, rows of herbs or fragrant blooms can smell delicious, or a wooden bridge or stepping stones can provide vestibular and proprioceptive feedback (how we move our body in space). A cushion thrown under a ot shady tree, or hammock can become a favourite quiet spot for reading at the end of the day.

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Visit an open garden near you and find some interestin g shapes.

th a

t ar e tactile.

You are only limited by your imagination. Do you have a sensory garden?

Nicole Grant is a qualified Occupational Therapist.

Garden bridges make exploring fun.

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Hints & Tips ALL ZONES

Red hot poker (kniphofia)

Calibrachoa Mini Famous Double Range

Flowering: Spring through to Autumn Habit: Beautiful double flowers, semi-trailing habit Size: 20cm - 25cm H x 30cm - 35cm spread Position: Full Sun Colours: Amethyst, Blue, Hot Pink, Lemon, Magenta, Pink, Pink Blush, Pink Vein, Rose Chai, Tangerine & Deep Yellow.

Mini Famous Double range with their full-double flowers come into flower early in the season. Their excellent branching, semitrailing habit and medium vigour make them ideal as a standalone feature in any size of pot. They’re even more impressive in combination plantings.

ALL ZONES

The kniphofia or red hot poker has been winning hearts in cooler climes and southern states for a long time and is a great choice for late summer colour. These clumpforming perennials are often found in the ‘ornamental grasses’ section of nurseries, although they are actually a member of the lily family and originate from South Africa.

Red hot poker is best placed towards the back of garden beds where its one metre tall spires will emerge like shining candles in shades of red, burnt orange, lemon and sometimes lime green. These stately blooms will also attract nectar feeding birds to your garden.

Summer time is a busy period of the year. Most of us have parties to organise, places to explore or finally finding the time to relax. So make it easier on yourself and your plants by using these water saving products from Searles.

1. Mix in some Searles Water Crystals when ever you are re-potting your plants or creating a new garden.

2. Sprinkle Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting ng Gr Granules nu es over pot plants and gardens and water in. Penetraide helps the roots to take up water more efficiently.

3. Not sure whether your plants need another watering? Searles Moisture Tester will tell you when.

4. Mulch, mulch and mulch.

ALL ZONES

This plant flowers year round and has won many awards for its versatility and performance making it an easy choice for any garden bed or pot.

Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ is a tough plant, coping with drought and heat, and flowering best in sunny positions. Protect from heavy frosts.

This plant grows to half a metre in height and can be heavily pruned if needed. Mulch well.

13

Put bird-safe netting over mangoes to protect them from marauding birds as they are ripening on the tree. After harvest, feed trees generously with Searles Kickalong Fruit & nt Foo ood.

Flower Organic Plant Food.

Pick mangoes and cut up and freeze any excess fruit for later use. To e prevent anthracnose on mangoes, spray trees with Searles Mancozeb, following the directions carefully.

Anthracnose on mango leaf.

ALL ZONES (ex. NT)

An excellent food source for native birds, callistemons tolerate heavy and clay soils.

Give them a sunny spot and prune after flowering to encourage another flush of flowers.

Use a fertiliser for Australian natives such as Searles Native Food.

Short on space to grow vegetables and herbs? Look out for this handy planter bag in your local retail centre. Position anywhere in a sunny position, plant your favourite edibles and watch them grow.

To fill the planter bag you will need 2 x 30L bags of Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix.

Polygala ‘Little Bibi’ is a dwarf evergreen shrub with glaucous grey green leaves. It flowers heavily with its main flush in spring and summer, and continuously throughout the remainder of the year (in some areas) with pretty mauve/purple pea like flowers. Heat and frost hardy, this tough plant offers many garden attributes. Great for low hedging and borders. 1m x 1m. Plant in full sun to part shade.

For easy potting up fill the planter with potting mix to the bottom pockets first.

Position your seedlings making sure you push the plant’s root system into the body of the bag. This will give your plant better access to more nutrients, moisture and less chance of the root system being damage by the heat of summer. Continue filling the bag with potting mix and planting the seedlings as you go.

