YOU Magazine

you

SATURDAY,DECEMBER18,2021

AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

IF THE CHOUX FITS Covid champs

P20-21

20

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, December 18, 2021

Carrying a big Covid load

The pandemic hit many people hard, any many people were in the front lines and in the thick of it.

YOU writer Maddison Gourlay sat down with owners of Life Pharmacy Ashburton to hear what their time on the front line was like and how they played an instrumental role in getting Ashburton vaccinated.

The team behind Ashburton Life Pharmacy, helping the community one Covid vaccination and prescription at a time.

E

ssen�al workers came from all different backgrounds and jobs, all helping the general public through the global pandemic over the past 24 months.

Ashburton Life Pharmacy’s owners Rachel Eton and Jane Kelly have been on the frontline like many essen�al workers, but they have been instrumental in keeping the community safe.

Early on in the Covid pandemic and when the vaccine was coming to New Zealand, the district health boards put out an expression of interest to poten�al vaccina�on clinics, Eton and

Ashburton Life Pharmacy owners Rachel Eton (left) and Jane Kelly are co-captains on the dispensing and retail floor keeping everything running smoothly.

Kelly decided to take on the challenge.

“We became the first vaccine clinic in a pharmacy in New Zealand,” Eton said.

In the beginning of the vaccina�on �er system, group one and group two were steady, but when vaccina�ons opened up for group three, they knew they would need more manpower.

They have since almost doubled their vaccine staff, thankful for nurses and administrators reaching out to them in helping vaccinate Ashburton.

Life Pharmacy has played a big part in ge�ng Ashburton to 90 per cent vaccinated, with their normal booking system, late nights, weekend clinics, hospital inpa�ent, the Hampstead Rugby Club,

Essential worke Here are some of Rachel Eton and Jane Kelly’s �ps to help during high anxiety �mes, like living under the threat of Covid: • Have fun with your team During the first lockdown when Tik Tok became very popular, some Life Pharmacys around New Zealand par�cipated in a dance compe��on.

As something fun for the group to do.

They prac�sed a few �mes and came together to perform it and it was a real

mood booster in the stressful �me.

• Exercise This is Rachel’s way to de-stress a�er a busy day as an essen�al worker in a pandemic. It helps get the endorphins pumping through the system and feel be�er for a new day.

• Yoga This is

Saturday, December 18, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

a temporary walk-in clinic at the old ACL premises, the Hinds Rugby Club, and recently they have secured funding to do home visit vaccina�ons for people that cannot easily leave the house.

“We are pleased we can do the home vaccina�ons and help people, they are super grateful that we can provide that service for them,” Kelly said.

With all the ways they have tried to access the community and make sure everyone gets vaccinated has proven successful with Life Pharmacy Ashburton vaccina�ng 60 per cent of the eligible Ashburton popula�on.

Both Kelly and Eton said that a posi�ve result from the past 24 months is the new

rela�onships, even friendships, with other health prac��oners.

“We are all working towards a common goal,” Eton said.

Eton, like many, can understand how hard lockdowns can be for grieving families.

Remembering the first day of the second lockdown and talking to neighbour Barry Hayman from Paterson’s Funeral Services about how she couldn’t comprehend how people handled loved ones passing in lockdown.

Li�le did she know that would be her family three days later, when her father-inlaw Michael Eton passed away suddenly.

A funeral via Zoom meant that family in Australia could be involved, even though

they couldn’t fly.

“You’ve just got to keep going,” Eton said.

Once the South Island got out of the Level 4 lockdown they were able to carry out Michael’s final wish of his ashes being spread around his favourite pain�ng spots.

Since the vaccine passports came into play, Life Pharmacy have been just as busy, s�ll vaccina�ng first doses and administering vaccine passports.

They are producing 200-300 vaccine passports a day on top of their current workload.

ers’ guide to keep smiling one of Jane’s ways to keep sane in a global pandemic. Some me �me and breathing work keep the soul calm and works up a li�le bit of a sweat to get those endorphins pumping.

21

A�er a stressful few years, both Eton and Kelly are looking forward to their days off during the Christmas and New Year’s period, Kelly will be relaxing and enjoying a good book she has been looking forward to and Eton will enjoy being surrounded by family.

