About the garden spring 2018 magazine

TM

Issue 86

in spring 18...

A daisy a day - Edible daisies

4 7

Tasty tomatoes

8

Tomato - Pests & Diseases 10 On the table - recipes 9 - Bruschetta - Roasted tomato ravioli 12 At your local - Flowering plants - Green life

14 17

What blooms in spring

18

About spring - All zones - Climatic zones

22 24

Daisies p4

Spring Blooms p18

Con Searle

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.

Instant nutrition and trace elements for optimal growth Maximised fertiliser content & enhanced water use efficiency Sublime texture for root enhancement

Managing Director: Conway Searle Contributors: Ashley Searle, Noel Burdette & Mike Wells.

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 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 2018 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.

About the Garden Magazine is proudly produced from sustainable resources.

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Story by:

Noel Burdette

The simple daisy has managed to capture the hearts of all who venture into gardening. They are a member of an immense group of plants botanically referred to as the asteracea, (formerly the compositae) and can be found on all continents except for Antarctica.

Although seemingly simple in appearance, daisies are actually more like two flowers in one. The main being the rosette of larger petals that surrounds a central disc filled with tiny (real) flowers arranged in tight whorls. It is within these tiny flowers that the stamens and pollen are to be found by visiting insects in search of a rich feed of nectar.

The simplicity of a daisy flower ensures that it will always remain amongst the world’s most recognisable of garden flowers where it can be easily used in any style or size of garden. They are a beacon to most, if not all, forms of beneficial insect life as their shape is the perfect landing platform on which a butterfly or bee can spot easily from afar.

At this time of year, most garden centres and nurseries are filled with daises of all descriptions all equally vying for your attention in the hopes of taking up long term residence in your garden, balcony or patio. There are far too many to mention within the confines of this publication, but let’s look at a few outstanding members of this wide and varied family that can bring a burst of excitement to your outdoor living spaces.

page 04 | About the garden magazine

Marguerite daisy - traditional form

Federation daisy

Marguerite or Federation daisies (Argyranthemum frutescens), remain a highly popular choice with many who enjoy cottage style gardens where they can fill in tight spaces with flashes of vibrant colour for months on end. Well adapted to our Australian climate, Federation Daisies enjoy a nutrient rich, full sun position that is well-drained yet not overly dry. The newer hybrid cultivars have been developed to remain compact in growth while the older forms can reach heights well over one metre. In warm climates, flowers are often produced from mid-winter until late spring, while in more temperate zones; flowering is extended from early spring until mid or late summer and colours include all shades of pink, cerise, yellow and of course, classic white. A light prune by one third is advisable as they enter their final stage of flowering and a generous application of dolomite to help sweeten the soil will keep them happy over the summer.

African daisy contrasts well against wormwood

The simple Erigeron, or Seaside daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus) is a delicate, yet robust daisy species and is capable of growing just about anywhere if given half a chance. It produces multitudes of small white daises with just a hint of pink on younger flowers all through the year. Erigeron look wonderful if used along pathways or to soften hard landscaping.

About the garden magazine | page 05

Jerusalem artichoke

page 06 | About the garden magazine

Finally, keeping with the ‘productive’ theme, many daisies also play a strong role in the world of herbs. Three in particular are Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), Calendula (Calendula officinalis) and Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium).

Calendula

Feverfew - original form

Echinacea

Feverfew - double form Echinacea is native to North America where is it is a wild flower of the prairies. It is a clump forming (short -term) perennial that forms tall eye-catching magenta flower heads that are long lasting and have a stiff central cone that butterflies find irresistible. Flowers are primarily formed throughout the warmer months in temperate zones yet can be witnessed flowering at any time of the year in warmer climates.

Echinacea enjoy a slightly alkaline soil in full sun for best results and can look incredible if mass planted in amongst small, soft grasses and other gentle perennials such as Gaura.

Calendula is a seasonal annual that enjoys the cooler times of the year for strongest growth and doubles up as having tasty, edible flowers in shades of deep orange, gold and apricot. Calendulas are great as additions to the vegetable garden where they can bring bright colour and interest while helping to deter many marauding insects away from other prized plants.

