Cuttings Spring/Summer 2013

Cuttings FREE

FROM COOLINGS

Centenary Coolings

Garden Tips 100 Years at Coolings Beautiful Bedding

SPRING

2013

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

Extended Opening Times (April – June at both sites)

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 for timetable information.

Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm

Get in touch Phone

Online

In-store

Email

Twitter

Facebook

Welcome TO

Coolings

I

t’s official, 2012 was the second wettest year of the last one hundred years!

Despite a snowy start to 2013, we are all hoping for more settled weather and looking forward to a good spring season.

Last November, however, we were delighted to collect the Retail Horticulture Award for the Best Plant Area in the UK, and this has spurred us on to even greater improvements in our plant sales area in 2013.

At end of 2012 we sadly lost three of our former employees to cancer. As a result of this, much of our charitable fundraising this year will be directed towards Harris HospisCare and Hospice in the Weald, both organisations which do so much to preserve the dignity of those approaching the end of their life.

This year many of you will have already tried out the new servery in Arthurs. Greater efficiency is the main aim and we hope that long queues will now be a thing of the past. See page 22 for more details of the transformation.

Regular visitors to our website will have noticed an icon that enables access to our online sales area. Our aim is to serve not just those of you within driving distance of Knockholt but also those keen gardeners throughout the United Kingdom who will appreciate Coolings quality.

The biggest news of this year is that it is one hundred years since my grandfather, Arthur Cooling, first rented a small piece of farmland and began to grow his first crops. He would be amazed and, I hope, quite proud of what has ensued from those early days. We shall be compiling a scrapbook of memories and memorabilia of gardening with Coolings over the last hundred years, and we would welcome any contributions to add to our archives.

We have an exciting year of celebrations ahead full of events, some nostalgic and others looking forward, along with many trips and excursions planned for your enjoyment.

We hope you’ll join us to make 2013 a year to remember. Read on for more details and we look forward to seeing you at Coolings soon.

g Paul Coolin Chairman Coolings

Retail Horticulture Awards 2012

Cuttings from Coolings 3

Garden TIPS WORDS: Mark Reeve

April • • • • •

Plant evergreen shrubs and conifers this month Divide overgrown clumps of perennials This month is ideal for laying turf Aquatic plants can be split and divided Feed the lawn regularly

Use Evergreen Complete to feed your lawn

May Why not try pelargoniums?

June • • • • •

• • • • •

Prune spring flowering shrubs after they have bloomed Plant out dahlias from the end of the month Sow quick growing vegetables in batches to ensure a longer crop Most bedding plants can be planted out now Protect against slugs and snails

Trim any spring bulb foliage that has yellowed Make sure the greenhouse is shaded and ventilated sufficiently Tidy spring flowering perennials Keep on top of spraying roses against disease and aphids Keep on top of deadheading to prolong flowering

nts well Keep pla ring du watered lls e sp ry d

July • • • • •

4 Cuttings from Coolings

Keep new and young plants well watered Consider installing a water butt to save water bills Prune long growths back on wisteria this month Keep vegetables well watered to prevent bolting Damp down the greenhouse regularly

An all in one treatment for your roses

Mark Reeve

I have read that a Spanish slug has been found in the UK that eats other slugs and snails as well as plants. Is this correct?

© ‘Arion lusitanicus’

by Aske Holst

The Spanish slug has been identified in East Anglia by an Entomologist from a research institute. They have been found as far afield as northern Europe and Scandinavia. Unfortunately, they have few predators and they do seem to eat other slugs/snails as well as plants and crops. More research is being carried out at two universities to find out more.

I have an enormous amount of bracken taking over my new garden. I wish to eradicate it fairly quickly if possible. What are my options please?

Chemical control really is the only way to defeat this fern. A product containing glyphosate, such as Roundup Weed Killer is suitable if sprayed directly on to the fronds from July until August (this is the most effective time). It should be noted that bracken spores are carcinogenic so it’s best to remove bracken from the garden environment.

John Tann © ‘Bracken’ by

Last summer my delphiniums developed black marks on the foliage and were stunted in growth. What caused this?

This sounds like Delphinium Black Blotch, which is a bacterial disease. It is worse in wet summers and last year was certainly a wet one! Unfortunately, no fungicides are effective and plants must be destroyed. Choose a new site for any future plants purchased. © ‘Delphinium’

by Kaliputri

Cuttings from Coolings 5

& Still Growing WORDS: PAUL COOLING

Bedding Area at Chislehurst

O

ne of ten children, my Grandfather, Arthur Cooling, was born in 1894. As an enterprising teenager, Arthur had a full time job at the Post Office, but the morning shifts (beginning at 4.30am) and the afternoon shifts (ending at 10pm) allowed a few spare hours in the middle of the day.

The first photographic evidence of any horticultural undertaking is a picture of Arthur behind a borrowed horse and plough on land behind what is now Belmont Parade in Chislehurst. It was several years before he bought his own land – an acre set back behind the High Street.

In order to get ahead in life, Arthur took out a mortgage to buy several small houses, which he let out. These eventually provided sufficient funds to enable him to build his own house on the land he had bought.

In 1953, following a year at the Kent Horticultural Institute and two years National Service in Germany, Arthur’s son, Michael, joined him and doubled the workforce! He had many new ideas which did not always find favour with Arthur. When the village ironmongers and hardware store closed, it was suggested that a small area in one of the greenhouses could be given over to gardening sundries, which my

Demonstration by Michael Cooling

Arthur’s Allotment

Grandfather regarded as a highly risky venture.

Little did he know at that time that Coolings was about to become one of the first Garden Centres in the country! Dad continued to innovate, including giving talks to customers on various gardening topics. These have evolved over time to become the wide range of courses (many accredited) that are now available at Coolings.

Michael Cooling With the end of the 1980’s came the realisation that the one acre site in Chislehurst was cramping our potential and when an offer was made the site was sold for housing development. Mum and Dad reinvested the money into the 14 acres on Rushmore Hill that we have today. The “new” shop was opened in 1992 and became the catalyst for a long period of rapid growth, and the winning of many awards.

In 2004 we decided to buy the site on Main Road in Knockholt from our nearest

Arthur Cooling

Cuttings from Coolings 7

Shop at Chislehurst

competitor to allow us to diversify our product range and give more scope for the future.

The site was redeveloped and reopened as Coolings Green & Pleasant in 2009. The new site has won awards in its own right, too.

With the current state of the world economy it is impossible to predict where Coolings will be in the next five years, let alone the next generation; however, plans are in hand for an improvement to the Rushmore

Hill shop, which after 22 years is in need of a face-lift. We have also set out the credentials for what might be required if a third site were to present itself to us. With Jessica and Thomas Cooling as the fourth generation now aged 14 and 12 years, we are keeping an open mind!

Watch this space!

Bedding Price List circa 1960

8 Cuttings from Coolings

COOLINGS CENTENARY

Special Events

Reaching 100 years of age is a great achievement and we have arranged some special events to celebrate!

Centenary Breakfast with Paul Cooling, 10, 17 and 26 April 8.30am Enjoy breakfast with Paul Cooling in Arthurs with our special talks on 100 years at Coolings, and toast the next 100 years with a bucks fizz.

10 April: The First Fifty Years 17 April: The Last Fifty Years 26 April: ‘How We Used to Grow’ the methods of plant production that would make your toes curl, your eyes water and your back break!