“We can’t thank the community enough for suppor�ng our vision we have for our community,” Kelly said.

“Yes and seize the day and get double vaccinated,” Eton said.

22

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, December 18, 2021

A little

bit fancy ...

Paris-brest (choux wreath) 6-8 servings

FROM JAPAN with Miya Komatsu

T

his month, I would like to share some fancy recipes with you.

Maybe you can use them for a family or friend gathering during this fes�ve season.

It’s something different and just might make a nice centerpiece on the table.

I hope you enjoy it.

– –

–

Miya Komatsu is a Japanese-trained chef and nutritionist who has made Ashburton her home.

Choux pastry 60g flour, si�ed 2 eggs, lightly whisked in a small bowl 50g bu�er 100ml water 1 pinch salt 2T sliced almond Piping bag set with large circular nozzle Custard 1 egg 1C milk 4T sugar 2T flour 5g bu�er 1t vanilla Piping bag set with nozzle

– –

Any kind of fruits (I used strawberries and blueberries) Mint – Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking pan or tray with baking paper and, on the baking paper (below), trace around an 18cm round

– – –

–

Filling and topping 300ml cream, whipped and transferred into a piping bag

–

�n. Flip baking paper over so that drawn ring is underneath, it will be used as your piping guide.

Place the water and bu�er into a saucepan over a low heat un�l the bu�er melts.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and add the flour and salt.

S�r constantly with a spatula un�l the mixture forms a shiny so� dough and comes away easily from the side of the pan. Remove from heat and slightly cool down.

Beat in the eggs, half at a �me, un�l the mixture is smooth.

Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe on the guideline on the baking paper. Arrange two rows of

Android & IOS Scan the QR code to download the app onto your phone.

Your Local Family Bakery We are still taking orders for Christmas!

• • •

Catering Available Bulk Pies Gluten Free products

• • •

Specialty Breads 17 Flavours of pies Sweet treats galore

Order through our app or give us call to discuss what we can do for you!

123 Main South Road, Ashburton | Phone 03 308 5774

– – – – –

pastry following the circle on the baking paper next to each other and finally a third row over top of the first two.

Sprinkle sliced almonds over the choux ring.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or un�l puffed and golden. While baking, do not open the oven! When ready, turn the oven off and leave it closed for half an hour. It prevents the pastry from shrinking.

Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to completely cool.

Make custard: In a bowl, whisk the egg, sugar and flour well, then pour in the milk and mix well.

Cover the bowl and cook in the microwave for 2 minutes. Whisk and then cook another 2 minutes.

Remove from the microwave and mix in the bu�er and vanilla. Allow to cool.

Using a serrated knife, cut the pastry in half horizontally.

Pipe the custard on to the lower part of the ring.

Pipe the whipped cream on to the custard and decorate with some fruits.

Gently place the top part of the ring on to the cream and fruits.

Decorate with fruits, mint and icing sugar.

Miya’s hint – You can bake the choux pastry ahead and wrap well and keep in the freezer for up to a week. So on Christmas day, you will only need to

Saturday, December 18, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

23

Temarizushi (sushi ball) 8-10 servings

Teriyaki chicken roll 4 servings

2 chicken breasts (around 800g) 1/4 carrot, julienned 6 spears

Sauce 2T soy sauce (I used Tamari) 2T honey 1/2 t crushed ginger 1/2 t crushed garlic

– Place a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound evenly to about 1/4-inch thick with a rolling pin.

– Place three spears and half the julienned carrot at the bottom edge of each breast of chicken, then roll up tightly and wrap in aluminium foil.

Place the chicken breast on another piece of foil and wrap like candy, securely sealed at both ends.

– Repeat with the other chicken breast.

– Heat a big frypan with 1/2 C water over a medium heat. Place the wrapped chicken in the frypan with the lid on and cook for 20 minutes.

1C sushi rice, cooked as per packet directions

Sushi vinegar 2T rice or apple vinegar 1T caster sugar 1t salt

Topping 3 slices smoked salmon, each slice cut into two 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced 1 radish, thinly sliced 1 piece shaved ham 1 piece shaved roast beef 1 slice of cheese, cut into star-shaped pieces

– Make sushi rice: In a medium bowl, turn and mix cooked rice with sushi vinegar mixture.