Use mulch on the top layer of your planter bag. This assists greatly with water retention. Avoid heavy items like pebbles if you wish to move your edible garden around. http://www.aboutthegarden.com.au/index.php/easy-as-grow-herbs-in-a-space-saving-planter/

David Grays Garden Problem Solvers • Premium Quality • Effective Response • Value for Money AVAILABLE FROM ALL LEADING NURSERIES, GARDEN CENTRES & HARDWARE STORES.

14 ALL ZONES

Hints & Tips ...continued from page 13 Here is a photo sent in by a vegetable grower who is delighted with their summer pickings.

The stunning miniature eucalyptus Corymbia ‘Summer Red’, rarely grows taller than 5m and looks its best from December to March. Plant in full sun and feed with Searles Kickalong Native Plant Food in early summer.

SeaMax® Fish & Kelp is an organic plant food.

Great for producing bumper crops and maintaining healthy plant growth.

Rice flower ‘Coral Flush’

To help lavender cope with summer humidity, ensure bushes have space around them for aeration, pruning out dead branches for better airflow. Don’t prune back into hard wood however, or the plant may not recover.

ALL ZONES (ex. TAS)

ALL ZONES

ALL ZONES

Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’

Also known as ozothamnus, the rice flower is an indigenous shrub to south-east Queensland and thrives on neglect. It creates pleasing highlights throughout the garden and is very attractive to butterflies. Give it full sun and well drained soil.

This stunning shrub grows about 80cm tall. Strikingly, it bears lime green, pendulous foliage and has an attractive, compact habit. It is ideal for pots, garden beds and sloping gardens and its fine, cascading foliage has made it a favourite in Balinese and Japanese style gardens. Very hardy, it performs best in full-sun to partshade in well-drained soil. For best performance in warmer climates, maintain a thin layer of light-coloured mulch and ensure it has excellent drainage. Protect from the harsh afternoon sun.

For more information on garden hint & tips and what’s on visit

www.aboutthegarden.com.au

15

The strongly perfumed Daphne ‘Spring Pink Eternal Fragrance’ are prized for their repeat flowering. Flowers fade from pink to pale pink to almost white in summer. This variety is well suited as borders, hedges and small gardens. For optimum results trim lighty to maintain shape and vigour.

Frost hardy and heat tolerant. Does well in cooler climatic zones. Plant in full sun to part shade. 60cm H x 90cm spread.

If you go away for long periods over the summer, do not leave house plants indoors as this will almost certainly spell their doom.

Following the steps outlined below can help safeguard your plants over your muchdeserved break.

1. Sprinkle Searles Penetraide on the soil surface of all your pot plants. Searles Penetraide helps improve the soil structure of the soil to increase water holding capacity and water penetration.

Colour your home

Available in retail stores now are these high quality Scheurich pot covers. They come in an array of modern colours and styles to suit any home decor. Ask for them at your nearest garden centre or hardware store.

Lovely Limes

Lemons are a popular tree with a multitude of uses in the kitchen, but limes are even more versatile and can substitute for lemons in any dish. For small spaces, try the dwarf variety, ‘Sub-Lime’. In the tropics, try ‘West Indian Lime’. Citrus trees are forming fruit now, so ensure they have plenty of water and nutrients, especially during hot, dry weather. Plant citrus trees only in full sun.

3. Just prior to leaving, thoroughly drench all outdoor pot plants, wetting the foliage as well as the potting mix. For indoor pots, fill your shower base, bath or kitchen sink with an inch of water and place them into the water. Be careful not to place them in direct sunlight as the leaves may burn.

4. If pots have saucers, leave these under the pots as they will hold extra water.

5. Ask friendly neighbours to keep an eye on your plants.

Ask them to give them an occasional watering if weather is especially hot or dry, or if they are showing signs of stress.

Try these Bordy and Froggy animal reservoirs.

Natural Solutions Control various insects, mites and scales on vegetables, citrus, pot plants and ornamentals naturally with Searles new Ecofend Natural Solutions products.

2. Put all outdoor pot plants in a shady position - preferably protected from wind such as under a shady tree.

Waters plants for up to 4 days.