Cost £11 per person (Breakfast included) Tea Dance, Friday 28 June 2pm Come and enjoy our Celebratory Tea Dance.

Don’t worry if you’re not a dancer, our instructors will show you how! Tea and light refreshments included.

Cost £10 per person

Garden Party, Thursday 27 June 2pm Join customers and friends in our garden and enjoy live entertainment. Light refreshments included.

Cost £7 per person

Fizz & Flower Summer Soiree, Thursday 27 June 7pm Coolings are proud to host an evening of musical entertainment and surprises, in aid of Harris HospisCare. Your ticket price will include a welcome drink, food and fabulous entertainment.

Tickets @ £20 each available from Christine Davies at Harris HospisCare 01689 825755, all profits will go to Harris HospisCare

Bob Ogley & Spitfire Display, Saturday 29 June 2.30pm Bob Ogley will be delivering his famous lecture, “Biggin on the Bump”, which centres on the history of Biggin Hill and the RAF involvement there. Cost £5 per person. Weather permitting, an air display by the Spirit of Kent Spitfire based at Biggin Hill will follow at 4pm.

Air display is FREE to all

Cuttings from Coolings 9

100

YEARS OF

Beautiful Bedding!

WORDS: JON REBURN

O

ur passion has always been for bedding plants and we still use traditional production methods like generous spacing and hand pinching to produce stocky, floriferous plants. Good cultural techniques ensure the use of chemicals is kept to an absolute minimum. Although tradition is at the heart of what we do, we also keenly embrace the best of new varieties and techniques and pay close attention to current trends in garden fashion. We trial new varieties in our Summer Showcase to ensure they are truly garden-worthy and fit to be sold to our customers. Come and see our vast range of over 350 varieties for yourself and let us colour your summer in our centenary year.

NEW FOR THIS YEAR! Black Mini-Trailing Petunia

Verbena Twinkle Pink

It looks fabulous and we are very happy to be able to offer it for sale in limited numbers this season. We will also be introducing a new Tangerine mini-trailing petunia.

Begonia Whopper This fantastic introduction is a new king-sized semperfloren begonia. A must-have where you want space filled quickly.

Cosmos Pink Blush A lovely new colour-way to add to our range of this ever-popular plant.

An improved trailing verbena with lovely colour and habit.

Non-Stop Begonia Pink Petticoat A real beauty and a splendid introduction this season.

GO RETRO In our centenary year we will take a nostalgic look at past garden favourites - but give them a contemporary twist! Look out for this year’s surprise Summer Showcase (late June – early July) and our garden retro display during late July and August. Plus, prepare for Dahlia Mania in Arthurs garden!

Salvia Rhea

10 Cuttings from Coolings

Black Mini-Trailing Petunia

JON’S FAVOURITE FIVE Every plant has its merits, but in my own garden I like to use plants that are both beautiful and give wildlife a helping hand…

Purple Trailing Verbena

Nicotiana sylvestris

Flowers non-stop all summer. Bees and butterflies love it! Also look out for a new perennial upright Verbena called Lollipop.

Grows up to six foot tall with classy white, tubular, beautifully scented flowers. Great for attracting moths.

Blue bedding: Salvia Rhea and Strata

Heliotrope Scented like cherry pie – yum! Pollinator insects love it!

Beautiful blue flower spikes plus the leaves have a lovely zesty fragrance. Adored by bees.

Purple Trailing Verbena

Cosmos They give an airy graceful feel to a border.

I plant in modest drifts between early flowered perennials to give interest from mid to late summer.

GET TRENDY!

Cosmos

A theme this summer will be using bedding plants in pots and containers in combination with taller “standard” plants (plants grown with a clear stem and a toffee-apple shaped head).

Some great ideas: Silver leaved standard olive trees planted in the centre of a Cretan urn then under planted with trailing geraniums will give you a taste of the Mediterranean. “Lollipop” shaped French Lavenders, rosemary and bay trees make great planting companions to summer bedding.

If you have a shady corner why not try a standard or pillar fuchsia under planted with cascade begonias?

Cuttings from Coolings 11

TOPProducts

Here are our top products for the coming months…

Hanging baskets and containers will flourish for months with a little preparation now. Two must-have products to include with your compost are Osmocote and Water Magic.

Osmocote Plant Food Tablets (£4.99 for 25) provide nutrients to your plants for a whole growing season from just one neat tablet per pot or basket.

They are easy to handle and provide controlled amounts of food straight to the roots for maximum impact.

Water Magic (£3.99 for 150g sachet) will greatly reduce the need for watering, which can’t be a bad thing allowing you a bit more time to sit back and enjoy your display for a while! It works in containers, hanging baskets, cut flowers and borders.

Just as your garden is getting going this spring, so too are your garden’s enemies: weeds! Get a grip on them early and make life easier for yourself as the season progresses.

Roundup Gel (£9.99) is ideal for beds and bindweed – anywhere you don’t want to spray a wide area and need to be selective about where you’re applying the weedkiller.

Weedol 2 (£6.99 for 3 sachets - £16.99 for 12) is fast-acting on weeds and rainproof within ten minutes – handy during any April showers! Once it’s dried, it’s harmless to the soil and the area can be replanted straight away.

Without wishing to tempt fate, rainwater harvesting is still, and will always be, a good idea! Most gardens have space for at least one water butt; the Sankey Super Slim Water Butt (250ltr) is only £39.99! For those of you who already have a water butt, grab a Linking Kit (£10.99) and double up.

Now is an ideal time to sow a new lawn, but if your grass just needs a bit of a spring touch up, Miracle Gro Patch Magic couldn’t be more straight forward. A ready mixed combination of grass seed, feed and coir growing medium allows you to simply apply to a bare patch, water in, and watch it grow (from £9.99).

2013 is a special year for Coolings as we celebrate our 100th Birthday! We’ve come a long way since eighteen year-old Arthur Cooling (grandfather of current Chairman, Paul Cooling) started a smallholding in Chislehurst in 1913.

We want to include you in our celebrations and with this in mind we are delighted to offer you regular bargains throughout the year.

Each month Coolings, The Gardener’s Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill will have six new offers to help you celebrate with us. So 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).

French Lavender

Plants on offer in April include: • French Lavenders • Planted Fragrant Sweet Pea Pyramids • Scented Philadelphus

Shop offers in April include: • Tomorite 1ltr (£4.99 each), Buy 2 get a 3rd FREE • Bosmere 5ltr watering can, Save £2 now only £3.99 • Stewarts Smithy Tub 50cm, Normally £14.99 now only £9.99

© ‘Sweet Peas

by Cody

© ‘Philadelphus coron

by Maja

We hope that you will make great use of the offers available and join us in making our Centenary year a great one.

Offers are correct at time of going to press, alternatives may be offered.

arius’

’

E-news sign up PRIZE DRAW

£100 of Coolings vouchers up for grabs each month in our e-news centenary sign up prize draw!

W

oucher £5:single

26/11/10

hat better way to join in our centenary celebrations than with £100 to spend in store or online. To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is make sure you are signed up to receive our (free) monthly e-newsletter ‘Cuttings’.

EACH MONTH we will draw one winner from ALL our e-newsletter subscribers, so the earlier you enter the more chances you will have to win!

If you are not already receiving our e-newsletter all you have to do is come in store and ask a member of staff to sign you up or go online at www.coolings.co.uk/newsletter, enter your email and click on ‘subscribe’. There is no charge, it’s completely free.