Feverfew is all too often overlooked by many as a desirable addition yet deserves to be seen as a highly useful plant in all gardens. Not only do the clusters of creamy white flowers look very attractive scattered amongst other flowering plants, but they bring a very large amount of natural predators and useful pollinators into any sized garden. Upright sprays to sixty centimeters of delightful small daises are formed all through spring and summer from fragrant foliage that seem to last for weeks on end and can be used well as cut flowers. Feverfew is not to be confused as Chamomile (which is also a daisy) as although it does have edible qualities, makes a very bitter tasting tea.

It must be noted that although Echinacea, Feverfew and Calendula all carry strong (useful) medicinal qualities, it is not recommended that these be used as home remedies unless under the strict guidance of a qualified naturopath or herbalist.

They look equally as charming and content if grown in simple terracotta pots and placed on steps or balconies.

About the garden magazine | page 07

Tomatoes are one of the easiest food crops to grow in home gardens and they’re delicious in summer salads and other tasty dishes. With so many varieties available, how can you resist planting a few of your own this spring?

page 08 | About the garden magazine

Nothing is better than this simple, fresh dish enjoyed with friends on a Sunday afternoon.

(Makes enough for 4 servings)

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh cherry tomatoes 4 x sprigs fresh chives 2 bocconcini 4 x slices (approx 1.5cm thick) crusty bread (why not make your own?) olive oil balsamic vinegar

Method:

1. Pip the cherry tomatoes (cut in half and scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon). Cut flesh into small cubes.

2. Dice chives into small flakes.

3. Slice bocconcini into slices.

4. OPTIONAL: Toast bread under grill for 2–5 minutes at 180˚C (Don’t leave it to dry out; it still needs to be soft in middle).

5. Gently mix chives and tomato together.

6. Place sliced bocconcini on toast, then top with tomato and chives. Finish with a sprinkle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste.

For extra flavour, add fresh basil to the mix!

Pruning

Because tomato foliage gives ripening fruit shelter from the sun, it’s advisable not to prune them. However, removing stems from the inside of the plant can help improve air circulation and reduce fungal problems.

1.

A sudden bout of wet weather after a dry period can cause ripening tomatoes to split. This can also be caused by irregular watering. Keep moisture levels consistent by watering tomatoes regularly and keeping them well mulched.

2.

Water tomato plants on the roots — not the foliage. This will reduce the risk of fungal infections and will also limit water loss through evaporation.

About the garden magazine | page 09

ilt

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Spot

One of the most challenging of home vegetables to grow is Story by:

Mike Wells

arguably the venerable tomato, but when it’s grown well, it is certainly one of the most rewarding and satisfying of garden fruits. The key to great home-grown tomatoes is good soil health, consistent moisture and nutrition, which ensures healthy plants that are able to better withstand pest and disease pressures as they occur.

Good soil health starts with incorporation of 5IN1 Organic Fertiliser before planting.

This will help plants to establish strongly.

Once they start to flower, apply fortnightly liquid feeds of Searles Flourish Vegie & Tomato Liquid Fertiliser to encourage more flowers and subsequently more fruit. Ensure adequate moisture for your tomatoes at all stages of growth by consistently irrigating and reducing evaporation with a quality organic mulch.

It’s a known fact that tomatoes are one of the most difficult plants on which to diagnose diseases, so the following is purely a guide for home gardeners to help recognise when diseases occur.

page 10 | About the garden magazine

Tomato Wilts | Bacterial, Verticillium, Fusarium

Characterised by wilting, yellowing (not for bacterial) and death of lower leaves, especially during hot weather. Watering doesn’t relieve the symptoms. Whole plants can die very quickly. Best to remove and destroy infected plants.

Tomato Viruses | Mosaic, Leaf curl

Symptoms include stunting and distortion of foliage, mottling and streaking of stems and leaves. Spread in many ways, including sap-sucking insects, garden tools, hands, implements, even old trellises. At the first signs of symptoms, remove and destroy plants.

Moulds, mildews on tomatoes

Signs may be white or greyish furry growths on leaves and fruit.

Remove infected parts, treat with Searles Lime Sulphur.

Tomato Blights, Leaf Spots & Specks

Leaves may develop irregular or circular spots with features and colours ranging from greyish-brown, brown with a yellow halo, concentric rings, and brown with light grey centres. Stems may develop darkish lesions and patches. Treatment should include removal of as much infected material as possible, then spray with Searles Copper Oxychloride for control.

