Cuttings Autumn 2013

Cuttings FREE

FROM COOLINGS

Coolings Garden Tips Dahlia Festival Autumn Bedding

AUTUMN

2013

Cuttings from Coolings 1

COOLINGS

The Gardener’s Garden Centre THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING

green & pleasant the natural place to visit

Coolings’ addresses COOLINGS

The Gardener’s Garden Centre THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING

green & pleasant the natural place to visit

The Gardener’s Garden Centre Rushmore Hill Knockholt Sevenoaks Kent TN14 7NN

Coolings Green & Pleasant Main Road Knockholt Sevenoaks Kent TN14 7LJ

Tel: 01959-532269 Fax: 01959-534092

Tel: 01959-534386 Fax: 01959-534711

Email: rushmorehill@coolings.co.uk Website: www.coolings.co.uk

Email: mainroad@coolings.co.uk Website: www.coolings.co.uk

Opening Times

Opening Times

Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm

Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm

Sunday 9.00am - 4.30pm

Sunday 10.00am - 4.30pm

(Coolings, The Gardener’s Garden Centre)

(Coolings Green & Pleasant)

Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm

Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm

Sunday 9.00am - 4.30pm

Sunday 10.00am - 4.30pm

Getting here Local bus routes include the R5 and R10 from Orpington Station, and the 402 from Sevenoaks Station. Telephone 0845-3007000 or visit www.tfl.gov.uk 2 timetable Cuttingsinformation. from Coolings for

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Welcome TO

Coolings

A

s I’m sure you’re aware by now 2013 is our centenary year and we have enjoyed some wonderful events and celebrations already, but there are still plenty to come!

The spectacular Dahlia Show that’s been created in Arthurs garden is now approaching perfection, and this will be followed by our Autumn Showcase, a mass display of Japanese Maples in a fabulous setting designed to give you enjoyment and inspiration.

Inspiration is one of the aims for our ongoing programme of events and excursions – what better way to spend a day in the company of like-minded gardeners on a trip to a place of horticultural excellence where everything is organised for you? See Pages 18 & 19 for the full list of destinations.

Still on the centenary theme, acting on feedback from customers earlier in the year we shall be repeating the “Heritage” talks, reflecting on “The first fifty years”, “The second fifty years” and “How we grew”. These will be combined with a delicious cream tea for your enjoyment.

More details can be found on Page 20.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you who contributed so generously to

our fundraising for Harris HospisCare this year. A team of 12 from Coolings undertook the “3 Peaks Challenge” at the beginning of July and climbed the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales.

As a resident of Knockholt I have always been keen for Coolings to play an active part in the local community and am proud to say we support many local organisations and good causes in a variety of ways, such as sponsoring Knockholt Carnival, running local schools competitions, planting community flower beds and hosting local charities’ fundraising events.

Whilst the world around us seems to become more frantic by the day, I hope you will always find Coolings to be an oasis of calm and inspiration as we strive to help you make your garden (and our local community!) a thing of beauty to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Happy gardening.

g Paul Coolin Chairman Coolings

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Garden TIPS WORDS: Mark Reeve

• • • • •

August

Trim hedges (check no birds are still nesting first!)

If the weather is hot and dry mow the lawn less regularly Harvest herbs and dry for winter use Prune rambling roses after flowering Lavender can be trimmed after the flowers have faded

A good pair of secateurs for pruning are a valuable investment, our staff use the FELCO range

September

• This month is a good time to plant perennials, shrubs and trees • Tender plants should be brought under cover this month after their ‘summer holiday’ outside • Net the pond in preparation for the autumn leaf fall • Stop feeding plants in containers • Sow or turf a new lawn

October Boltac Greasebands from Bayer are quick and simple to use!

• • • • •

Johnsons General Purpose lawn seed is a good all-rounder and wear resistant

Fix grease bands to trees such as apple or pear to stop crawling pests Insulate the greenhouse to keep down winter heating bills This is a good month to plant evergreens Divide perennials, especially tired and congested clumps Lift and store dahlias after frost has blackened the foliage

4 Cuttings from Coolings

Mark Reeve

I have great trouble with deer eating plants in my garden.

Are there any plants that are less susceptible to being munched?

© ‘Deer Photo’ by Sam Greenhalgh

As it is likely to be pretty impractical (and expensive!) to fence off the whole garden with a 2m high fence, I can suggest a few ideas. Any new plantings should be protected with netting until the plant is fully established. Some herbaceous perennials, such as Agapanthus, Aquilegia, Delphinium, Digitalis, Echinops, Euphorbia, Helleborus and Kniphofia could be tried. Shrubs worth planting are Buddleja, Chaenomeles, Cistus, Daphne, Forsythia, Hydrangea, Kerria, Lavandula, Magnolia, Philadelphus, Ribes, Spiraea and Weigela. In extreme weather conditions deer can graze on virtually any plant so even this list may not be totally infallible!

My runner beans do not seem to have cropped very heavily in the past couple of years. Can I improve matters?

I would always add plenty of organic material to the soil, especially in the autumn as this will help with water retention when the plants are growing. If the soil acidity is below 6.5 then adding lime will also help. Always practise crop rotation if possible and don’t grow beans in the same place for more than 2 years. Cold or wet weather can put off pollinating insects so always choose a sheltered site. Birds can peck off flowers so net the plants if they are exposed.Very hot weather can delay pollen production so if/when we get a good summer they may crop later. Lastly, water frequently as they need plenty of moisture.

© ‘Run n

by Eug er Beans’ enia Lo li

My water lilies have rounded holes at the edge of the leaves that look like they have been attacked by something. What could be the cause?