– Set aside to cool at room temperature with damp cloth over top to avoid getting dry.

– Place a piece of smoked salmon and a slice of avocado in the centre of a piece of plastic wrap.

– Place about 2T of the sushi rice on to the salmon and avocado, then seal it together with the plastic wrap and softly squish and shape it into a ball.

– Repeat with all toppings.

– Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

Miya’s hints – You can create your own favourite toppings.

– Kids will enjoy helping make sushi balls.

– Turn the chicken over and cook for – In a small bowl, mix all the sushi another 5 minutes. Add more water if vinegar ingredients until sugar and salt it evaporates. After 5 minutes, remove dissolve. from the heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.

– Carefully transfer the chicken to a tray to cool down for 15 minutes.

– Unwrap the chicken and place in the frypan. Don’t discard the juice in the foil, add it to the frypan as well.

– Add all sauce ingredients and cook over medium heat, until the sauce reduces to half. Turn the chicken over while cooking.

• Fabulous Breakfasts & Brunches • Delicious keto & gluten Free – Transfer the chicken and sauce to a • Freshly made lunches • Amazing coffee and drinks range heat-proof container and leave till cool.

– Slice the chicken and serve with some Let us look after you - from breakfast, morning teas, sauce. You can serve cold or warm. high teas, picnic packs or any event you are having.

Miya’s hints – It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.

– Try adding cheese to the dish, kids will love it.

We are available for catering 7 days a week.

OPEN THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON CLOSED STAT DAYS ONLY Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th & Friday 31st December 7.30am - 3.30pm Normal hours resume Wednesday 5th January 2022

198 East Street, Ashburton reflectionscafe2015@gmail.com | www.reflectionscafeandcatering.com

24

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, December 18, 2021

Trends for this upcoming year S

tarting the New Year off on a new leaf may be easier said than done. This year got dominated by a sudden chain of events, lockdown, the introduced traffic light system, and vaccine passports. A lot happened this year to all of us, whether we like to admit it or not. So next, year let’s focus on what we can have control over, starting with these four things.

Health is still our number 1 priority Health is still the number one topic at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Keeping our bodies in shape and not necessarily, just in the physical sense. Our daily routines have changed, so our dietary needs have to. We need to make sure we are eating our 5 plus a day, no matter which season we are in. That’s why investing in some multivitamins will immensely benefit you in the year ahead. The top three trending supplements for this year are B complex vitamins, kava, and melatonin. B complex vitamins play an important role in helping metabolism, by transforming the food you eat into usable energy. B

vitamins are also essential for heart and brain health. Kava capsules are perfect for keeping your stress levels in check, they have active compounds that have stress-reducing properties. Melatonin will improve your sleeping habits, it helps you to fall asleep and keep you asleep. These will be vital for maintaining great health.

Mental health in a Covid-19 era COVID-19 had a significant impact on how we work, study, and live our day-today lives. The biggest impact has been on our youth, suffering higher levels of depression and anxiety than any age group. Other studies have discovered that alcohol and smoking were associated with more mental health problems. However, people who made the effort of doing regular exercise and who had a pet were protective factors against experiencing poor mental health. The takeaway? Go get some of that fresh Mid Canterbury air and take your best friend who has the fur paws with you.

Flexible working: The way of the future The demand for flexible working environments is increasing, both in New Zealand and internationally. Covid-19 proved most office workers could carry out their job responsibilities from home.

Flexible working describes any role that breaks the traditional 9-to-5, five-day week structure. Employees have potentially greater freedom over when, where, or how to fulfill their particular roles and work it around their other commitments outside of work. This benefits both parties. Studies have shown increased productivity, better staff retention, and gives companies a competitive edge. And for 92 percent of millennials, this is one of their requirements when applying for a job.

So if you are an employer or employee, this may be something to consider when hiring or applying for a new role.