Initially, this part of the fruit becomes off-white to brown in colour and takes on a ‘sunken in’ appearance. As the fruit matures, these symptoms become more pronounced and the rot darkens in colour.

A common tomato problem is blossomend rot. This appears at the ‘blossom end’ of the fruit - the opposite end to the stem.

Fruit Fly (Garden Enemy No. 1)

Signs of this pest are discoloured spots and rots developing around the skin area. Eggs hatch into maggots that destroy the soft interior of the fruit.

There are no preventative or systemic sprays for tomatoes, so careful monitoring is required (Searles Fruit Fly wick) from around spring (when the weather warms) to autumn and even winter if temperatures stay high. Searles Fruit Fly Trap will attract, trap and kill male fruit flies only, so use these together with fruit fly exclusion bags/netting for best results.

Blossom end rot is caused by insufficient calcium and the most common cause is irregular or insufficient water during the critical growing period of the young fruit. Even when sufficient calcium is

Budworm

The larvae of the potato moth and two budworm species can cause serious damage to tomatoes, by tunnelling into leaves and stems, reducing growth and subsequent flowering and fruiting. Usually by the time damage is seen, the larvae have entered the plants and there are no systemic insecticides that can help. If you see the larvae on the outside of the plant, then Searles Bug Beater Natural Pyrethrum spray is a great low toxicity control.

present in the soil, water shortages can create difficulty absorbing and delivering calcium to the fruit.

Most vegie garden soils will have adequate available calcium, however the problem usually occurs due to inconsistent irrigation practices.

Mulch, use organic fertilisers and Searles Penetraide in sandy or loamy soils, and increase irrigation during fruiting and warm periods. Ensure your soil’s pH is around 6.5 to 7.

Whitefly and aphids on tomatoes

Whitefly congregate on the underside of tomato leaves, fly away when disturbed, and return quickly to continue feeding.

Aphids generally gather at the soft growing tips of tomato plants and can explode in numbers if not controlled. For large infestations of both, Searles Bug Beater Natural Pyrethrum spray is effective when sprayed on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves.

Tomato Mites

Tomato russet mites are tiny sap-suckers that can become a problem in warm, dry weather. They can’t be seen with the naked eye, but symptoms include withering of lower foliage, stems displaying a bronze colour, and leathery skins on fruit. Spray Searles Wettable Sulphur on all leaf surfaces for control.

About the garden magazine | page 11

simple recipes made from garden kitchen produce

page 12 | About the garden magazine

On medium heat, add olive oil to a hot frying pan, then add onion and whole tomatoes. Stir constantly, but gently, to soften and char. Alternatively, onions and tomatoes can be roasted in an oven on 230ËšC for 30 minutes.

Cook ravioli according to the packet directions. Once cooked, drain and add liberal amounts of olive oil and toss to coat ravioli.

Add cooked ravioli to onion and tomato mix, drizzle balsamic vinegar over pasta. Top with olives and handful of fresh basil leaves and toss gently.

Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Serve immediately alfresco (if possible) to immerse yourself in the tastes and senses of the Mediterranean.

For more tasty recipes from the garden, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au

About the garden magazine | page 13

find these beauties at your local gardening outlet

‘Hot Pink’

‘Pink’

The bi-colour yellow and orange flowers, of the Bidens ‘Campfire’ are borne in profusion all through the season. In warmer areas they flower right through the year. Their flowers are larger and longer flowering than other varieties available.

Habit: Small shrub with soft, fern like foliage.

Position: They grow best in full sun.

The bright golden splashes of colour contrast against other smaller shrubs and flower borders. Plant in pots for patio colour and garden pot combinations. Prune back lightly if any branches become too leggy.

SIZE

25cmH 20-30cmW

e’

hit

‘W

The Phlox ‘Gisele’ Series (Phlox drummondii) boasts large clusters of flowers of intense colour all season long. Their heavy blooming, mounded habit and low maintenance requirements make them a joy to grow. Phlox Gisele series love the heat so be sure to grow in a sunny spot in baskets and containers, or for rich colour in SIZE garden beds.

30cmH 35-45cmW

page 14 | About the garden magazine

FULL SUN

FULL SUN

Bubblegum ‘Pink’

Bubblegum ‘Blush’

SIZE

30cmH 100cmW

FULL SUN PART SHADE

find these beauties at your local gardening outlet

The Dreameria® series is an easy to grow collection of no fuss garden plants bred in Australia for real impact throughout the year. With masses of dreamy-white globeshaped flowers from winter to late spring sitting atop shapely evergreen mounds of foliage, ‘Dream Clouds’ is an outstanding garden and container performer. Bred for their hardiness and repeat flowering abilities throughout the year.