© ‘Brown China-mark Moth’

by Chris Cant

The symptoms sound like the work of the Brown China-mark Moth.

The larvae are unusual in that they are completely aquatic and only feed on water plants. As pesticides cannot be used in the pond for fear of harming other pond life, the only solution is to cut off affected leaves and/or pick off the caterpillars promptly when seen.

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Summer

INTO

AUTUMN WORDS: JON REBURN

© ‘Bud Blooming Callunas’ by John Haslam

T

he warm lazy days at the end of summer are the perfect time to enjoy the garden and the fruits of your labour. While many plants such as Dahlias are at their peak at this period, some summer planting can be in need of renovation.

Chrysanthemums are fantastic pop-in plants to give you late season colour.

Ideal in patio pots, their buds are about to burst into bloom just as many summer favourites are starting to wane.

Planted out in the garden they should re-flower every year if they are cut-back and mulched after the blooms have faded.

Autumn heathers need not be confined to the passé conifer and heather combinations of the 1970’s. Beautiful bud blooming Callunas hold their coloured buds for many weeks and are the perfect hardy plant to pot into mixed tubs and containers along with evergreen grasses or evergreen herbs. The bell flowers are loved by bees and are a really valuable source of late nectar.

As we move into September and October now is the perfect time to plant Winter Pansies and Violas. These will provide colour and interest right through until spring and are available in a dazzling range of colours.

There has always been a lack of flowering trailing plants for the autumn. One of the best recent plant introductions has been Trailing Pansy and Viola which are now hugely popular with our customers and are real star performers.

6 Cuttings from Coolings Pansy

Cyclamen

© ‘Wallflower’ by Laura Nolte

Ivies are the most popular choice for trailing winter greenery, but why not try gold leafed Vinca illumination or silver leaved Thymes?

Half-hardy Cyclamen are fantastic for instant impact in shades of pink, white and red. They are ideal planted in pots and especially good in sheltered locations such as porch planters.

For a vibrant splash of colour Erica gracilis is hard to beat and blooms non-stop until after Christmas. For purple, pink and white tinged foliage Ornamental Cabbages are as popular as ever.

© ‘Sweet William’ by Duncan Harris

Plan ahead for spring and get planting Sweet William, Forget-me-nots, Bellis Daisies, Stocks and Wallflowers. An added bonus with Sweet William and Wallflower is their lovely scent. Autumn planted Hardy Primroses and Polyanthus will reward you with a dazzling show.

Lastly, remember to under-plant with bulbs for added interest in the New Year.

Cuttings from Coolings 7 Chrysanthemum

DAHLIAS

WORDS: NICKY PETO

This autumn at Coolings we have our much anticipated Dahlia Exhibition, with over 130 varieties on display in Arthurs Garden. Here at Coolings we love Dahlias, but why should you have them in your garden?

D azzling A bsolutely Stunning H ugely Popular L uscious I ncredible A mazing Dahlia ‘My Love’

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Top Tip

Dahlias are enjoying a well-deserved resurgence in popularity. They are wonderful summer flowering tuberous rooted plants, available in a vast array of colours and flower forms, ranging from anemone flowers to the huge dinner plate varieties which are very popular in horticultural shows up and down the country. They have a place in every garden and are easy to grow, just requiring a good sunny site.

The open flowered varieties are very much loved by bees; this is as good an excuse as any to grow some.

Remember to vote for your favourite when you visit the Exhibition.

Just leave your name, email address and the name of your favourite Dahlia and be in with a chance of winning a Dahlia gift basket worth £25 (The winner will be drawn on the 1 November, ask in store for a voting form and full competition details).

Dahlia ‘Creme de cassis’

Coolings WITH

History

DAHLIAS WORDS: MIKE COOLING

P

rior to 1955 (my return from National Service) my father grew only a few dahlias, primarily for producing cuttings to sell as young plants.

In 1956 I persuaded him to buy some new stock and the sale of cut flowers started slowly the following year along with outdoor chrysanthemum. Things really got going with the flower sales in 1957 with more land being devoted to their cultivation. We found that by feeding once a week with copious watering one could get around 60 to 75 blooms per plant.

Due to lack of space we had to grow them 2ft apart in the row and rows 3ft apart.

Consequently, after it rained I would roll myself into a sheet of plastic right up to my armpits and tie it with string to keep myself dry when cutting.

In winter the tubers were set to sprout in fish boxes under the benches (to save space) and cuttings taken as they sprouted, going over the plants at least twice a week.

Cuttings were rooted in pure soft sand which made removal of the rooted plant much easier when potting on.

Dahlia ‘Colour Spectacle’

Dahlia ‘David Howard”

Dahlias in the Garden in 1970

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Mahonia

WORDS: Nicky Younger

As you will be aware by now 2013 is a special year for us as we celebrate our 100th birthday. Even though we’re halfway through the year we still have lots of events and celebrations planned to mark the occasion, including our Dahlia Festival (see page 8), a Fashion Show, and a Centenary Trip to Highgrove (see page 18).

Buxus sempervirens

It is important to us that you are included in our celebrations and we’ve have had some great customer feedback so far regarding our monthly offers. We look forward to offering you some more regular bargains right through to the end of the year. Keep your eye out for what’s on offer each month either in-store, on our website, or via our free Cuttings e-newsletter (if you’re not already subscribed visit www.coolings.co.uk/newsletter).