This summer-flowering is a stunning and tough performer. Forgiving of gardeners who forget to water, it has distinctive, spiny stems and colourful flowers (actually bracts) in tropical colours like cream, apricot, yellow and cherry-red. Rarely affected by pests or disease, it needs a well drained soil. Excellent in pots.

Bordy Froggy

16

Sun-loving portulacas

Regional Garden Diary Darwin

Cairns Broome Townsville Whitsundays

N.T.

Mackay

Mt. Isa Longreach

Alice Springs Carnarvon

Emerald

Blackall

W.A.

Hervey Bay

QLD

Gympie Roma Toowoomba Warwick

Coober Pedy

Geraldton Kalgoorlie

Rockhampton Gladstone

S.A. Port Augusta

Perth

N.S.W.

Albany

Victor Harbour

North Queensland Tropical — Wet & Dry Tropics

Mt Gambier

Armidale

Orange

Adelaide

Gold Coast

Grafton Port Macquarie

Tamworth

Bunbury Esperance

Moree

Sunshine Coast

Brisbane

Newcastle

Sydney

Canberra Wodonga

Vic.

Melbourne

Sow balsam, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, gomphrena, marigold, petunia, salvia, sunflower, torenia and vinca.

Herbs

Plant basil, coriander, lemongrass, mint and tarragon.

Fruit & Vegetables

Plant artichoke, beetroot, capsicum, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, pumpkin, radish, shallots, spring onion and tomato.

Tas.

REGIONAL ZONES Tropical Subtropical Temperate Cool Mediterranean Arid

Flowers

Sow ageratum, aster, balsam, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, gomphrena, impatiens, marigold, salvia, sunflower, torenia, vinca and zinnia.

Herbs

Plant basil, chives, coriander, fennel, gotu kola, heliotrope, lemongrass, mint, parsley, tarragon and winter savoury.

Fruit & Vegetables

More advice...

Prepare garden beds in readiness for next season’s vegetables. To discourage hibiscus beetle, pick up and dispose of spent hibiscus flowers. Keep the fertiliser up to citrus trees as nutrients are constantly being lost with the rain.

Prevent mosquitoes from using your pot plant saucers as a breeding ground by filling them with sand or fine gravel.

Watch out for black spot and powdery mildew on roses and other ornamental shrubs. Control with Searles Rose Pro. Set Searles Fruit Fly Traps. Deadhead spent spring-flowering annuals and perennials.

South-east Qld & Northern NSW

Subtropical — Coastal Hobart

Flowers

Portulacas will power on through the most relentless of summer heat or drought and come in a range of striking colours. This spreading succulent annual loves full sun and any well-drained soil, including poor and sandy soils. Give them a prune if they become leggy.

Feed them with Searles Flourish every two weeks for more blooms.

Black Hibiscus Beetle

The worst pest of the hibiscus is the hibiscus flower beetle, which feeds on the unopened and developing flower bud. Healthy plants will detect the hibiscus beetle and drop the damaged flower buds, so if you notice flowers falling prematurely it can usually be taken as a sign of the beetle’s presence.

Control hibiscus beetle and aphids on hibiscus with Searles Conguard spray.

Plant artichoke, beans, capsicum, celery, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, melons, okra, onion, potato (tubers), pumpkin, radish, rhubarb (crowns), rosella, silver beet, spring onion, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato.

More advice...

Spray roses with Searles Rose Pro to prevent black spot and powdery mildew. Cut back excessive growth on herbs to prevent them becoming lanky. This will also reduce fungal infections caused by humidity.

Sydney

Adelaide, Perth

Mediterranean Climate

Temperate areas

Flowers

Flowers

Prune spring-flowering shrubs. Trim spent roses with long stems. Deadhead flowering annuals to keep them flowering.

Plant ageratum, alyssum, boronia, calceolaria, cleome, cyclamen, Iceland poppy, linaria, malope, marigold, pansy, schizanthus, stock, verbena, vinca, viola and wallflower.

Herbs

Keep picking the flowers off parsley and basil to prevent them bolting.