Our monthly e-newsletter is a great way for you to receive the latest news from Coolings direct into your inbox. Plus, it is packed with the latest offers as well as offers exclusive to our e-news subscribers.

If you’re not already reaping the benefits, sign up to our e-newsletter today and you could be the next lucky winner of £100 of Coolings vouchers!

Remember, we are drawing one winner every month in 2013 so the earlier you enter the more chance you have to win!

11:23

Page 1

£5 Gift Voucher

five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift er five pounds £5 gift five pounds £5 gift voucher £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds 5 gift voucher five voucher five pounds £5 pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five five pounds £5 gift gift voucher five pounds pounds £5 gift £5 £5 gift gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five £5 ED:gift voucher five £5 voucher five £5 gift voucher five pounds five pounds five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift gift voucher five pounds £5 gift pounds £5 gift £5 pounds five voucher gift £5 five voucher ift £5 gift five pounds £5 pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher er : five pounds voucher voucher five five pounds voucher gift £5 pounds five voucher gift £5 her five pounds £5 gift gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five £5 gift voucher five £5 gift voucher five pounds pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift pounds £5 gift voucher five rBER: five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift £5 gift voucher five five pounds £5 gift voucher £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds r five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds voucher five gift voucher five pounds £5 gift TION £5 giftNUMBER: pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five r five pounds £5 gift £5 gift voucher pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five £5 gift voucher five £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher pounds five voucher gift £5 pounds gift r five pounds £5 five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift £5 gift voucher five five pounds £5 gift voucher £5 pounds five voucher gift £5 pounds five gift voucher r five pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 pounds £5 gift voucher five pounds £5 gift voucher five £5 gift voucher five gift voucher five pounds

Voucher

£1 0 Gift Voucher

£10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds cher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift £10 cher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten £10 gift voucher ten pounds 10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds her ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift ounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds her ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift ounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher pounds £10 en pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift ounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds her ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten pounds £10 gift voucher ten

5 2 £ Gift Voucher

Terms and Conditions The competition end date is 31 December 2013. Winners will be drawn on the last day of each month and notified by email. The prize is £100 Coolings Gift Vouchers to be collected in-store.

twenty twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 five pounds £25 gift voucher £25 five voucher gift twenty £25 pounds pounds five five wenty voucher twenty voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift £25 ve pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five five twenty voucher gift £25 £25 five pounds pounds twenty gift voucher : £25DATE ISSUED £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds twenty five pounds twenty five pounds twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher voucher gift £25 voucher gift £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds twenty five pounds £25 £25 pounds BY: five ve pounds ISSUED twenty voucher gift twenty five pounds £25 gift £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 ER:£25 gift voucher voucher £25 pounds five pounds twenty five NUMB twenty TILLfive twenty voucher gift £25 pounds voucher twenty five pounds ve pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds £25 gift voucher twenty five £25 gift voucher twenty five pounds five pounds £25 gift voucher twenty ft voucher £25 gift voucher twenty

£25 Gift Voucher

14 Cuttings from Coolings

your own

GROW

WORDS: RICHARD GILLHAM

O

ur centenary year here at Coolings is as good a time as any to come over all nostalgic and revive heritage vegetables. Supermarkets have to conform to E.U. regulations for shape, size and ability to travel, which has left our favourites bland and tasteless. However, panic not, did you know that many suppliers of vegetable seed have realised the benefits of reintroducing the traditional varieties on the endangered list?

One such supplier is Thompson & Morgan, who specifically champion this cause with their Heritage Seed Collection and in their own words offer “a variety nurtured, selected and handed down through the family over many generations.” These traditional varieties have been selected for “reliable performance

and outstanding taste”. The full Heritage Seed Collection is available at Coolings and comprises 34 varieties.

I can also recommend The Complete Garden Expert (the gardener’s bible in my opinion!) from D.G. Hessayon’s famous Expert range available from our book section. The vegetable chapter lists some old favourites.

If you are short of time check out our extensive vegetable pack range in our Plant Area where you will discover varieties rarely grown commercially such as Celeriac, Swiss Chard, Kohl Rabi, Purple Sprouting and Ballotti Beans (available late May).

Here are a few of my favourite seeds Tomato Craigella Similar to ‘Ailsa Craig’ with a similarly renowned flavour.

Lettuce Crisp Mint A crisp and sweet hearted Cos. Suitable for ‘cut and come again’ salading.

Onion Ciboule (Welsh Onion) Strong traditional flavour. Use both the leaves and small bulbs.

Runner Bean Crusader Reliable favourite producing a high yield of long pods with superb flavour.

Spinach Bloomsdale Well flavoured dark green, savoyed leaves. Resists bolting during hot weather if kept well watered.

Cabbage Jersey Wakefield Ideal for smaller gardens and produces firm and flavoursome hearts.

ALPINES Alpines are great little plants that put on a good show all year round and are fantastic during those drier summers. To make a small sunny area into an alpine garden is easy. All you need is: a bag of coarse grit, a piece of ground cover fabric (such as Mypex), pieces of rock and gravel

1 2 3 4

Start by digging the coarse grit into the area you have chosen for your alpine garden. This will increase the drainage of the soil, as alpines do not thrive when in very wet conditions.

Lay the Mypex over the area and position the pieces of rock adding interest and texture to the garden.

Next, plant through the ground cover fabric by carefully making small incisions, exposing the freshly-dug soil below.

To finish, spread the gravel about an inch deep around the base of plants and pieces of rock.

For those of you with smaller gardens or a patio area, alpines can also be grown in pots. Use a mix of John Innes No. 1 and coarse grit for good drainage. Remember to feed in the spring with a liquid feed such as Miracle Grow at quarter strength.

Evergreen, succulent plants like Lewisia and Sempervivum need to be planted at an angle of 45 degrees to ensure that any excess water runs away from the crown and so prevents rotting.

Top Tip

© ‘Helianthemum almeriense’ by Luis D Carbia

© ‘Schmidt Wormwood’

by Quinn Dombrowski

© ‘Balkan Anemone’

by Anemoneprojectors

With careful planning it is possible to create colour and interest that lasts all year. Choose plants that flower in succession, we have noted just a few below: Anemone – February to April Kick start the year with a good show of blue flowers

Helianthemum – May to July Commonly known as the rock rose, cut hard back after the first flush of flower to prevent the plant becoming straggly and induce a second flowering

Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Nana’ – July to September Soft silver foliage with yellow flowers

Hopefully by the time you are reading this we will have had our new herbs delivered! However, Basil and Coriander aren’t frost hardy so won’t arrive until May as they prefer warmer weather

I

f you don’t have a specific herb garden, you can always grow them amongst the plants in the flower borders. However, a lot of herbs are quite happy to be grown in containers. You could try a sunny window sill for a short time, herbs such as Basil, Coriander or Chives would be perfect. Or place a pot in a suitable location near your kitchen door so that you can just pop out and pick a few leaves for cooking.

When growing herbs such as Rosemary, Lavender, Chamomile, Dill, Lemon Verbena, Borage, Coriander, Fennel, Basil, Oregano and Thyme, make sure you pick a sunny site with well-drained soil. Other herbs, such as Parsley, prefer a deep fertile soil in part-shade and Chives like a moist soil in a sunny position.