Plants on offer in September include: • NEW Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ 2ltr, RHS Chelsea’s Plant of the Year 2013 now only £16.99 (normally £21.99, save £5) • Buxus Balls now Buy One, Get One FREE (normally £29.99 each) • Autumn Planted Container now only £9.99 (normally £19.99, save £10)

Shop Offers • Fiskars Stainless Steel Digging Spade and Fork now only £40 for both, or £22.99 each (previously £27.99 each, save £15.98) • Miracle-Gro Pour & Feed 1ltr now only £2.99 (was £4.99, save £2) • Fiskars Classic Bypass Lopper now only £10.99 (was £21.99, save £10) Offers are correct at time of going to press, alternatives may be offered.

We’ve come a long way since 1913, so help us celebrate our very special milestone by making use of these great offers 10 Cuttings from Coolings

Rhubarb & Custard WORDS: CAROL LEWIS

Rasberry Cas

cade

Blackcurrant

Rhubarb Rheum ©James McIntyre & Sons

Rhubarb & custard, gooseberry crumble, blueberry muffins, raspberry ripple ice-cream, blackberry sorbet and strawberries & cream are all fantastic tastes of summer, but you need to plan ahead. All these fruits are easy to grow in the garden or in containers started during autumn, and it’s very satisfying to know that you have grown them yourself.

Here are some helpful tips to get you started: Rhubarb needs to be grown in well-

manured soil. Remember not to cut rhubarb in its first year so that the crown establishes well. When forcing Rhubarb it is best to force only once in 2 years as forcing every year weakens the crown.

Gooseberries like to be planted in full sun but will tolerate light shade. A popular variety is ‘Careless’, reliable and not fussy about soil types. However, ‘Invicta’ has very high yields and is more resistant to mildew.

Blackberries now come in thornless

varieties so picking them is easier and more pleasant than picking wild ones in hedgerows.

A trellis or fence is necessary to train the plant on. Fruit is borne on last year’s canes.

At the end of the season, cut out the old canes leaving the new canes for next year’s fruit.

Strawberries are the most popular of

Blueberries require acidic soil and can

soft fruit to grow. They can be grown in the ground or in containers. Careful planning of several varieties can give you crops for several months.

Raspberry canes are best grown in well drained soil. Summer fruiters bear fruit on canes developed in the previous year.

Autumn fruiters produce on the top of this year’s canes. If you have room grow at least 2 varieties to prolong the cropping season.

‘Malling Admiral’ will start the season off well and ‘Autumn Bliss’ will fruit up until the first frosts.

For best results plant soft fruits (except for Blueberries) with Rootgrow to help roots to establish quickly, water well when the soil shows signs of beginning to dry.

We have everything you need to grow your own fruits for next summer. Most soft fruits are available from October and our plant experts are always on hand to help with tips and advice, so go ahead and plan the tastes of summer 2014 with confidence and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

be grown in containers. For bigger, better yields it is best to grow more than one variety to aid pollination.

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SPRING Bluebells

Bulbs

Words: Nicky Peto WORDS: NICKY PETO

Galanthus Nivalis

It’s autumn now, but with some forward planning your garden can be a riot of colour all through next spring. Bulbs, Corms and Tubers, all of these produce great flowers for your spring garden.

P

lant dainty Snowdrops to herald early spring, then cheerful Aconites followed by ‘specie’ Crocus and large flowered Crocus. Daffodils – Narcissi, dwarf and large flowers - with varying trumpet shapes in shades of yellow, pink, orange red and white, some very scented, some multi-headed, so many to choose from. Tulips flower in a range of sumptuous colours, from the palest creamy white to vibrant scarlet, absolutely all the colours of the rainbow.

Tulip tip: Tulips are best planted fresh each year as once they have flowered it can take 3 or 4 years for the young bulbs produced to be of flowering size. Remember, the bigger the bulb the better the flower. Once again we are offering loose Tulip bulbs; the range has been increased to 24 varieties this season enabling you to pick and pack individual varieties or mix to your own choice. Pre packs of Tulips will also be available.

Bulb of the Year for 2014 is the lovely Tulip ‘Hotpants’. This is on offer as ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ so don’t miss out, visit us in store today

Use bulbs to under-plant pots of winter bedding plants to add additional spring colour. One of my favourite combinations in Narcissus ‘Thalia’ planted with ‘Negrita’ Tulips, the nodding heads of ‘Thalia’ are particularly elegant. I don’t think you can ever have enough Narcissus ‘tête à tête’ in the garden to add a cheery splash of yellow. They brighten the dreariest corner, and they are also fabulous planted in patio pots with little violas.

Tulip ‘Hotpant

s’

If you have some deciduous shrubs in the garden remember to plant some English Bluebells underneath. Not only do they look lovely but on a warm spring day the scent from them is unbelievable.For a splash of regal colour in May, nothing can beat the globeshaped flowers of ornamental Alliums; bees really love them too.

Choosing spring flowering bulbs is really easy and by careful choice over 100 days of continuous colour in the garden can be yours.

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Introducing Arthurs baking team Words: karen howard Over the years we have produced hundreds of different cakes and sponges, as well as old favourites like Sherry & Walnut Teabread, and of course Fruit Scones. To enable us to keep up with the demand and trends in the everchanging cake fashion we need our two bakers cooking seven days a week, eight hours a day

K

ris Douglas has been with us since 2006 when he worked weekends; he took a year out to travel around Australia, and is now back concentrating on showing his skills in cake decorating.

Earlier this year Angela Greasby joined Kris and together they are creating some wonderful recipes.

They both studied at Westminster Catering College, specialising in Cake Decorating, Patisserie & Confectionery.

A new recipe is being used for Christmas Cakes, with the fruit being soaked for 72 hours in rum and citrus juices, making a delicious, rich, fruit cake.