Herbs

Plant basil, chives, coriander, fennel, gotu kola, heliotrope, lovage, mint, parsley and tarragon.

Fruit & Vegetables

Plant beans (dwarf and climbing), beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chicory, chilli, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, endive, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, okra, parsnip, potato (tubers), radish, rhubarb (crowns), shallots, silver beet, spring onion, sweet corn, sweet potato and zucchini.

More advice...

Mulch the entire garden thoroughly.

Before laying turf, sprinkle one handful of Searles Kickalong Complete Organic Plant Food per square metre and rake in well. Water well after laying turf to help it establish. Prune wisterias. Feed all food crops fortnightly. Feed azaleas, camellias and gardenias fortnightly with Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia. Avoid over watering watermelon once it starts to set fruit as this can result in a watery, tasteless crop.

ALL ZONES There’s nothing like home-grown tomatoes in summer salads and pasta dishes, but the plants will need extra care in the heat. Keep the water up to them, maintain a thick layer of mulch and feed with Searles Flourish Tomato & Vegetable Soluble Plant Food every fortnight to ensure they have the nutrients they need.

Melbourne Cold & Southern Tableland areas

Flowers

Plant ageratum, alyssum, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, Iceland poppy, lobelia, lupin, marigold, pansy, petunia, phlox, primula, stock, verbena, wallflower and zinnia.

Herbs

Plant basil, chives, coriander, lemongrass, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon and thyme.

Fruit and vegetables

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 and zucchini.

Fruit and vegetables

Remove spent fruit regularly to discourage pests like fruit fly. Plant tomatoes, zucchini and capsicum.

Keep well watered. Plant sweet corn.

More advice...

Ensure gardens and pot plants are well mulched. Water plants before mulching. Control nutgrass, which flourishes in warmer weather, with Searles Paspalum, Nutgrass and Clover Killer.

Inland Areas

Arid or Outback areas

Flowers

Plant impatiens, petunias, zinnias, dahlias, begonias and verbenas.

Fruit and vegetables

Mulch to suppress weed growth around fruit trees and vegetable gardens.

Monitor fruit fly activity with Searles Fruit Fly Traps.

More advice...

Watch out for army worm and control with Searles Dead Grub.

Move vulnerable pot plants into the shade until the hottest part of summer passes.

Nasturtium flowers and foliage are edible and look great in summer salads.

More advice...

Lettuce becomes bitter after a few days of really hot weather. Protect them from extreme heat by installing a temporary shade until the heat wave passes.

Keep the water up to annuals and vegetable gardens. Snap off withered rhododendron trusses.

Watch potted house plants for dry-out and feed with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp when watering. Apply Searles Flourish Tomato & Vegetable Plant Food fortnightly for tastier vegetables and bigger blooms. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, snails and caterpillars.

ALL ZONES Hardy annuals like nasturtiums serve as a great ‘living mulch’ when planted under trees and shrubs as they use relatively little water and nutrients and their leaves shade the soil from the sun.

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Now is the time to plant vegetables, fruit and herbs that love the heat and make summer salads refreshing for the palate. Here’s how to get started with some of the most popular summer lovers.

Plant capsicums in the sunniest part of your vegie 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 Plant Food 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 well-weeded. Feed fortnightly with SeaMax Fish & Kelp Organic Plant Food 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

Ginger can be grown in compost enriched garden beds or in large containers filled with Searles Peat 80 Plus Potting Mix. Plant rhizomes about 2cm beneath the surface of the soil. Make sure the growing buds or ‘eyes’ are pointed upward before covering them over with soil.

Ginger likes warm weather, humidity, rich, moist soil and plenty of water, especially during summer. In the tropics, it usually needs a part shade position, but in cooler areas, full sun is usually best. Keep ginger away from winds and frost.

Shoots should break through the soil surface about a month after planting.

Allow at least another 5–6 months before harvest.

Ashley Searle

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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.

As winter approaches, the leaves will begin to die down. In frost prone areas, the roots should be dug up and dried out a little in the sun to help preserve them. Put aside as much as you want for your own use and store the rest over winter in a dark, dry place. Replant it in spring. In tropical and subtropical zones, ginger can be left in the ground throughout the year.