Mint we all know and love, but did you know we sell at least 10 different varieties? Each variety has its own unique flavour such as Banana, Lemon and Basil Mint (which can be used as a replacement for Basil). It is always best to grow Mint in a pot, or bury a plastic container in the ground (as long as it has drainage holes in it), as it can be very invasive.

So this spring and summer, give yourself the pleasure of growing herbs not only for using in cooking but for the lovely scents which you can use in the home.

Remember, wildlife love them as well!

© ‘Oberlin Summer’ by

© ‘Fresh Herbs’ by Salvadonica

Borgo del Chianti

Edsel Little

Cuttings from Coolings 17

© ‘Bearded Iris’ by Bill Murray

© ‘Bearded Iris’ by Gail F

IRIS

Extravaganza

© ‘Blue Bearded Iris’ by Randy OHC

WORDS: MARK REEVE

The Iris family repeatedly bring a joyous splash of colour to the garden season after season. Whether you are a fan of elegant sibirica varieties or show stopping Bearded Irises, they are worthy of an appearance in any garden

I

rises are easy to grow, having strong straplike foliage ranging through vibrant green to a silvery more glaucous colour. Flowers are held up on stalks that rise above the level of the foliage, pushing their yearly splendour skyward for all to see, having intricate flowers and delicate ‘throats’, lined with fine bristles giving light to the name ‘bearded’.

Bearded Irises need a good amount of sun and a well-drained soil as they grow from bulbous rhizomes. These rhizomes become visible on the soil surface as they rise up to capture warmth and enjoy being baked by the sun.

The soil should be prepared with a good amount of organic matter to improve the nutrient base and structure. It helps to incorporate horticultural grade grit or fine shingle into the planting area to aid drainage, especially in clay soils where it could become too boggy, causing the rhizomes to rot. A good amount of sun throughout the day and sharp drainage is what’s required to keep your Irises thriving, south facing borders being ideal.

To maintain a healthy, showy Iris you need 18 Cuttings from Coolings

to lift and divide the basal clump every 4 – 5 years straight after the flowering period, replanting rhizomes from the outer edge of the clump as these are the youngest. If left, the clump becomes woody and the flowers will be diminished with fewer being produced. Prune out any flowered stems to encourage a second flush if you have a re-bloomer. Feed with a general granular fertilizer in spring, either fish blood and bone or Vitax Q4, as well as a top up after flowering.

We stock many varieties of Bearded and non-Bearded Irises from mid – late February onwards including some new cultivars of note, namely: Iris ‘Austrian Sky’ – pale blue Iris ‘Forest Hills’ – rich purple Iris ‘Hocus Pocus’- copper, blue and lavender Iris ‘June Prom’- pale blue Iris ‘Sable’ – deep purple Iris ensata ‘Moonlight Waves’- white and lime green

Do You Want In Your

BEES Garden?

© ‘Bees in the Rose Garden’

by Karen Roe

Everyone is aware of the plight of our bees, especially after the terrible year we had in 2012.

The beekeepers who look after the honey bees on our Nursery had to feed them last year, and couldn’t take their honey, either. With that in mind, consider bees when buying plants for your garden and help feed not only honey bees but bumble bees and solitary bees, too.

Below are some suggestions of plants to grow at different times of the year:

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Ribes Ceanothus Hyacinth Crataegus Pyracantha Ilex Tiarella Erysimum Allium Prunus Aubretia Forsythia

Heliotrope Alyssum Origanum Roses Helianthemum Buddleja Nepeta Hardy Geraniums Lavender

Anemone Aster Perovskia Elaegnus Colchicum Eryngium Caryopteris

Sarcococca Mahonia Hamamalis Jasminum – nudiflorum Snowdrops Primrose Rosemary Clematis – armandii

Tips for attracting bees 1

Grow plants with open flowers so bees can get to the pollen easily. Ensure there is nectar all year round (see suggestions above), even winter, as some bees will look for food on dry, sunny days. Bees prefer open, sunny sites and most plants with nectar prefer a sunny garden too.

2

Heathers are fantastic plants in early spring and autumn. Hellebores are great for winter months; we have loads of bees on our hellebores when it is sunny.

3

If you’re planting a garden for bees, it’s a great opportunity to grow some native wild plants, such as Bluebells, Poppies, Oxeye Daisies and Foxgloves, which can all be grown amongst garden plants.

4

Put up a Bee Box. They’re especially good for solitary bees, and can be used for hibernating in.

© ‘Bee on a Coneflower’

by Paul Stein

Did you know

You asked us to do it, we promised we would and now we’re delighted to formally announce the launch of our brand new online shopping facility ‘Coolings Online’

you can now shop for

all your favourites

ONLINE?

A

t Coolings we pride ourselves on the quality of our plants. We have our own five acre production Nursery with a dedicated team growing only the very best quality plants for our customers so we’re very excited to now be offering customers the chance to buy online.

While we can’t offer our entire range we have selected some of the best varieties of plants to sell online that we think should cater for any aspect in any garden.

We’ve also included a fantastic range of gardening equipment so we can provide you

with the perfect tool for any job, a wide range of fertiliser and chemical products for any situation to ensure you get the best results. Plus, we’ve added an extensive range of birdcare, watering tools and specialist pet products. So now even the rain won’t be able to stop you shopping for your favourites at Coolings!

Shopping online with us couldn’t be easier.

The site is very easy to use and any orders placed will be delivered within 1-3 working days for a flat fee of £6.99 for this season.

Take a peak at what’s available at www.coolingsonline.co.uk.

Everything you need at the click of a button – you don’t even need to leave your house!

Happy Shopping!

20 Cuttings from Coolings

WORDS: JOHN POLAND

Spring is springing out on the Nature Trail!

I

f you haven’t visited for a while, your old favourites are still here alongside some newcomers, such as our 5 Mangalitza piglets. When they were born (here at Coolings Green & Pleasant back in November) we were a bit surprised at their markings when they came into the world – unlike their mum and dad who are both blonde, two of them are very dark grey. These are known as Swallow-bellied Mangalitzas, and they are an exciting addition to our pig family.

They are now all growing apace, so catch them now while they’re still small and cute!

We have moved our pig pens over to the other side of the Trail where the brambles are lusher and it’s less muddy – though it is amazing how quickly any pig can trash a pen! – whilst we re-sow our original pens which had become too water-logged.

Our wallaby troupe are obviously happy here too; every year brings us more baby Joeys! If you look really closely you should see their tiny heads peering from their mums’ pouches.

The value of our ‘Friends of the Nature Trail’ scheme really becomes apparent as annual pass holders enjoy unlimited visits and also benefit from e-mails giving them details of forthcoming events. Watch out for details of our popular Birdwatchers’ Breakfasts, Bug Hunts and Pond Dipping sessions.

For those of you with small children looking for a bit of outdoor fun over the Easter break (29th March – 7th April), we will be running an Easter quiz based on things that can be found or seen on the Nature Trail. All children taking part will receive a small gift, and entry to the quiz is free with admission to the Trail.

Investments in the Nature Trail this year will include laying a firmer surface to the paths to enable better accessibility for buggies and wheelchairs. Look out for developments throughout the year!

Cuttings from Coolings 21

H

WORDS: KAREN HOWARD

Arthurs Garden News Update Our regular customers will have noticed the work in Arthurs garden this winter, in preparation for the coming year. Firstly, a magnificent display of Polyanthus will greet us in the spring, followed by our Dahlia Festival!