This year’s Christmas Puddings are light with figs and laced with brandy. These will be for sale throughout November and December, or you can pre-order by phoning Arthurs and speaking to Kris or Angela any time from now.

Angela and Kris

Did you know we are open at 9am every Sunday? So come and enjoy a cooked breakfast or a freshly baked cheese scone before wandering around the Garden Centre.

Christmas Dates for your Diary Christmas Lunches will be available from Monday 2nd December to Friday 20th December (excluding weekends).

Menus will be available to collect from 16th September, with bookings taken from Monday 30th September.

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Autumn Words: TOBY DAVIS

After the profusion of summer bloom the autumn can seem like an anti-climax, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Once your last geranium has bitten the dust it’s time to forget about flowers, it’s all about foliage.

Despite having insignificant flowers this really is a tree for all seasons and especially the autumn. Bronze coloured new leaves in the spring paired with an elegant habit will give your garden great summer interest. In the autumn the yellows, pinks and oranges will impress but it’s the smell of burnt sugar when the leaves drop that really make this tree worth planting. Another bonus is its © ‘Cercidiphyllum japonicum’ by Mega n Hansen easiness to grow, being suitable for most positions and soils but try and avoid chalk.

There are, of course, many other f course in an ideal world, a plant plants showing their best in the autumn and that provides some colour during at Coolings we will have a great range so it’s the summer months as well as the autumn always worth a visit. is going to be top of the list. Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’, or ‘Smoke Bush’, has to be one of the best. Deep purple leaves and ‘smoke-like’ © Ceratostigma ‘Forest Blue’ plumes of flowers in the summer are followed

by Jennifer Snyder by a superb show of red foliage in the autumn.

It is a great plant for the back of the border, prunes well and is super hardy, a winner.

For something with flower have a look at Ceratostigma ‘Forest Blue’. A low-growing shrub, it will provide deep blue flowers in the late summer before the foliage turns to reds and oranges. To get the best from this hardy Plumbago pick a sheltered but sunny spot with a well drained soil. Finally something a little different! Cercidiphyllum japonicum is a must-have for any plant hunter.

O

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Words: Kirsten Walters A recent stock-take of native species carried out by 25 wildlife organisations revealed a decline in 60% of the species studied, with probably the greatest decline amongst insects including moths, butterflies and beetles. The good news is that it’s never been easier to play your part in reversing the decline by encouraging wildlife into your garden.

2 The key is not limiting your view of ‘good wildlife’ to birds and bees and dismissing all other insects as pests. Tempt beneficial bugs and butterflies into your garden with nectar rich flowers, and they in turn will pollinate your plants, seeds and fruit.

1 It’s not only as pollinators that insects are worthwhile – they also act as predators on real garden pests. Ladybirds, for example, will earn their keep by eating aphids and mites that are such a common irritant. The nocturnal ground beetle is a glutton for slugs, snails, cabbage maggots and other soil-dwelling pests.

Beneficial insects can be encouraged in with two basic ingredients: sustenance and shelter. You’ll probably be providing sustenance already with nectar and pollen, but how much housing are you providing?

Shelter should generally be dark, damp and undisturbed. Groundcover plants and a log pile hidden away somewhere is useful to have, but for something more interesting to watch there are a variety of insect hotels available.

1.The Insect Habitat Tower caters for a range of insects and lets you see right inside 2.This Butterfly Tower provides a safe place for butterflies to rest and spend the winter. Special butterfly nectar attractant can also be added to tempt visitors to stop by 3. Lacewings are another natural predator of aphids and can be encouraged to spend the winter in your garden with this Lacewing Chamber

3

Innovations at Coolings

Green & Pleasant Words: Sarah Martin At Coolings Green & Pleasant we have new gadgets and gizmos arriving all the time to keep our ranges innovative and interesting. Here are just a few of the products we have in store:

In our Outdoor Leisure Department, fans of Lafuma ‘Relaxers’ will be pleased to hear that we are now stocking the company’s latest development, the ‘Futura Air Comfort’. In addition to featuring its famous patented reclining system (where the chair can be reclined into an infinite number of positions), this new Lafuma product has a wonderfully comfortable, padded seat that has the added advantage of being extremely quick-drying. Try one out on our shop floor and you will see instantly why these chairs are quite so popular. Price: £240

Thinking of the outdoors and the vagaries of the English weather, Coolings are delighted to introduce direct from America: the Bogs Boot! 100% waterproof, unlike most wellies Bogs have a contoured comfort fit – so are actually a pleasure to wear – and feature a Max Wick™ lining which disperses moisture away from your feet and stops them getting quite so sweaty! Even more usefully, uniquely the boots have handles on either side to pull them on easily, and a special ridge on the back of the boot to push them off: seriously, a great design! We are providing a selection of sizes, from tots up to adults, men’s and women’s available. Prices: from £29.99

Still outside, you will recognize our wide range of Weber barbecues: we have now gone a stage further and introduced accessories from Eddingtons, our Kitchenware supplier. Hot on the heels of the horsemeat scandal, for those of you concerned about the provenance of those burgers you might be singeing, we are now featuring both the Perfect Burger Press (Price: £8.49) and the Mincerpro (Price: £28.99) – so you can make your own from scratch and be confident you know what you’re eating!

Come along and chat to our helpful team if you need any help or further advice.

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Words: Sarah Martin

If you have been to the Nature Trail here at Coolings Green & Pleasant recently, you will have seen two very strange-looking hairy creatures have taken up residence. Following on from the popularity of our ‘woolly’ pigs, or Mangalitzas, we now bring you Pauline and Margaret, the Kunekune pigs!

distinct advantage that they don’t destroy their pen in quite the same way as their fellow pigs on the Nature Trail. If you haven’t met them yet, I recommend you go and see for yourself.