SIZE

FULL SUN PART SHADE

‘Pop Star’

30cmH 40-60cmW

DRY TOLERANT

COASTAL

DRY TOLERANT

CUT FLOWERS

‘Pinball Wizards’

SIZE

FULL SUN PART SHADE

‘Ascot Lilliput’ is an easy care, compact variety which does not require pruning.

Outstanding pot performance. A fantastic dwarf form with abundant flower heads held on thin flower stems and bright displays of lime flowers during spring.

Very tolerant of hot and dry conditions.

Ideal colour and form for dry gardens and rockeries, low borders and edging, small gardens, patios and courtyard container displays. Plant in a well drained soil for optimum results.

SIZE

FULL SUN PART SHADE

30cmH x 30cmW

DRY TOLERANT

page 16 | About the garden magazine

COASTAL

30cmH x 40cmW

FRAGRANT

SIZE

FULL SUN

15-30cmH 40-60cmW

Dreameria ‘Dream Weaver’ is from the new Armeria Dreameria® Collection, boasting masses of large mulberry-purple, globe-shaped blooms neatly held atop sturdy upright stems. Dreameria ‘Dream Weaver’ is a tightly mounded, dry tolerant plant suited to rockeries and coastal conditions. The low maintenance, tough nature of this collection makes it an ideal range for use in contemporary architectural settings to complement the modern home garden & high traffic spaces.

Variegated

Senecio ‘String Of Bananas’ is a fun and exciting choice for your hanging baskets. It has fabulous crescent shaped leaves that closely resemble tiny bananas, and these tumble down long strands. In summer you’ll find that soft creamy flowers will bloom and smell strongly of cinnamon.

About the garden magazine | page 17

There are so many wonderful flowering shrubs in the spring garden that it’s difficult to narrow down a selection to a handful. Choosing on just floral display alone would be impossible, so the rationale for this feature is based on not just their flowering ability, but other attributes that make these shrubs ‘must have’ plants.

There are many types of azaleas suited to a range of lighting conditions from full sun positions to shaded areas. This gives an excellent range of azaleas to choose from to suit almost any area of your garden. Enquire at your local garden centre if you need to know azalea varieties best suited to a specific position in your garden.

When planting azaleas, remember that they love an acidic soil, rich in organic matter. Improve the soil by planting into Searles Azalea & Camellia Potting Mix. This will give your azaleas the right mix of nutrients and pH for a great start and strong, healthy growth.

The trick to growing beautiful azaleas is to water them regularly. Azaleas have shallow surface roots and will flourish with regular watering every 2–3 days. Azaleas do not cope very well with extended dry periods, so regular watering will bring on their best growth and magnificent blooms.

citrus care...

page 18 | About the garden magazine

When azaleas flower, they look absolutely spectacular. Be careful to avoid wetting the flowers when watering the plant as this can encourage petal blight which can result in the loss of their delightful blooms.

Once azaleas have finished flowering, give them a light prune and feed them with Searles Flourish Azalea & Camellia Fertiliser. This is a specially formulated soluble fertiliser for azaleas and other acid loving plants. It gently acidifies the soil, provides essential iron and promotes strong growth and brilliant flowering. The trick to achieving the best azalea flower display is to start feeding immediately after one flush of flowers and continue feeding right up to the next flowering season.

Browallia camellia

The spring garden is epitomised by camellias, whose blooms bring with them the joy of perfection. The range of colours, shapes and sizes of the flowers is enormous, so buy them when you can see the bush in production. Camellias are beloved by florists for their rich green, shiny foliage, and the individual flowers are lovely in float bowls. Camellias last for decades and are excellent for containers.

Rhondeletia amoena

Rhondeletia amoena, the most romantic of scented shrubs. Its billowing salmon-pink flowers appear from late winter to late spring, and are offset to perfection by deep green leaves.

Rhondeletia is both reliable and easy to grow.

If a corner of your garden needs cheering up, plant a Streptosolen jamesonii, also known as browallia. This fastgrowing shrub comes with either orange or yellow flowers in an intense burst during early spring. Cut it back after flowering and forget about it for the rest of the year – it’s that easy.

