About the Garden Autumn 2024 Magazine

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The Serenity Prayer

TM

Autumn 2024

Issue 108

At your local - In season plants - Flowers - Foliage - Natives

4 8 9

Combination Pot Plantings

10

Autumn harvest Fruit Vegetables

12 13

On the table - recipes Apple ring pancakes Preserving apples Chicken & greens stir-fry

14 14 15

Searles/ATG Photo Competition Winners

16

Pressing Flowers

18

About autumn - Flowers - Edibles - Dirt doctor - Watering - Climatic zones

20 22 24 24

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 Who has God. Wants for nothing.

All things pass God alone suffices.

God never changes.

(St Teresa of Jesus) Patience gains all.

Front cover image: Combination succulent planting.

New releases p4

Pressing flowers p18

Patron & Founder: Conway Searle Contributors: Ashley Searle, Jillian Coomb, Diggers, Pohlmans, Austraflora, Proven Winners, PMA & Plantnet.

Magazine Manager: Alana Searle Design & Layout: Alana Searle ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle 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 183, Kilcoy Qld. 4515 Ph: (07) 5422 3090 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 2024 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.

About the Garden Magazine is proudly produced from sustainable resources.

Best potting mix in Searles range to grow

outstanding plants High nutrient & fertiliser content

Ideal mix texture for superior growth Designed to maximise results with less effort

like us!

searlesgardening.com.au

at your local see what’s new at your local gardening outlet

Argyranthemum Grandaisy® has impressive flower size and vigour achieved through Australian advanced breeding, creating a compact, three season bloomer for home gardens.

Plant in partial-sun to full sun for better flowering and foliage vigour. Ideal for container gardens, garden landscapes and hanging baskets. Available in 5 clean colours.

COMPACT

VARIETY SIZE

61cmH 61cmW

These unique semi-double flowers resemble a rose as the bud is opening and a gardenia when fully open, allowing this range to display beautifully in cottage gardens and as potted specimens on the shady patio. Its upright flowering habit features from spring to autumn in full shade. Keep moist and well fertilised fortnightly with Searles Flourish Flowers & Foliage Soluble Plant Food. Plant in a mix which is water retentive, Searles Platinum Potting Mix. Available in blush pink, white and red.

SIZE

45cmH 35cmW

‘Blush Pink’

‘Red’ page 04 | About the garden magazine

‘Desert Flame’ produces a mass of long lived golden flowers above silver-grey foliage. If planted above retaining walls or in garden planters it will spill down the sides for a stunning cascading effect.

Flowers all year long in S.E. Qld. In Central Australia flowering in spring and summer is the norm.

Plant in full sun in well drained soil. Ideal for ground cover, in pots, among trees and shrubs or as a border in open garden beds. Prune when the plant looks a little tired.

SIZE

25cmH 50cmW

Ideal premium potting mix and controlled release fertiliser for pots & hanging baskets.

flowers SIZE

60cmH 60cmW SIZE

50cmH 60cmW

The deep purple wings of this stunning plant create a rich and sumptuous feel that adds a level of luxury for outdoor pots and garden beds. Peak flowering is in early spring with spot flowering throughout the warmer months and, unlike other lavenders, the flowers are born close to the plant which has a tight and compact mounded habit of grey-green foliage. Spectacular flower colour-show for borders and path edges, water wise and sunny gardens, high impact low informal hedges and pots, rockeries and coastal gardens.

Crowned in rich iridescent blue-purple flowers that completely cover the plant, Lavinnova ‘The Prince’ is an easy to care for lavender with long-lasting flowering on neat and compact greygreen foliage. One of the richest colours of the entire Lavinnova breeding program to date. With dense flowering across the entire plant, bold colour displays are guaranteed. A beautiful Lavender that looks amazing planted en-masse, this selection is bound to make an impact in garden, in patio pots and in the homes of discerning gardeners the world over.

Low water requirements. Drought tolerant once established. Plant in a sunny situation in well-draining soil or Searles Premium Potting Mix for pots. In late summer clip foliage back by two-thirds to maintain good form. Apply a slow release fertiliser, Searles Robust Flower & Garden Controlled Release Fertiliser in early spring and autumn.

Low to medium water requirements. Tolerates dry spells but will appreciate a soak during extended dry periods.

Remove spent flower heads to encourage further displays. Fertilise with Searles Robust Controlled Release Fertiliser in late winter for optimum results.

Images & information above courtesy of Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au

SIZE

36cmH 60cmW

page 06 | About the garden magazine

Roses for everyday, everyone & everywhere.

Try the revolutionary Knock Out® Family of Roses. These easy-to-grow shrub roses will reward you with a season long show of blooms from spring to frost time. With stunning colours to choose from, there are so many ways to enjoy Knock Out® Roses in gardens or potted displays.

They can fit into any landscape in most climates. Plant them individually as a focal point, among other shrubs, or in large groups to create a colourful hedge.

Incorporate perennials and annuals to create a season of colour, texture and interest.

