Cuttings Spring/Summer 2014

Cuttings FREE

FROM COOLINGS

Beautiful Bedding Beautiful Bedding New Plants and Products Vertical Gardens

SPRING

2014

COOLINGS Cuttings from Coolings 1 green & pleasant

The Gardener’s Garden Centre THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING

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 – July at both sites)

Getting here Local bus routes include the R5 and R10 from Orpington Station, and the 402 from Sevenoaks Station. Telephone 0343 2221234 or visit www.tfl.gov.uk for timetable information.

2 Cuttings from Coolings

Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm

Get in touch Phone

Online

In-store

Email

Twitter

Facebook

Welcome TO

Coolings

W

e welcome 30 new seasonal staff, who join us this spring in various roles. It’s often said that the difference between a good business and a great business is the people involved, and I am reminded of this as three of our younger team members move on to further their careers. All three joined as weekend assistants and have now collectively contributed over 20 years’ service. Toby leaves our Plant Sales team to take up the role of Plant Sales Manager at a London Garden Centre. Bobby, who has been part of the Shop team for more than 5 years, has accepted an offer to work in aircraft maintenance, and Suzy from Blueberry Café is now Assistant Manager at a local branch of Costa Coffee. We wish them all well.

Over the winter months, developments have taken place in many departments at Coolings The Gardener’s Garden Centre.

The Shop now has specific covered display areas for Water Features and Garden Lighting, and on the Nursery a replacement glasshouse will allow more efficient use of space and a better growing environment.

Coolings Green & Pleasant continues to

evolve, with a new feature being a monthly evening with “Chez Sophie”, the wellknown French restaurant. See page 35 for more details.

On the Nature Trail, new chicks will be with us over Easter, and the sheep have returned from their winter “holiday” and we look forward to lambs again later this spring.

No report would be complete without reference to the awful flooding earlier this year. The fallen trees have been cleared and the ground is drying out at last – opportunity indeed to get back in the garden and start planting again at least a hosepipe ban is unlikely this year!

The team at Coolings are ready to welcome you this spring and we look forward to seeing you soon.

g Paul Coolin Chairman Coolings

Cuttings from Coolings 3

April •

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ is a popular evergreen shrub here at Coolings because of it’s wonderful scent

• • •

This is a good month for planting evergreen shrubs and conifers Prune early flowering shrubs after blooming Sow and/or plant vegetables outdoors now Turf or sow a new lawn this month

May • • • •

Clematis montana can be trimmed after flowering if needed Keep fleece handy to protect tender plants if frosts are due Use a weed, feed and moss-killer on lawns to improve growth Dahlias can be planted out later this month This Clematis montana ‘Elizabeth’ is a wonderful specimen in our car park. It’s on sale in the centre too.

Read more about this plant on page 11

June • • • •

July • • • •

Trim box plants this month, traditionally around Derby Day (early June) Remove blanket weed from ponds to prevent it building up Summer bedding and hanging baskets are safe to go outside now Winter brassicas should be planted this month

Buxus sempervirens makes a wonderful addition to any garden. Our shop team can advise you on appropriate tools for the job

Summer prune wisteria, removing long, whippy growths Shade, ventilate and damp down the greenhouse Keep vegetables well watered to prevent bolting Trim conifer hedges (make sure no birds are still nesting!)

We have a wide range of watering cans available. The range from Haws is traditional and hardwearing

Garden

tips

for April - July

4 Cuttings from CoolingsMARK REEVE, PLANT DOCTOR WORDS:

Mark Reeve

My Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ has lots of young leaves which are yellowing and the growth is very stunted.

I have a neutral soil. What could be the reason?

A healthy Pieris japonica ‘forest flame’ should look like this

This sounds like chlorosis on your Pieris. These plants and others that require ericaceous (acid) conditions, will suffer if they can’t take up iron from the soil. If the soil is alkaline (chalky) or neutral then the iron can be locked in the soil. There are a couple of options open to you. Either transplant the Pieris in April into a container filled with ericaceous soil, or use a product called Sequestrene to add to the soil where the Pieris is already planted. The container is the longer-term option as the Sequestrene will have to be added at least once every spring.

My lawn is covered in moss. How can I get the grass back?

I have been asked this quite frequently in the last year so I thought I would re-publish this question from a few years ago. If the drainage is very poor then spiking the lawn in autumn and adding coarse sand will help matters. Using a spring tine rake or mechanical scarifier will remove dead grass (thatch) and moss. However if raking is difficult, try a product called Mo Bacter. This is a unique product that ‘eats’ the moss having killed it first. No raking required! Read page 18 to find out more.

My garden is being taken over by wild garlic!

Is there much I can do to eliminate it?

Roundup weed-killer, 1Ltr ready to use

Really there are only two methods open to you. Digging the bulbs out by hand with a trowel or spade is the best (but most labour intensive!) especially if it is growing amongst other plants. The best time to do this is late January. Make sure you don’t compost them as they will survive in the heap and you will spread them around even more! The other option is using a spray containing glyphosate, such as Roundup weedkiller. The best time to spray is around April/May. Several treatments may well be required, I’m afraid. Bruising the leaves before spraying will increase the absorption of the chemical. Choose a dry calm day to do this as you don’t want any weed-killer to drift on to other valuable plants.

Cuttings from Coolings 5

Beautiful Bedding!

WORDS: JON REBURN

A

t Coolings we know our plants because we grow our plants! We have our own on-site nursery and 101 years’ experience in the business of bringing colour into our customers’ lives. In a busy world, gardens are a place where we can relax and express creativity through our choice and use of plants. Even people living in flats or sheltered accommodation can still plant and take enjoyment from containers and window boxes.

It is always a pleasure to talk to customers and see pictures of the successes they have had using Coolings plants. We regularly learn something new ourselves from this exchange of ideas, which is indeed part of the joy of our work.

Experimenting with seasonal plants is fun! However, we recognise that a lot of people appreciate a little bit of guidance with their choice. When planting containers and hanging baskets, there is a proven formula for success: “Thriller, Filler, Spiller”.

Thriller

Nicotiana

This provides the height, focus and ‘wow’ in the middle or back of the planter. There is a wide choice! Upright Fuchsias, non-stop Begonias, Arctotis, Marguerites, Nicotiana, Euryops, Cosmos, Osteospermum, Regal Pelargonium, Geranium, New guinea Impatiens, Salvias, Coleus, Gaura. A recent introduction (a bit of a luxury!) is Cordyline Shocking Pink, which is an extravagant fountain of foliage.

These are the flowers and foliage around the “Thriller” that are used to fill out the container with colour and interest. Semperfloren Begonias, Petunias, Dianthus, dwarf Dahlia, Ageratum, bush Lobelia, Allysum, Euphorbia Diamond Frost, to name but a few. In practice some of the “Thrillers” such as Geraniums in larger planters can be used as the “Fillers”.