Strobilanthes are a popular choice for gardeners because in a landscape dominated by green, this shrub shines out as something completely different. Its foliage is dark purple, almost black, and so it looks interesting even when not in flower. A spring shimmer of pale mauve flowers is produced even in shade, making this a useful understorey shrub.

Bottlebrushes have now been hybridised to produce flowers in many different shades of pink, red and white and put on a superb show not just in spring but in late summer and autumn, too. Their ability to tolerate harsh conditions, from salt-laden winds to soggy soil, make them one of the most versatile shrubs for the home gardener.

Buddlejas

Butterflies are a joy to watch about the garden. Entice them to play in your garden by growing buddlejas. The large spikes of sugar-sweet flowers range in colour from indigo to butteryellow, orange, pink, lilac and white. Hybrids with silvery grey foliage are particularly attractive.

Strobilanthes ‘persian shield’

About the garden magazine | page 19

Daylily

Hydrangea

Hibiscus

page 20 | About the garden magazine

Daylily

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, fruit bats and microbats.

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

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

Repels — without harming animals or humans.

Not considered a poison — no withholding period.

Easy to use — spray on. Effective when dry.

Safe, Proven and Effective.

Available in 100g, 1Kg & 4Kg Sizes.

For more specific information send 2 x $1 stamps, Please mention your problem, post to:

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

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

Rhododendron

GG20-260/02

is unique. Reject products said to be "just as good", nothing is at all "like it".

About the garden magazine | page 21

spring planting and care guide

Fertilising

For a wonderful green and soft lawn during spring, it will need fertilising. Contrary to what many may think, lawns don’t need a lot of fertilising at any one time; they just need a small amount of fertiliser on a regular basis. However, with most lawn foods this would mean that you would be fertilising every couple of weeks and this can be inconvenient and labour intensive.

Jasmine polyanthum has a sweet fragrance that is sure to pleasure the senses

Use a slow release lawn food for steady, regular feeding. Feed with Searles Robust Lawn Booster which will give instant results and produce steady, strong growth for 3-4 months after application. This means beautiful soft growth, infrequent mowing and less weeds. Dense lawn helps to form a natural barrier to weeds, smothering them and not allowing them to get a foothold.

> The sudden flush of Jasmine polyanthum flowers signals spring has arrived. Plant one in a sunny spot with room to ramble and enjoy the sweet fragrance as you walk outside your house every morning.

Weeds

Weeds will start appearing in lawns late winter. Identify and spray them early to stop them from setting seed.

Repeat applications of herbicide may be required to eradicate the emerging weeds.

Watering

When watering, it is best to apply a decent quantity of water at a time. Give it a good, thorough soaking about once a week rather than a light watering. Deep watering encourages grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, whereas light watering promotes shallow root growth. Deeper roots can utilise water and minerals from deeper in the soil and the lawn will survive the heat of summer far better.

page 22 | About the garden magazine

> By now, Clivias will be on full display in all parts of Australia. Their hardy nature, all year thick strappy foliage and when spring arrives clumps of bright blooms sitting erect from the leaves make them a stand out. > Perfect time to re-pot cymbidiums. Use Searles Cymbidium & Bromeliad Mix for the right soil media for healthy growth. > Prune hibiscus in early September and fertilise with Searles Hibiscus & Bougainvillea Plant Food. If you live in the tropics or subtropics, beware of hibiscus beetle in flower buds and hibiscus mite (which appears as wart-like galls on the leaves). If you see evidence of these pests, spray them with Searles Conguard. > Now is the time to fertilise native plants, but only use fertilisers specifically designed for natives, such as Searles Native Plant Food. Native plant foods are low in phosphorus, which is ideal for plants such as grevilleas and banksias.

> Plant watermelon now for a harvest in time for Christmas. Their red and green colour scheme can be a wonderful finishing touch with other Christmas décor. To avoid a watery-tasting crop, minimise watering as fruit approaches maturity. > Raised garden beds can be built from galvanised steel, wood or brick and are a great way to avoid drainage problems or make better use of space. It’s also an easy way to control soil conditions and avoid excessive bending or crouching while tending plants. Fill beds with Searles Garden Soil Mix and top with 5 IN 1® Organic Fertiliser and dig through for a well composted nutrient enriched soil for spring vegetable planting. > Use fruit fly wicks in traps to monitor male fruit flies.