Next year this area will be totally relandscaped so “Watch This Space!”

ow better to start the New Year than with our fantastic, brand new, round servery! It allows customers to flow either side of the counter to be served drinks and cakes, and to order food, at any one of three till points. The team now have full view of anyone waiting to be served and queuing times should be cut.

Not only have we redesigned the counter, a new flooring has been laid, the walls painted, the disabled toilet has been moved for easier access and lastly a cosy, brick fireplace will brighten up the back of the coffee shop when it is installed later in the year.

Our menu also has some new additions.

Our Head Chef, Wayne Thompson, has added several dishes to the ‘everyday breakfast’ menu including Free Range Scrambled Eggs on Toast with Salmon or Mushrooms and Eggs Benedict served with Homemade Muffins and Hollandaise Sauce.

At lunchtime, try our Homemade Chicken or Beef Burger with our own secret Burger Sauce. Our sandwich list also boasts some new additions including Chicken & Brie, Goats Cheese & Roasted Pepper and Grilled Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato.

All our hot meals, including fish dishes, roast meats, pies and pastas are homemade by our team in the kitchen and are served seven days a week. Ingredients are sourced from local suppliers who deliver fresh daily.

For dessert, hopefully we will tickle your taste buds with a larger selection of our delicious homemade cakes, including old favourites and new creations. Don’t forget to enjoy a bowl of the most amazing, fruity, mouth watering and indulgently creamy Creamed Ice – (no NOT Ice Cream!). This delicious treat is handmade at Aldertree Farm in Suffolk using 100% natural ingredients, using cream not milk, and fruit fresh from the family farm.

We hope to see you through the year so you can enjoy our ‘new look’ Arthurs.

Customer Charity

Saturday 20th April 2pm, £5.00 per head

Summer Theatre

IN THE GARDEN

F

or the first time Coolings are opening Arthurs Garden for evenings of summer entertainment. Bring a seat and watch while our professional thespians draw you into another world. See the booking form on page 31 as tickets will need to be pre-booked.

Feel like testing the old grey matter? Coolings have chosen Harris HospisCare as their principal charity for the first half of 2013

H

arris HospisCare looks after patients in the London Borough of Bromley and relies on donations to continue caring for the terminally ill and those close to them.

Our fun general knowledge quiz, hosted by a professional quiz master will help us to meet our fundraising targets. Light refreshments are included and quiz teams are limited to 6 members. Remember to bring along a couple of pound coins for fun events during the quiz.

BABE THE SHEEP-PIG

by Dick King-Smith, adapted by David Wood Saturday 25 May

Play commences 6.30pm. Access to the garden from 6pm.

Cost £14.99 Dick King-Smith’s heart warming tale of friendship, courage and determination is vividly brought to life. Suitable suggested age 5+ AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare Saturday 20 July

Play commences 7pm. Access to the garden from 6pm.

Cost £14.99 This is not only one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays but also the perfect comedy for a summer’s evening. Suitable suggested age 13+ THE MIKADO by Gilbert and Sullivan Sunday 25 August

Play commences 7pm. Access to the garden from 6pm.

Cost £14.99 This wonderful comic opera, although set in Japan, is very much a parody of British politics, institutions and public life. Suitable suggested age 13+

Why not study AT COOLINGS? Enriching Your

How to be a Successful Gardener (1 Year)

Gardening Horizons (1 Year)

Neil Bone Tutor: Neil Bone TUTOR 30 weeks or 6 week modules Starts September: Saturday mornings Cost: £125 per module or £485 for all 5 modules

Tutor: Neil Bone Starts September: Friday mornings for 30 weeks Cost: £585

This is a more practical, hands-on, course than the RHS Certificate. Modules are offered individually so it’s possible to choose a module that you have a particular interest in or take all five.

Exclusive to Coolings, this general interest course is open to everyone.

It covers a range of topics including garden trees, plant adaptations, current pests and diseases and includes 10 full day excursions. The price includes all coach trips but not entry to the gardens, where applicable.

RHS Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (2 Year) Tutor: Tessa Allen Starts September: Mondays (3 hours) for 30 weeks each year Cost: £485

An Introduction to

Tessa Allen RHS TUTOR

A nationally recognised award. Suitable for all keen gardeners regardless of experience.

Coolings Garden Design Course (2 Year) Tutor: Alex Lindsay BA Hons, GD DIP Starts September: Wednesday afternoons Cost: £585

Alex Lindsay TUTOR

Covering similar content to the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Garden Design, the course takes a more vocational ‘hands on’ approach to equip students with experience and confidence.

Garden Design

(8 weeks)

Tutor: Alex Lindsay BA Hons, GD DIP Starts 17 April: Wednesday afternoons for 8 weeks Cost: £175 This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and theories of garden design and is perfect for gardeners who wish to have greater design skills for planning their own gardens.

Includes a site visit to Thames Barrier Park in London.

Floristry Courses – See Page 32

24 Cuttings from Coolings

New and Exclusive

TO COOLINGS

From Past to Present – a global look at plants (1 year) Tutor: Tessa Allen Starts September: Thursdays Cost: £585 Suitable for everyone this course covers a range of topics from historical origins to current concerns. Includes 10 full day visits to gardens and places of horticultural interest. The price includes all coach trips, but not entry to the gardens.

Botanical Illustration Tutor: Penny Stenning SBA 30 weeks or 6 week modules Starts September: Sunday afternoons Cost: £585 full course or £175 each module A course for people who wish to draw and paint botanical subjects in a realistic fashion.

Different mediums will be observed, method and theory introduced and various techniques demonstrated and practiced.

Ikebana: The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging Tutor: Belinda Jelf Starts May: Friday afternoons for 6 weeks Cost: £225 This practical course introduces novice students to the world of Ikebana. Each week, skills and knowledge are deepened slowly building towards a mastery of self expression through flowers.

Light refreshments are provided.

A Beginners Guide to Bonsai Tutor: Serge Tasic 5 Week Course Starts 12 May: Sundays 10.30am - 4pm Cost: £225 per person includes light lunch Our entertaining and gifted lecturer will take you on a remarkable journey to break through the myths of Bonsai and show you how simple it is to create beautiful plants.

STUDY DAY Join us at our open afternoon on Thursday June 27 between 2-5pm to find out more about all our courses or view full details on our website www.coolings.co.uk

Centenary Excursions 2013 COOLINGS

The Secret Gardens of the South: Series of Excursions This spring our visits will reveal some of the most beautiful gardens in the South of England.

Only £55 pp per visit or… Special offer, book 2 or more different visits in this series in advance and pay only £49pp per visit! Lunch is not included in any of our visits but there are onsite tea rooms at each venue where refreshments can be purchased.

Friday 26 April - Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway - a magical place in the New Forest National Park The spectacular 200 acre site includes the worldfamous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. Visit includes a guided tour and a ticket for the railway.

Depart: 9am Arrive back at Coolings: 6.30pm approx

Thursday 9 May - Pashley Manor & Merriments Gardens Pashley Manor is a quintessential English garden located on the Sussex and Kent border.

A sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative planting, fine old trees, fountains and ponds.

Merriments Gardens boasts four acres of landscaped gardens, a wild bird centre and a well-stocked nursery. The gardens are a stunning example of inspirational borders and displays.