Family time The upside of the lockdowns was the time we got to get all those unfinished

It’s Time for Diamonds this Christmas

199

$

Cubic Zirconia and Pearl pendant

69

$

Perfect gift for dad, husband, son-in-law, son or the daughter’s boyfriend!

69

Sterling Silver Star necklace

Aertex Shirts Normally $99.90

179

$

$

Freshwater Pearl earrings

9ct Rose and White Gold Silver filled earrings

Now 60 $49

$

Stainless Steel Ball drop earrings

projects done, tried a new recipe, and most of all reconnect with the ones closest to us, even though by the end of it, they might have driven us crazy.

Never before, in modern history, have so many parents spent so much time with their children. So for most families making quality time for each other is another priority for 2022. During the lockdowns, people whose income increased actually became more stressed than usual.

This happened because those essential workers had increased working hours and more responsibility therefore they were not reaping any benefits from the lockdown.

From board games to walks to eating at the table, simple pleasures that the whole family shared in. Those increased shared experiences of quality family bonding would simply not have happened during the fast paced world of pre-lockdown life.

Carrying these new habits into the New Year as we ease our way back into that fast-paced world, will be needed to keep our feet planted firmly on the ground.

As the saying goes, the family that plays together stays together.

99 $89

$

Sterling Silver Rose Gold Plated pendant

79.

$

90

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING HOURS Saturday 18 9am-3pm Sunday 19th 10am-2pm Monday & Tuesday 9am-5.30pm th

Wednesday LATE NIGHT 9am-8pm Thursday & Friday 9am-5.30pm

86 Tancred St, Ashburton Phone (03) 308 6722

GIFT WRAPPING & GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE 03 308 5771 East Street Ashburton

www.sparrows.co.nz

Saturday, December 18, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

25

Fashion Trends

and Gift Buying in Ashburton A

s we close in on Christmas 2021 we can thank the fashion gods for the variety of loose fi�ng dresses that will accommodate that extra plate of pavlova!

On a more serious note – here is list of must have summer essen�als for the holiday season.

Summer Dress Linen and co�on are everywhere this season and the floaty �ered styles cannot be beaten to relax in at home, wear over your swim suit or dress up with some wedges to head to a barbecue or party.

Remember that your favourite store will have gi� vouchers available too.

Footwear Wedges, sneakers and colour! Have fun this season with colour – pinks, oranges, yellows and blues. If you love shoes this season will have you running to your favourite shoe store for your casual, dress and party shoes.

Facemasks Our newest wardrobe staple. A mandatory accessory for the foreseeable future so you may as well make the most of them. There are many, many op�ons out there but you can be kind to the environ-

ment as well by using the washable cloth versions. Even some of our top fashion designers have jumped on board and some now offer their famous prints on a mask.

Jewellery From classic necklaces and bangles to fashion ranges we are very spoilt in Ashburton for choice. Everything from ear piercing to engagement rings and even alarm clocks there is something for every family member at your local jewellery store.

C r a f t

k i t s

f o r

t h e

h o l i d a y s

Eyewear We know our sun is strong (when it appears) so we are lucky to have op�ons from fashion glasses to prescrip�on ware available in town. Again big bold styles are in fashion this summer and of course the classic aviator is always around for the guys.

Accessories Hats and bags are not just for the ladies.

With everything from backpacks, satchels and formal styles our local stores have plenty to choose from. Hats are a summer staple, they just don’t look good they provide protec�on from the sun while you are out and about enjoying the stunning countryside or hanging with friends and family.

c r a f t s • y a r n • g i f t s OPEN 7 DAYS Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat - Sun 10am - 4pm 427 West Street, Ashburton 0800 274 3673

a s h f o r d s t o r e . c o . n z

Give the ultimate present this year

We are open every day till Christmas Robilliards Jewellers The Arcade, Tancred Street, Ashburton | Ph: 03 308 5521

26

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, December 18, 2021

Gifts for everyone and every age ZUII ORGANIC SELF TANNING RANGE

Get 10% off the Zuii self-tanning range, and get a free applicator mitt when you buy two or more self-tanning products.

THE HERB FARM

Buy 2 and get 1 free on The Herb Farm’s entire range!

DOLPHIN CLINIC ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSE

GIFT VOUCHERS

Buy any Dolphin clinic vaporise or diffuser and get a free stress less 5ml essential oil blend.

What’s better than the gift of health? Instore & online

ASHBURTON The Arcade

(03) 308 1815 h2k11@xtra.co.nz

U R S U P P O RT I N 2 0 2 1 O Y R O UF O Y K N A H T

Christmas hours:

MON 20th 8.30am-6pm TUE 21st 8.30am-6pm

WED 22nd 8.30am-8pm THURS 23rd 8.30am-7pm

XMAS EVE 8.30am-4pm Closed till 5th Jan

179 Burnett Street, Ashbur ton | phone: 03 307 4020 | www.samantharoseflowers.co.nz

Great gift ideas for Christmas 89.90

$

Crocs Capri Jandal

199.90

20 - $30

$

$

Briarwood Caughey Olive Bag

229.00

$39.90

Campbell and Co Jasmine Black Pony Bag

Supa Labs Masks 5 layer protection

$

Minx Cotton 3 Pack Sockettes

194 East Street, Ashburton | Phone: 03 308 1819 | www.steppingout.co.nz | Find us on Facebook - @steppingoutnz

AMAYA 322 East Street, Ashburton, sales@modeboutiqueash.com Ph: 03 3071951 www.modeboutiqueash.co.nz

Summer

Hayden Skirt $ 149,00 Piper Top $ 149,00

Thea Dress $ 199.00

Claire Dress $ 199.00

Sia Dress 199.00

$

Saturday, December 18, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

27

We would like to sincerely thank each and every local business that took part in Santa’s Little Helpers and for taking their time to buy such an array of wonderful presents and for the support shown to the St Vincent De Paul.

Our thanks also have to go to Santa, who even though this is his busiest time of year – spent a full day with our three amazing helpers, Melissa, Sonia and Karen. Merry Christmas everyone, from the sales team at the Ashburton Guardian.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year Max and the team at Ashburton Powdercoating wish you a Merry Christmas.

We will be closed from the 24TH Dec & we will re open on the 10th of Jan.

We would like to thank all our customers for their support and wish everyone a merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year

Phone • 03 308 2245 27 Gordons Rd, Ashburton www.poolandpumpworld.co.nz CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR HOURS: Pool & Pump World retail store will be closing December 24, 2021 at 12pm. We will reopen January 5, 2022 at 9am.

Check out our opening hours on our Facebook page

Proud to support Santa’s little helper and the community

IF ANYONE CAN MAKE IT RAIN, RAINER CAN.

The team at Rainer Irrigation wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Our store will be open normal hours and closed stat days. Service teams will be working and available throughout the Christmas period. Office closed until January 10.

Ph: (03) 308 4606 | E: office@jkfhomes.co.nz 121A Archibald Street , Tinwald, Ashburton

Call the experts on 03 307 9049 Cnr Robinson & McNally Streets, Ashburton Email admin@rainer.co.nz www.rainer.co.nz

28

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, December 18, 2021

Rainer Irri gation

lshed The Too

ers Placemak

Rosco’s

Day Spa Hours Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday:

9.00am – 4.00pm 9.00am – 8.00pm 9.00am – 8.00pm 9.00am – 8.00pm 9.00am – 4.00pm by prior appointment

RENZ

ds Newlan

Our gift vouchers are available online and in the day spa. www.bellissimodayspa.co.nz Call: 03 308 0173 Email: dayspa@bellissimo.co.nz 256 Moore St, Ashburton 7700

Making Gift Giving Easy

Thank you, to all of my clients for your support in 2021.

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 115 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton 7700 • Ph (03) 308 9099

An official Community Partner of the Crusaders

Enjoy the festive season Talk to Leon today. with your family and friends and I look forward to Talk to Leon today. 03 307 1521 working with you all in 2022.

Talk to Leon today.03 307 1521 230 East Street 03 307 1521 230 ashburton@mtf.co.nz 230 East East Street Street ashburton@mtf.co.nz 230 East Street ashburton@mtf.co.nz mtf.co.nz/ashburton ashburton@mtf.co.nz mtf.co.nz/ashburton

CHRISTMAS TOOL IDEAS mtf.co.nz/ashburton

T&Cs and lending criteria apply. Visit mtf.co.nz/terms for details.

T&Cs and lending criteria apply. Visit mtf.co.nz/terms for details.

Merry Christmas

T&Cs and lending criteria apply. Visit mtf.co.nz/terms for details.

Not sure what to get your tradie or home handy person how about a voucher from The Toolshed Ashburton

a safe and happy New Year

Visit our Display Home...

Cnr of Whiteoak Grove and Waterford Pl, Oakle a.

It’s never too late to get the home you’ve always wanted...

Jennian Homes Canterbury Michele Strange M 027 491 5266 E michele.strange@jennian.co.nz jennian.co.nz

team...

Meet our friendly e, 1 Waterford Plac n to ur hb As a, Oakle

Ashburton

34 ROBINSON STREET, RIVERSIDE INDUSTRIAL PARK, ASHBURTON PHONE 03 308 6415 www.thetoolshed.co.nz

Saturday, December 18, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

works k & Body Bus, Truc

rbury Cante d i dai M Hyun

Cafe Time

AWAITING COPY Ad Number: 523889.1 Artwork: 523889AA Size: 9x4 Description: Bellissimo Account: Colour: Filename: 523889AA

Trudgeons Painters & Decorators

Bellissimo

Merry Christmas

MTF

Dean, Lucia and their team wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas.

Thank you all for you loyalty over 2021. We look forward to helping you stay safe in 2022. For all your Locksmithing and Security needs 24/7.

We look forward to seeing you in 2022.

See us for all panel beating, spray painting, repairs, insurance work, refurbishment & maintenance of your vehicle.

17 Range Street, Ashburton P 307 0378 M 0274 274 007

GDC

TALBOT SECURITY GROUP

We’ll like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas & New Year.

Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 5pm & Sat 7am - 12pm (Closed Statutory Holiday Days Only)

29

A - 519 East Street, Ashburton E - info@talbotsecurity.co.nz P - 03 307 7199 anytime 24/7

bus&truck limited

Enjoy the festive season at our place!

Amazing food, drinks & service Ask about out special Christmas function menu Give our friendly team a call to discuss your booking options

03 308 7505 • www.alluvial.co.nz 103 Archibald Street, Ashburton

to the eliveries Making d Op Shop! t de Paul St Vincen

oating n Powderc o rt u b h s A

Jennian Hom es

Speight’s Ale House Ashburton

The Team at GDC wish all their clients and suppliers a Safe and Happy Christmas.

To give all our staff a well earned break, we will be closed from: Midday Wednesday 22nd December and Reopen again on Monday 10th January

The team are wishing all their customers and suppliers a Merry Christmas and happy 2022.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2022.

Mob 027 433 8003 Office 03 308 8479 Free Phone 0800 432 532 Email office@gdcgroup.nz Web www.gdc.net.nz

Robinson Street, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton | 03 308 8634

Trevor & the team are proud to support

Santa’s Little Helper Supporting you and your Community

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your local Hyundai & Isuzu team.

The team at Automotive Diagnostics & Servicing wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas Closed from December 24 Normal hours resume January 5, 2022

Hyundai Mid & South Canterbury

MID CANTERBURY | 91 ARCHIBALD STREET, TINWALD |03 307 2415

Call Dave and the team in the Big Blue Shed, corner McLean and John Streets Phone 03 308 6646

AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS & SERVICING

Saturday, December 18, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

Braided Rivers C ommunit y Trust

up curity Gro Talbot Se

Wrights Drycleaners

31

shburton CanAm A

ASHBURTON’S OLDEST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED PAINTING BUSINESS

FOR OVER 65 YEARS Specialising in • Interior and exterior decorating alterations • Airless spraying

ing Ltd & Servic s c ti s o n g ve Dia Automoti

Pool and Pump World

• • • •

Wallpapering Waterblasting Plastering Residential and Commercial

Wishing all our clients a wonderful and Happy Christmas For all your commercial or residential enquiries, call Greg Trudgeon today Ph 03 308 8432 Mobile 0274 332 259 Email trudgeonnz@gmail.com

Ashburton Can-Am would like to thank our valued clients for their business and wish you Happy Holidays.

We have you covered for all

your Christmas treats

Everything is made fresh on site Ashburton Can-Am 724 East Street, Ashburton | 03 307 4846

STUART AND THE TEAM AT WRIGHTS DRYCLEANERS ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER

37 ARCHIBALD ST, TINWALD

PHONE: 03-307 2776

FACEBOOK

Proud to support Santa’s Little Helper

Open 7 days 11am - Late

WRIGHTS DRYCLEANERS

You can’t go wrong with Wrights

8 Grey Street | Phone 03 307 8360 | www.wrightsdrycleaners.co.nz

245 Burnett St

03 308 5980

32

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, December 18, 2021

Get your garden

T

ready for Christmas

ime to have the home garden looking its best for Christmas visitors and to harvest fresh vegetables for the Christmas meal!

Hot, dry months lie ahead so now is the time to start preparing your garden.

Houseplants As daytime temperatures increase, think about repositioning your houseplants – some may need to be moved away from windows on the north side of your home.

If you haven’t fertilised your houseplants yet, feed them with Daltons Premium Houseplant Tabs. Increase the amount and regularity of watering over warmer months, remembering that different houseplants have differing water requirements.

A small hand mister is an excellent way of keeping houseplant leaves healthy over the summer months.

Above – Have a plan for your container plants and garden if you are going away.

Left – Delicious raspberries and strawberries will be cropping this month.

Left below: Dig up new season’s potatoes for Christmas dinner!

fungal diseases and aphid attacks. Mulch with compost or other organic materials to retain moisture in the soil.

Vegetable garden New season’s potatoes can be dug up for the Christmas meal! Other vegetables to harvest include beans, beetroot, cabbage, courgettes, lettuce, radish, and silverbeet.

Regularly plant quick-maturing vegetables, eg, dwarf beans, lettuce, and radish.

Apply side dressings of vegetable fertiliser to slow-maturing summer vegetables such as sweetcorn and tomatoes.

Lawns The last application of Daltons Premium Lawn Fertiliser can be made early in the month.

Where water supply allows, irrigate the lawn or parts of the lawn that appear to be drying out.

Water early in the day or late afternoon to maximise water use.

Container gardens An ideal way to cultivate flowers, herbs, and salad vegetables, especially in smaller properties or apartments.

Always use fresh container mix when starting a new ‘crop’ as it is free draining and includes essential nutrients.

If you are heading away this Christmas, ask a neighbour to water your pots, or alternatively cut them back quite hard before departing which reduces the need for watering.

You can also put containers under trees where there is dappled light, so they don’t dry out as quickly.

Flowering annuals Those planted in spring should now be in full flower including alyssum, ageratum, cornflower, cosmos, marigolds, petunias, portulacas, salvias, strawflowers, and zinnias.

Brighten up decks or patios with mass plantings of flowers in tubs and containers. Keep deadheading (the removal of dead flowers) to encourage continuous flowering.

Raspberries and strawberries Usually, there will be a substantial crop of raspberries in December as they grow very quickly.

Remove excess canes that can appear at this time of the year. The best part about growing your own raspberries is that there will be a second crop early in the new year!

Ripe strawberries should be in abundance throughout December. Birds adore strawberries so cover plants with bird netting. Renew the peastraw or crushed bark around the plants to provide a clean bed for the ripening strawberries. You can never have too many strawberries so consider expanding the strawberry patch next year!

Fruit trees As we near the end of the month, the first plums, such as Wilson’s Early begin

to ripen. All fruit trees will be in active growth, though some will require a light summer pruning where branches become excessively crowded. Water and mulch young specimens that were planted this winter.

Herbs Herbs thrive in the heat of summer and production from the herb garden should be bountiful!

Remove any flowers that appear early

on your herb plants. Trim plants regularly as this promotes fresh and new growth.

The most flavoursome of all herbs, ‘pinch out’ the growing tips of basil plants to encourage a bushy habit.

Roses Apply rose fertiliser early in the month, recommencing again in mid-March.

Continue deadheading as this promotes repeat flowering.