The Knock Out® Family of Roses includes the most disease resistant roses on the market making them easy to grow. All of the Knock Out® Roses are self-cleaning so there is no need to deadhead. For best performance, cut back every year. Plant them in Searles Fruit, Citrus & Rose Specialty Mix. Mix

Showpiece roses are large-bloomed and beautifully fragrant with a glorious old-world look - but with all the benefits of modern disease resistance, thanks to expert plant breeding.

There are several lovely varieties in the Showpiece roses range, each as bewitching as the other. As if being beautiful and easy to grow weren’t enough, Showpiece roses are also deliciously perfumed. Breathe one in and you’ll be smiling.

The Showpiece fragrant shrub roses produce a beautiful show of colour in either pots or planted throughout the garden in any sunny position. Perfect for cutting to bring indoors too. Plant roses in Searles Fruit, Citrus & Rose Specialty Mix for healthy foliage and flower displays. Liquid feed with Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food fortnightly to keep them blooming.

About the garden magazine | page 07

Semi-compact Polka dot plant suited for shaded areas in the garden or well lit indoors.

Available in white/green, red/green & pink/green foliage.

Vivid mounds of chartreuse foliage stay dense, bushy and bright in the warmer months in a sunny position. Drought and heat tolerant. Water when soil is dry.

Image & information courtesy of Plants Manageme nt Australia www.pma.com.au

Displays a pointed grey leaf with a striking red underside. Easy to care for and suits almost any spot in the home. Small amount of water required. page 08 | About the garden magazine

SIZE

50cmH 50cmW

LOVES POTS

Grevillea ‘Ruby Jewel’ is a new hybrid cross of Grevillea rhyolitica and this plant, bred by Ian Shimmen of Bushland Flora, has already proven hardy.

The plants glossy compact form with bright red flowers grows to a height of 1m and has a spread of 1.5m making it excellent to use as a garden border, rockery plant, specimen plant or as low level planting for any landscape. Grevillea ‘Ruby Jewel’ is a hardy low maintenance small to medium shrub, with attractive foliage & flowers and has the adaptability to cope with dry conditions and light frosts. Plant this grevillea in Searles Native Plant Specialty Mix for healthy foliage and flower growth.

SIZE

1mH 1.5mW

SIZE

3-5mH 1-2mW

Syzygium ‘Up and Away’ is the dream plant you have been searching for; with an unrivalled neat, columnar habit and stunning foliage colour year-round, what more is there to be desired? Throughout the warmer months, white flowers are borne. Flowers are pollinator friendly, attracting some of our beautiful native birds. Red-copper new growth turns to deep shades of green. This quick-growing Lillypilly is a great garden performer that can be easily grown in different climates and soil conditions.

Perfect for narrow spaces, small gardens & general landscaping, screening or hedging solutions, topiary designs, waterwise garden designs, native or coastal gardens. Low maintenance with minimal pruning required. Frost, dry and coastal tolerant. Occasional deep watering during extended periods of heat will benefit the plant.

Images & information courtesy of Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au

About the garden magazine | page 09

Before you select your plants, establish your planting style. Do you want the pot or basket to focus on one plant or a mass of eye-catching colours? Do you want one colour or two or a multitude of colours? Many questions, and when you consider these, it will make your combination planting far more successful.

Double Calibrachoa ‘Superbells Double Ruby’, Lobelia ‘Laguna Sky Blue’ & Bacopa.

Hypoestes ‘Hippo Pink’ & Double Calibrachoa ‘Superbells Double Ruby’

Establish where you will put the pot or basket and select plants suitable to that position for sunlight or shade.

Plant two colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel, which complement each other, such as purple and yellow.

The adage of a thriller (feature plant), a spiller (ground cover that cascades over the pot) and a filler (a plant that fills the gaps and, when the feature matures, will be partly hidden).

For height and volume, layer the planting with a tall plant, then a medium, and then a flowing, cascading plant.

If using a single colour theme, then a background of silver will make that plant pop in colour, e.g.

Dichondra silver falls. page 10 | About the garden magazine

Supertunia ‘Roy Magenta’, ‘Royalal ‘Pink Star Charm Velvet’, & snapdragons.

Double Calibrachoa ‘Superbells Double Twilight’, Calibrachoa ‘Grape Punch’ & Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow.

Use a potting medium suitable for the type of plants, e.g.

Cacti and Succulent Mix for the dry-loving plants or Searles Platinum Potting Mix for flowering annuals and perennials.

You can purchase basket liners to reuse the basket wire if you have older wire baskets. Refrain from using thinning old fibre, especially if you have had weeds come up previously. The weeds have left seed in the fibre, and when you replant, the weeds will germinate.

You don’t have to use flowers for stunning features.

Foliage displays give year-round colour and are not dependent on flowering times. Different colour choices can create the feel of cool or warm colours, and remember; these colours may be around for six months, so select the impression you want.

A single species of plant may have a wide variety.

Choose different colours and textures of the same type, knowing they have similar growing requirements to create your display.

Choose specific plant colours for events, Christmas (red and white), and weddings (the colour of the bridesmaid dresses). Try not to have a white flower in a wedding potted plant, as it will blend in too much with a white bridal gown. Plant displays at least six weeks before the main event, and always make up an extra few pots in case of issues.

The theme may be based on scent. Herbs or scented geranium are popular choices.

Begonia ‘Double Up’ White, coleus & african daisy.