Depart: 9.30am Arrive back at Coolings: 5.30pm approx

Friday 14 June - Goodnestone Park & Secret Gardens of Sandwich Goodnestone Park Gardens have been brought to their present level of acclaimed quality during the last forty years but they are just as enjoyable for a peaceful family day out.

The Secret Gardens of Sandwich, after lying neglected for 25 years have been restored to their original beauty and are one of the finest gardens in Kent today. Originally known as The Salutation, they were designed by famous English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens with the help of Gertrude Jekyll.

Depart: 9.00am Arrive back at Coolings: 6.00pm approx

Thursday 20 June - Hole Park Gardens & Godinton House Hole Park Gardens Fifteen acres of beautiful gardens set in the rolling hills of The Weald of Kent. Immaculately trimmed yew hedges and topiary play an important role in the character of the garden.

Godinton House and Garden This excellent Jacobean house with medieval hall, has many stunning rooms and is set in twelve acres of beautiful gardens. June is the month for their spectacular Delphinium display.

Depart: 9.00am Arrive back at Coolings: 6.00pm approx

Excursions

OTHER SPECIAL

Thursday 23 May - Beaulieu & Buckler’s Hard - £59pp Beaulieu offers something for all the family, young and old. Beaulieu houses the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and Gardens including, the Victorian Flower Garden, Wilderness Garden and Victorian Ornamental Vegetable Kitchen Garden.

Buckler’s Hard is on the banks of the Beaulieu River, a unique and picturesque village which has remained almost unchanged since the 16th century. From Buckler’s Hard we will take a short return boat trip along the Beaulieu River.

Depart: 8.00am Arrive back at Coolings: 8.00pm approx

All of our trips are escorted by a member of Coolings staff and we have carefully chosen a quality operator who provides first class coaches.

Please note some of these trips may not be suitable for those with mobility problems. Please contact us for advice on accessibility to the venues.

Sunday 30 June to Monday 1 July - Hidcote Manor Garden & David Austin Roses - £185pp Hidcote Manor Garden Relax and unwind in this celebrated 20thcentury garden in the beautiful north Cotswolds.

Discover rare shrubs and trees, herbaceous borders and unusual plants from around the world. There is an onsite Café.

David Austin Roses These beautiful 2 acre rose gardens are home to over 700 different varieties of roses, including the National Collection of English Roses. Learn about the history behind David Austin and enjoy a guided walk around their themed gardens.

The visit to David Austin Roses will include tea/coffee on arrival with a scone and cream, a tour around the gardens and then a two course lunch.

Depart: 30th June 10.00am Arrive at hotel: Free evening to explore Stratford upon Avon Arrive Coolings: Monday 1st July 8.30pm (allowing for stops)

For more details or to book please contact Lesley on 01959 532269 or download booking forms from our website. Booking forms are also available at reception

Cuttings from Coolings 27

EVENTS

at The Gardener's Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill

Saturday 23 March

Farmers’ Market

Sunday 24 - Wednesday 27 March

Coolings Staff Art Exhibition

Thursday 28 March, 10am

‘Growing Veg from Seed’ Talk*

Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April

Craft Fair

Friday 5 April, 10am

‘Restoring the Secret Gardens’ Talk*

Saturday 6 - Sunday 7 April

Knockholt Art Club Exhibition

Wednesday 10 April, 8.30am

Centenary Breakfast with Paul Cooling*

Thursday 11 April, 11am

‘Roses – The Nation’s Favourite Flower’ Talk*

Saturday 13 April, 2pm

‘Get Down and Dirty’ Talk*

Sunday 14 April, 1pm - 4pm

Ikebana Exhibition

Wednesday 17 April, 8.30am

Centenary Breakfast with Paul Cooling*

Saturday 20 April, 2pm

Customer Charity Quiz for Harris HospisCare

Tuesday 23 April, 8.45am

Breakfast with the Growers*

Friday 26 April, 8.30am

Centenary Breakfast with Paul Cooling*

Friday 26 April, 9am

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway Trip*

Friday 26 April, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Floristry with Myra Lester*

Saturday 27 April

Farmers’ Market

Sunday 28 April, 10am – 4pm

Sussex & Kent Stationary Engine Group Display

Saturday 4 May, 10am

‘Sex and Violence’ Talk*

Sunday 5 May

Woodentops (woodcarvers) Exhibition

Monday 6 May

Woodturners Exhibition

Thursday 9 May, 9.30am

Pashley Manor & Merriments Gardens Trip*

Thursday 23 May, 8am

Beaulieu & Buckler’s Hard Trip*

Friday 24 May, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Floristry with Myra Lester*

Saturday 25 May

Farmers’ Market

Saturday 25 May, 6.30pm

Theatre in the Garden – ‘Babe the Sheep-Pig’*

Friday 14 June, 9am

Goodnestone Park & Secret Gardens of Sandwich Trip*

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 June

Orpington Beekeepers Exhibition

Thursday 20 June, 9am

Hole Park Gardens & Godinton House Trip*

Saturday 22 June

Farmers’ Market

Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 June

Craft Fair

Thursday 27 June, 2pm

Centenary Garden Party*

Thursday 27 June, 2pm - 5pm

Study Day – Meet the Tutors

Thursday 27 June, 7pm

Fizz & Flower Summer Soirée for Harris HospisCare**

Friday 28 June, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Floristry with Myra Lester*

Friday 28 June, 2pm

Centenary Tea Dance*

Saturday 29 June

Summer Showcase opens

Saturday 29 June, 2.30pm

Bob Ogley ‘Biggin on the Bump’ Talk*

Saturday 29 June, 4.30pm

Spirit of Kent Spitfire Display

Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 June

Orpington Art Club Exhibition

Sunday 30 June

Wedding Fair

Sunday 30 June - Monday 1 July

Hidcote Manor Gardens & David Austin Roses Trip*

Friday 19 July, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Floristry with Myra Lester*

Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 July

Chislehurst Art Club Exhibition

Saturday 20 July, 7pm

Theatre in the Garden ‘As You Like It’*

Saturday 27 July

Farmers’ Market

Saturday 27 July, 10.30am & 12.30pm

Morris Dancers

Friday 2 August, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Floristry with Myra Lester*

Friday 9 August, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Floristry with Myra Lester*

Saturday 10 August, 11am

Classic Car Show

Friday 9 August, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Floristry with Myra Lester*

Saturday 24 August

Farmers’ Market

Sunday 25 August, 7pm

Theatre in the Garden – ‘The Mikado’*

Saturday 31 August – Sunday 1 September

Orpington Flower Club Display

EVENTS

at Coolings Green & Pleasant

*Items marked with an asterisk must be prebooked – see Booking form on page 31 or call 01959 532269 ** To book call Christine Davies at Harris HospisCare on 01689 825755

*Items marked with an asterisk must be pre-booked – see Booking form on Page 33 or call 01959 534386

Thursday 28 March Birdwatchers Breakfast*

Thursday 25 April Food night - Best of British*

Join us for a peaceful early morning visit to our Bird Hide and enjoy a walk around our Nature Trail, the best time to spot birds and wildlife as they enjoy a quiet start to the day. Full English Breakfast in Blueberry Café included. £10 per person

Enjoy a delicious meal made from the best of British! 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

Friday 29 March – Sunday 7 April Easter quiz on the Nature Trail

Answer our easy questions and win a prize!

FREE with Nature Trail entry, no need to pre-book.