Inspect rose bushes for early signs of

Care for the home garden during your summer holiday After all the hard work of planting and caring for your vegetable garden, you don’t want to abandon it right when it is flourishing.

Again, ask friends, or family members to water your vegetable garden while you are away. Alternatively, invest in a water timer which will operate automatically.

Summers are becoming longer almost yearly and therefore, there are at least three more warm months in which to cultivate a vast number of vegetables and enjoy summer flowering annuals!

For more gardening advice or information on the wide range of Daltons products visit www.daltons.co.nz.

Saturday, December 18, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

Tasty

tomatoes Carolyn Aberhart is this month’s winner with the following ques�on: How do I encourage the best growth from my tomato plants? Are there other plants that are good companion planting buddies or are they best grown on their own?

Tomatoes are reasonably straigh�orward to grow given the correct site and soil condi�ons. While they must be grown in full sun, they should be sheltered from strong prevailing winds.

Soil prepara�on is important in the successful cul�va�on of tomatoes. With heavy clay soils, the area should be dug over thoroughly, incorpora�ng compost into the exis�ng soil to promote air and water movement through the soil. With sandy soils, compost should also be added to enhance water and nutrient reten�on.

Stake your tomato plants when young so you do not disturb the roots later on. You want to create a nice strong tomato plant with a good structure so remove laterals from the stem

up to at least one metre from the ground.

Use sharp secateurs and ensure they are clean before you start.

Water regularly and fer�lise every three to four weeks throughout the growing period to enhance healthy, robust growth and promote a bumper crop of tomatoes.

Beneficial companion plants to be grown near the tomato plants include almost all herbs, including basil, chives, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme.

33

FREE

Daltons Summer Maintenance prize pack

We have a Daltons Summer Maintenance Pack to giveaway valued at over $70 each. The pack contains 2 x Garden Time Compost, 2 x Premium Mulch and Grow (40L), 1 x Daltons Coir Mulch, 1 x Daltons Water Storage Crystals (250g) and 1 x Garden Time All Purpose Fer�liser (500g), and a pair of comfortable, versa�le Red Back gardening gloves from Omni Products www.omniproducts.co.nz.

Be in to win Email goodies@theguardian.co.nz with Daltons Summer Maintenance prize pack in the

subject heading, or write to

Summer Maintenance pack

giveaway,

Box 77, Ashburton.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:

You may find it helpful to read our How to Grow Tomatoes Guide at www. daltons.co.nz/ how-to-guides

• You must provide a gardening question for the Daltons experts to answer.

• Please include your address and phone number in email and letter options!

• Giveaway entries must be received

by January 7, 2021.

For more information on Daltons products visit www.daltons.co.nz

All questions supplied are entered into the draw to win a Daltons prize pack, but the Guardian reserves the right to choose which questions and answers will be published.

Daltons post the prize to our lucky winner.

HORNCASTLE ANTIQUES and fine furniture

Colonial Highchair

Steel Wheels, Folds Down

$ 275.00

Totara Scotch Chest side Pillows, Brass Handles

$1150.00

6 Shelf Bookcase Adjustable

$ 475

.00

ap.smith@xtra.co.nz 021 228 2761 229 West Street, Ashburton Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm

Large Wallstand Mirror Bevel Edge 2m x 1.0 m

$1250.00

34

YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE | Saturday, December 18, 2021

o what fun it is to ride ...

YOUNG ONES

$209 Raeleigh Bell 12”

$409 Scott Roxter 16”

$239 Cruzee Balance Bike

$479 Avanti Shadow 20”

$529 Trek Pre-caliber 24”

$1,099 GT Stomper 26”

E-BIKES

$11,499 Scott Ransome E-Bike

$8,299 Avanti HammerE

$10,299 Scott Strike Eride

$2,290 Evinci Tui Step

HIGH PERFORMANCE

$6,999 New 2022 Scott Spark 940

$4,999 Connondale Habit SE Waves

$4,999 Scott Genius 960

FILL THEIR STOCKINGS

shop@stockedcycles.co.nz 03 307 6443 211 Burnett Street Ashburton

$4,699 Scott Contessa Spark 930

$2,799 Marin Rift Zone 1 Trail