Combination planting success

<<

Some of the primary keys to success are to regularly water and fertilise fortnightly with Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food and every six months with Recharge Ultimate Controlled Release Fertiliser.

About the garden magazine | page 11

Dwarf ‘Monty’s Surprise’ Apple

SIZE

2mH 1.5mW

SIZE

3mH 0.6mW

Autumn is perfect for planting new apple varieties. One dwarf variety, with monster sized apples (12cm in diametre and 400g in weight), is Dwarf Monty’s Surprise® Apple. Monty’s Surprise Apple has some of the highest flavonoids, antioxidant and micronutrient levels in the apple world. It has a charming story.

A researcher looking for apples with cancer-fighting qualities happened to find this variety on the side of the road in New Zealand. He took some samples and found that its antioxidants were higher than all other supermarket apples tested.

New Zealand then spread the word and offered free trees to citizens in an effort to boost population health and preserve the variety.

Harmony™ (Columnar Apple)

If you have narrow spaces, small gardens or potted gardens, Columnar apple varieties are perfect as they are bred to grow straight up. Try ‘Cumulus’ (Solid red skin with defined stripes and a light green background), ‘Herald’, ‘Pom-Pink’, and ‘Harmony’ (Golden skin colour, flesh is creamy white, crisp and juicy). They’re apple scab resistant too and have very good fruit. They can be co-planted or mass planted for a stunning effect; when they all flower they are like a trident of flowers, and when they fruit it looks unreal to see how packed the fruits are, virtually right on the tree trunk. These varieties are harvested during autumn. They’re all medium to high chill factor, including Monty’s Surprise. All these columnar apples pollinate each other, and Monty can be pollinated

by Pinkabelle, Leprechaun, and the columnar apples.

Cumulus™ (Columnar Apple) SIZE

3mH 0.6mW

*Not recommended for coastal Qld and Northern NSW as winters are not cold enough to produce fruit.

There’s nothing like the sweet, juicy flesh of a freshly ripe fig straight off the tree. A highly ornamental tree in both formal and informal gardens, the fig can be grown in most parts of Australia. Figs are a deciduous, large shrub or small tree, typically growing to 2 to 3 metres, is an easy and abundant cropper, making it one of the most rewarding trees to grow in home gardens.

Fig trees love a hot, fairly dry climate so are ideal for most parts of Australia, where they can be planted at any time of year. They need full sun but dislike strong winds, so choose a sheltered position if this is an issue in your area. Although they grow happily in alkaline soils, they especially enjoy compost-rich, slightly acidic soil, so don’t hesitate to dig plenty of 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into the soil before planting. page 12 | About the garden magazine

Cabbage ‘Mini’

There is definitely more to the autumn garden than meets the eye. Get growing now to provide ample produce for your own garden to plate experience.

Autumn is a highly productive time in the garden, especially when it comes to green leafy crops. Pea, mint, spinach, roquette and radish salads are just the beginning, with autumn offering a huge array of cool season crops to celebrate the season.

Brassicas including broccoli, cabbage, kale and cauliflower, are icons of the autumn garden. Best grown during the cooler months, they also suffer fewer pests when grown at this time of year.

Kale ‘Tuscan Black’

New to the Diggers Heirloom Selection seedlings range this season is Heirloom Cabbage ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ and Italian heirloom favourite, Broccoli ‘Green Sprouting Calabrese’. Popular in raised gardens beds, these varieties are both ideal when space is limited, and compliment other small space favourites including Cabbage ‘Mini’, Cabbage ‘Mini Wombok’ and Cauliflower Mini’.

Peas are another highlight of the season, and with dwarf and climbing varieties available, gardeners are spoilt for choice. Climbing varieties like Pea ‘Cascadia Sugar Snap’ and Pea ‘Yukomo Giant’. Snow Pea are highly productive and are best trained up a trellis or support, while Pea ‘Dwarf Sugar Snap’ and Pea ‘Dwarf Snow’ are perfect for pots.

Whichever variety you choose, harvest frequently to maximise your yield and to keep plants productive.

Heirloom Lettuce Mix

Root crops and onions are also popular additions to the cool season garden, especially Beetroot ‘Heirloom Mix’ and Radish ‘Heirloom Mix’, which both offer abundant colour and variety for the gardener who likes to cook. Leek ‘Kind Richard’ and Onion ‘Australia Brown’ are also staples of the autumn and winter garden, growing throughout the cooler months for harvest in spring and summer.

Ideal potting mix & fertiliser for veggies

<<

And be sure to include a selection of cut and come again crops like Kale ‘Scotch Blue’ and Tuscan Kale, Mizuna ‘Red and Lime Streaks’ (a colourful and tasty Asian green to help bring a little spice and colour to your plate), as well as Spinach ‘Bloomsdale’ and Heirloom Lettuce Mix Mix, to provide ample produce for last minute meals, stir fries, salads and sandwiches.

Diggers Heirloom Seedlings are available at all good nurseries and garden centres.

Onion ‘Australian Brown’

About the garden magazine | page 13

simple recipes made from garden kitchen produce

Simple recipe for drying apple

Ingredients Fruits for drying Many fruits are ideal for drying in the oven or a dehydrator.