Sunday 21 March Easter Sunday, We are closed Monday 1, Thursday 4, Monday 8, Thursday 11 April, 11am Cupcake Workshop*

While the cakes are baking in the oven a picnic lunch will be served. Once refuelled, the children can then add some decoration to the cakes before taking them home. Includes lunch in Blueberry Café. Age 5+, all children must be accompanied by an adult. £9.99 per child Thursday 11 April, 11am Build a Bug/Bat/bee Box*

Exciting hands-on workshops provide children with a great opportunity to build their own wooden Bug, Bat or Bee box to take home and use in the garden.

All tools and materials are provided, children are just asked to bring along a responsible adult and lots of enthusiasm! Minimum age 5 years. £8.95 per child Please specify which type of box is required.

Tuesday 28 & Thursday 30 May, 11am Pond dipping & Bug hunt*

Come and hunt for bugs and insects with one of our Nature Trail experts, then take home your very own bug jar to continue your own investigations at home!

Age 5-11 years, all children must be accompanied by an adult. £8.95 per child Please note: Max 10 children per session, book early to avoid disappointment 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 Thursday 18 April, 10am, 11am and 12 noon The Very Hungry Caterpillar Thursday 23 May, 10am, 11am and 12 noon The Tiger WHO Came to Tea Thursday 20 June, 10am, 11am and 12 noon CHARLIE & LOLA I WILL NOT EVER NEVER EAT A TOMATO

Cuttings from Coolings 29

‘Growing Veg from Seed’ Talk ‘Restoring the Secret Gardens’ Talk

Friday 5 April 10am, £5 per person One of the most celebrated gardens in Kent, The Salutation was nearly lost forever 8 years ago. Head Gardener Steve Edney will guide you through the restoration and beyond! Trip to gardens on Friday 14 June, See page 26-27!

Thursday 28 March 10am, £5 per person

Struggle to grow from seed? Find out how to do it properly with our expert Tessa Allen.

‘Roses - The Nation’s Favourite Flower’ Talk

Thursday 11 April 11am, £5 per person

‘Get Down and Dirty’ Talk Saturday 13 April 2pm, £5 per person

As a gardener your soil is your most valuable resource. Tessa Allen will show you how your garden soil can make your life easier and your plants grow better.

Find out what happens behind the scenes at David Austin roses, with expert Mike Sokolowski. The talk looks at the intricacies of breeding new varieties and time scale involved. Overnight trip to David Austin on Sunday 30 June, See page 26-27!

Ikebana Exhibition

‘Sex and Violence’ Talk

Sunday 14 April 1pm - 4pm

Be amazed (and envious) at the variety of methods of procreation used by our ‘pests’.... with photos to prove it! Tessa Allen will show you fun and ingenious ways to fight back.

This exhibition is a fascinating look at the art of Japanese Flower Arranging.

To participate in a workshop on the day, contact neiljackson@coolings.co.uk or 01959 532269 to reserve your place.

Saturday 4 May 10am, £5 per person

Orpington Beekeepers

15 Saturday and 16 Sunday June (Free Event) 10.30am - 4pm Beekeepers will be here with their bees and delicious honey (depending on weather).

30 Cuttings from Coolings

Booking form

Events at The Gardener’s Garden Centre No. of Tickets

Cost

Events

Date

‘Growing Veg from Seed’ Talk

Thursday 28 March, 10am

£5

‘Restoring the Secret Gardens’ Talk

Friday 5 April, 10am

£5

‘Roses – The Nation’s Favourite Flower’ Talk

Thursday 11 April, 11am

£5

‘Get Down and Dirty’ Talk

Saturday 13 April, 2pm

£5

‘Sex and Violence’ Talk

Saturday 4 May, 10am

£5

‘Biggin on the Bump’ Bob Ogley Talk

Saturday 29 June, 2.30pm

£5

Centenary Breakfast with Paul Cooling

Wednesday 10 April, 8.30am

£11

Centenary Breakfast with Paul Cooling

Wednesday 17 April, 8.30am

£11

Centenary Breakfast with Paul Cooling

Friday 26 April, 8.30am

£11

Breakfast with the Growers

Tuesday 23 April, 8.45am

£10

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway Trip*

Friday 26 April, 9am

£55

Pashley Manor & Merriments Gardens Trip*

Thursday 9 May, 9.30am

£55

Goodnestone Park & Secret Gardens of Sandwich Trip*

Friday 14 June, 9am

£55

Hole Park Gardens & Godinton House Trip*

Thursday 20 June, 9am

£55

*Secret Gardens of the South Trips – book 2 or more and pay only £49 each Beaulieu & Bucker’s Hard Trip

Thursday 23 May, 8am

£59

Hidcote Manor Gardens & David Austin Roses Trip

Sun 30 June – Mon 1 July

£185

Theatre in the Garden ‘Babe the Sheep-Pig’

Saturday 25 May, 6.30pm

£14.99

Theatre in the Garden ‘As You Like It’

Saturday 20 July, 7pm

£14.99

Theatre in the Garden ‘The Mikado’

Sunday 25 August, 7pm

£14.99

Centenary Garden Party

Thursday 27 June, 2pm

£7

Centenary Tea Dance

Friday 28 June, 2pm

£7.99

Total Cost £

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.

Return completed form to: Coolings, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, Kent TN14Cuttings 7NN

from Coolings 31

Booking form

FLORISTRY AT COOLINGS No. of Tickets

Cost

Events

Date

Cornus Basket with Spring Flowers You will learn to make a basket from Cornus or Birch twigs

Friday 26 April 9.30am-12.30pm

£25* inc. lunch

Ways with Aspidistra A contemporary design

Friday 24 May 9.30am-12.30pm

£25* inc. lunch

Softly Haloed Emerald and Gold A modern design using Roses and Lilies

Friday 28 June 9.30am-12.30pm

£25* inc. lunch

Woolly Ladder Design A contemporary design using Bamboo and Freesias

Friday 19 July 9.30am-12.30pm

£25* inc. lunch

Beginners Floristry Course Lesson One – Let’s Get Started We will learn the basics of mechanics, conditioning and do a vertical design

Friday 2 August 9.30am-12.30pm

£25* inc. lunch

Beginners Floristry Course Lesson Two – On Our Way We will learn the basics of design with contrast and texture and arrange an all-round design

Friday 9 August 9.30am-12.30pm

£25* inc. lunch

Beginners Floristry Course Lesson Three – Here We Go We will learn how to create depth, balance and arrange a symmetrical triangle design

Friday 16 August 9.30am-12.30pm

£25* inc. lunch

Total Cost £

* Please Note: Prices includes £10 non-refundable deposit

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.

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

Booking form

Events at Coolings Green & Pleasant No. of Tickets

Cost

Events

Date

Birdwatchers Breakast

Thursday 28 March, 8am

£10 inc. breakfast

CUPCAKE WORKSHOP

Monday 1 April, 11am

£9.99 per child* inc. lunch

CUPCAKE WORKSHOP

Thursday 4 April, 11am

£9.99 per child* inc. lunch

CUPCAKE WORKSHOP

Monday 8 April, 11am

£9.99 per child* inc. lunch

CUPCAKE WORKSHOP

Thursday 11 April, 11am

£9.99 per child* inc. lunch

BUILD A BUG/BAT/BEE BOX**

Thursday 11 April, 11am

£8.95 per child*

POND DIPPING & BUG HUNT

Tuesday 28 May, 11am

£8.95 per child*

POND DIPPING & BUG HUNT

Thursday 30 May, 11am

£8.95 per child*

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

Thursday 18 April, 10am

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

Thursday 18 April, 11am

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

Thursday 18 April, 12 noon

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

Thursday 23 May, 10am

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

Thursday 23 May, 11am

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA

Thursday 23 May, 12 noon

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

CHARLIE & LOLA I will not ever never eat a tomato

Thursday 20 June, 10am

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

CHARLIE & LOLA I will not ever never eat a tomato

Thursday 20 June, 11am

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

CHARLIE & LOLA I will not ever never eat a tomato

Thursday 20 June, 12 noon

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

STORYTELLING FOR UNDER 5’s

Total Cost £

* Please Note: All children must be accompanied by an adult ** Please specify which type of box is required

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.

Return completed form to: Coolings Green & Pleasant, Main Road, Knockholt, Kent TN14 7LJ

Dates for your diaries For the kids During the Easter break we will be holding Cupcake Workshops on Monday 1, Thursday 4, Monday 8 and Thursday 11 April, at 11am. While the cakes are baking in the oven, a picnic lunch will be served. Once refuelled, the children can then add some decoration to their cakes before taking them home for the whole family to enjoy. Space is limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Suitable for ages 5+ and children must be accompanied by an adult. Lunch included. Workshops are approximately 2 hours.

Special occasions We loved seeing so many of you treat your mums here on Mothering Sunday so we’re looking forward to spoiling all your dads too! Join us on 16th June as we celebrate Fathers’ Day with a special breakfast and lunch menu.

No need to book.

Food Nights For the third year running we will be hosting our popular ‘Food Nights’. Experience Blueberry Café by night as it transforms into a waitress-served restaurant for the evening, with a delicious themed menu. The evenings are always a great success and lots of fun. We kicked off this year’s proceedings with an Irish-themed night on 14th March to coincide with St Patrick’s Day. Don’t worry if you missed it as there are lots more evenings to look out for including our Best of British night on 25th April.

Other dates will be available in June, October and November, themes to be confirmed. Check the Events Page on our website, www.coolings.co.uk/events for details.

Reservations are between 6.30pm - 9.00pm.

Bookings must be made in advance. Call Melissa on 01959 534386 to book.

34 Cuttings from Coolings

Cuttings from Coolings 35

Changes around

Coolings We’ve spruced up the Plant Area to help you get creative in your garden If you’ve popped in for a visit over the last few months you will have noticed some changes around the site. It’s not just Arthurs that’s received a makeover, we’ve also been busy reorganising our Plant Area, moving our conifers to beside the bottom glasshouse, and our pots to a new area in front of the trees and ferns. This has created space for us to showcase some displays that we hope will inspire you with ideas for your own gardens.

Maybe you have a tricky spot where nothing will grow, or you’re not sure how to use the space in your garden. By demonstrating some garden ideas and display borders for you we hope you will find the solutions you need, whether you have an area of dry shade or you need to find plants that will thrive in the glare of full sun, or you simply want some inspiration and ideas. We hope you will be able to take home some ideas from our new display area as there’s no substitute for being inspired by something you see in a real garden setting.

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

As you may know, Mark Reeve is our resident Plant Doctor, he shares some of his experiences over the years...

Mark, how long have you worked at Coolings?

25 years on this site, most of those with Coolings!

I joined initially as Plant Assistant Trainee, working with the Director of Robinsons (as it was at the time). I once spent over 3 months helping him re-pot the entire conifer section through the summer whist listening to the Test Match on the radio.

What happened when Coolings took over the site in 1990?

Some staff decided to move on however, most of us decided to stay and we were welcomed into the Coolings family. It was during this time I commenced my formal training at Hadlow College studying one day a week whilst working the rest. Shirley Cooling took a personal interest and reviewed my grades weekly congratulating me on my progress.

So you have had a love of plants since you were young?

Yes, since I was about 7 I helped in my parents’ allotment. They let me loose in our garden once I became a teenager!

You are now the resident ‘Plant Doctor’ at Coolings, this must be an interesting role?

Yes well what can I say, I get all sorts of questions asked so there is never a dull moment! I really enjoy helping the customers and finding solutions to their problems.

What’s the most interesting question you have been asked?

Not one I can publish but we have had some entertaining ones over the years!

Can anyone come along with their plant problems?

Yes, I am on site most days and I ‘live’ in the blue plant pavilion on the main pathway. Please come along and visit, bring with you a sample of the plant or a picture as it makes it easier to identify different problems.

Thank you, Mark, for spending some time away from the pavilion and talking to us.

Cuttings from Coolings 37

Coolings

garden services Planting Service Coolings will plant most things from a single tree to a border in your garden.

Included in the price of planting a large tree is a watering pipe, allowing the water to go straight to the roots instead of evaporating in the air. We also use Root Grow which is a naturally occurring mycorrhizal fungi. This product will help the plant establish quicker by increasing the active root area by 700 times and also gives it better drought tolerance.

Coolings’ planting Service is available within the following postcodes: DA 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16 SE 9, 12 TN 13, 14, 15, 16 BR 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

For more information contact Neil Jackson at 01959 532269 or email neiljackson@coolings.co.uk

Designing Your Garden

Before

Our freelance designers will visit your home for an hour’s consultation for £75 and will assist with all aspects of garden design. They are all fully trained and have been working with us for some years now. All the plants used by the designers come from Coolings, so you will benefit from our 5 year plant guarantee.

For more information contact Neil Jackson at 01959 532269 or email neiljackson@coolings.co.uk

38 Cuttings from Coolings

After

Garden Irrigation Watering your plants can be a time consuming process and may waste water if not done correctly. Then there is always the problem of who will do it when you go away.

As a nursery producing our own plants we are very familiar with these problems and have become quite expert in how to get the best results using the most efficient systems. Now, we are able to pass this expertise on to you in the form of our Coolings Irrigation Service.

Contact Ian Hazon, at ianhazon@coolings.co.uk or 01959 532269 for more information.

Garden Maintenance and Garden Dressing Coolings are now pleased to introduce a Garden Maintenance Service to help you enjoy your garden without the worry. Our expert team is available to maintain your garden throughout the year with regular prearranged visits to suit your needs.

We can also help prepare your garden for special events such as weddings, or even to help sell your house. You may wish to combine this with our Plant Hire service for a truly remarkable look!

Contact Neil Jackson at neiljackson@coolings.co.uk or 01959 532269 for more information.

Special Occasion Plant Hire Special occasions really benefit from a ‘wow’ factor! This can be easily achieved by using stunning specimen plants. Weddings, parties, corporate events, photo-shoots etc. can all be given a wonderful look at a very modest price.

At Coolings you can walk through our extensive specimen range and handpick the plants you require. Our expert staff will be on hand to answer any questions and take you through the simple ordering process.

We can also dress plants, deliver and collect to make life easy and even more glamorous!

Contact Neil Jackson at neiljackson@coolings.co.uk or 01959 532269 for more information.

Full details on all of the above can be found at www.coolings.co.uk/services Cuttings from Coolings 39

We are open

Easter

Sunday

Pasque Flower Worth £3.99

To all customers visiting on Easter Sunday*

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

www.coolings.co.uk *With any purchase from our Main Shop, excluding Arthurs For full Terms and Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk

Coolings Green & Pleasant is not open Easter Sunday.

COOLINGS

The Gardener’s Garden Centre THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING