Cuttings from Coolings Spring 2019

- F RO M C O O L I N G S -

SPRING

Great Garden Additions Pages 8 - 9

2019

Coolings Family Vouchers Page 16

Smaller Plants for BIG Impact Pages 12 - 13

THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING The Gardener’s Garden Centre

‘Pilates for Gardeners’

Studio Pilates Course Coolings Education Centre, Thursdays at 12 noon and 2 pm Whatever shape you’re in, Pilates can help you to move, feel and look better than ever before.

Our friendly and professional tuition will make you stronger and more supple, ready for summer gardening These Pilates mat classes will run as an 8 week course over a 10 week period, starting on the 14th March for 4 weeks, with a two week break for Easter then another 4 weeks from the 25th April. (£120 for 8 weeks) Pilates in Sevenoaks studio, in the Coolings Education Centre, is fully equipped and offers regular daily classes for small groups, as well as private tuition

The Studio is owned and run by Helen Whitaker, Certified Pilates Instructor & Fitness Professional FULL TIMETABLE and SECURE BOOKING ONLINE OR CALL TO BOOK

Helen@pilatesinsevenoaks.co.uk 2

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07799 534191

WelcomeCoolings

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to

Dear Friends, I’ve said it before and I will probably say it again; regardless of ones views on climate change, it is undeniable that humanity is having a negative effect on the world’s resources. At Coolings we are doing our bit by encouraging gardening, which must be one of the most environmentallyfriendly of all pastimes. There are many “green” aspects of our business that we are very proud of. Full details of our Environmental Pledge can be found on our website www.coolings.co.uk/ about/environmental-pledge One big issue that raised its head last year is the recycling of plastic flowerpots. After a brief hiatus when our former recycling company decided to start charging a significant sum for taking away our compacted plastic pots, we are now able to reinstate the service of accepting your old flowerpots for recycling. The garden centre industry in the UK has become aware that the majority of automated sorting equipment used by both local authorities and private recycling companies cannot detect the black pigment traditionally used in plastic flowerpots. So we’re pleased to announce that the majority of our home-grown shrubs and perennials will be grown in special taupe coloured pots that can be detected by the waste sorting machines.

Our challenge now is to convince the local authorities that they should accept them for recycling – we have contacted both Bromley and Sevenoaks Councils and await their replies with interest – watch this space…

Back in November I was delighted to join fellow directors Gary Carvosso and Ian Hazon for a celebratory meal with the team from Coolings Potted Garden Nursery just outside Bearsted,

Maidstone. Coolings purchased that business in November 2017 and we toasted the first year of successful trading following the retirement of the previous owners. Coolings Potted Garden Nursery is a very plant based business and we look forward to gradually developing the site in the coming years. The site is now being managed

by Dale Evans who took part in a management development programme whilst running a significant part of Coolings in Knockholt.

Growing and developing our own managers has been one of the cornerstones of our success in the past and I am delighted to announce that in February, after 12 years of service and increased responsibility at Coolings, Dwayne Ross will be appointed to the Board of Directors. Dwayne’s analytical mind, combined with his unrivalled knowledge and understanding of computer systems, has contributed substantially to the efficiency and success of this business over recent years, and we are pleased to recognise this with his new promotion.

As Charles Darwin famously said “It is not the strongest or the fastest that survive but those most able to adapt and evolve”. In these current uncertain times (especially for retail businesses), that has never been more true. As a team we look forward to continued tweaks and developments in our facilities, services, range of products and of course our people, to continue to be among the best in supplying your gardening needs for many years to come.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Chairman Coolings

Data Privacy

Coolings holds your data and privacy in its highest regard. You will be receiving postal and e-marketing from Coolings Nurseries Ltd because you will have previously signed up to receive this.

We will always remove customers from our postal marketing database on request, contact us on 01959 532269 or email rushmorehill@coolings.co.uk. We also proactively monitor all our customer addresses and will remove customers from our postal marketing database if we believe information we hold to be out of date or obsolete. Your data will never be passed or sold to any third party and will only be used by Coolings Nurseries Ltd to keep you informed about our business and to improve our products and services.

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Portable Patio!

Words by

Jon Reburn & Annika Strand berg

With more people now living in rented property or sheltered accommodation, we have seen a big trend towards growing plants in pots and containers. These can be used in any outside space, can be moved if needed and allows for flexibility in gardening.

Hardy Spring Bedding for Tubs and Containers

After the long winter it is lovely to look out of the window and see some floral colour.

Visiting Coolings in March and April you can fill your trolley with frost hardy favourites such as ranunculus, bellis daises, polyanthus, violas, pansies, wall-flowers, forget-me-nots and more. All perfect for planting out now!

Senetti Pericallis These are brightly coloured daisies which are in full bloom by Easter and are the perfect choice for a sheltered location such as a covered doorstep – although not fully hardy, they happily withstand a touch of cold.

Dianthus ‘Pink Kisses’

Senetti Pericallis

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Dianthus ‘Pink Kisses’ These sexy plants are possibly our most popular spring sellers. Scented, hardy and repeat flowering, they have it all! Highly recommended for patio containers.

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Patio Planting Companions

ALL AVAILABLE IN THE GLASSHOUSE Don’t let a lack of space ruin your displays, our ELHO range of planters will have the solution you need. Why not try: Algarve Cilindro Planters These have wheels and are very easy to move around, diameter: 48cm, £19.29, 58cm, £31.99.

NEW (for this season) is the Vivo range.

Made in two finishes – Matt and Structured – and is also on wheels.

Elho Vivo available in square 40cm, £49.99 and long 90cm, £99

If it’s railings and fences you want to decorate then you will love the Corsica Planters. These come in lots of different colours.

Elho Corsica Easy Balcony, £21.49.

Also available as single (£6.19) or trio (£10.79) hangers.

Smarter looking but very reasonably priced is the Vibia range. Available in two styles: Campana (bell shaped) and Straight Round in four different sizes, from the smallest at 25cm (£5.49) to the largest 47cm (£26.99). All in three colours: Anthracite, Living Concrete and Brick.

If you prefer an even sleeker look try the Pure range. It has wheels, comes in three colours and different shapes.

Elho Pure Brick (Square) with wheels 40cm: £92.50

For those conscious of the environment, try our Eco-Pots from Ashortwalk. They are made of recycled plastic but are very natural looking. A wide range of styles and sizes for both outdoors and indoors available.

Prices range from about £12 to £139.

If your desired pot doesn’t have wheels then Pot Movers will come in very handy. Our favourite: Tom Chambers Metal Pot Stand.

Looks great and is heavy duty. Available in three sizes from £19.99.

Ashortwalk Eco-Pot F RO M C O O L I N G S

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Main Season Bedding With summer just around the corner, this is a great time for those with a frost-free space to get a head start with tender summer plants. Earlier planting will mean earlier flowering when the frosts have passed. Our huge selection of main season summer bedding will be here waiting to tempt you!

Look out for: Nemesia ‘Amelie’ Beautiful little Nemesia ‘Amelie’ produces dainty scented flowers all summer and has the added bonus of being hardy in sheltered locations! See our Cuttings offer on page 16.

Argyranthemum ‘Vanilla Latte’ and ‘Banana Split’ Argyranthemums (commonly known as Marguerites) make superb centrepiece plants for containers. We grow many lovely varieties but these are the two to look out for!

Argyranthemum ‘Vanilla Latte’

Nemesia ‘Amelie’

AlpeTunia ® Trailing Petunias Do you remember the spectacular display of trailing Petunias at the front of Coolings last summer?

These were our trial of the new AlpeTunia® range!

As we had so many compliments about them from our customers, we have grown plenty for you to enjoy in your own gardens this year! Available in one litre pots priced £3.99. Perfect for wall baskets and window boxes.

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Argyranthemum ‘Banana Split’ as seen in our Flower Exhibition last summer

AlpeTunia ® trailing Petunias on our shop front last summer

Hanging Planting Companions

ALL AVAILABLE IN THE GLASSHOUSE Find the perfect hanging basket among our fantastic range to really show off your beautiful bedding.

Smart Garden Faux Rattan Baskets In a large variety of shapes and colours from £7.99.

Nowhere to put brackets?

Need something freestanding?

Corn Rope Hanging Baskets

Corn Rope Hanging Baskets (and other natural material baskets) are available in different sizes and as round or cone shapes, such as the Smart Garden Hyacinth Baskets (£7.99 each) or the Smart Garden Country Baskets Panacea Square (from £5.99).

Basket Very sturdy forged Cast Iron Hanging Baskets from Tom Chambers are very popular. All of the baskets include liners.

They start from £12.99. Our favourite is the Panacea Square Basket which comes in two designs from £14.99.

Smart Country Round Basket

Smart Hyacinth Cone Basket

Try the Panacea Classic Finial Basket Hanger with shelf (101cm tall) at £13.99.

Panacea Classic Finial Basket Hanger with Shelf (basket not included).

If you want to hang your baskets up in an awkward place you might want a shepherd’s crook. Tom Chambers do single crooks for £19.99 and a double crook for £27.99.

We also stock replacement liners and other accessories for hanging baskets including ‘Moss Look’ Liners, Coco Liners and real Sphagnum Moss.

Hanging baskets do of course need to hang from something. Brackets and hooks to suit the correct size and shape of the basket are very important. Tom Chambers have a large selection of designs and sizes that you can choose from.

Tom Chambers Curved bracket

Tom Chambers Artisan bracket

Tom Chambers Large J-Hooks (for window baskets) F RO M C O O L I N G S

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Great Garden Additions!

At Coolings we sell thousands of different plants and have one of the biggest ranges in the country. Here are seven great garden plants that you may not know and are worth making space for this spring.

1. Clematis ‘Amber’ This marvellous spring flowering clematis is so good it was voted RHS Chelsea plant of the year 2016 and is now available to gardeners via Coolings. Its flowers are amber yellow, with light pink tones on the back of the sepals, so if you want a climber with a difference this is well worth trying!

2. Photinia ‘Carré Rouge’ An outstanding evergreen garden plant which has smaller leaves than the familiar ‘Red Robin’, a more compact habit and stunning red new growth. Ideal as a single specimen or planted as a neat hedge, this is now a number one selling shrub in France and is just being discovered by gardeners here!

3. Knautia ‘Melton Pastels’ Beautiful Scabious-like insect friendly flowers in shades of pink and cerise from June to September, make these lovely hardy perennials deserving of a place in the border!

4. Spiraea Walberton’s® Plumtastic A fantastic introduction for 2019! Stunning, plumb-coloured growth throughout spring is followed by deep cerise flower heads in early summer, then beautiful autumn foliage colour. Growing only 60cm tall it has a neat manageable habit, making this an ideal garden addition!

F RO M C O O L I N G S

Jon Reburn

5. Acanthus ‘Whitewater’ This stunning herbaceous perennial is the perfect choice for those looking for an unusual architectural garden feature!

Great in sun or shade.

6. Gypsophila cerastioides This charming little ground cover plant from the Himalayan region is very hardy and semievergreen. Studded with attractive white flowers in spring, it is worth discovering!

7. Lonicera ‘Rhubarb & Custard’® This recently introduced honeysuckle is the perfect choice if you want a fragrant, compact climber that is happy in sun or light shade, and which is attractive to beneficial insects. The unique colour is indeed rhubarb and custard! (see Cuttings April offer page 16).

1. Clematis ‘Amber’

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Words by

3. Knautia ‘Melton Pastels’

2. Photinia ‘Carré Rouge’

4. Spiraea Walberton’s ® Plumtastic

6. Gypsophila cerastioides

5. Acanthus ‘Whitewater’

7. Lonicera ‘Rhubarb & Custard’ ® F RO M C O O L I N G S

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Words by

Every garden deserves the timeless elegance, impressive blooms and wonderful fragrance of peonies. Once established, herbaceous peonies will live for years if left undisturbed and after flowering, their leaves develop fiery hues before dying down for winter.

Sam and Becky, who run our herbaceous department, highlight a few choice varieties from our impressive range.

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Becky Ellis & Sam Smith

Timeless Beauties

Peony ‘Coral Sunset’

Peony ‘Festiva Maxima’

Exceptionally beautiful, semi-double flowers. This early flowering peony gives spectacular pink/coral colour during May.

Sam’s pick of the bunch. A very fragrant, fully double peony.

Exquisite white blooms with a smattering of crimson flecks appearing from early to midsummer.

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Peony ‘Big Ben’ Becky’s favourite is the highly scented ‘Big Ben’. By no means a shy plant with its vibrant, deep fuchsia pink, fluffy flowers. Fast becoming a best seller.

Peony ‘Sarah Bernhardt’

Named after a French stage actress from the late 19th century. This sweetly scented, pale pink peony will be the star of the show in any garden.

Peony ‘Rome’ With stunning sugar pink double flowers this free flowering plant is the perfect choice.

Peony ‘Immaculee’

Opening with a pink hue and fading to pure white, ‘Immaculee’ will make a fantastic addition to any sunny spot.

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Iberis ‘Whiteout’ among Aubrieta.

Smaller P lants for

BIG Impact!

Words by

Jon Reburn Sempervivum varieties

Spring is the season for alpine plants!

In the wild, as the snows of winter melt, these mountain dwellers burst into flower.

For those looking to create permanent low maintenance garden planters, alpines are the perfect choice. Low growing and tough as old boots they are amongst the most forgiving of plants, especially good for the novice gardener.

Mazus ‘Albus’

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Our three simple tips for success are…

1. Good

drainage Alpine plants love free draining soil. We recommend planting in John Innis No. 2 Compost mixed with horticultural grit.

2. Good light

John Innes no.2 Compost

Pick a bright spot. In the wild there are no trees on mountain tops so these plants have evolved in the open.

3. Top dress with gravel

After planting cover the compost with a 1cm deep layer of gravel or grit. This looks attractive, prevents weeds and mimics natural conditions.

Show them off in shallow planters Alpines look superb when grown in shallow planters.

We have a lovely range available in store to choose from.

Errington Reay Planters

Here are a few fantastic choices of alpine plants for you to try…

Veronica ‘Georgia Blue’ An amazing little shrubby plant with vivid blue flowers. Even when it is not flowering the evergreen, bronze foliage looks great all year.

Iberis ‘Whiteout’ Hardy little plant bearing flat heads of pretty flowers that will provide weeks of spring colour. Looks stunning trailing down a wall or in pots, and provides a beautiful splash of white to lift patches of darker trailing plants such as Aubrieta.

Sempervivum varieties Garden succulents are now hugely fashionable. Plant a container of these and they will require zero attention as they literally look after themselves!

Mazus ‘Albus’ Lovely little ‘flat as a pancake’ plant studded with unusual white flowers.

Erigeron ‘Sea of Blossom’ An absolute stunner of a plant that will flower non-stop from spring until autumn.

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g i 5 B r u O

products!

Words by

Vitax Q4

Andy Daly

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With so many gardening products on the market, it’s hard to know what you need to ensure your plants thrive, either planted in your beds and borders or in containers and hanging baskets.

Unfortunately, we are not able to control the weather to give your plants the best conditions, but we do have a few tips and products to ensure you get the best from them. We’ve come up with five products that you should always have in your arsenal to help ensure your plants are well looked after‌

It was originally developed for the commercial grower, which is why we recommend it so highly with our experience in growing. It can be used on a wide range of crops and contains the vital plant foods and trace elements essential for vigorous plant growth, abundant flowering and production of fruit and vegetables. It is very easy to use as you just apply it evenly to the soil, preferably when the soil is moist.

We stock it in a range of sizes from 900g up to 10kg.

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Coolings Professional Potting Compost

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This is the one we trust to use on our award winning nursery as it has been developed for commercial plant production. It is a top-quality compost with essential nutrients and trace elements which makes it an ideal growing media for healthy plants.

In fact we use it to grow almost a million Lightweight plants every year! We trial it against other retail brands and it consistently comes out on top. Available in 35 litre and 60 litre bags.

Smart Garden AquaGel

This is a water absorbing crystal or hydrogel which should be mixed into compost before planting to absorb moisture. It slowly releases the moisture it contains back into the compost, thus slowing down the drying out process compared to a compost which doesn’t contain it. Essential for use in pots, containers, hanging baskets or even dry soil in your beds and borders. We think it is so great we use it in all the spring and summer baskets and containers we produce. Available in 125g, 250g or 500g sizes.

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Miracle-Gro All Purpose Soluble Plant Food

Feeding growing plants is just as essential as watering them and helps them fight off pests and diseases.

You will get much larger, healthier plants with greater blooms, bigger crops and beautiful plants to be proud of. This product has a mix of ten nutrients and is ideal for use all around the garden and even on houseplants. It’s one of the easiest ways to feed and water your garden, especially when you use it with the Miracle-Gro feeder attached to your hosepipe. Available in 500g or 1kg sizes which make up to 40 or 80 watering cans of feed respectively.

Osmocote Controlled Release Plant Food

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This is a controlled release fertiliser which can be used for all your plants, and will help keep them fed for upto 6 months with only one application. A polymer coating made from resin and vegetable oil covers the small balls of fertiliser, called prills.

These react to warmth and moisture, matching the release of nutrients to the growing season.

It is used by professional growers throughout the world, including here on our own nursery to produce the plants you take home to your garden.

Available in a 750g pack which is perfect for beds and borders, or in 25 x 5g tablet form which is ideal for pots, containers and hanging baskets.

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Cuttings Vouchers with ...

01 Mar - 31 Mar 2019

Hardy Verbena bonariensis/Verbena rigida 1 litre Buy One Get One FREE (Normally £5.99 each) Valid at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill and Coolings Potted Garden Nursery, Bearsted.

Offer valid 01 March – 31 March 2019 inclusive, while stocks last. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption. One free product only per household. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

01 Mar - 31 Mar 2019

Gro-Sure Super Enriched All Purpose Plant Food 1 litre +50% Extra FREE Save £2 (Normally £5.99 each) Valid at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill and Coolings Potted Garden Nursery, Bearsted.

Offer valid 01 March – 31 March 2019 inclusive, while stocks last. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption. One free product only per household. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

11 Mar - 29 Mar 2019(exc. Fri 22nd Mar) Slice of Victoria Sponge for £1.75 Valid Monday - Friday between 2 - 4pm Only (Valid for up to 2 people) Valid in Arthurs at Coolings Garden Centre.

Offer valid 11 Mar – 29 Mar 2019 excluding Friday 22nd March 2019. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption subject to availability.

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

All vouchers must be redeemed with your Coolings Family Card and Coolings may refuse to redeem the voucher without your Family Card.

If for any reason you have mislaid your Coolings Family Card then please speak to a member of our team and we will be more than happy to sort this out for you.

01 Mar - 31 Mar 2019

Vitax Stay Wet 200g Save £1 (Normally £4.99 each) Valid at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill and Coolings Potted Garden Nursery, Bearsted.

Offer valid 01 March – 31 March 2019 inclusive, while stocks last. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption. One free product only per household. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

11 Mar - 24 Mar 2019 Ornamental Plug Packs Buy Two Packs Get Third Pack FREE Valid at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill.

Offer valid 11 March – 24 March 2019 inclusive, while stocks last. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption. One free product only per household. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

01 Apr - 30 Apr 2019

Hardy Scented Nemesia ‘Amelie’ 1 litre Buy One Get One FREE (Normally £4.99 each) Valid at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill and Coolings Potted Garden Nursery, Bearsted.

Offer valid 01 April – 30 April 2019 inclusive, while stocks last. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption. One free product only per household. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

01 Apr - 30 Apr 2019

01 Apr - 30 Apr 2019

(Normally £16.99 each, Now £9.99)

Valid at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill and Coolings Potted Garden Nursery, Bearsted.

Climbing Honeysuckle Lonicera ‘Rhubarb & Custard®’ 3 litre Save £7 Valid at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill and Coolings Potted Garden Nursery, Bearsted.

Offer valid 01 April – 30 April 2019 inclusive, while stocks last. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption. One reduced priced item per household only. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

01 Apr - 30 Apr 2019

Neudorff Sluggo Slug and Snail Killer 800g Save £1.50 (Normally £5.49 each) Valid at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill and Coolings Potted Garden Nursery, Bearsted.

Offer valid 01 Apr – 30 Apr 2019 inclusive, while stocks last. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption. One reduced priced item only per household. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

Job Done Tough/Path Weedkiller RTU 1 litre Save £1.50 (Normally £5.49 each) Offer valid 01 Apr – 30 Apr 2019 inclusive, while stocks last. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption. One reduced priced item only per household. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

01 Apr - 30 Apr 2019

(exc. Friday 19th and Monday 22nd)

Any Hot Drink Buy One Get One FREE

Valid Monday – Friday between 12 - 3pm Only (Valid for up to 2 people) Valid in Arthurs at Coolings Garden Centre Offer valid 01 Apr – 30 Apr 2019 excluding Friday 19th and Monday 22nd April 2019. Only valid on presentation of your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

Terms and conditions apply to all vouchers: Whilst stocks last. Only 1 voucher per transaction, only 1 voucher per household/customer. No cash alternative. Not valid with a trade card or any other offer.

Please present your Coolings Family Card at time of redemption. Coolings reserves the right to amend the offer or terms without prior notice. For full Terms & Conditions please see www.coolings.co.uk.

Open Air Theatre at its Best

Coming to Coolings this Summer

Disco

unt

Performed by Illyria, the award-winning touring theatre company, in our beautiful Arthurs garden setting.

Sunday 18th August 2019

Saturday 7th September 2019

By Mary Shelley

Adapted by Oliver Gray

Frankenstein

Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves!

Brilliant young student Viktor Frankenstein discovers how to endow dead organic matter with life itself.

It is one thing to stitch together an anatomically complete organism, but quite another when it becomes a living, breathing creature that shows intelligence, feels torment – and demands answers of its creator. Will Viktor escape the clutches of the Monster by creating him a wife as he demands?

Young Ali Baba stumbles across an enchanted cave when he overhears the magic words that open it: “Open Sesame!”. Inside the cave he finds untold amounts of gold and jewels, and takes some of it home to show his wife.

What will happen when the Robber King comes looking for the missing treasure supported by an army of 40 angry thieves?

This brand-new musical production features a fully orchestrated musical score, a cast of professional actor singers, spectacular stage effects, puppetry and flashes of the wickedly dark humour for which Illyria is justly celebrated. The show contains mature themes but is suitable for all ages 5+.

Packed with cliff-hangers, larger-than-life characters, and laughs galore. Plus, there’s lots and lots to join in with – and the most magical cave you’ve ever seen! Perfect summer fun for thieves and vagabonds aged 5+.

ONLINE BOOKINGS AVAILABLE NOW

Why not pre-order a Picnic Box (homemade in Arthurs) from £11.95 per person? Alternatively, Arthurs will be open for drinks and snacks (until the interval end) or bring your own refreshments.

Doors open 5.00pm, performance starts 6.00pm (at both performances).

Tickets: Adults £17.99 per person, Children £5.99, Family Ticket £39.99 For more information or to book please visit: www.coolings.co.uk/events

Look out for these dishes on our specials board in Arthurs over the coming months or enjoy them at home!

Come Dine with Us Herbs can be a chef’s best friend and can really make a difference to a dish. They are quietly admired as versatile seasonings as well as offering great health benefits. Now more of us are experimenting with them at home, Arthurs Head Chef Thomas Williams shares some tasty ideas to use up easy to grow herbs*. Many of the plants featured in this article can be seen growing later this spring in our new Market Garden.

Starter

Chilli, Cranberry, Onion Seed and Coriander Glazed Chicken Wings Served with an Oriental Slaw Salad.

ped • Half a red birds eye chilli, chop ies berr cran king coo • 250g • 1 tsp onion seeds er • 2 tbsp finely chopped coriand • 1 shallot, diced • Pinch of salt • 10 trimmed chicken wings • 80g sugar • 60ml water onion/red • Very thinly julienned spring onion/bean sprouts/radish/ red pepper/carrot s to Start by frying the shallot until its start and chilli salt s, seed n onio the add ly, slight brown Add the and cook for a further few minutes. and stew cooking cranberries, water and sugar cranberries down on a medium/low heat until the cing and have softened. While the sauce is redu chicken ed thickening, gently brown your trimm until sealed all wings in a frying pan with a little oil and rest for over, remove and place on an oven tray a couple of minutes. erry glaze Add the chopped coriander_ to the cranbhand a with blitz heat the from ve remo and coating of blender. Glaze the wings with a thick C for 13 180° at oven the in place the glaze and of 75°C has minutes or until a core temperature oriental veg. been reached. Serve with your julienned

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Look out for in-store Coriander is a tender herb that is easy to grow in a frost-free location.

Available in 9cm and 1 litre pots.

Cranberries can also be grown at home – they need acidic soil (ericaceous) so are ideal grown in a pot.

Available March and April.

Words by

Thomas Williams

Arthurs Head Chef

Main

Look out for in-store

Slow Braised Butter and Rosemary Fillet of Beef (Other cuts can be used i.e.

Sirloin, Rump, Silverside, Topside)

med) • 750g fillet of beef (larder trim • 150g salted butter • 8 large sprigs of rosemary • Half bulb of garlic, crushed • Salt and pepper to season cracked sea Heavily season your beef fillet with covering er pepp black nd grou salt and freshly a drizzle it all over evenly. Add the butter and ing of oil (this keeps the butter from burn led hand l meta d base y heav a to ) so easily to foam. saucepan and warm up until it starts

Rosemary ‘Miss Jessop’s Upright’ A lovely erect growing variety perfect for a sunny well drained spot.

the pan Add the rosemary and the garlic to whole your Add te. minu a for er simm and let on a over all it seal and pan beef fillet to the the meat medium/high heat. Now start basting minutes. continuously and turn over every 3-4 the Once it has been turned over fully, place for 15 pan in the oven and cook at 180°C and minutes. Take the pan out of the oven then tes minu 10 for rest meat let the ever carve your fillet and serve with what accompaniments you so wish.

Rosemary ‘Prostratus’ Did you know that there is a trailing Rosemary? Great for tumbling over a wall or grown in a pot, as equally good for culinary use as its upright cousin!

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Come Dine with Us Dessert Rhubarb, Mint & Yoghurt Eton Mess

arb • 1 stick of bright pink forced rhub ge oran t swee l • 1 smal • 1 tbsp caster sugar • 1 bunch mint • 100ml natural yoghurt nests • 100ml double cream • 2 meringue juice, cut Firstly, cut the orange in half and remove the mix this and cubes 1cm small into your fresh rhubarb leave into the orange juice you have extracted, and together aside. Whip up your double cream and sugar lly fold until it forms stiff peaks and then very carefu Crush the the natural yoghurt into the cream mixture. off the meringue nests, finely shred the mint, strain er and rhubarb and add it all, mix very carefully togeth mint. of sprig a serve with

Wash it all down with: Strawberry & Basil Gin and Tonic

& sliced • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled r suga d ulate gran e whit • 100g • Pinch of rock salt er • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepp • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar • Handful of fresh basil • 50ml of your favourite gin per glass balsamic Add the strawberries, sugar, salt, pepper and 15 minutes. to 10 for sit it Let bowl. g vinegar to a mixin gh a sieve, Blend everything up and run the puree throu and adjust discarding the seeds and pulp. Give it a taste per glass the sugar accordingly. Add 6 to 8 basil leaves all the Fill . stems the press to sure g and muddle, makin per glass, 2 glasses with ice cubes. Pour in 50 ml of gin re and top to 3 tablespoons of strawberry puree mixtu rs and flowe basil with h garnis and Stir tonic. up with r. peppe freshly ground black

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Look out for in-store Two delicious new varieties of rhubarb:

Rhubarb ‘Apple Delight’ has an

especially sweet fruity flavour and is what is termed a ‘day neutral’ variety, meaning it crops from spring until autumn unlike regular varieties which are best in spring. We also sell attractive terracotta rhubarb forcers. For an even earlier crop and the finest flavour, try the variety ‘Timperley Early’ as this is perfect for forcing.

Mint is possibly the easiest herb to grow. We sell lots of varieties but good old Garden Mint is best for all round use. Available in 9cm and 1 litre pots.

We recommend:

Strawberries are most delicious when picked fresh. Try growing some in a hanging basket!

Look out for Strawberry ‘Summer Breeze’ or ‘Ruby Ann’ which has ornamental pink flowers so is both beautiful and yummy! Both available in 9cm pots.

*Recipes are supplied by our Arthurs Head Chef Thomas Williams.These dishes will not appear on our Main Arthurs menu but will from time to time be available to order from our ‘specials’ board.

Key Dates for your Spring Diary 25th April 2019 _ Join us for a FREE tour of our Nursery at work!

If you’ve ever wondered how we manage to get 40,000 plants through our production cycle a week, then we’d love to show you how on a behind the scenes tour around our Nursery. A great opportunity to see our growers at work.

It is a free tour taking place on Thursday 25th April 2019 at 11am. There’s no need to book, just pop along on the day and let reception know you are here for the Nursery tour. Don’t worry if you can’t make this date, shorter tours are available during May _ full details at www.coolings.co.uk/events

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Start them

Young!

If you want to have a go at growing your own plants but not sure you have enough time to grow them from seed, why not grow them from when they are young (starter) plants?

If you have a growing area that is light and frost free, these young starter plants can be given the boost they need to ensure that come late spring, you have much larger plants

for your garden. Earlier planting will mean earlier flowering when the frosts have passed. Our huge selection of starter plants followed by main season bedding are here waiting to tempt you!

(See our starter plant offer on page 16).

Words by

Annika Strand berg Limited growing space?

Young plants are an easy, economical way to ensure your garden is full of long lasting, vibrant summer colour and will give you more satisfaction than buying finished plants, as you can watch your floral creations develop and bloom into real showstoppers.

ARE STARTER PLANTS ONLY H RC MA IN E AVAILABL LAST! KS OC HURRY WHILE ST

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If you need something portable try the Movable Garden (77cm x 58cm, £47.79).

It has 6 wheels and would be ideal for growing vegetables, herbs or young plants.

Alternatively, try our Grow Elho Movable Garden Table Trough with 6 wheels XXL (on legs) £32.29.

The Grow Table lid (cover) £18.99 Elho Grow is also Table Trough available.

Propagating plants from seed If you are going to propagate plants from seed this year, we have plenty of solutions that will help you on the way to success.

Here are just a few of our most popular: •

•

• • •

• • • • • • •

•

•

GroZone flat-packed Greenhouses start from £24.99 (for a tomato greenhouse) up to £129.99 (for a pro tunnel), replacement covers available.

Grobags: Levingtons Giant Tomorite/ Veg Planter £5.29 (a thicker bag for better moisture control).

Grobag Supports x 3 £6.99 Grobag Tray £9.99 (Garland or Stewarts) New Horizon Peat Free Organic Planter £5.99 Root Trainers Rapid or Deep £9.49 Windowsill Greenhouse £3.65 Mini High-Domed Propagator x 3 £4.29 Peat Pots £2.50 per pack Coco Pellets £3.99 per pack Perlite/Vermiculite 10L £9.99, 20L £15.99 VegTrugs all FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) Wood: Small (1m) £119.99 Medium (1.8m) £169.99 or Wallhugger: Small (1m) £109.99. Coldframes and covers available.

Raised beds: Panacea Painted Metal Raised Bed (119x66x30.5cm) £49.99.

Also available with legs which is NEW for this season.

Cloches: Poly, Fleece and Micromesh varieties (all 40x50x310cm, £12.99).

Plain, simple, plastic pots in numerous sizes from 20p (9cm) up to £20 (130L).

Smart Garden GroZone Greenhouse (Tomato)

Haxnicks Root Trainer

Micromesh Cloche

VegTrug Wallhugger

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Lawn Feed

On Trial: It was always going to be a challenge but last summer’s heatwave certainly didn’t make testing lawn feeds an easy job! Normally, the lawn is the centrepiece to most summer gardens and feeding it regularly makes all the difference to its appearance, but last year the scorching heat and constant threat of a hosepipe ban seemed to

Application We asked our testers to apply the feed using a Scotts EverGreen Drop Spreader and to apply the feed as per the bag instructions. The majority of our testers had not used a spreader before and all our testers found the spreader very easy to use, with only one tester having trouble with its assembly. All testers agreed that the spreader helped ensure a balanced distribution of the feed resulting in an even spread – preferable to the result when applied by hand. Those applying the Hygeia and Scotts products all said that they found the twice-yearly application much more appealing

get the better of most of our luscious lawns. Nevertheless, 12 of our willing customers tested three of our most popular lawn feeds for us and despite the weather making the real effects of the products difficult to assess, here’s what they found…

(N.B. Testers were asked to begin the trial from the 1st May 2018. The star ratings given are based on 5 stars being Excellent – 1 star being Poor).

than Scotts products EverGreen (such as Drop Spreader Westland £37.49 SafeLawn) that were necessary to apply every 3-4 weeks.

However, applying Westland’s every 3-4 weeks was not raised as an issue by any of its testers. Average star rating for Scotts EverGreen Drop Spreader assembly and use: 5.

WESTLAND SAFE LAWN (Feed, Weed and Moss Killer) £24.99 a bag (400m²)

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existing moss was mainly eliminated and new growth was inhibited following application. However, the effect on weeds was noticeably variable with the majority finding that whilst daisies, dandelions and several other weeds declined slightly, clover seemed to thrive more than usual.

Average star rating 3.5.

Value for money and recommendation At £24.99 a bag (treating 400m²), it is the best value bag of feed of the three tested. The feedback on price was split, with half saying they thought the price was fair considering the results and would buy again/recommend to a friend. The other half claiming the price was too high and would not buy or recommend. Despite the

fact that this feed has to be applied more regularly than the other two, its overall results and price, along with its safeguard against using around children and pets, gives it a good competitive edge.

Westland SafeLawn

Lawn growth and condition Testers that applied before or after the really hot weather hit seemed to notice a difference in growth, thickness and greenness of their lawn within the first three weeks after application. Average star rating for thickness and greenness: 4. A few testers saw a slight improvement to the bare patches already found in their lawn but none were cured or completely covered. As this product claims to be 100% organic and safe to use around children and pets, the majority of testers stated that they would buy this product based on that statement above other products that were not equally as safe.

Weeds and moss The majority of testers found that

SCOTTS EVERGREEN COMPLETE 4 in 1 (Feed, Weed and Moss Killer), £24.99 a bag (360m²) Lawn growth and condition This product seemed to fair unfavourably. Most testers saw no improvement in thickness or growth, and the few that did, said it took at least six weeks to do so.

Most testers did not provide a star rating for the thickness, growth or greenness of their lawn as they saw no change, except for one who rated 5 stars for thickness and 4 stars for its green colour. Most saw no change in the bare patches in their lawn with a few claiming the patches had actually worsened. One tester saw no improvement at the start but claims progress now, with some starting to fill in. It is advised not to use the product around children or pets.

Weeds and moss Although this product seems effective at killing weeds and moss, the majority of testers found that as a result they were left with more

bare/brown patches. So, although the average star rating for killing moss and weeds was 5, it would appear that the resulting effect on the lawn would hamper half the testers from buying again.

Value for money and recommendation Of all three products, this is the most expensive per metre squared.

In terms of improving the growth/ thickness or greenness of lawns, this feed did not fair too well this time.

We would like to stress again that this trial took place over one of the hottest summers for many years and the real benefit of the products were very difficult to assess. Despite the unimpressive growth, half of the testers said they would buy again/ recommend to others, due to it being a reasonable price and its excellent success at killing weeds.

Scotts EverGreen Complete 4 in 1

HYGEIA GREEN FORCE (Feed, Weed and Moss Killer) £29.99 a bag (750m²) Lawn growth and condition The majority of testers seemed to see a noticeable difference in growth and thickness within a month, with one tester claiming that with heavy rainfall after the first application the lawn grew “quickly and thickly with less weeds” and “grew greener than the neighbour’s lawn”.

Average star rating for thickness and growth: 4.

The majority saw a small improvement in the lawn’s green colour _ Average star rating: 4.5.

The majority of testers said they saw an improvement in bare patches.

However, new patches seem to have formed in some lawns with one noticing a small deterioration in the overall lawn condition. It is advised not to use the product around children or pets.

Weeds and moss All testers agreed that there was a reduction in moss, clover and other weeds. Some have claimed that weeds started to regrow after a time.

Average star rating: 3.

Value for money and recommendation Great value for money as this bag treats nearly twice the amount (750m²) than the EverGreen Complete and Westland bags for only £29.99. The majority said they found the price fair considering the results, the ease of use/application and said they would buy again and recommend to a friend. One tester was undecided due to the bare patches in their lawn being quite extensive, despite remaining a good green colour.

Hygeia Green Force Note to readers: It is important to state that the results from this trial are based on the feedback received from our testers and are only to act as a guide. Last summer’s hot weather played a considerable role in the mixed results that were found. Some testers applied as instructed but some waited until the real heat subsided. Some watered sparingly due to saving water. Please bear this in mind when reading this article.

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Spring Fresh Style IN YOUR HOME

Words by

Nicky Peto

Spring is often a key time of year to give a home a fresh look _ the human nesting instinct in decorative form. Back in January, our Houseplant and Gift Buyer, Nicky Peto, flew out to Holland to handpick new season merchandise from the Dutch home interiors range (PTMD) that is now in stock here at Coolings. A beautiful collection of pots, glassware, candles, artificial glassware and other accessories that will bring plenty of inspiration to enhance the decoration of your home.

Trends to look out for in 2019 Uplifting hues are a wonderful way to welcome in spring. Tranquil tones of green that harmonise with almost any other shade, along with nature inspired prints, are always very popular. One only has to look to nature to see the way that green can complement almost any other colour in the natural world.

Exotic leaf prints are a big trend for the coming season. These patterns will be found on pots, glass items and metal frames _ combine these with natural items for a truly exotic look.

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Art Deco design in golden shades and metal tones are also very much a big trend for the season. Most of the PTMD products are handmade giving a truly unique and individual look as no two are the same. In some cases there may be only fifty of an item in the world. So, we have to be quick to select the best and bring it to Coolings. Indoor plants grouped together in some of the lovely pots and containers look good and make a personal statement. They are also beneficial to our wellbeing as many absorb the chemical elements found in our furnishings and cleaning products we use daily – they clean the air making for a much more healthy environment – every home should have a few houseplants for their beneficial properties.

Cacti and Succulents are the on-trend house plants of the moment. Their popularity is owed to the fact they are easy to care for and not taking up too much room. They come in so many interesting shapes and forms which makes them a popular choice. Plant a few in a decorative pot or in a glass terrarium. Pots and terrariums planted up look really great grouped together.

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Our team can scarify and feed your lawn to help it recover from last year’s heatwave. We can even repair any bare patches that may be stopping you from achieving the perfect lawn.

BOOKING NOW OPEN! Call for more information: 01959 532 269

After 35 years at our site in Chelsfield Village the family owned Koi Water Barn which was initially started by John Pitham, has moved to Coolings following the sale of the Lilly’s Farm Site.

This is an exciting time for Koi Water Barn and gives us a chance to build a bespoke modern Koi and Water Garden Centre along with creating something for people to visit and keep revisiting with numerous attractions in and around our new shop!! We will have something for everyone, top end koi for the decerning koi keeper, down to goldfish, water features, and water plants.

If the idea of getting into koi keeping or water gardening is something you have thought about but need some help Koi Water Barn is the place to come so that we can help you achieve your dreams.

The business is still owned by John’s son Tony Pitham, but he now spends his time between South Africa and Koi Water Barn Dubai, along with still visiting Japan to purchase koi for top end hobbyists, and for the shop. Since moving overseas the running of the business has been left to Keith Holmes.

Keith Holmes - Keith has worked at the Barn since 1996 and joined the Barn from Sparsholt College where he was studying ornamental fisheries management. Over the twenty plus years that Keith has been at the Barn he has authored four books on Koi and has had over 300 articles published worldwide, and is respected for his extensive knowledge of the koi industry and koi health as a speciality.

Andrew Logan - Andrew has been at the Barn for coming on to twenty years now literally starting as a weekend helper, after being a customer all those years ago. Andrew is responsible for the shop, and has a fantastic rapport with our customers, and is always willing to help. Andrew has an extensive knowledge of all aspects of the koi hobby from helping you select your next koi, to pond design and building, and has a unique ability to solve many a problem using the numerous items we have in stock.

Mick, Mike, Dave, Molly - Experience of well over 60 years!!! Be it advice on building a pond to advice on selecting your next purchase all will be able to assist and offer the highest quality of advice as is expected from the Barn. Then there is Molly (Keith’s daughter) who has been helping at the Barn from a very young age, and is more than willing to assist in any way she can!

We are a friendly team at the Barn so please come and see us next time you’re at Coolings, and also please take note of two very special events coming up which you are more than welcome to attend.

Opening times 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm Sunday Tel: 01689 878 161 Email: info@koiwaterbarn.com Website: www.koiwaterbarn.co.uk Also follow us on facebook

Love gardening but want to learn more?

• RHS Level Qualifications • Garden Design • Beginner or more advanced • Daytime and evening options With gardening and horticultural courses covering a broad range of topics and abilities, you are sure to find one that suits your own interests and time commitments.

Visit www.coolings.co.uk/courses for more info.

Easter Weekend Offer: Buy One Get One FREE

on 1 litre Osteospermum (normally £4.99 each).

Available for 4 days only! Runs from Friday 19th - Monday 22nd April 2019 (inclusive).

Offer applies to Coolings Family members only.

A maximum of five Buy One Get One FREE Osteospermums per Family Card.

Visit Us...

Opening Times

Coolings The Gardener's Garden Centre Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7NN T: 01959 532269 E: rushmorehill@coolings.co.uk W: www.coolings.co.uk

1st April - 31st July, Mon - Sat till 5.30pm

Coolings Potted Garden Nursery Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 4NH T: 01622 737801 Coolings Green & Pleasant Main Road, Knockholt, Kent, TN14 7LJ T: 01959 534386 E: mainroad@coolings.co.uk W: www.coolingsgreenandpleasant.co.uk

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 4.30pm (Opening times at Coolings Potted Garden

Nursery and Coolings Green & Pleasant may vary).

Follow Us...

Twitter @CoolingsGC Facebook/coolingsnurseries Instagram coolingsgardencentre

Coolings Family is promoted by Coolings Nurseries Ltd. The use of all Coolings Family benefits are bound by our terms and conditions available on www.coolings.co.uk or by request.