You will also see that some of our Mangalitza pigs have left the Nature Trail for pastures new. As we needed to separate the boars from the sows, for practical reasons we took the decision to keep only the females, hence the two swallow-bellied pigs you see are the daughters of two of our original pigs. We intend to keep them, along with Pauline and Margaret, until they are little old ladies (or the pig equivalent!)

N

o-one quite knows where Kunekunes originated from historically they live in New Zealand, where they were farmed by Maoris (the name means ‘fat and round’ in Maori). It is a breed which came close to extinction in New Zealand in the 1970’s, but was saved by some determined work by two Kiwi wildlife park owners who subsequently also exported a small group to England in the early 1990’s to further protect the species in case of disease in their homeland.

In other news, we are anticipating the arrival of a third breed, at which point we are hoping to move everybody back to their ‘summer’ pens now that they have dried out and the special ‘protein mix’ grass has grown.

They are a dwarf form of pig, very friendly and used to being around humans. They are less destructive than most breeds, they tend to nibble rather than forage, which has the

Kune Kune Pig

Highgrove Special Centenary Visit Coolings are pleased to announce that we have arranged an extra special visit to Highgrove this year. Not only are we able to tour the wonderful gardens but we have been permitted to enjoy a special Black Tie 3- course, evening dinner with organic wine.

We will stay at the charming Four Star Hare and Hounds Hotel very close by and we will spend the following day Christmas shopping in beautiful Bath.

The garden tour itself will last up to 1½ hours. (Some paths in the garden are unmade. There are no seats in the garden and there are also cobbles in places).

We will then travel to our hotel to check-in before returning to Highgrove for the evening dinner.

The ticket price includes dinner at Highgrove and breakfast at the hotel, but not lunch on either day; however we will have plenty of opportunities to stop and take refreshments where required. Room extras are not included.

Cost £299 per person. Single person supplement £55

Timetable

Wednesday 16th October 2013 (overnight) Depart Coolings

8.30am on Wednesday 16th

October 2013

Return Coolings

7.00pm approx on Thursday 17th October 2013

A full itinerary can be seen on the website.

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The glory of Autumn

We have great pleasure in offering this excursion to the internationally renowned venue of Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, to see its blazing autumn colours.

Autumn is the best time to view the 2,000 specimens of maples and over 300 Japanese maple cultivars, with their vibrant autumn colour.

Cost £55 per person

Timetable

Friday 25th October 2013 Depart Coolings 8.15am

Arrive Westonbirt 11.00am approximately

Depart Westonbirt 4.00pm

Return Coolings

6.30pm approximately

Lunch is not included, but there is an onsite restaurant and we will make stops during the journey for refreshments.

A Victorian

Christmas

Join us as we visit the 14th annual Victorian Festival of Christmas in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

A huge variety of colourful characters and entertainment As you arrive you will be greeted by the music of Jazz Magic, Festival Brass and Rose & Thistle Pipe Band, the firing and drumming of the Fort Cumberland Guard.

A taste of days gone by…

There will be snow in the air and underfoot as you take a stroll along the Dickensian-style street amongst chimney sweeps, wenches, gentry and “Victorian Strollers”!

A unique Christmas Shopping experience Browse a glorious bazaar of arts, crafts, food and drink at the largest Christmas market on the south coast!

Amazing World-Class Attractions Your ticket includes entry to the attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

This excursion is excellent value and is sure to sell out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Timetable

Cost £55 per person

Friday 29th November 2013 9.00am Depart Coolings

Portsmouth

Arrive

11.00am approximately

Depart Portsmouth 4.00pm

Return Coolings

6.00pm approximately

Lunch is not included but there is a wide choice of onsite facilities and we will make stops during the journey for refreshments.

To book trips please see page 23

EVENTS FLORISTRY WORKSHOPS WITH MYRA LESTER* 9.30am – 12.30pm, £25 per person includes lunch Worksheets detailing materials required will be provided at time of booking.

Friday 6 September Hydrangas with style Friday 4 October Fruity autumn ring Friday 1 November Autumn topiary Friday 20 December Festive table Now until 27 October DAHLIA EXHIBITION Over 130 varieties of Dahlias on show in Arthurs Garden. Sell off 28 October Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September KNOCKHOLT ART CLUB Knockholt Art Club treat us once more to a display of local talent. Coolings would like to thank Knockholt Art Club for supporting our recent staff art exhibition Wednesday 11 September – Thursday 31 October AUTUMN SHOWCASE Large display of Japanese Maples and plants for autumn colour Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 September ORPINGTON FLOWER CLUB Come and enjoy the stunning displays from the many talented floral artists in this group Friday 20 September CHARITY FASHION SHOW* 7pm for 7.30pm, cost £25 per person Help Hospice in the Weald at what promises to be the most glamorous of events Coolings have ever had the pleasure of hosting. Complimentary drink on arrival and canapés included Sunday 22 September COOLINGS CENTENARY HORTICULTURAL SHOW From 12noon, free entry to the event and free to enter all categories To help celebrate Coolings Centenary, we are holding our first ever Horticultural Show. Full details can be found on our website Thursday 26 September THE RAY RICH JAZZ BAND* 6.30pm for 7pm £12.99, includes food Ray Rich and his experienced group of professional musicians have played with many internationally renowned artists and always produce a fantastic act.

Not to be missed!