Bananas, citrus fruit (lemons, oranges, limes), mangoes, apples & pears are ideal.

Adjust drying times to suit the thickness and variety of fruit. page 14 | About the garden magazine

2 apples of your choice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Prepare

Preheat the oven to 100C°. Line baking tray with baking paper.

Core the apples with an apple corer.

Using a sharp knife, slice them very thin as circles, preferably no more than 5mm thick. A mandoline slicer works well for even slice thickness.

Place the apple circles onto baking paper and sprinkle ground cinnamon on top. Bake one side of the apples for 35-45 minutes (depending on the thickness of the slices) or until the apples start to dry and the edges start to curl up. Then flip them over and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.

If you like your dried apples as chewy and a little bit crispy, take them from the oven. If you like them all crispy, bake for an additional 1 hour and let them cool in the turned off oven for an extra hour. You can keep this dried fruit in an airtight container.

Ingredients

2 apples, cores removed 1 cup Pancake Batter prepared according to the package instructions 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 tablespoons icing sugar or coconut sugar 3 tablespoons maple syrup, optional

Prepare

Preparing pancake batter and set it aside.

To prepare apple rings, decore apple and slice them thinly, 1-2mm thick.

Heat pan on medium heat and grease it with butter or oil. Dip apple slices into the pancake batter – one at a time – and ensure that they are fully coated.

Place your coated apples into the pan and cook until they turn a golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.

Combine cinnamon and sugar into a small bowl and roll each cooked pancake to coat.

Serve

Serve hot with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Ingredients

500g chicken thigh, cubed 1 egg, whisked 3 tablespoons of rice flour zucchini

Prepare

Coat chicken in egg and dust with rice flour.

Heat wok or frying pan on high heat with canola oil.

Cook chicken until cooked through and set aside.

snow peas 1 red chilli, finely chopped 3 tablespoons sweet honey & soy sauce Parsley or coriander

Add snow peas and zucchini and cook until softened. Add chilli and briefly cook until fragrant. Add chicken back into pan, add soy sauce and stir to combine.

Serve hot with chopped parsley or coriander.

for more recipes, visit

www.aboutthegarden.com.au About the garden magazine | page 15

BEST IN GROW

GARDEN PHOTO COMPETITION

As promised, here are our crowned winners of the 2023 spring best garden photo competition, voted by our Facebook and Instagram followers. Thank you all for entering your beautiful gardens and voting.

We couldn’t help ourselves. There were so many other great entries, that were too good not to share, here are some of them.

by Helen

About the garden magazine | page 17

Back in the day, if we didn’t have a flower press (that is available to buy), we used the old phone book (and there are few of these left around) or a heavy book. Remember that pressing in a book may stain or cause the pages to wrinkle from the moisture in the pressing.

Some flowers are more complex than others to press, but once you have mastered the art, starting with the easy flowers, you can become more ambitious and go on to more intricate ones. Decades ago, horticulture students were required to press hundreds of flowers and leaves for their horticulture certificate, and if done correctly, they last over forty years.

The first thing is to select your flower. Some of the easiest flowers to press are pansies, viola, primula, petunia, daisies, cosmos, and lavender. Some of the scented flowers, may keep some of their fragrance as well.

When you select your flowers, remove any excess foliage and excess moisture by patting them with a cloth. The flower presses best when dry. If a flower head has many smaller or thick flowers, it will be more difficult to press, without further dissection.

If you have a bought or homemade wooden flower press, it will have absorbent sheets to lay the flower between. Blotting paper was commonly used, but now the trend is watercolour or parchment paper. For the thrifty, coffee filter paper works well.

Lay the flower down on the paper, arrange it to be as open as possible, positioning the stem a little distance away from the flower. Once dry, you can reassemble it. In some cases, as you become more adventurous, you may have to dissect the flower so it is flatter and reconstruct it after it is dried, e.g., hydrangea flower heads. Once the flower is suitably positioned, place another few sheets on top and either close the press or, in the case of using a book, close the book and put a weight on top.

It may take a few weeks to press, but every few weeks, check its progress, and if it has started to go mouldy from not being dried enough at the onset, discard this pressing. It may take up to six weeks, but eventually, it will be totally dry, and you can carefully peel it off the book or paper. It will be paper thin and fragile, so use care when removing it.

Lift the flower onto what you are mounting it on, and if necessary, reassemble the flower and stems.

When gluing the flowers into position, use a colourless, odourless, and easy-to-use glue to make this as easy as possible. If the flower has retained its colour, its colour may bleed or fade with too much glue.

About the garden magazine | page 19

allzones autumn planting & care guide

‘Kaleidoscope’ SIZE

70cmH 90cmW FULL SUN

Im age co

urte sy o

f P la n

a.co ts Mana gement Australia www.pm

Anigozanthos Frosty Yellow is a stunning kangaroo paw with blue-green foliage and glorious golden sprays of flowers appearing during spring and autumn, which will attract birds and butterflies. Easy to grow in most well-drained soils either tucked in the garden as a showy feature, or in a pot. An ideal cut flower if you wish to bring some beauty SIZE indoors. Plant in Searles Native 60cmH 60cmW Specialty Mix to provide all the necessary nutrients for native growth.

u m.a

> Famed for its unique foliage colour, Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’ has beautiful tones that change with the seasons. By autumn this combination turns to a bright orange to fiery red throughout the winter months extending until the early spring. Low water needs and requiring little maintenance, this shrub is ideal for informal hedging and garden colour contrast in a sunny location. > Looking for long lasting gap filling blooms? Look no further than the salvia family!

Many gardeners already know that these perennials can cope with extended periods of heat and drought without turning a petal. Salvias come in exciting shades of vermillion, maroon, purple and cerise but the delightful Mexican sage, Salvia leucantha, is a favourite for its grey foliage and delicious woolly grey and white spikes of flowers – a perfect foil for its hotter-hued relatives. > If you’ve got a spot in semi-shade and want a neat looking shrub which gives good autumn value, choose any of the growing number of ixora cultivars. Ixoras have glossy green foliage similar to gardenias and sasanqua camellias and like these shrubs they look good even when not smothered in their salmon-orange, butter yellow, rosy pink or apricot flowers. page 20 | About the garden magazine

> Trim bougainvilleas if they have grown out of control during summer. > Tibouchinas are flowering during the warmer months of summer and autumn. Traditional tibouchina flowers are vivid purple on large shrub/ trees. Newer bred varieties cater for cooler climates, compact gardens and pots and are available in pink and white.

Pentas

• salvias • abutilon • petunias • sweet peas • pansies/violas • snapdragons • lobelias • marigold • nasturtium • dahlias • plumbago • camellia sasanquas • geraniums/pelargoniums • pentas • tibouchina • red hot pokers • golden penda • euphorbia • buddlejas time to • sedum plant • daisies sweet pea • heleniums • rudbeckias • hydrangeas • cyclamens • mandevillas • gazanias • calibrachoas • grevilleas • argyranthemum • orchids

> Some daisies, such as the federation daisies and Australian native brachyscome, have a style of classic beauty and elegance. Pretty, feminine flowers in gentle shades of mauve, pink, yellow or white give these long-time favourites a sense of calm and grace. Federation daisies are easy-care, compact shrubs and have long-lasting floral displays in autumn and spring. Brachyscome daisy flowers throughout the year in full sun or part shade. These daisies are great in Tuscan or cottage-style gardens and are beautiful teamed with rosemary hedges or lavender. Excellent in pots. > Many banksias are in flower in autumn attracting birds from far and wide. The diversity of this genus will surely cater for any type of gardener and garden climates. The coastal banksia is perfect for coastal gardens. Banksia spinulosa ‘Honey pots’, ‘Coastal Cushion’ and ‘Birthday Candles’ all flower on a spreading shrub in autumn. Plant in Searles Native Plant Specialty Mix designed for Australian natives. > Natives are susceptible to scale during autumn. Look out for evidence of these insects on leaf stems and branches on bottlebrushes (Callistemon and Melaleuca), lilly pillys (Syzygium), emu bushes (Eremophila) and wax flowers (Philotheca). Treat with Searles White Oil. > Golden Penda ‘Fairfill Gold’ (Xanthostemon chrysanthus) is a spectacular flowering shrub, originating from north Queensland. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, mulch well and keep it well watered while establishing. Attracts nectar-feeding birds. > Plant spring flowering bulbs now, like daffodil, jonquil, freesia, snowflake, anemone and bluebells. In warmer areas, wait until mid to late April before planting bulbs as they may flower before winter if planted too early! > Cattleyas have some of the largest blooms of all the orchids and are often fragrant. Cattleyas love high humidity and don’t like very cold winters, but some will tough it out if kept dry. Phalaenopsis orchids are the easiest to care for. Blooms appear on long, arching stems for up to six months of the year. When orchids are in flower, avoid watering the flowers as this may lead to the flower rotting prematurely. Cattleyas and phalaenopsis are good candidates for growing in pots. Give them plenty of light but not full sun. When planted into pots, orchids require an open mix of specially graded pine bark to allow optimum air space as well as provide suitable water holding capacity. Ideally use Searles Orchid Specialty Mix for best results.

About the garden magazine | page 21

allzones autumn planting & care guide carrots

> Autumn is harvest time for most apples, pears, late season peaches, and pomegranates.

Planting

citrus trees

> Carrots can be planted now and are a favourite with children. in autumn allows roots time to They generally dislike being establish a little before winter. transplanted, so sow them Fertilise citrus trees with Searles Fruit directly where you want them & Citrus Plant Food while fruit is forming to grow and thin them at a later to ensure bountiful crops later on. Keep date rather than starting them in trees well mulched, water them deeply seed trays. Carrots like poor, lumpand regularly. Yellowing older leaves free soil, so don’t add any fresh fertiliser into the soil at planting. Plant in can mean magnesium deficiency, in full sun and keep them fairly moist. which case a dose of trace

elements will correct any

> Autumn is a great time to plant cool season nutrient deficiency. vegetables, such as brassicas, cauliflower, celery, onion and cabbage. These veggies prefer an alkaline soil, so prepare garden beds by digging in garden lime - along with plenty of 5 IN 1 Zucchini and cucumber seeds and seedlings can Organic Fertiliser for good nutrition - at least two be grown in full sun during autumn (late autumn weeks before planting. If you’re limited for space, to early spring for the Tropics). One variety type miniature varieties of these veggies can be grown in should be cultivated in the garden at any one pots with Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix. time, to prevent cross-pollination affecting the quality of your crop. Use Searles Herb & > Autumn and winter are a great time to plant Vegetable Specialty Mix in garden and pot onions and spring onions. They tolerate poor soils settings for strong growth. Stake cucumber plants and dislike fresh fertiliser. Good drainage is essential and if planting zucchini — raised beds in an open, airy position are ideal. in pots, one per pot is sufficient. > Before planting passionfruit, prepare the soil with plenty of Searles Blood & Bone to a diameter of about 1m. Plant only at the base of a fence or sturdy trellis that can allow their spread (at least 5m) and support their weight when laden with fruit. Ensure the vines have full sun and keep them well watered until established. > Now is the time to plant peas/snow peas. In frost-prone areas, sow seed by April. Choose a sunny spot with a trellis so they have something to climb onto. To promote flowering, fertilise with a liquid potash. Once mature, continual harvest will increase the crop. page 22 | About the garden magazine

Veggie

partners > Plant cool-season herbs like coriander, chives, garlic, marjoram, oregano, parsley, thyme, winter tarragon and rosemary, now. In the tropics, now is the time to plant basil, a warm season favourite in zones further south.

There is possibly no tree better suited to Australian gardens than the humble olive tree. These hardy trees can be grown in just about any Australian climatic zone where their attractive, blue-grey foliage can add a pleasing accent to other greenery.

Olives can be easily trained into formal topiary and also as an exquisite espalier along narrow fence lines.

They are well suited as potted specimens. Olives flourish in cool winters with hot dry summers with low humidity. They are tolerant of winds, coastal salt spray, medium frosts and dry conditions. They need some cooling time to be more productive. Though they are ideally grown in a Mediterranean climate, olive varieties suitable for subtropics and even tropical are available but are prone to pests and diseases if not kept away from high humidity. ‘Arbequina’ is a reliable bearer in warm climates. It is self-pollinating and doesn’t take too long to produce it’s first fruit cache. Check with your local nursery expert for the best variety to suit your area.

Olive trees need full sun. They will grow in almost any well-drained soil and will also tolerate slightly saline conditions.

Olive trees produce better yields and brave unfavourable conditions in soil enriched with manures and a balanced NPK ratio. 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser is rich in organic animal manures, blood and bone, organic fertilisers and trace elements for fruit production and healthy root growth. Mix 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into existing soil before planting and reapply over the soils’ surface around the dripline once a year before flowering to replenish the nutrients used the previous season.

> Scale is an immobile, sap-sucking insect which can seriously weaken plants if it colonises in great numbers.

Control with Searles Pest Gun. > Time to plant a few rows of beetroot. Grow them in sweet well drained soil and full sun. Sow in early March for a mid May crop. > If you’ve always wanted to grow your own veggies, lettuce is a good one to start with as it is easy to grow and you can usually start harvesting within a few weeks of planting. Keep it well mulched to protect its shallow roots. For a sweet and juicy crop, keep it well watered and don’t let the soil dry out, which will help prevent the leaves becoming bitter. > Your summer crop of tomatoes may be finished, but it’s not too late to plant more! Give tomatoes a welldrained, compost rich soil, full sun and feed fortnightly with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser. > Fig fruit are forming now. It is also a great time to plant a fig tree, whether in the ground or in a large pot, plant in Searles Premium Potting Mix for the correct nutrient balance for producing succulent figs and an abundant crop. > Now that the last of the summer heat has passed, plant some quick sprouting greens for a culinary supply until the slower growing winter crops have time to produce a harvest. Microgreens, lettuce, dwarf beans, Asian greens (pak choy and chinese cabbage), sprouts, spring onions, peas, rocket and leafy herbs will produce a crop within weeks. Tip: plant seedlings for quicker produce. Ideal for small areas and in pots for easy reach. Plant in Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for excellent deep green leaf growth. Tomatoes can be grown again in warmer climates.

About the garden magazine | page 23

Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald

Hervey Bay Toowoomba Warwick

by climatic zone

Brisbane

Grafton Port Macquarie

> Once the last of the really hot days is over, tomato seedlings can be planted again for a season of your favourite red fruits. Water consistently to avoid blossom end rot and feed fortnightly with an organic liquid fertiliser to replenish the soil’s nutrients. > Sow snow peas, peas and beans mid autumn. For a continued harvest plant a follow up crop a month later. Liquid feed fortnightly with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser to feed their nutrient demands.

watering • Avoid watering plants that are susceptible to diseases in the evening, such as roses, tomatoes & cucurbits. When watering, only water around the roots, avoiding the leaves as moisture on leaves can cause fungal diseases to form.

• Ensure that the soil around your potted plants hasn’t dried out as the pot can easily heat up and dry out the soil quicker than in a garden bed.

• Check to see whether your pots are draining properly or not. If not, ensure that there are large enough holes for that extra water to seep through or the pot is lifted off the ground, so that the pot doesn’t capture all that water and drown your plant.

• If the soil has become hard and compact from long periods of dry causing the soil to repel water, sprinkle Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules onto the soil to allow the water to soak back into the soil.

> Many of us in warm climates assume that fiery autumn foliage is a privilege for only cool climate gardeners, but with clever plant selection you can have your warm climate and a blaze of autumn glory, too! Great choices are Liquidambar, Crepe Myrtle, Ginkgo biloba, Acer palmatum and Chinese Tallow Wood. > Geraniums, salvias, dahlias and mandevillas are showing their brilliance in the autumn garden. > Sow ageratum, alyssum, candytuft, carnation, cineraria, coreopsis, cornflower, cyclamen, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, Iceland poppy, impatiens, marigold (English), pansy, snapdragon, sweet pea and viola. > Towards the cooler end of autumn, start preparing your veggie patch for winter vegetables, such as, broad beans, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, onion, peas, radish, shallots, spinach, spring onion, sweet corn and turnip. Dig 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into the soil prior to planting seedlings. > Time to lift and divide and replant agapanthus, daylilies and clivias after flowering. Check roots for diseases. > The striking red flowers of the firewheel tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus) and the white flowering ivory curl tree (Buckinghamia celsissima) are two outstanding natives that are at their best now.

For more information for what to grow in your climatic zone visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au page 24

| About the garden magazine

Darwin

Cairns Townsville Mt. Isa Longreach Carnarvon

Rockhampton

Emerald

Blackall

Brisbane

> Plant alyssum, amaranthus, begonia, celosia, cosmos, dianthus, gerberas, gomphrena, marigolds, pansy, petunia, phlox, portulaca, salvia, sunflower, torenia & zinnia for garden colour. Plant in Searles Garden Soil Mix for gardens or Searles Platinum Potting Mix for great potted results. > Sow or plant herb seedlings in a large pot of Searles Herb & Vegetable Mix. Autumn weather is mild and favourable to plant dry season herbs, like basil, coriander, dill, garlic, garlic chives, marjoram, oregano, parsley, savoury, thyme and winter tarragon. > Cordyline fruiticosa varieties are easy care plants for tropical foliage all year round. Prefers full sun to part shade in well drained gardens. Look out for Rubra, Negra, Pink Diamond, Tartan and Tangelo. > Sun tolerant impatiens produce endless colour during autumn. Liquid feed the soil fortnightly with 5 IN 1 Liquid Organic Fertiliser. > Regularly check your lawns and gardens for lawn grubs and armyworm before they chew through your lawns roots and kill off the grass. Control them in Searles Dead Grub Pro when they first appear. > Sow beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, melons, mustard, okra, onion, parsnip, potato, radish, rosella, silverbeet, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato. > You should already have noticed the Mussaenda (Bangkok rose) charming autumn gardens with their large pink-white blooms. > Plant new citrus, Davidson’s plum, loquat, macadamia and avocado now. Before planting, mix into existing soil 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser to provide plenty of organic nutrients for growth.

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Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald

Esperance

Grafton

Armidale

Port Augusta

Perth

Newcastle

Moree Port Augusta

Perth

Sydney

Canberra Wodonga

Albany

Toowoomba Warwick

Geraldton

Port Macquarie

Tamworth Orange

Adelaide

Hervey Bay

Brisbane

Moree

Melbourne

Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald

Hervey Bay Toowoomba Warwick

Geraldton

Esperance Albany

Adelaide

Brisbane Grafton

Armidale

Port Macquarie

Tamworth Orange

Newcastle

Sydney

Canberra Wodonga

Melbourne

Hobart

> EVENTS: Orchids Out West 2024 This show displays a great selection of orchids to be purchased to enhance your collection. Every year the displays improve in quality and are always very colourful thanks to the wonderful collection of orchids of all generas on display.

17th to 19th May, Clarendon. https:// orchidsocietynsw.com.au/orchids-out-west-2024 > Broccoli and other winter crops should be planted towards the end of Autumn for a developing crop in winter.

> EVENTS: Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show 20 - 24 Mar 2024, Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens, www.melbflowershow.com.au. > Now is the time to plant cool-season flowering annuals. Pansy, viola, snapdragon, alyssum, lobelia, cyclamen, marigold and nasturtium are always an easy gardeners choice.

> Plant citrus, passionfruit vines and fruit trees now to give time for the roots to establish through winter and be ready to burst into growth in spring.

> Fertilise and help protect flowering plants ahead of winter with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser. This liquid fertiliser helps protect from extremes of weather and transplant shock by strengthening the plants stem and root development.

> Feed azaleas and camellias in readiness for the next flush of blooms. Searles Azalea & Camellia Plant Food is perfectly designed for these big bloomers.

> Plant ageratum, dianthus, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, Iceland poppy, larkspur, lupin, cornflower, pansy, petunia, phlox, primula, stock, verbena, wallflower and zinnia.

> Feijoas and figs are fruiting now. Give them a fortnightly feed with Searles Flourish Fruit & Citrus Soluble Plant Food for better produce.

> Plant spring flowering bulbs now such as crocus, daffodils, tulips, bluebells, freesias, Dutch iris, hippeastrum and liliums.