Filler

Petunias 6 Cuttings from Coolings

Spiller Plants that spill out and tumble down the side of the container. What a choice! Surfinias, minitrailing Petunias, trailing Geraniums, trailing Fuchsias, Trailing Fuchsias cascade Lobelia, Dicondra Silver Falls, trailing Begonia, Helicrysum, Bacopa, Diacia, Nemisia, Scavola, Brachyscome,Verbena, Bidens. A truly amazing “Spiller” plant is Tradescantia Purple Saber.

We grew it to spectacular effect around our site last summer, but we grew nowhere near enough for our customers who all wanted it! This year it is featured as the special offer plant for May on page 36 of this Cuttings edition.

Much like making a cake, it is easy to follow a simple Recipe for Success using the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” principle. Visit our website at www.coolings.co.uk to download our colourful cookbook of themed planting ideas for pots and baskets. These have been drawn together by our expert nursery and garden centre staff including Nicky, who has been planting hanging baskets here for over 25 years and has a Hampton Court Silver Gilt award to her credit. As an extra incentive we have a super-duper special offer with our download, but you will have to look to find out!!

Lobelia

Jon’s Top Tip for Success I sometimes get asked if we sell “Bags of Dirt” - the mind boggles! Always use good quality compost as the growing media for your plants! You get what you pay for and we recommend our own formula Coolings Professional Potting Compost. A million award winning plants home-produced in it by us every year is hopefully recommendation enough!

Cuttings from Coolings 7

Your V.I.P’s InGarden!

WORDS: RICHARD GILLHAM

Very Impressive Potagers

C

reate a dazzling display with a mix of fruit, vegetables, edible flowers and seeds.

A potager (or essential kitchen garden as I know it) is a typically French concept and especially useful where space is limited by adding different dimensions to a border. More importantly, a potager can be redesigned every year because most plants are annual giving the gardener the opportunity to trial different combinations in order to capture the decorative effect. Potagers when combined with Buxus sempervirens (box) edging and a topiary sculpture carry the most impact, or even think about edging your border with Lavender, Rosemary, Chives or Strawberries!

And don’t forget… enrich your soil annually, water and feed your plants with a liquid fertilizer and protect from slugs and snails.

Planting Combinations:

For a cottage garden theme Strawberries; Rainbow Chard, Red Sprouts, Decorative Climbing Beans; Lavender, Nasturtiums, Calendulas,Violas, Chives (edible flowers); Poppy (edible seeds)

For a Mediterranean theme Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Fennel, Garlic, African Basil (purple leaves); Decorative Tomatoes, Marjoram, Mixed Salad Leaves (Lollo Rosso/Bianco, Rocket); Dwarf Sunflowers (edible seeds)

8 Cuttings from Coolings

Rosemar y

Berry Nice Focus on Strawberries WORDS: IAN HAZON

I

f asked to name a fruit that sums up the long hot, lazy days of summer, it is probably true that most people would think of the strawberry. Ripe, bright red fruits that smell as delicious as they taste served with cream are hard to beat as a tempting treat. This is especially true when you have grown them yourself and know they are as fresh as they can possibly be.

Over the last few years there has been a wave of new seed-raised varieties to challenge the old favourites, and whilst these have proved popular and very successful, they sometimes fail to give that wonderful juicy, sweet flavour we all expect.

In search of the perfect taste this year we will be offering three specially selected varieties of the traditional runner-grown plants, selected for flavour and the ability to produce fruit throughout the summer and even into the autumn! All of our chosen varieties have been bred at East Malling Research Station in Kent, the Garden of England - where else!

Elegance: Named after its elegant, bright and glossy berries, which are orange-red in colour. A main summer cropping variety, Elegance has consistently beaten other varieties for the amount of fruit produced over the past four years and will crop late June/July/August.

Fenella:

Excellent disease- and weather-resistance, a late season variety producing excellent quality fruit. Another high yielding variety.

Finesse: Finesse combines high yield with excellent fruit quality, superb flavour and robust disease resistance. This variety is an Everbearer which means it will fruit from July until the first frosts.

So this year have a go at producing your own strawberries and experience the freshest fruit possible with sumptuous flavours to match!

Cuttings from Coolings 9

Herbalicious!

WORDS: CAROL LEWIS

W

hy not plant a herb garden this year, or plant a container to place near your back door so that you have a constant supply of fresh herbs? We offer a very wide selection of fresh and tasty herbs from Angelica to Oregano and Thymes. Herbs have a wide variety of uses in cooking and remedies, as well as looking and smelling good in the house and garden.

Herbs will grow happily in a range of different soils and conditions but thrive better if their native habitat is simulated. As a general rule, plants with small needle-shaped or grey leaves such as thymes, lavenders and sages, need full sun and well drained soils, whereas mints and other herbs with larger leaves don’t mind being in a more shady location.

Watch out for our tasty recipes over the coming spring months on our herb benches for herbalicious treats and uses! Here’s a really easy one to get your taste buds going; Put a sprig of Rosemary and a few sprigs of Thyme into a small bottle of olive oil and leave to infuse for a few days. Mix with vinegar and use as a salad dressing, or pour a little over roasting potatoes for a taste of the Mediterranean. Herbalicious!

We will be showing a

Scented Leaves to Please

display in late July through August to celebrate the use of aromatic foliage in the garden. Make a note in your diary and come along to be inspired! Read more on page 24.

10 Cuttings from Coolings

Vertical Gardening WORDS: JON REBURN

W

ithin every garden there is a vertical space that can be enhanced by the correct choice of a climbing plant.

Uninspiring fence panels or ugly sheds can be swathed in greenery and colour. Climbers can be used to scramble through trees and shrubs to extend the period of interest. Pergolas can be draped with foliage to provide privacy and dappled shade. Beautiful obelisks can add another dimension to herbaceous borders. Even in the smallest garden there are perennial climbers suitable for pots.

Six of the best climbers to fill your garden with fragrance: Trachelospermum jasminoides - The evergreen Star Jasmine has glossy green leaves that often turn ruby red in winter, and best of all is covered in powerfully fragrant white flowers in summer, just when you can be outside to enjoy them Lonicera Scentsation - The name says it all, a truly ‘scentsational’ honeysuckle!

Clematis armandii Apple Blossom - A lovely evergreen clematis that fills the spring air with its sweet perfume. Beautiful pink-blushed flowers Wisteria sinensis Prolific - The exquisite fragrance from the pendent mauve flowers of this wisteria is one of the real joys of May Clematis Montana Elizabeth - Extremely easy and ideal for where you want to hide something fast! Lovely scented pale pink flowers in spring Jasminium Clotted Cream - Desirable deciduous jasmine with scented cream flowers Clematis Montana Elizabeth

lific

Wisteria Sinensis Pro

Patio Clematis This year we will be offering wonderful varieties of compact, repeat-flowering climbing patio clematis that only grow to 1.2m tall. Ideal for growing in containers!

Look out for Clematis Filigree, Picardy and Bijou in store during May. A wide range of attractive trellises and garden obelisks are available in store and our expert staff will be happy to recommend the perfect climber to suit your chosen location.

Cuttings from Coolings 11

Alpines Rock WORDS: CAROL LEWIS

W

e offer an amazing range of alpines that can be planted in rock gardens, small patches and are also ideal for containers.

Containers can be pots, window boxes or anything quirky where the drainage is good.

We are pleased to be able to offer for the first time this spring the fabulous blue Gentian verna. These will be here in April in full flower for adding instant impact to your rock garden or containers.

Make sure that all the plants you select require the same type of soil; some are acid lovers so use John Innes Ericaceous in containers. For non acid lovers use a 50:50 mix of John Innes No1 and coarse grit in containers.

Sedum

Gentian

Look out for unusual plants like Nemophila ‘Penny Black’ to add character to your alpine patch and Sempervivums and Sedums to add texture.

Rhodohypoxis

In May we will have a great special offer on giant flowered Rhodohypoxis in shades of pink, now available in five new varieties.

Top pots and containers with decorative slate or gravel. This not only looks good but also helps to improve drainage.

If you are going to create a rock garden in a small area of your garden preparation is the key to success. Dig the ground over and improve drainage by adding coarse grit if necessary. Cover the ground with a ground cover fabric such as Mypex* to suppress weeds. Place large rocks in strategic places to create some height and interesting places to plant under or near so that plants can grow over them.

Position plants whilst still in their pots and when you are happy with your layout, cut crosses in the Mypex and plant the plants through it. Cover the Mypex with a decorative slate or shingle mulch.

Have fun creating your rock garden and containers and remember that Alpines rock all year round for colour and interest.

*Available from The Gardener’s Garden Centre shop, price £1.40 per metre² 12 Cuttings from Coolings

Summer

Fragrance

WORDS: TESSA ALLEN

F

or those of us blessed with a sense of smell, fragrance from plants can instantly lift the spirits, recall fond memories and have a wonderful calming effect.

Roses are an obvious place to start, with so many colours and types to choose from. Patio roses are great for pots, whereas David Austin shrub roses will provide sumptuous ‘bowls’ of scented flowers in your borders.

Walls, fences, trellis and pergolas are a great way of growing plants in a spacesaving way, whilst bringing flowers to nose height. Consider climbing roses, honeysuckle, and my favourite, ‘star jasmine’ (Trachelospermum jasminoides).

Traditional Philadelphus, or ‘mock orange’, with its white flowers, is an ‘easy to grow’ shrub which will reward you with a heady bouquet wafting through your garden.

Flowers won’t last all year so don’t forget the joy of running your fingers through the foliage of various Mediterranean ‘herbs’ (that will also flower for you!) Who can resist Lavender, Rosemary and Thyme, all evergreen and great ‘bee plants’ to boot?

If you have pots and containers near the house then do consider lilies and tobacco plants (Nicotiana), both guaranteed to provide you with heady perfume.

Finally, sweet peas are always a winner, both in the garden and as a cut flower.

They do require regular care, being greedy for both water and feed. Dead-heading is a ‘must’ to ensure blooms are produced through the summer, but for such a unique scent I’m sure you’ll agree they’re worth the effort.

Give your garden the extra dimension that scented plants bring, you will feel so much better for it!

For extra inspiration why not visit our “Scented Leaves to Please” display in late July and August here at the Gardeners Garden Centre on Rushmore Hill, more information on page 24.

Cottage Garden Pinks

If you’re after something smaller and lower-growing, then the old-fashioned ‘garden pinks’ have to be the best value plant for a sunny situation. Dead-head regularly and they will provide you with interest for months. See page 36 for our voucher!

Tessa Allen is a Lecturer here at Coolings, The Gardener’s Garden Centre. Teaching a range of gardening topics she aims to inspire students through clear, engaging content. For more information on the range of courses at Coolings please see page 23.

Cuttings from Coolings 13

New For You!

New Plants for 2014

WORDS: JON REBURN

Our Horticultural Manager, Jon, talks us through some of the mouth-watering selection of recent plant introductions available at Coolings for the first time this year

Clematis ‘Prince George’ Named after the future King, we are delighted to be able to offer for the first time this sought-after variety. Available mid-July but limited supply.

Iberis ‘Masterpiece’ (white) and ‘Pink Ice’ (pink) Real must-haves for all gardeners!

Revolutionary sturdy upright forms of Iberis, with an absolute explosion of flowers from April through the summer.

Available mid-April.

Angelica ‘Ebony’ Talking with Chelsea Flower Show designers, this amazing new black Angelica is going to be the must-have feature plant in the 2014 Show Gardens. Difficult to get, but we have got them! Only £8.99 each. Available May. Hydrangea

14 Cuttings from Coolings

Clematis

Clematis ‘Beautiful Bride’ A wonderful repeat flowering pure white Clematis that was voted best new plant introduction of 2013 at the British National Plant Show. Available early May but again limited supply.

Chitalpa ‘Pink Dawn’ This is something rare and unusual for the plant-aholic! I spotted the lovely Chitalpa for the first time flowering at the Botanic Gardens in Prague. A real show stopper when mature! Available early April.

Verbascum ‘Blue Lagoon’ Yes, you read it correctly, a BLUE Verbascum!! Available April.

Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’ Fabulous new selection with amazing velvet chocolaty coloured foliage! Yum! Available April.

Cuttings

Exclusives Climbing Fuchsias ‘Lady in Black’ (New) and ‘Lady Boothby’

We want to offer our “Cuttings” readers the opportunity to have something truly spectacular in their gardens this year

ONLY 400 available

S

ome of you may be familiar with the amazing climbing hardy Fuchsia ‘Lady Boothby’, which grows over 1.5m tall and flowers from July until autumn. Now Coolings are able to offer readers a hardy BLACK flowered climbing variety, ‘Lady in Black’! Ideal for growing against a sheltered wall or fence.

We are excited to offer “Cuttings” readers the opportunity to pre-order both these wonderful plants together at a very special price. Normally £6.99 each, buy both for only £10! Using the form below place your order before Good Friday, 18 April 2014.

Your plants will be ready and must be collected between 10-18 May. You can secure your plants with a non-refundable deposit of £5, with the balance due upon collection, or pay in full at the time of ordering.

Number of sets required

Deposit £5

Full Price £10

(Fuchsia ‘Lady in Black’ and Fuchsia ‘Lady Boothby’)

(Non-Refundable)

(Including £5 NonRefundable Deposit)

How would you like your order acknowledgement - (Please Tick) Collect In-Store

Total Cost

Email

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

Email ...............................................................................................Telephone Number.....................................................................

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

16 Cuttings from Coolings

Burgon & Ball Kneelo knee pads £16.00 Kew recommended tools including hand trowel & fork from £10.00

Botanico 15, 24 & 40 cell trays £4.00

Johnsons Grass Seed range from £3.25

Gold Leaf Tough Tips gloves – protects fingernails £3.99

Garden

Accessories Coolings have everything you need to get going in the garden this spring. Here is a very small selection of the many products we offer, however, if you can’t see what you’re looking for just ask a member of our helpful Shop Team

Burgon & Ball Union Jack Kneelo £16.00

Cuttings from Coolings 17

Moss Treatments

It’s Official - the wettest winter since 1914!

WORDS: BRIAN ARCHIBALD

I

guess the heading goes without saying as I look out on my soggy front lawn. Which can only mean that moss is going to be abundant this spring and will need dealing with before it takes over completely.

We introduced a new product a couple of seasons ago called ‘Mo Bacter’ after it was brought to my attention by listeners of Radio Kent’s gardening programme.

This is a unique product that ‘eats’ the moss having killed it first. The major advantage of this is that you do not need to rake the moss out afterwards. It has an indirect action against moss and also contains lawn fertilizer for 12 weeks feeding. In the formulation is naturally occurring bacteria, and it is this bacteria that deals with the moss.

Application is best from March to September and can be spread by hand, wearing a glove, or by an adjustable spreader. Because ‘Mo Bacter’ is organic it will not matter if some material spreads over onto the flower beds or pathways.

It comes in two sizes – 65-75m² priced £19.99, and 175-200m² priced £35.99.

There are alternatives to ‘Mo Bacter’, like the traditional lawn sand, but products like that only kill the moss and will need to be raked out afterwards.

Once you have got rid of the moss you will need to think about aeration.

18 Cuttings from Coolings

The areas that moss grows in are usually shady and damp for prolonged periods of time. My front lawn, for instance, is north facing so gets little direct sunlight.

Because of this it does not dry out quickly and so moss starts to take over.

By using a lawn aerator to remove cores of earth or even a fork, you will start to open up holes that can then have sharp sand brushed into them. This will aid drainage by stopping them filling up with soil again.

Once this has been completed you will be able to see if there are any bare patches. If there are then these can be over sown with Johnsons Grass Seed.

There are many different packs available, including ‘Shady Lawn’ which is suitable for areas like my front lawn.

Floral Fusions

A new product to market this year is Suttons Floral Fusions, a range of easy to grow flower mixes

F

loral Fusions is a range of easy to grow flower mixes which contain up to 20 different types of flower seed! This all-in-one container really couldn’t be easier, fill your garden with fabulous flowers in 3 easy steps:

1

Prepare the ground where you would like your flowers to grow by raking the soil and removing any weeds

2

Scatter the seeds evenly across the area and cover with a light dusting of compost. Floral Fusions contains natural inert buckwheat to make sowing easier!

3

Water gently and wait for the flowers to bloom!

There are six different seed mixes, all of which have a long flowering season and are beneficial garden insects too. The wide range includes: Madame Butterfly, Butterflies & Bees Mix: A garden party for pollinators. A mix of perennial flowers that will attract a range of pollinating insects to your garden La Traviata, Warm Mix: A stunning natural firework display. A mix of semi-tall annuals in warm colours Rigoletto, Perennial Mix: Flowers that bloom year-after-year. Perennial varieties that will seed themselves year after year La Rondine, Shade Mix: Brightens even the darkest corners of your garden. Annual and biennial flowers perfect for those shady spots La Cenicienta, Annual Mix: Fabulous flowers in just 40-50 days! Beautiful blooms in just 40 – 50 days Fleurs Parfumees, Fragrant Mix: Fabulous fragrances in your garden. An aromatic mix of annual flowers, both fragrant and long lowering varieties

Floral Fusions

R will be OFeaFchE , the range

Normally £6.00 offer in store: on an introductory of April 2014 ole wh 2 for £9 for the

NewProducts Over the last few months you may have noticed the work taking place at Coolings, The Gardener’s Garden Centre. Our Shop range has expanded, allowing us to bring in sensational new products. Here are just a few of our tempting collections…

Classic Canes With such a wide range of products, from everyday walking sticks to the finest collectors’ canes, you are sure to find the support and style that are right for you. Like us, this family business, established in 1982, are known for their high quality and very British sense of style.

Blooming Brollies Blooming Brollies specialise in spectacular, high quality umbrellas. Their colourful creations are sure to cheer you up on a rainy day. Being gardeners, the floral ranges are our favourites!

Sebnini Candles Sebnini produce a high quality range of candles and reed diffusers from their base just down the road in Surrey. The ‘Roomscenter’ tins are a particular favourite of ours. The uniquely scented Tangerine & Cinnamon candle fills the room with a rich fruity fragrance with a 40 hour burn time.

Country Matters A range of animal-themed trays, placemats and coasters help you to bring a unique look to your dining room or lounge. Placemats and coasters are beautifully displayed in presentation boxes, making this the ideal high quality gift for family and friends.

Giftware Ranges We have sourced an exciting new gift range from a family-run business based in North Cornwall. Their fun and quirky ranges include great gardening gifts for the ‘Head Gardener’ in your life!

As well as these additions, our tool ranges, including Fiskars, will increase by 20% and our pet accessories department will increase to include a range of cat and dog foods.

With all of this and more, there are even more reasons to pay us a visit!

20 Cuttings from Coolings

Coolings at

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

F

ollowing on from the success of our Centenary year in 2013, when we at Coolings celebrated our first 100 years in business, we wanted to mark the start of our next century in style! In our one hundred and first summer we now look to the future and have commissioned a Show Garden at the prestigious RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (8-13 July) to celebrate this vision.

The Show Garden is the creation of one of our own Coolings College lecturers, Alex Lindsay BA Hons, GD Dip. As well as running popular design courses at Coolings, Alex is also a successful designer in his own right. His design, “The Next 100 Years”, is based on radiating concentric circles and incorporates plants grown on our own Nursery here in Knockholt.Visit our website at www.coolings.co.uk to see the design and get a full list of plants used. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Show. Keep an eye on our Facebook page to see how the preparations are going.

Great Chelsea plant offers…

RHS Chelsea Flower Show (20-24 May) is another major event in the gardening calendar. We regularly supply plants for show gardens and two weeks before often get desperate phone calls from designers asking, “Have you got…?”! With our vast range of superb plants, often the answer is yes! Last year at Chelsea the public voted hardy Geranium Rozanne Geranium Rozanne as the best plant introduction of the last 100 years. To give you the opportunity to own this winning plant, please see our special offers on page 36. We will also be running exclusive in-store plant offers on selected RARE and DESIRABLE plants during both the Hampton Court and Chelsea Flower Show weeks. So write a visit to Coolings in your diaries now and we promise you something special!

Cuttings from Coolings 21

Afternoon Tea at

WORDS: KRIS DOUGLAS

W

e pride ourselves on making all our cakes, pastries, tarts, pies and desserts in-house, so we would like to share something new we are offering.

Here at Arthurs we are proud to introduce our own take on a quintessential British experience. Our garden-themed Afternoon Tea is unique to Coolings, bringing hints of the outdoor garden centre inside for you to enjoy.

The menu offers guests a selection of teas, finger sandwiches with a variety of fillings, delicate pastries, cakes and our signature scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve.

Afternoon tea will be served Monday to Friday from 2.30pm, allowing guests plenty time to enjoy this wonderful experience.

Price ÂŁ15.00 per person.

Don’t forget to book in advance so we can prepare a fabulous feast just for you.

Tel: 01959-532269

22 Cuttings from Coolings

Education at

Coolings

Start a passionate affair at Coolings!

“We Did!”

“WE DID!”

Enrol on one of our Gardening Courses: What you get: • Inspirational Lecturing staff • Friendly relaxed classes • Wide range of courses for beginners or seasoned gardeners • RHS accredited for RHS Level 2 • Student discount card (15%) on longer courses • Free tea/coffee and biscuits • Practical sessions each week • Visits to many fabulous gardens on some courses For more information about the many courses we run throughout the year and for booking information collect a brochure in store or download one from www.coolings.co.uk Cuttings from Coolings 23

Dates for Summercase

O

Show

Y our Diar y

pen to the public from 28 June through to 28 July this year we are planning a very special floral display for our annual Summer Showcase. Taking over one of our production glasshouses on the nursery, we like to think it provides one of the most inspiring and colourful displays of plants seen outside the famous Chelsea Flower Show, and it’s free!

The display, which features over 300 different varieties, started off as a trial for the assessment of plants by our award-winning nursery. Production and Operations Director, Ian Hazon, said, “We like to know that the plants we grow and sell to our customers are going to perform reliably. The only true way of doing this is to grow the plants just as you would at home, so not only do we plant them in borders around our display gardens, but we developed the Showcase to demonstrate what you can do with pots and containers, even if space is limited.”

Plants from the display will be sold off on Monday 28 July from 9am. Guided tours by a member of the Showcase team for groups of 20 or more can be arranged by phoning Jane Wiseman on 01959 532269 or by email to janewiseman@coolings.co.uk

Scented

Leaves

G

To P lease

ardening is a very sensory experience. Listening to bird song in spring, relishing the taste of fresh produce, marvelling at the beauty of flowers, or just feeling sunshine on your face, there are many pleasures to enjoy!

Plants with scented leaves add an extra sensory experience to the garden. The fragrance of foliage is especially lovely on warm summer days when brushing plants is a tactile pleasure. To inspire our customers we will be showing a display of plants with scented leaves so you can experience some of the huge range of scents available.

Lavenders, herbs, and scented leaf geraniums of all kinds will be among the plants on show.

Come and visit us at the Gardeners Garden Centre between 21 July and 22 August.

24 Cuttings from Coolings

Gardeners

Question Time

Friday 18 April, 2pm, £7.50 per person Having problems in your garden? Come and discover everything you want to know with our panel of experts: Chris Collins – The Blue Peter gardener and star of the BBC series ‘The Plantsman’ Coolings School of Horticulture Tutors: Tessa Allen – RHS level 2 and Garden Horizons Neil Bone – Garden Horizons and How to be a Successful Gardener Alex Lindsay – Garden Design

All You Need to Know About Orchids Saturday 19 April, 11am & 2pm, £5 per person

with Peter W hite

The President of the British Orchid Association will be lecturing on this most popular plant and potting up your plants between talks

Gardening for Gold

with Des Smith

Thursday 15 May, 7.30pm, £7.50 per person

The Olympic 2012 Challenge: Trials, tribulations, tales and testimonials from the Olympic Gardens 2011-2013. Local firm Willerby Landscapes’ Head Gardener, Des Smith, will talk you through the construction and maintenance of the Olympic Gardens up to and through the 2012 Games.

James W ong’s Home Grown Revolution Talk

Saturday 28 June, 2pm, FREE entry, but pre-booking essential!

Come and meet James Wong, BBC Presenter, and find out how to grow ‘delicious high yielding foods that are expensive to buy, yet easy to grow’.

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS TO VISIT

with Harry Brickwood

Thursday 24 July, 3pm, £7.50 per person

Come and listen to Harry Brickwood, who was part of a team that won two Silver Gilts and a Gold Medal at Chelsea, plus Best in Show. He will tell us which gardens in the South East are the best gardens to visit.

Cuttings from Coolings 25

EVENTS 18, 19, 20 & 21 April Friday 18 April, 2pm

at The Gardener's Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill

Craft Fair

Gardeners Question Time*

*Items marked with an asterisk must be prebooked – see Booking form on page 31 or call 01959 532269

Free Event £7.50 per person

20 & 21 April

£5 per person Talk: All You Need to Know About Orchids*

Free Event East Surrey Woodturners Display

Saturday 26 April

Farmers’ Market

26 & 27 April Sunday 27 April

Orpington Photographic Society Exhibition Free Event

SKWEG Stationary Engines Display Free Event

3 & 4 May

Knockholt Art Club Exhibition

Free Event

Thursday 15 May, 7.30pm

Talk: Gardening for Gold*

£7.50 per person

Sunday 18 May, 11.30am

Scottish Country Dancing Display

Free Event

Monday 19 May, 2pm

Saturday 24 May

Tea Dance* £10 per person (inc. tea) Farmers’ Market

Free Event

Thursday 5 June, 7.30pm

Talk: 250 Years of Trees at Kew

Tickets from RHS 08456121253 REF: 11046

14 & 15 June

Orpington Beekeepers

Free Event

Monday 16 June, 2pm

Tea Dance

£10 per person (inc. tea)

Friday 20 June, 7pm 20, 21 & 22 June

Theatre in the Garden: Macbeth* Adult £14.99, under15’s £5

Craft Fair Free Event

Saturday 28 June

Farmers’ Market

Free Event

Saturday 28 June

Summer Showcase Opens

Free Event

Saturday 28 June, 2pm 12 & 13 July

Talk: James Wong’s Home Grown Revolution* Free Event

Knockholt & Halstead WW1 Exhibition Free Event

Orpington Art Club Exhibition Free Event

Monday 14 July, 2pm

Tea Dance* £10 per person (inc. tea)

19 & 20 July

Chislehurst Art Club Exhibition

Free Event

Thursday 24 July, 3pm

Talk: Beautiful Gardens to Visit*

£7.50 per person

Saturday 26 July

Farmers’ Market

Free Event

Monday 28 July

Summer Showcase Sell Off

Free Event

Saturday 2 August, 6.30pm Friday 8 August

Theatre in the Garden: Robin Hood* Adult £14.99, under15’s £5

Free Event Super Car Show

Saturday 9 August

Classic Car Show

Monday 11 August

Tea Dance*

Saturday 23 August

Farmers’ Market

Free Event

Friday 29 August, 7pm

Adult £14.99, under15’s £5

Saturday 13 September

Theatre in the Garden: The Pirates of Penzance

Fashion Show*

Horticultural Show

19, 20 & 21 September

Craft Fair

Free Event

Saturday 19 April, 11am & 2pm

4, 5 & 6 July

Thursday 11 September, 7pm

Free Event

Free Event

£10 per person (inc. tea)

£25 per person Free Event

For Floristry Courses, please see our Courses Brochure, www.coolings.co.uk, or call Lesley on 01959 532269

EVENTS

at Coolings Green & Pleasant

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

Tuesday 8 April, 10.30am

Children’s Workshop: Cupcake Bake & Decorate*

£9.99 per child inc. lunch

Thursday 10 April, 11am

Children’s Workshop: Build a Bug/Bat/Bee Box*

£8.95 per child

Friday 11 April, 10.30am

Children’s Workshop: Cupcake Bake & Decorate*

£9.99 per child inc. lunch

Tuesday 15 April, 10am & 3pm

Holiday Fun: Cookie Decorating

£3.99 per child

Friday 18 April, 10am & 3pm

Holiday Fun: Egg Decorating

£3.99 per child

Wednesday 23 April, 3-4.30pm

St George’s Day: Shield Decorating & Story

See Page 35 for details

Thursday 24 April 10am, 11am, 12 noon & 1.30pm

Storytelling: The 3 Little Pigs*

£4.50 per child inc. lunch

Saturday 26 April, 6.30pm Wednesday 30 April, 7.30pm

“Chez Sophie” French Restaurant* Tel: 07840-919259 to book

Evening Bat Walk & Talk* £10 per person, inc. supper

May

Asparagus Month

Monday 5 May

11 - 17 May

May Bank Holiday British Sandwich Week

Special Blueberry Café menu

19 - 25 May

National Vegetarian Week

Special Blueberry Café menu

Thursday 22 May, 10am, 11am, 12 noon & 1.30pm

Storytelling: Guess How Much I Love You*

£4.50 per child inc. lunch

26 - 30 May

Half-Term Week

Tuesday 27 May, 11am

Children’s Workshop: Pond Dipping & Bug Hunt* £8.95 per child

Wednesday 28 May, 10am

Holiday Fun: Cookie Decorating

Children’s Workshop: Build a Bug/Bat/Bee Box*

£3.99 per child

Thursday 29 May, 11am Friday 30 May, 10am

Holiday Fun: Cookie Decorating

£3.99 per child

Saturday 31 May, 6.30pm

“Chez Sophie” French Restaurant*

Tel: 07840-919259 to book

Sunday 15 June

Father’s Day

Special Blueberry Café menu

Thursday 26 June, 10am, 11am, 12 noon & 1.30pm

Storytelling: Elmer* £4.50 per child inc. lunch

Saturday 28 June, 6:30pm

“Chez Sophie” French Restaurant*

Tel: 07840-919259 to book

Tuesday 15 July, 7-11pm

Jazz on the Patio Evening*

£29.99 per person inc. BBQ

Thursday 24 July

Kent Schools Summer Hols

Saturday 26 July, 6:30pm

“Chez Sophie” French Restaurant*

Tel: 07840-919259 to book

Tuesday 12 August

Teddy Tuesday

See Page 35 for details

Wednesday 3 September

Back to School

20 September - 5 October

British Food Fortnight

Special Blueberry Café menu

Thursday 25 September, 10am, 11am, 12 noon & 1.30pm

Storytelling: Handa’s Surprise*

£4.50 per child inc. lunch

Special Blueberry Café menu

£8.95 per child

Cuttings from Coolings 27

Excursions and Events

s g n i l o o C h t wi

Let us take you away from it all! We have a wonderful range of Excursions and Events planned for the coming season, here’s a taster: Coaches will whisk you to gorgeous gardens and fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ visits. Sit back and relax with us.

• • • • •

Great Gardens of East Anglia Boating Along the River Thames Behind the Scenes at the BBC The Secret Gardens of the City David Austin Roses Behind the Scenes

• • • •

Kew Gardens Alnwick and the Great North London by Cable Car Portsmouth Victorian Christmas

A few hours to spare? Let us entertain you and take you to other worlds here at Coolings.

• • • •

Theatre in the Garden: Macbeth, Robin Hood, Pirates of Penzance Inspirational Speakers Car Shows Fabulous Craft Fairs

Collect a brochure from Arthurs, Reception or view everything online: www.coolings.co.uk

28 Cuttings from Coolings

• • • •

Regular Farmers Markets Spectacular Plants Showcases Tea Dances Art Displays

Booking form

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

Cost

Events

Date

GARDENERS QUESTION TIME

Friday18 April, 2pm

£7.50 per person

TALK: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ORCHIDS

Saturday 19 April, 11am

£5 per person

TALK: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ORCHIDS

Saturday 19 April, 2pm

£5 per person

TALK: GARDENING FOR GOLD WITH DES SMITH

Thursday 15 May, 7.30pm

£7.50 per person

TEA DANCE WITH LES JOHNSON

Monday 19 May, 2pm

£10 per person inc. tea

TEA DANCE WITH LES JOHNSON

Monday 16 June, 2pm

£10 per person inc. tea

THEATRE IN THE GARDEN: MACBETH

Friday 20 June, 7pm

£14.99 per adult £5 per child (U15)*

TALK: JAMES WONG’S HOME GROWN REVOLUTION

Saturday 28 June, 2pm

FREE ENTRY

TEA DANCE WITH LES JOHNSON

Monday 11 July, 2pm

£10 per person inc. tea

TALK: BEAUTIFUL GARDENS TO VISIT WITH HARRY BRICKWOOD

Thursday 24 July, 3pm

£7.50 per person

THEATRE IN THE GARDEN: ROBIN HOOD

Saturday 2 August, 6.30pm

£14.99 per adult £5 per child (U15)*

TEA DANCE WITH LES JOHNSON

Monday 11 August, 2pm

£10 per person inc. tea

THEATRE IN THE GARDEN: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

Friday 29 August, 7pm

£14.99 per adult £5 per child (U15)*

FASHION SHOW

Thursday 11 September, 7pm

£25 per person

Total Cost £

* Please Note: 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.

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

Cuttings from Coolings 29

W in two tickets to

COURT N O T P M A RHS H R SHOW E W O L F E C PALA

T

o celebrate Coolings’ stunning entry into the 2014 RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, we are giving away two tickets for this fabulous event.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is “A series of zones each with its own distinctive theme brings together a mix of glorious show gardens, dazzling floral displays, all things “grow-your-own”, live music, fabulous shopping, fashion and food.”

We have two standard tickets (valid for all-day entry, 10am-7.30pm, value £30 each) to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, simply sign up on our website or on one of the forms within this edition for our Cuttings e-newsletter. The winner will be picked at random from the new subscribers.

Deadline for entries is 23 June 2014, so don’t delay, sign up today!

Winners will be notified by return email. Winners will be selected at random from email addresses submitted between 24 March 2014 and 23 June 2014. No cash alternative. Tickets may not be exchanged. Tickets are valid for dates provided by Coolings only. The competition is not open to employees of Coolings Nurseries Ltd. Transport and refreshments are not included within the prize.

© RHS Special Events Ltd

30 Cuttings from Coolings

Booking form

Events at Coolings Green & Pleasant No. of Tickets

Events

Date

EVENING BAT WALK & TALK

Wednesday 30 April, 7.30pm

JAZZ ON THE PATIO EVENING

Tuesday 15 July, 7-11pm

Cost £10 per person inc. supper £29.99 per person inc.

BBQ

CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS CUPCAKE WORKSHOP CUPCAKE WORKSHOP BUILD A BUG/BAT/BEE BOX Please specify which type of box required POND DIPPING & BUG HUNT BUILD A BUG/BAT/BEE BOX Please specify which type of box required

Tuesday 8 April 10.30am Friday 11 April, 10.30am

£9.99 per child* inc. lunch £9.99 per child* inc. lunch

Thursday 10 April, 11am

£8.95 per child*

Tuesday 27 May, 11am

£8.95 per child*

Thursday 29 May, 11am

£8.95 per child*

STORYTELLING FOR UNDER 5’s

*

No. of tickets

THE 3 LITTLE PIGS

Thursday 24 April 4 sessions

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU

Thursday 22 May 4 sessions

ELMER

Thursday 26 June 4 sessions

HANDA’S SURPRISE

Thursday 25 September 4sessions

10am 11am 12pm 1:30pm

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

10am 11am 12pm 1:30pm

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

10am 11am 12pm 1:30pm

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

10am 11am 12pm 1:30pm

£4.50 per child* inc. lunch

Total Cost £

Please Note: 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 Green & Pleasant Ltd and will not be passed to any third parties.

I enclose a cheque for £ ______________________________ (payable to Coolings Green & Pleasant 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

Cuttings from Coolings 31

Here

comes

Summer!

WORDS: MATT MUSKETT

A

s the weather finally warms up (and dries up!) now is the perfect time to turn your tired terrace, dreary deck or plain patio into an inviting, comfortable outdoor space for your family and friends to enjoy, where you can relax and dine al fresco in style.

We have a stunning range of outdoor dining and lounge furniture, with shapes, sizes and styles to suit every setting and budget. Add to this a great range of barbecues, chimeneas and fire bowls, we’ve just the right choice for you, whether you’re looking for a simple, portable charcoal barbecue or a full size outdoor kitchen. Visit Coolings Green & Pleasant today and let us help you turn your outdoor entertaining dream into reality!

Highlights from our great ranges of furniture and barbecues: • • • • •

Hartman “Bentley” 4-seat round set £569 Westminster “Boston” 6-seat rectangular set £1,295 Barlow Tyrie “Ascot” 4-seat folding set £2,815 Alexander Rose benches from £235 Weber 57cm One-Touch Original £169 (special “starter kit” offer – see in store for full details) • Weber Spirit E-310 Original £599 • La Hacienda chimeneas from £59 • Kadai fire bowls from £98

Our Furniture and Barbecue Department

32 Cuttings from Coolings

News from the

A

Nature trail

s I put pen to paper for this edition of the newsletter, I have just read my first e-mail advising me of local toad movements from the Kent Amphibian and Reptile Group (KARG). We have signed up for Toad Patrols in Knockholt, the aim being to save as many as we can from being killed on the roads as they make their way to their breeding pond at Coolings Green & Pleasant. Toads start to travel straight after dark, crossing the roads just as rush hour sets in. It appears that breeding will be early this year due to the mild, wet weather, so it may well be that by the time you read this all the main ‘action’ will be over. We did want to make mention of it however, to make people more aware for next year. Careful driving will save lives!

(Least of all mine, even though I’ll be in a high visibility jacket with a torch, acting as a ‘lollipop lady’ for the little critters!)

Another survey everyone will want to know about is our next Bat Walk.

WORDS: JOHN POLAND

Taking place on Wednesday 30 April at 7.30pm, this event starts with a meal and a talk in Blueberry Café, followed by a guided after dark tour of the Nature Trail accompanied by a bat expert and plenty of scanners (the scanners make the bats audible to the human ear). See page 31 to book.

Looking ahead into May and the better weather, there will be Children’s Workshops to enjoy during half-term. “Pond Dipping & Bug Hunt” will be on Tuesday 27 May and “Build a Bug/Bat/Bee Box” on Thursday 29 May. These are always popular events which need booking in advance, details again on page 31.

See you soon!

Cuttings from Coolings 33

Meet the Raymond

team

Here at Coolings Green & Pleasant we have a dedicated team who have been with us for many years. Steve Wright is our Head Nature Trail Ranger, and he shares his experiences with us

Have you had an interest in animals for a long time?

My love of animals started as a child, with my pet cat Jimmy who lived to be 14 and was my constant companion for much of that time! As a family we often visited farms during the holidays and I’ve enjoyed taking my own children on such visits too.

So how long have you worked at Coolings?

I’ve been here for 8 years now. It’s been fascinating to see how the site, and in particular the Nature Trail, has developed over the years and I’m excited about our future plans, too.

What is it like being Head Nature Trail Ranger?

Harry

It’s a very varied role as no two days are the same. Much of our outdoor activities are governed by the weather and the seasons and there are always highs and lows when caring for animals; new births are always a joy but it can be sad when we lose an animal to old age. It’s a very rewarding job though, and I love all our animals, especially Ray and Harry, the goats!

member uchers tggc

What is a typical day for you?

Come rain or shine I have an early start, beginning with the feeding and inspection round to check all the animals are well and that the Nature Trail is safe for the public to visit (a few trees came down in the high winds during February and needed to be cleared). After that it could be building a new animal pen, leading a workshop on how to build a bird box, pond dipping during the school holidays, guided tours of the Nature Trail, taking the goats for a walk, planning Thank you for taking new features, the list goes on! time out of your busy day to talk to us, Steve.

34 Cuttings from Coolings

WORDS: MELISSA CLARK

The team here in Blueberry Café are all “foodies” and we love nothing more than creating delicious dishes of all kinds for our customers to enjoy. We have lots of exciting events and food celebrations planned for the coming months and hope you’ll enjoy trying our special menus and much as we’re enjoying making them!

Food Celebrations Asparagus Month: All of May British Sandwich Week: 11-17 May National Vegetarian Week: 19-25 May British Food Fortnight: 20 Sep – 5 Oct

Children’s Food Workshops Cupcake Bake & Decorate Tuesday 8 & Friday 11 April, 10.30am-12 noon. £9.99 per child, includes picnic lunch. Must be pre-booked, call Mel on 01959-534386.

St George’s Day Holiday Fun Cookie Decorating Tuesday 15 April, 11am & 3pm Egg Decorating Friday 18 April, 11am & 3pm Cookie Decorating Wednesday 28 & Friday 30 May, 11am £3.99 per child, no need to pre-book.

Jazz on the Patio Evening Join us on Tuesday 15 July, 7-11pm, for an evening of mellow music with The Ray Rich Band and a delicious barbecue. £29.99 per person, please call Mel on 01959-534386 to book.

Wednesday 23 April, 3-4pm.

Shield decorating and the Story of George & the Dragon.

Teddy Tuesday Bring your favourite teddy to Coolings Green & Pleasant for a great day out! Tuesday 12 August, children’s events all day, special half-price children’s menu for all teddy bear holders!

Chez Sophie Knockholt’s very own French restaurant is back!

Sophie will be opening a “pop-up restaurant” on the last Saturday evening of each month throughout spring and summer – visit www.chezsophie.co.uk to book.

Cuttings from Coolings 35

Looking for vouchers?

Dont‘ miss out again!

Sign up below..

Leave your completed form at either of our centres...

Sign up to receive our FREE Cuttings magazine in the post, full of articles and vouchers!

Sign up to our FREE Cuttings e-newsletter in your inbox, full of news and vouchers!

Name

Name

Address

Email Cuttin FRO M C OOL ING S

gs

FREE

Interests (Please tick) Courses, Trips and Events Coolings Nature Trail

CeCntooelinnagrsy Garden 100 Yea

Tips

rs at Coo

lings

Beautif

ul Bed

SPRI NG

ding

2013 COOLING

The Gardener’s THE

EXPE

RIEN

Garden

CE I S GR O

S

Centre

WIN

G

gree n

& plea sant

the natural

place

to visit

We will not pass your details to any third parties, it’s just so we can send you our information.

There is anCuttings unsubscribe option every e-mail should you wish to remove your name from our database.

36 from on Coolings

Here at Coolings we have a dedicated team who have been with us for many years. Jon Reburn is our Horticultural Manager, and he shares his experiences with us

Have you had an interest in plants for a long time?

I consider myself very fortunate to have a life-long fascination with all things growing.

My childhood passion was for wildlife, but after leaving agricultural college my interest in horticulture and garden plants really took off. I find plants, gardens and the nursery business endlessly fascinating as it truly is a subject where you never stop learning.

So how long have you worked at Coolings?

This is now my thirteenth year at Coolings – the time has just flown!

What is it like being Horticultural Manager?

For someone with a passion for plants, this really is a dream job. Coolings has a reputation for being one of the very best plant centres in the country and that is something I and our fantastic team work tremendously hard to maintain. We really do have to make hay while the sun shines so in the spring especially there are never enough hours in the day!

What is a typical day for you?

I like to get in to unlock and have a quick nip round to check the plants first thing. I will grab a quick glance at my e-mails to deal with anything urgent then catch up with my team to discuss tasks for the day ahead. Mike Cooling’s mantra was “management by walking around” to which I subscribe wholeheartedly, so spend as much of the day as possible on the shop floor. Every day is different but I will talk with our nursery to order stock for the plantarea or speak to wholesale growers to buy what is looking fantastic on their nurseries for our customers. Talking Thank you for taking with our customers is another enjoyable aspect of time out of your busy the job. When I know the plants are happy, my team day to talk to us, Jon. is happy and our customers are happy, then I can go home happy!

Cuttings from Coolings 37

Coolings in the

n Winning Garde

Community WORDS: NEIL JACKSON

At Coolings we are very aware that many of our staff and customers are from the local area and as such we have always prided ourselves in helping the schools and groups which go together to form our community In recent years Coolings have appointed myself (Neil) and Jane Wiseman to manage all of our community outreach projects. Along with many of the staff here at Coolings this year we are working with…

• Local authorities in Bromley, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells to run local In Bloom competitions with the aim of adding as much colour and life to our communities as possible. We also help to springboard some communities and projects into South East in Bloom and who knows, maybe even the national awards?

• Local charities including Hospice in the Weald and St Christopher’s (incorporating Harris Hospice) to help raise funds and raise their profile.

• Over 200 schools in the area, supporting a wide range of activities from visits to our nursery, classroom lessons and a schools growing competition.

Last year we entered a national competition for this type of work, the Garden Retail Awards. It was our first entry into this category and we were pitted against many other excellent Garden Centres. However we are pleased to announce we were the proud winners of the Community Involvement Award and had the pleasure of collecting our award at a lovely ceremony last autumn!

38 Cuttings from Coolings

Design &

Planting

Ser vices

Don’t know what to do with your garden? Is it getting you down?

Coolings offer a variety of services:

Design Service For a complete makeover or to improve a neglected area of your garden, our freelance designers will come for an hour’s consultation for £75. If you go ahead with a design they will buy your plants from Coolings, which includes our 5-year guarantee for hardy plants.

Plant Doctor An hour’s consultation at your home with the Plant Doctor for advice or help choosing plants for a difficult spot is £75.

Planting Service We also offer a Planting Service for £45 per hour or less, planting anything from one tree to a whole border.

Maintenance Service In addition to our famous Spring and Autumn Garden Tidies, we also offer one-off tidies through the year and regular garden maintenance services to keep your garden looking at its best.

Planting and Maintenance Service are 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

Please call either Neil or Lesley on 01959 532269, or email us at neiljackson@coolings.co.uk or lesley@coolings.co.uk Cuttings from Coolings 39

Easter wishes & Eye catching pink bi-colour flowers and a lovely light fragrance, this gorgeous NEW hardy Dianthus, a real Easter pleaser!

nday u S r e t s Ea am From 9

Open Easter Sunday Knockholt, Kent, TN14 7NN

COOLINGS

01959 532269

The Gardener’s Garden Centre

www.coolings.co.uk

THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING

Coolings Green & Pleasant is not open Easter Sunday.

Only Valid Easter Sunday 20/04/2014

NEW Dianthus Pink Kisses

Only

Normally £2.99 each One voucher per transaction, one use only, one per household. Subject to availability. Valid at Coolings, The Gardener’s Garden Centre. Present voucher at start of transaction. Cannot be used in conjunction with any existing offer or trade card. We reserve the right to amend this voucher without prior notice.

40 Cuttings from Coolings EasterSunday2014

Sign up to our e-newsletter packed full of news and offers!

We will not pass your details to any third parties, it’s just so we can send you our e-newsletter. There is an unsubscribe option on every e-mail to remove your name from our database.

Name Email Interests (Please tick)

Courses, Trips and Events Coolings Nature Trail

For full Terms and Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk or ask in-store