20 Cuttings from Coolings

at The Gardener's Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill Saturday 28 September and Sunday 29 September KEEP IT LOCAL CRAFT FAIR 10am to 4.30pm each day Our ‘Keep it Local’ craft fairs have built a reputation for high quality products by careful selection of stall holders. This event is larger than normal and will be located in our Centenary Marquee Saturday 28 September FARMERS’ MARKET 9am to 3pm Buy your local fresh produce at our monthly Farmers’ Market Monday 30 September TEA DANCE* From 2pm, £7.99 per person Don’t worry if you’re not a dancer, our instructors will teach you! Tea and light refreshments included CENTENERARY CREAM TEA WITH PAUL COOLING* 3pm in Arthurs, £7.99 per person includes cream tea. Join Paul Cooling for cream tea and a special talk on 100 years at Coolings: Wednesday 2 October THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS Wednesday 23 October THE LAST FIFTY YEARS Wednesday 30 October HOW WE USED TO GROW – methods of plant production that would make your toes curl, your eyes water, and your back break!

Saturday 26 October FARMERS’ MARKET 9am to 3pm Buy your local fresh produce at our monthly Farmers’ Market Wednesday 16 October SPECIAL CENTENARY VISIT TO HIGHGROVE* See Page 18 for details Friday 25 October THE GLORY OF AUTUMN VISIT TO WESTONBIRT* See Page 19 for details Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 November ORPINGTON ART CLUB Orpington Art Club Join us once again to display the talent of their many artists Saturday 23 November FARMERS’ MARKET 9am to 3pm Buy your local fresh produce at our monthly Farmers’ Market

Friday 29 November A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS VISIT TO PORTSMOUTH* See Page 19 for details

*Items marked with an asterisk must be pre-booked – see Booking Form on Page 23 or call 01959-532269

Saturday 7 December FARMERS’ MARKET 9am to 3pm Buy your local fresh produce at our monthly Farmers’ Market in time for Christmas!

Monday 2 – Friday 20 December (excluding weekends) CHRISTMAS LUNCHES IN ARTHURS* See Page 13 for details

EVENTS Thursday 22 August TWILIGHT BAT WALK* 7.30pm in Blueberry Café Join us for a light supper before our Bat Experts take you on a guided twilight walk around the Nature Trail. £10 per person Thursday 5 September FOOD NIGHT – KENT’S FINEST* Join us for a delicious 3-course meal featuring Kent’s finest ingredients. All produce will be locally sourced.

Tables can be booked between 6.30pm-9pm.

Blueberry Café is a licensed premises. To book call Melissa on 01959-534386. £19.99 per person

at Coolings Green & Pleasant Thursday 14 November FOOD NIGHT – WINTER WARMER* Join us for a delicious 3-course “Winter Warmer” meal of winter favourites. Tables can be booked between 6.30pm-9pm. Blueberry Café is a licensed premises. To book call Melissa on 01959-534386. £19.99 per person Monday 2 – Friday 20 December (excluding weekends) CHRISTMAS LUNCHES* See Page 24 for details

Monday 23 September – Friday 4 October BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT Look out for special menus in Blueberry Café

STORYTELLING FOR UNDER 5’s* Come and join the fun as favourite children’s stories are brought to life in special storytelling sessions for the under 5’s. Includes Little Seedlings lunch. £4.50 per child

Monday 7 – Friday 11 October NATIONAL CURRY WEEK Look out for special menus in Blueberry Café

Thursday 26 September 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1.30 pm ELMER

Thursday 10 October FOOD NIGHT – CURRY NIGHT* Indian Cuisine comes to Knockholt! Tables can be booked between 6.30pm-9pm. Blueberry Café is a licensed premises. To book call Melissa on 01959534386. £19.99 per person

Thursday 24 October 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

Monday 28 & Thursday 31 October HALLOWEEN COOKIE WORKSHOP* 11am in Blueberry Café Make and decorate some special Halloween cookies with our Cookery Expert. Enjoy a delicious picnicstyle lunch while your cookies are baking! Age 5+, all children must be accompanied by an adult. £9.99 per child

Thursday 28 November 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm HANDA’S SURPRISE *Items marked with an asterisk must be pre-booked – see Booking Form on Page 25 or call 01959534386

Cuttings from Coolings 21

Coolings

garden services AUTUMN TIDY UP SERVICE It will soon be time to ‘put your garden to bed’ for the winter. Why not let us take care of this for you during late October and November?

With our prestigious and very popular ‘Tidy Up’ service we can get your lawn and borders ready for the winter. The tidy up could include raking up leaves, lawn edging, last lawn cut, cutting back of perennials, pruning deciduous hedges and digging over a vegetable patch.

One day Autumn Tidy Up from 9.30am to 4pm.

Only £295 (team of 2) This service applies to the following postcodes: DA 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 14, 15, 16.

SE 9, 12.

TN 13, 14, 15, 16.

BR 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Please call Lesley or Neil for further information on 01959 532269

StudyCoolings at STUDY AT COOLINGS Would you like to learn more about gardening and garden related topics?

Coolings offer a range of courses, from the academic to pure leisure learning.

From September we will be running: • How to be a Successful Gardener • RHS Level 2 Principles of Horticulture • Coolings Diploma in Garden Design • From Past to Present – A Global Look at Plants • Enriching Your Garden Horizons • Botanic Illustration

For full details of these courses please see our website or call Neil Jackson or Lesley Webster on 01959 532269 or email neiljackson@ coolings.co.uk From 2014 we will also be running a number of short courses covering a broad range of topics, from Pruning to An Introduction to Garden Design. More details will appear in Spring Cuttings and on the website!