Fruit fly commonly attack passionfruit, citrus and tomatoes. Place traps in trees and check them weekly, starting late August in the tropics, September in Brisbane and October in cooler climates such as in Sydney areas. > After the last of the frosts, plant warm season herbs, such as, basil, coriander, sage, oregano and rosemary. Keep watering regularly. Spring can be a dry season before the summer rains come. > Plant warm season vegetables now such as, tomato, capsicum, beetroot, beans & carrot. In warmer areas, sweet corn, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber and beans can also be planted from early spring. For cooler areas, hold off planting these until mid to late spring.

Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’

If you want a modern plant that looks fantastic in almost any spot, and practically takes care of itself, then Lomandra Lime Tuff is it! Producing lush lime green, strappy foliage in a compact form and staying green all year round. It grows well in frost, full sun positions and in shaded areas which may be dry, such as under a tree or the eaves of your house. An excellent plant for mass planting, dotted amongst other plants for a contact colour and understorey planting. Put it in a pot if you want to add a simple touch of green to your patio.

Plants are hungry feeders in spring. Sprinkle 5 IN 1® Organic Fertiliser Pellets around gardens, lawns and fruit trees to enrich the soil with well composted manures and nutrients for healthy organic growth.

Hanging fruit fly trap

Marigolds grow alongside tomatoes and lettuce in this handsome steel tub.

Don’t let pests and diseases take hold.

Control them early to ensure less spray will be used and the plant can continue to flourish.

About the garden magazine | page 23

Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald

Hervey Bay Toowoomba Warwick

Brisbane

Grafton Port Macquarie

> Sow warm season cucurbits such as pumpkin, cucumber and zucchini. Before planting, mix 5 IN 1ÂŽ Organic Fertiliser through existing soil to enrich the soil with well composted manures and nutrients. > Pineapple fruit will begin to grow. Fertilise with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food to promote juicy fruit. > Great time to plant spring salad vegetables, such as lettuce, cucumber, rocket, beans, capsicum, spring onion and tomatoes for a quick harvest within weeks. Plant in rich well composted and nutrient enriched soil for fast growing. Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix is designed for hungry feeding vegetables. > Bauhinia sp. are putting on a show for warmer climates during spring. > Mulberry trees are deciduous in winter with new leaves appearing in spring. The red fruit develop to their distinctive purple colour quickly in early spring in tropical and sub-tropics regions.

Harvest mulberries when they are fully ripened on the tree. Mulberries do not ripen after they are picked. They are also liable to spoil so promptly eat, cook with them or freeze them for later use. Look out for blueberry bushes on sale at gardening outlets. Plant in Searles Azalea & Camellia Specialty Mix for the right nutrients to grow plenty of blueberries.

Pick mulberries before the birds do

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

> Heliconias are flowering now. > Keep the water up to plants and vegetables especially. Spring can be a very dry season. > Fertilise fruit trees with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food and water deeply.

Name: ...............................................................................

Age: 25–35 36–45 46–55 55+

> Watch out for fruit fly.

Address: ...........................................................................

> Sow summer flowering annuals such as petunias, marigolds, zinnias, portulacas and salvias.

.................................... City: ............................................

> Poincianas come into full bloom in spring.

Phone: ..............................................................................

> Keep the water up to lettuce and other leafy vegetables. Don’t get the soil dry out on warm dry days.

Email: ...............................................................................

> Perfect time to plant pineapple heads now.

Cut the tops off a pineapple, let it dry for a few days then plant straight into Searles Cymbidium & Bromeliad Mix. Pineapples require two summers before they will produce juicy fruit.

OR charge this to my:

> Lift, divide and replant ginger in readiness for the hot wet growing season where they will take off. > Sow wet season crops, such as, pumpkin, zucchini and melons.

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Spring 2018

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Poincianas are spectacular when in flower

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Hobart

> Azalea petal blight is a common fungal problem effecting azaleas. It effects the flowers.

Remove petal promptly and destroy. If severe, treat plant with Mancozeb Plus and avoid watering over plant foliage and flowers. > Sap sucking aphids enjoy fast growing spring growth and will quickly distort foliage and spread other diseases. Control with Searles Bug Beater on contact or for systemic control spray with Searles Conguard. > Prune Autumn and summer flowering plants such as hibiscus and tibouchinas > Feed citrus with an organic fertiliser and keep watering regular. > Indian hawthorn is a tough and dry tolerant coast plant and is covered with white blossoms this time of year. > Pride of Madeira certainly show pride in place in spring gardens. Plant them in a spot protected from wind. > The 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 citrus trees.

It contains a wick that attracts male fruit flies, traps and kills them, stopping the breeding cycle.

TM

page 26 | About the garden magazine

> Stay on snail watch as they will take advantage of newly planted spring seedlings. Find some neighbouring chickens who will help you take care of the snails you collect. > To keep waratahs flowering happily through spring, plant them in a sandy free draining soil in a sunny spot. Water well. > Plant prunus, viburnum, plum and apple trees.

They look stunning in a cool-climate spring. > The signalling of early spring is evident by the eruption of crabapple, pear and cherry trees. > Sow carrots, spinach, lettuce, beetroot, capsicum, pea and silverbeet. > Plant tomatoes, zucchini and pumpkin once the soil warms up. > Blueberries love warm days and cool nights.

Depending on where you live in Australia white belled shaped flowers start appearing on the bush in spring. Then a month or two later the flowers wither and the fruit appears. Blueberries enjoy a slightly acidic soil. Plant into Searles Azalea & Camellia Specialty Mix, ideal for blueberries.

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

Alice Springs Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald

Esperance Albany

Adelaide

Grafton

Armidale

Moree

Kalgoorlie

Port Macquarie

Sydney

Esperance Albany

Adelaide

> Sow carrots seeds and plant seedlings into well composted soil now. Ensure the soil is friable and lump free. When sowing the seeds, be careful to sow the seeds about 5mm from the surface of the soil. > After the last of the frosts, plant warm season vegetables, such as capsicum, tomato, sweetcorn and pumpkins. > Give succulents a light liquid fertilise with Searles Flourish Cacti & Succulent Soluble Fertiliser to support their spring growth. Let the soil dry out before watering. > Invest in some more hardy Australian natives.

Many are on show now such as grevilleas, flowering gums, hakeas and correas. Plant now to establish their roots before the hotter weather arrives. Plant them in a native low phosphorus planting mix. > Sturt’s desert pea will flower now until Christmas.

They are a real delight to behold when you come across one flowering.

Newcastle

Sydney

Canberra Wodonga

Melbourne

Hobart

> Time to harvest the last of winter vegetables.

Port Macquarie

Tamworth Orange

Melbourne

> Bottlebrushes are alive with blooms early spring. The rich red flowers of King’s Park special is a perfect fit for this climate as it is discovered in Perth’s Botanic Gardens.

Grafton

Armidale

Port Augusta

Perth

Newcastle

Canberra Wodonga

Brisbane

Toowoomba Warwick

Geraldton

Tamworth Orange

Hervey Bay

Brisbane

Moree Port Augusta

Perth

Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald Carnarvon

Hervey Bay Toowoomba Warwick

Geraldton

Hobart

> Perfect weather is still here to stay for a little while longer. Establish some Australian natives, in particular, our best flowering species the grevillea and flowering gums. Depending on your garden type and use, there is one to suit your needs.

Visit your local gardening outlets for the latest in breeding cultivars and the best natives to suit your area. > Time to re-pot tired old plants in readiness for the spring growth. Use Searles Platinium Potting Mix for a premium results. > Keep the water up to citrus and mulch under its canopy for protection from the up and coming summer rays. > It will be safe to prune shrubs and plants affected from frosts. This will stimulate new growth. Liquid feed with SeaMax Fish & Kelp to aid recovery. > Plant summer herbs, such as basil, rosemary, coriander, sage and oregano. > Many garden insect pests come into their active period in spring. Be vigilant for aphids, leaf miners, and leaf chewing bugs. Spray at first sight with Searles Bug Beater. > Watch for weeds emerging in gardens and lawns.

Spray early to stop of weeds from setting seed.

> Fertilise roses, citrus and lawns with 5 IN 1® Pellets Organic Fertiliser for a spring boost right through to summer. > Encourage tomato fruit set and reduce risk of fungal diseases by a liquid application of the fertiliser - SeaMax Fish & Kelp.

Corymbias are blooming now

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Ask for Searles quality garden products at your nearest gardening outlet. Ph: 07 5422 3000