> Autumn delivers stunning foliage colours in rich red, yellows and burgundy. Now is a great time to choose a tree. Enquire at your local gardening outlet. > Tibouchinas, ivory curl, camellia sasanquas, gordonias, blueberry ash and buddlejas are in bloom now. > Powdery mildew can destroy crepe myrtles, begonias, dahlias and roses. Remove and bin affected leaves and spray promptly with Searles Wettable Sulphur. > Plant spring flowering bulbs. > Gaura add long lasting colour to autumn gardens.

TM

page 26 | About the garden magazine

> Try berberis, enkianthus, prunus, punica and viburnum for deciduous autumn colour foliage. > Plant your winter veggies now for a long crop of edibles. Plant beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, English spinach, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnip, radish, silverbeet, swede and turnip. Prepare veggie patch two weeks prior with 5 IN 1® Organic Fertiliser to give your produce the best results. Keep up the water and remove weeds from around the base of the plant to keep the plant performing optimally. > Autumn is ideal to plant and settle in all new citrus and fruit trees including avocado and olives trees. Provide plenty of rich organic compost to the existing soil to feed and stimulate strong root and stem growth.

For more information for what to grow in your climatic zone visit

Alice Springs Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald

Moree

Esperance Albany

Armidale

Port Augusta

Perth

Adelaide

Tamworth Orange

Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald Carnarvon

Hervey Bay Toowoomba Warwick

Geraldton

Hervey Bay

Brisbane

Toowoomba Warwick

Geraldton Grafton

Moree

Kalgoorlie

Port Macquarie

Port Augusta

Perth

Newcastle

Sydney

Adelaide

Esperance

Canberra Wodonga

Albany

> Anigozanthos - bring the bush to your garden with a range of colourful blooms. The taller varieties are generally the hardiest in the landscape and can grow up to 2 metres. Cut them back once a year after flowering. > By mid autumn, start fertilising fruit & citrus trees with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food.

This plant food releases fertiliser slowly to supply balanced nutrients to the roots over the next few months to promote flowering and fruiting.

Autumn is a good time to plant new citrus and fruit trees before the winter. > Plant tomatoes, capsicum and zucchini early autumn for another crop before winter sets in. Winter veggies can be planted later in the season. artichoke, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cress, leek, lettuce, radish, onion, shallot and silverbeet can go in.

Sydney

Melbourne

Hobart

> Don’t forget also that some native shrubs put on good autumn displays, perhaps the best of which is the Banksia integrifolia, whose yellow candles light up overcast days. An added bonus is their leaves whose silvery undersides become noticeable in windy weather. Banksia Cherry Candles (Banksia spinulosa dwarf selection) is an easy-care, compact shrub (up to 50cmH x 90cmW) and ideal in gardens or large containers.

It flowers from late summer to winter.

Port Macquarie Newcastle

Canberra Wodonga

Melbourne

> Olives and figs should be ready to harvest during autumn. And it is a great time to plant more.

Brisbane Grafton

Armidale Tamworth Orange

Hobart

> Sow chrysanthemum, cockscomb, cosmos, dahlia, everlasting daisy, gazania, geranium, gerbera, impatiens, kangaroo paw, marigold, nasturtium, petunia, portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, verbena, wallflower and zinnia. > Plant Asian greens, peas, leeks, beetroot, celery, garlic cloves, lettuce, onions, parsnips, spinach, broad beans and Asian greens. Plant into Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for pots and gardens. > Grow leafy greens fast and pick young for the tasty result. Water daily and liquid feed fortnightly for quick growth. > Coprosma ‘Chameleon’ has amazing leaf colour that provides ever-changing seasonal interest. Forms glossy and disease-free foliage on a compact small shrub. Tough garden shrub that flourishes in sun and part shade.

SIZE

50cmH 50cmW

> Lawns will enjoy a dose of complete controlled release fertiliser, Robust Lawn Booster before winter. > Plant olive, fig, citrus, passionfruit, strawberries and loquat trees. Mix into existing soil some 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser, water well and mulch after planting.

> Treat citrus and other ornamentals for scale with Searles Ecofend Fruit & Garden Spray.

> Feed fortnightly with Searles Flourish Soluble Fertiliser - Flowers & Foliage to provide autumn flush of roses, annuals and flowering shrubs.

> For garden and potted colour plant dianthus, gypsophila, hollyhock, impatiens, lobelia, marigold, pansy, snapdragon and violas.

> Australian natives and wildflower seeds are popular to plant this time of year, such as aloes, gazanias, salvias, Sturt’s desert peas and pigfaces.

> Plant bulbs for Mediterranean climates such as jonquil, Spanish bluebell, ixia, ranunculus, anemone and lachenalia.

> Grow your strawberries in hanging baskets or pots, so they are easy to pick.

www.aboutthegarden.com.au or follow us on About the garden magazine | page 27

Better home grown fruit, vegetables & herbs for over 45 years POTENT BLEND OF OVER 10 ORGANIC INGREDIENTS STUNNING RESULTS

ACO CERT. NO. 431

LONG LASTING PLANT NUTRITION

Ask for Searles quality garden products at your nearest gardening outlet. www.searlesgardening.com.au