Booking form

The Gardener’s Garden Centre No. of Tickets

Cost

Events

Date

Charity Fashion Show for HOSPICE IN THE WEALD includes drink and canapes

Friday 20 September 7pm for 7.30pm

THE RAY RICH JAZZ BAND includes food

TEA DANCE includes tea and light refreshments

CENTENARY CREAM TEA WITH PAUL COOLING “The First Fifty Years” includes cream tea

“The Last Fifty Years” includes cream tea

Thursday 26 September 6.30pm for 7pm

£12.99 per person

Monday 30 September from 2pm

£7.99 per person

Wednesday 2 October 3pm

£7.99 per person

Wednesday 23 October 3pm

“How We Used to Grow” includes cream tea

Wednesday 30 October 3pm

SPECIAL CENTENARY VISIT TO HIGHGROVE Overnight Stay – see Page 18 for full details

Wednesday 16 October 8.30am departure

THE GLORY OF AUTUMN VISIT TO WESTONBIRT See Page 19 for full details

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS VISIT TO PORTSMOUTH See Page 19 for full details

FLORISTRY WORKSHOPS WITH MYRA LESTER

Friday 25 October 8.15am departure

Hydrangas with Style Fruity Autumn Ring Autumn Topiary Festive Table

£25 per person

£299 (overnight stay)*

£55 per person

Friday 29 November 9am departure

£55 per person

9.30am – 12.30pm

£25 per person, inc. lunch

Friday 6 September Friday 4 October Friday 1 November Friday 20 December

Total Cost £

* £55 single room supplement

Your Information Print Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss) .................................................................... Signed.........................................................................

Address .................................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................. ............................ ............................ .........

Postcode ......................................................Telephone Number ......................................................................................................

Email .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Your details will only be used by Coolings Nurseries Ltd and will not be passed to any third parties.

I enclose a cheque for £ ______________________________ (payable to Coolings Nurseries Ltd) *Or please debit my VISA/MASTERCARD/SWITCH* (*delete as appropriate) Card No ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Issue No (Switch only) _________________________ Start Date ___ ___ / ___ ___

Last three digits of Security No ___ ___ ___

Expiry Date ___ ___ / ___ ___

Cuttings from Coolings 23

Please Note: Bookings are non-refundable. All bookings received will be acknowledged.

Return completed form to: Coolings, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, Kent TN14 7NN

Due to the success and popularity of our special events and activities during the early part of the year, you will be pleased to hear we will be continuing the programme throughout the latter part. We will be hosting monthly Food Nights and Children’s Storytelling sessions, and Children’s Workshops during half term. There are also many nationally recognised food weeks which we like to support and embrace. Our famous Afternoon Teas are now available for group bookings. We can comfortably cater for up to 40 people, with a number of differently priced package options. Lastly, our delicious Christmas Lunches will be available from Monday 2 December – Friday 20 December, book early to avoid disappointment!

Dates to remember

September

5

23–4 Oct. 26

Food Night – ‘Kent’s Finest’, using seasonal and local produce. Restaurant open from 6.30pm British Food Fortnight Children’s Storytelling – ‘Elmer’

VOctober

7–11 10 24 28 31

Curry Week Food Night – ‘Curry Night’. Restaurant open from 6.30pm Children’s Storytelling – ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ Children’s Cookie Workshop Children’s Cookie Workshop

V

November 14 28

Food Night - ‘Winter Warmer’. Restaurant open from 6.30pm Children’s Storytelling – ‘Handa’s Surprise’

December V 2 – 20

Christmas Lunches

Booking form

Green & Pleasant Events

Date

TWILIGHT BAT WALK includes light supper

HALLOWEEN COOKIE WORKSHOP includes picnic-style lunch

Thursday 22 August 7.30pm

£10 per person

Monday 28 October 11am

£9.99 per child*

No. of Tickets

Thursday 31 October 11am

STORYTELLING - Elmer includes Little Seedlings lunch

Thursday 26 September 10am

Cost

£4.50 per child*

11am 12 noon 1.30pm STORYTELLING – We’re going on a bear hunt includes Little Seedlings lunch

£4.50 per child*

Thursday 24 October 10am 11am 12 noon

STORYTELLING – Handa’s Surprise includes Little Seedlings lunch

1.30pm

Thursday 28 November 10am

£4.50 per child*

11am 12 noon 1.30pm

Total Cost £

* All children must be accompanied by an adult

Your Information Print Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss) .................................................................... Signed.........................................................................

Address .................................................................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................. ............................ ............................ .........

Postcode ......................................................Telephone Number ......................................................................................................

Email .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Your details will only be used by Coolings Nurseries Ltd and will not be passed to any third parties.

I enclose a cheque for £ ______________________________ (payable to Coolings Nurseries Ltd) *Or please debit my VISA/MASTERCARD/SWITCH* (*delete as appropriate) Card No ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Issue No (Switch only) _________________________ Start Date ___ ___ / ___ ___

Last three digits of Security No ___ ___ ___

Expiry Date ___ ___ / ___ ___

Please Note: Bookings are non-refundable. All bookings received will be acknowledged.

Cuttings from Coolings 25

Return completed form to: Coolings, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, Kent TN14 7NN

Centenary DISPLAYS WORDS: JANE MORGAN This has been a very busy year for Coolings. Being our 100th Birthday we are celebrating and have teamed up with some special partners to create some of our most exciting floral displays to date.

COOLINGS AT RHS CHELSEA

Our plants offset against sculpture from Kent based Marshal Murray

This year’s Chelsea Flower Show was extra-special for the RHS, as it is their centenary year also. To mark the event we created a stunning 6ft high, floral birthday cake for a stand located on the prestigious Pavilion Way. We filled the display with our home grown favourites including white Bacopa, Lavandula ‘Regal Splendour’ and Picea ‘J.W. Daisy’s White’.