Ginger grown in pots should also be divided or harvested when the pot is full, normally 8–12 months after planting. To harvest, trim off any leaf stalks and either tip out the whole contents of the pot or dig them out with your hands.

For delicious recipes using feature vegetables visit

www.aboutthegarden.com.au

19

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 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.

They need deep, rich soil, and a sunny position in a wind-protected area.

Dig in 5IN1TM Organic Plant Food into your soil before planting to promote lush growth. Sweet corn pollinate themselves more effectively if grown in blocks rather than in rows of plants. Always plant seed to the depth and spacing recommended on the packet. Keep moist and wellmulched.

Sweet corn demand a lot of water.

However, it is important to keep the cobs dry as they mature, so water only the roots and avoid watering the foliage and

them as required during dry weather.

For best results, sprinkle Searles Penetraide over the soil after planting to ensure deep water penetration and water in well. 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.

Excessive humidity can cause outbreaks of fungal diseases like rust and powdery mildew on pumpkins. This can be curtailed by growing vines in full sun and watering only in the mornings. A fortnightly application of SeaMax® Liquid Seaweed can also improve the plant’s resistance to such ailments. Existing cases of fungal disease can be controlled with Searles Wettable Sulphur or Searles Mancozeb Plus. Pumpkins are pollinated by bees, so it is very important not to use insecticides around them.

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.

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 and mulch.

‘Living mulch’ vegetables such as cucumbers and pumpkins can be planted between the corn and allowed to spread around them. developing cobs. As the tall stems develop they often produce roots above the ground. Build a layer of mulch up around these to prevent them from drying out.

Spray for aphids, borers and caterpillars of the corn earworms in the tops of the cobs and spray with Searles Bug Beater if the infestation is bad. Protect developing corn from birds.

Harvest corn when the silk tassels which hang from the top of each cob turn dark brown. To test whether the corn is ripe enough to eat, peel back a small section of the h he papery casing and break open a kernel with your fingernail. If the liquid that comes out milky it can be harvested immediately.

20

Pawpaw trees can be male, female or bisexual (meaning they produce flowers which have both male and female functioning parts). It’s important to be aware of this as male specimens won’t bear fruit and female trees will need a male tree somewhere nearby for fertilisation before they can set fruit.

Bisexual varieties, which are now readily available in garden centres, are self-pollinating which can make them an easier option.

Pawpaws grow best in soils rich in organic matter, but good drainage is important to prevent root rot. Two weeks before planting, mix plenty of 5IN1TM Organic Plant Food into the soil.

Pawpaws don’t like very acid soils.

Pawpaws are prolific fruiters in warm climates. Plant them in a warm, sunny position and keep them well protected from frost. When planting, allow enough space between the trees to encourage air flow which will reduce mildew attack and allow pollinating insects to roam freely around them.

Mulch & water well after planting.

Pawpaws are heavy feeders, so for best fruit production apply Searles Kickalong Fruit & Flower Organic Plant

Food throughout the growing season. Water requirements depend on the weather, but watering pawpaws once weekly throughout the growing season or twice weekly during drier weather is a good guide.

Some trees can take up to 12 months before they start bearing fruit. Harvest the fruit just before it ripens so pick it when it’s about two-thirds golden in colour and allow it to finish ripening indoors.

In the tropics, fruits will grow all year round.

In the subtropics, fruiting will usually cease during the winter months.

A pawpaw tre e loaded with fru it.

Control broad mites with a sulphur spray. Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Get rid of fruit fly by hanging Searles Fruit Fly Traps around the trees.

To reduce fruit rot and fungal problems, pick the fruit early and ripen it indoors, as described earlier. In humid weather watch for mildew, which can be discouraged with good airflow around the plants and can be controlled with Searles Mancozeb Plus.

Basil Plant basil in a sheltered position and keep it well-watered in the heat of summer. Pruning (or regular harvest) can keep the plants compact and also extend their productive life. Unlike most herbs, its flavour increases with cooking.

Chives Hardy in garden beds or in pots, plant chives in full sun but don’t let them dry out. If the weeding gets away from you, chives can be distinguished from surrounding grass by its hollow stems and pungent aroma. Remove flowers to promote a long life.

Chilli Chillies are really just tiny capsicums — with a much hotter taste! They grow in sun or part shade and are tolerant of a

range of soil o types. They also ots Keep them moist grow well in pots. and lightly mulched. Chillies come in a range of different ‘temperatures’ and also a range of colours. Regular harvest promotes further fruit development.

Chillies won’t ripen off the bush.

Mint Mint is easy to grow and can actually become a little invasive if allowed to escape from its pot. It grows in either full sun or shade and likes a well-drained soil. Keep it moist for best results and remove flowers for a longer productive season. Look out for peppermint, spearmint, pineapple mint or chocolate mint.

Lemongrass em mo gr ss Lem n grass LLemon ra s iis d delicious i i us in cooling ic summer summ me dr drinks nks like fr fruity ityy iced teas. Its 1.5 1 5m metre e e tall, all gr grassy ssy cl clumps will grow in pots or garden beds beds. In stir fries or curries, only the soft, inner stem is used — give it a whack with the back of a knife to release its flavours before using it. Grow lemon grass in a full sun position with plenty of moisture.

Serves 4-6 For more great recipes by Chef Louise Dolben www.facebook.com/BreadandButterMum

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22

Terrariums are a wonderful way to bring a mini garden indoors. Terrariums are low maintenance gardens that provide their own microclimate in a bowl. There are two types closed and open terrariums.

Ideal plants to use are small succulents and indoor foliage plants. Succulents are heartier than most foliage indoor plants & require less watering.

1. Cover 1 over bottom of bow bowl with charcoal (approx. depth p of 4cm).

2. Cover charcoal with Searles African Violet Specialty Mix to a depth of approximately 1015cm (dependent on n size of bowl).

3. ‘Tease’ root system of plant & remove some of the bottom mass of the root system.

4. Pop plants into the soil.

5. Spread 5 ad pebbl pebbles around d th the surface rface f ce of the soil soil. FFor added dd d d effect you can use coloured pebbles or contrasting textures.

6. Using a spray bottle, spray the bowl to clean (outside & inside) & wipe dry.

23

Protect herbs, vegetables, trees and shrubs from possums, kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, hares, bandicoots, deer, foxes and other wildlife.

Protect vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, seedlings and buildings from cockatoos, crows, ducks, pigeons, rosellas, starlings, swallows, other birds & bats.

Protects homes, gardens, patios, shop fronts and paved areas from both dogs and cats or rats and mice.

Protect one plant or a whole area — perimeter &/or band sprays.

Fruit Fly on citrus

Repels — without harming animals or humans.

Not considered a poison — no withholding period.

Easy to use — spray on. Effective when dry.

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The Queensland fruit fly is common in the warmer times of year. After mating, the female lays her eggs under the skin of the fruit. When the maggot-like larvae hatch, they burrow deeper into the fruit causing it to rot. Searles Fruit Fly Trap is an effective reusable trap to monitor and control fruit fly activity around vegetables, particularly tomatoes, and around citrus trees. It contains a wick that attracts male fruit flies, traps and kills them, stopping the breeding cycle.

D-TER, Dept. A, PO Box 3, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225.

Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9589 0703. Fax: (02) 9589 0147

Visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au for more information.

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If you notice patches of lawn suddenly dying, this could be evidence of armyworm or lawn grub activity. Most activity occurs in warmer times of the year from early spring, through summer and into autumn. You may also notice small grey moths flying around your lawn. These moths are armyworms in their adult stage, looking for a place to lay their eggs. White curl grubs (larvae of the cockchafer beetle or African black beetle) live beneath the soil surface and feed on the healthy roots of grass, while armyworms consume the leaves, stems and seed head of grass.

Use Searles Lawn Grub Killer to control these pests before your entire lawn is reduced to bare earth.

The army worm caterpillar is a major pest.

African black ck bee beetle etle e tle larvae larvae - lawn grub.

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