Our Centenary Celebration Birthday Cake!

For Chelsea, we teamed up with:

The British Plant Nursery Guide (promoters of independent British Nurseries) Marshall Murray (British Sculpture and Furniture) Sevenoaks Flower Club, who are celebrating their 26 Cuttings from Coolings Diamond Anniversary!

Mark Quinn’s sculpture, designed to support the RHS Chelsea Centenary Appeal raising funds for the next generation of horticulturists

If you were not able to make it to Chelsea this year we hope you were able to attend our Centenary Summer Showcase, which moved to a new home this year. Located in one of the polythene greenhouses on the nursery, the Showcase opened in time to coincide with the centenary celebrations taking place.

Nicky Peto and Barbara Clarke

Mayor & Mayoress of Sevenoaks with

Paul Cooling

Despite the poor weather early on in the growing season this year’s show was as colourful as ever, depicting the three generations of the Coolings family. We displayed many of the several hundred different varieties of bedding plants grown on our 4.5 acre production nursery.

Centenar y Summer Showcase

DO NOT MISS! Remember to visit our Dahlia Exhibition in Cuttings from Coolings Arthurs Garden, and the Autumn Showcase!

27

Here at Coolings we have a dedicated team who have been with us for many years.

As you may know, Gary Carvosso is our Managing Director, and he shares some of his experiences over the years Have you had an interest in plants for a long time?

For at least four decades, the roots of which can be traced back to encouragement from my grandparents. They were proud to have what I thought was the very best garden in Billericay, Essex. Tomatoes and fruit were their real passion, I did however learn that any garden makeover/tidy is never complete until the lawn has had the half moon applied or edges trimmed.

At 14 the prospect of Saturday work loomed and my father took me along to a small alpine nursery in Crockenhill, where the proprietor said he could not afford to pay me. My father placed a hand firmly in my back and propelled me forwards with the words, “That doesn’t matter!”... When I left school the Careers Officer could not really engage with my desire to ‘work with plants’; however an opportunity came after seeing the advert placed by Mike Cooling two months later.

So how long have you worked at Coolings?

I began working for Coolings almost 30 years go, in August 1984. Mike Cooling interviewed me and at the time was concerned that with my slight frame I wouldn’t be able to load customers’ cars with the 250 litre bales of peat (I did manage, and grew rapidly as a result!). Following two formative years at the Chislehurst site, I left to study commercial horticulture for 3 years.

In December 1989 Coolings purchased the current nursery site on Rushmore Hill and I returned as Sales Supervisor. In 1997 I was appointed as the first non-family Director within the company, followed by being appointed Managing Director 7 years ago.

What’s it like being Managing Director?

It’s an extremely rewarding job that involves understanding every role within the business. The business has grown beyond all recognition, starting with the firm foundations laid by Mike Cooling many years ago. Today, with a fast-changing world and nearly 200 full- and part-time staff, the role of leading such a team looks as though it will remain varied, challenging and rewarding.

What is a typical day for you?

I’d love to say watering and potting plants, however those days are behind me! Generally I will spend much of my time talking with the management team of 12, who are very supportive and have clocked up many years of ‘Coolings experience’ which makes my day much easier. I do get out onto the Shop floor during May and June, which means I have the opportunity to meet many customers and visitors, and their feedback is invaluable.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to talk to us, Gary.

Cuttings from Coolings 29

Conifer

COMBINATIONS WORDS: RICHARD GILLHAM

CONIFER

Conifers are widely known for their decorative forms, textures and colours and can be used in conjunction with a whole manner of different combinations.

The possibilities are endless; below I have listed a few of my favourites which will enhance most garden situations.

For example, Conifer + Companion Plants = A Conifer Combination, adding style to your garden.

COMPANION PLANTS

CONIFER COMBINATION

Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Pinus mugo (Mountain Pine)

Dwarf Rhododendron, Evergreen Azaleas, Heathers and Alpines

A stunning rockery or Japanese garden, especially in spring, when accompanied by a water feature, large rockery stones and shingle

Fastigiate conifers (narrow columnar habits) such as Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Arrow’, Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Columnaris’ or ‘Yvonne’

Evergreen shrubs and Herbaceous perennials with contrasting foliage/ flower colours, such as Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’, Ceanothus (Californian Lilac), Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’, Pittosporum or Heuchera

A mixed border, punctuated with year round structure and colour

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Minima Aurea’ or Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Tuffet’

Trailing alpines, such as Campanula (Bell Flower) or Ivy. Use J. Arthur Bowers MultiPurpose Compost with added John Innes in black or metallic contemporary planters

Stylish and modern containers which add yearround interest and colour

Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Wilma’

Red annual bedding plants such as Polyanthus (winter)

Instant height to a stunning bedding scheme contrasting bright acid green foliage and vibrant red flowers

So experiment with conifers and their many uses! Don’t forget to plant with Tree & Shrub Compost (unless in a container) and feed with Vitax Q4 every spring. If you are in need of further planting or design advice why not pay a visit to our Planting and Design team here at Coolings.

Est 1980

making memories for over 30 years

Marquees & Catering Equipment www.manorhire.co.uk info@manorhire.co.uk 01732 834445

Cuttings from Coolings 31

COO/G

Fashion Show

Supporting Hospice in the Weald

£25, Friday 20 September, 7pm Complimentary Champagne and Canapés on arrival

Open 7 days a week Rushmore Hill, TN14 7NN 01959 532269

www.coolings.co.uk 32 Cuttings from Coolings

COOLINGS

The Gardener’s Garden Centre THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING