Cuttings Winter 2012

Cuttings FREE

FROM COOLINGS

Family Gifts Christmas Decoration Ideas Top Tips For Your Tree

Coolings Christmas WINTER 2012

COOLINGS

The Gardener’s Garden Centre THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING

green & pleasant the natural place to visit

Coolings’ addresses COOLINGS

green & pleasant

The Gardener’s Garden Centre

the natural place to visit

THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING

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

Trading hours Opening Times (both sites) Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm Sunday 10.00am - 4.30pm

(Coolings, The Gardener’s Garden Centre) Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm Sunday 10.00am - 4.30pm

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

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(Coolings Green & Pleasant) Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm Sunday 10.00am - 4.30pm

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welcome to Coolings Dear Friends, Some may regard the coming weeks as a stressful time but at Coolings we can help ease that pressure in many ways. Do please browse the following pages for numerous gift ideas, many of which have been especially sourced for those ‘difficult’ people who already have everything!

With many years of experience, our Plant Team are now experts in helping you choose the ideal Christmas tree to suit your home. We also have a range of stands, pots and planters to choose from so you can display your tree.

If you already have a tree stand, bring it along and we can even trim the base of your chosen tree to fit!

As always, many of our traditional indoor plants such as Poinsettias and Cyclamen have been sourced particularly for Coolings by local growers. Long journeys across Europe endured

by many supermarket plants often cause plant stress which only manifests itself once the plant has been in your home for a couple of days, so it is reassuring that you will not experience any such issues with top quality plants bought at Coolings.

Finally, I am pleased to report that after his successful visit to us last year Santa will be returning to his woodland hideaway on the Nature Trail at Coolings Green & Pleasant at the end of November (see page 17 for more details).

As we approach the festive time of year the whole team at Coolings across both sites would like to take this opportunity of wishing all our visitors a happy and enjoyable Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Paul Cooling

Chairman Coolings

Christmas Opening Times

The Gardener’s Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill

Coolings Green & Pleasant, Main Road

Monday 24 December

Early finish

Early finish

Christmas Day

Closed

Closed

Boxing Day

Closed

Closed

Thursday 27 December

Closed

Open as normal

Friday 28 December

Closed

Open as normal

Saturday 29 December

Closed

Open as normal

Sunday 30 December

Closed

Open as normal

Monday 31 December

Closed

Open as normal

Tuesday 1 January

Closed

Closed

Wednesday 2 January

Open as normal

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November •

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•

December •

• •

•

Insulate pots left outside for the winter, especially if containing evergreens Plant fruit trees and bushes Plant garlic by the end of the month Lift and store dahlias if you are in a very cold area

January

Hardwood cuttings can be taken this month Prune grape vines before Christmas Shake snow off plants, especially conifers, to prevent bending or snapping branches Don’t forget to feed the birds and provide water regularly

• •

• •

Keep an area of the pond ice-free Sow sweet peas under cover for earlier flowers Force rhubarb this month Insulate outside taps to prevent bursts

February • • • •

Winter prune wisteria Tidy herbaceous perennials if not done in the autumn Prune roses in mild areas Start dahlia tubers into growth indoors for earlier summer flowering

Garden for November - February

By Mark Reeve, Plant Doctor

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Mark Reeve

A plant has appeared near my bird table that has lilac flowers and strange spiky fruits. What could it be?

This is almost certainly Thorn Apple (Datura stramonium), which is often found in bird seed mixes. It has probably germinated from that as it’s near your bird table. It is a member of the potato family and is poisonous, especially the fruit. The flowers are quite attractive and the plant itself is annual. If you are worried about having it in the garden then pulling it out is an easy way of control, but wear gloves when doing so.

My Solomon’s Seal plant (Polygonatum) always seems to get its leaves stripped every year by a greyish caterpillar. Is there much I can do about this?

This is a sawfly larva that is quite common on Solomon’s Seal.

Control is either picking off by hand and disposing, or using Provado Ultimate Bug Killer when the damage is first seen. Be quick with either of these as they can very soon strip a plant completely!

I have access to some fresh stable manure but somebody told me it has to be stacked for a while so it will not rob the soil of nutrients. Is this correct?

It is true that fresh manure will use nitrogen as it breaks down in the early stages. You should ideally leave it to break down 2-3 months depending on the time of year (longer in cold weather) before use. There is a chance also if it is too fresh it could scorch the foliage of certain plants.

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Roses

The Nation’s Favourite Plant

by Terry Austin

Due to the surge in popularity of the nation’s favourite plant over the last few years, we are now stocking more roses than ever before. With more than 20 new additions this year, here are some of my favourites:

Rosa “Tranquillity” An almost thornless new variety with a light apple fragrance.

• White and light yellow flowers • Light fragrance • Repeat Flowering • Height 4ft by 3ft

Rosa “Heathcliff” Named for the character in the Emily Bronte’s classic novel ‘Wuthering Heights’.

• Excellent deep crimson flowers • Strong fragrance • Repeat flowering • Height 4ft by 3ft

Rosa “Lark Ascending” Named for the famous work by English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Rosa “Boscobel” Named for the famous house in Bishopswood, Shropshire, where Charles II hid in the Royal Oak during the English Civil War. • Beautifully formed salmon flowers • Strong fragrance • Repeat flowering • Height 3ft by 2ft 6 Cuttings from Coolings

• Light apricot flowers • Light fragrance • Repeat flowering • Height 5ft by 3ft

Remember to incorporate Rootgrow, a mycorrhizal fungi, when you plant your roses. Not only does this help to establish new roses, it will overcome rose replant problems if you have had roses in the same location before.

Always use plenty of compost as well as the Rootgrow when planting.

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Coolings

Christmas Trees

by Jon Reburn What would Christmas be without a tree? There is nothing like a real Christmas tree to give your home a festive feel. Bringing a tree into the house helps connect us with nature and provides the perfect backdrop to this special time of year

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ere at Coolings we always look forward to the Christmas tree season and serving our loyal customers who come back to us year after year. We are proud to sell only British-grown premium grade cut trees and have use the same trusted suppliers in both Kent and Scotland for many years. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure our trees are delivered to us direct from the plantation in peak condition.

Traditional Norway Spruce gives you that classic shape and beautiful aromatic foliage so evocative of Christmas. Our ‘Gold Seal’ plants are the pick of the crop from the highly regarded Merrywood Plantation near Tonbridge. These trees are hand-dug for us to ensure freshness and quality.

Our ever popular Nordmann firs have beautiful glossy foliage and the very best needle retention.

This year we will also be offering a limited number of Noble Firs

which also have fantastic needle retention but a slightly more blue appearance.

Trees will be available from late November and range in size from 1ft tall pot-grown plants, ideal for the smallest space, to spectacular 16ft tall specimens to grace the largest mansion! Please note that large trees of quality are again in very short supply this year so please help us by ordering yours early.

Care for your tree by regular watering and keeping away from direct heat. We always advise customers to avoid the temptation to bring the tree inside too early!

After Christmas you can return

your tree to nature by recycling it at Coolings Green & Pleasant on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th January 2013. You will also receive a voucher for a free slice of cake in Blueberry Café during January!

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Stocking Fillers

at Coolings Green & Pleasant

by Sarah Martin

Painted Bangles – these look WAY more expensive than they actually are.

Go on, they’ll never know. £2.99 KEYCRAFT LONGTONGUED ANIMALS –

equally entertaining whether you’re seven or seventy! £1.79

Good Luck Elephants – difficult to say if they work or not but a pretty addition to any mantelpiece. £4.29

Other Suggestions Nkoku Candle Holders – handmade, eco-friendly, fair trade, but most importantly GORGEOUS. And impossible to guess what it is when it’s wrapped up. £7.99 ‘Bake Me a Cake’ Toppers – a unique way of giving a subtle hint. £3.99 Caspari Hankies – sniffle in style.. Funky everyday and Christmas designs available. 99p Wine Away (Purse Size) – I have been known to travel many miles – after a hideous incident with an expensive rug – to purchase this item, and now we sell it ourselves! Ideal for those inevitable Christmas/New Year accidents. £7.99 LOLLIA LIP BALM – a fabulous treat, and the product is just as lovely as the box it comes in (though not as sparkly). £11.99 8 Cuttings from Coolings

Gifts

For Him at Coolings Green & Pleasant

Malcolm Root’s ‘Railway Paintings’ – a truly beautifully produced book harking back to a bygone era. £19.99

Other Suggestions

DRH Camembert Bakers – this is a great gift: good price, good presentation AND you get to eat gooey cheese once you’ve bought it for him.

What’s not to love? £15.99

Kadai Fire Bowls – look, every man loves a fire, it’s one of those primeval things. Can be used as a barbecue, but primary use is to keep you toasty whilst standing looking at the pretty flames. Prices from £164.99 Gibson’s Jigsaw Puzzles – I’m actually a traditionalist when it comes to jigsaws, and these are the original AND best. Prices from £9.99 Haddenstone Birdbaths – from the leading manufacturer of garden ornaments and now at an affordable price! Frost resistant too. Prices from £99 Magic Decanters – for those wine connoisseurs amongst you. Though please can you explain to me how it works?! £19.99 Transomnia Slate Picture Frames – ideal for those minimalist interiors (picture of you optional). £7.99 upwards

Weber Barbecues – you genuinely can cook your Christmas turkey in one! And if you buy it for him you get to choose the colour. Prices from £49 for a Smokey Joe Cuttings from Coolings 9

Gifts For Her

at Coolings Green & Pleasant

Tottering-by-Gently Hob Covers – for all Aga owners everywhere: you need to look at these carefully to appreciate the subtle differences between He Makes Coffee and She Makes Coffee: sniggers guaranteed. £9.99

Collectively Artisan Pottery – beautiful hand-crafted jewel-toned tableware, the jugs are ideal for everyday use or that impromptu bunch of flowers, the bowls make stunning table centrepieces. Prices from £3.99 for an egg cup

Other Suggestions

Peacock Martini Glasses – iridescent glassware that’s striking enough for display only but can make that end of day drink an even greater pleasure… and we sell olives. £11.99

Two Bad Mice Mugs – a new addition to their very lovely range of cards and wrap, these are the sweetest mugs in the cutest ever boxes: I defy anyone not to go ‘ahhhhhhh’ when they see them. £11.99 Turtlemats – I’ve got one of these and absolutely swear by it: its washable AND you can choose one which matches your hallway (which is really important to some of us!) Assorted designs £49.99 Shruti Velvet Bags - lovely muted tones for winter: available in grey, plum and teal. Elegant, sophisticated and big enough to get absolutely everything into. Prices from £29.99 Heyland & Whittle Rattan Reed Diffusers – my favourite spot in the whole shop is next to this stand, the smell is to die for! Scents include Wild Lemongrass, Rose & Neroli, Citrus & Teatree’. Refills available. £21.99 ‘Doris’ Vintage Rose Apron - Channelling the 1950’s look: Buttons!

Frills! Florals! The cinched waist is fabulously flattering too! £15.99 10 Cuttings from Coolings

Gifts For Kids

at Coolings Green & Pleasant

Meri Meri Robot Notecards – something to play with after writing those post-Christmas thank you cards. £15.99

World’s Best Bug Viewer – does exactly what is says on the tin.

Comes complete with its own plastic spider to practise on. £4.29

Other Suggestions

Jellycats – the one delivery everyone in the shop fights to unpack (and I win every time).

My personal favourite this year is Humpty (remember Play School?), but the list and choices are endless. From £3.99 for a finger puppet

Owl and the Pussycat Breakfast Set – and it even comes in its own suitcase! £21.99 Flower Press – you had one, every child should have one (especially those possessing of a Nature Trail pass) £8.49 Children’s Wigwam – our shopfloor model is hugely popular with children, ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Why didn’t these exist when I was little? Cowboy, Fairy or Union Jack designs available £88.99 Eddingtons Cookie Cutters – forget gingerbread men, be more adventurous! Choose from an orange beaver, a blue teapot, a lime Tyrannosaurus rex and many many more. £1.49 Cuttings from Coolings 11

Top Tips for

Tree Decoration At Coolings Green & Pleasant

By John Poland

P

utting up Christmas decorations is never really a chore, it is one of those fun things the whole family can enjoy doing together and the end result is a glittering acknowledgment that the festive season has finally arrived. A little advance preparation and following a few ‘top tips’ will get you on your way, as will a steady supply of mince pies. (This has always worked for me!) I’m not a believer in ‘less is more’: if you can’t go a little over the top at Christmas, when can you? However, whether doing a tree or a garland over the mantelpiece, following a couple of basic principles will keep you on track.

My first tip is to

try always to get as much contrast as possible to achieve the most visually exciting effect. Look for differences in size, shape, colour, tone and texture. As usual we have bought in a wonderful selection of decorations which will leave you spoilt for choice; from lovely child-friendly pâpiér mache and knitted creations to filigree metalwork and glass decorations.

Tip two is to look for themes you can expand on. As always our ranges have developed and moved on, so you won’t necessarily have to start from scratch – and our friendly staff can advise you and help you get the most from your purchases.

If you were thinking of investing in an artificial tree this year, we have some real stunners for you to choose from. My personal choice is the 7’ Western Cedar; at £235 this is excellent value, and as the branches are hinged you will never lose one again. I took the plunge a couple of years ago and haven’t looked back

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since – no dropped needles even when the tree went up in November and came down in February! The tip here is to allow plenty of time to fluff up the branches, as this will give you the fullest-looking tree.

For a 7’ tree (either real or artificial) you will need a set of 200 lights for basic coverage, but the tip here for a really dazzling display is to use at least two sets. Sometimes, the multi-function on lights can be a little overwhelming; however, this year we are stocking a set from Konst-Smide (retailing for £39.99) which has a mixture of static and twinkling lights for a much softer effect.

I always think that decorating your mantelpiece or fireplace to co-ordinate with your tree will deliver the real ‘wow’ factor. The more adventurous amongst you will start with a plain garland that you can decorate yourselves.

Try grouping the decorative elements at one end as this can be very effective. However, if you are using a fairly traditional palette we have done the hard work for you with two beautiful pre-made garlands that can be used both inside and out. These are a mixture of blood-red Poinsettias, red berries and pine sprigs. 180cm Whistler Pine and Poinsettia Garland £36.99. Powered by a battery pack, you can add a little sparkle to staircases without the need for a power point nearby, or having

electric cables lying in wait to trip you up early on Christmas morning!

My final tip is to spend time on a few finishing touches (and I don’t mean moving a few decorations to better places when everyone else has gone to bed – admit it, we’ve all done it!) However careful you are, there will always be a few gaps. Making a simple wired ribbon can be an ideal solution. I find that nine bows can be made from a standard roll of ribbon. We have a lovely selection to choose from by Gisella Graham this Christmas, with prices starting from as low as £1.99! It really can alter the look of your tree. (Gisela Merry Christmas Ribbon 3m £1.99 and Sheer Ribbon with pink dots £11.99).

As an extra detail, make the tails really long and twist them around a cardboard tube, thereby creating a beautiful spiralled streamer.

If this has helped to inspire you and you want to see how its done, why not book our ‘Breakfast with the Experts’ and join me for some behind the scenes tips? (see page 23 for details).

All the staff at Coolings Green & Pleasant would like to wish you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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Xmas Themes 2012

At Coolings Green & Pleasant

Highland Charm A natural theme designed for lovers of all things countryside. Your favourite woodland characters surrounded by a richly-woven tapestry of holly and berries accented with just a hint of highland tartan. Reds and greens predominate.

Cool Yule A stylish modern take on a traditional classic. Sophisticated earth tones nestle alongside twinkling silvers and blues, adding an extra dimension to our snow and ice theme.

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All That Glitters A fabulously opulent and sumptuous array of sparkling shades of gold. Any tree decorated with this theme will be positively dripping with sophisticated glamour. Perfect for those who celebrate in style!

Paint Box This range is the ideal choice for children.

Make a splash using a palette of bright and cheerful party colours. Be brash and don’t worry if your colours clash, anything goes for this young and exuberant theme!

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Birchcraft Not really a theme but we had to have it as it’s ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! Beautiful hand-painted Scandinavian chic, a perfect addition to any Christmas collection. Simply hang these unique decorations on bare twigs so you can appreciate all their fine detailing.

Fair to Trade A little theme with a big heart. Ethically-sourced and hand-made, the decorations in this collection will inspire and delight. A reminder of the true spirit of Christmas is enshrined in an olivewood Nativity scene hand-crafted in Bethlehem itself.

Santa’s Woodland Hideaway At Coolings Green & Pleasant

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e are really excited to be able to announce that Santa has accepted our invitation to include us in his busy schedule again this Christmas. He will be arriving in style on Saturday 24th November at 11.00am, and will be staying in his special woodland hideaway on the Nature Trail.

Santa will be joined by his old friend Scott the polar bear who will do his best to make him feel at home in a wintry wonderland of snow and ice. Elf helpers will be on hand to ensure an enjoyable visit helping youngsters with a special letter to Santa or festive colouring sheets before they meet the man himself.

Visitors will receive a small seasonal gift as a memento of a very special day.

Bookings Bookings If you would like to book to see Santa during November and December please telephone 01959 534386 for available times and dates. As this was very popular last year we would suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.

Visits are £7.50 per child and will include a free family day pass to the Nature Trail.

Santa will be available on the following dates: Saturday 24th November – Santa is expected to arrive at 11am Sunday 25th November Saturday 1st December Sunday 2nd December Saturday 8th December Sunday 9th December Saturday 15th December – Sunday 23rd December inclusive First Booking 9.30am Last booking 4.40pm

By Melissa Clark If you are looking for a family get together in wonderfully festive surroundings, turn a day out shopping into an event, or finish off a trip to our Nature Trail with a slap-up meal, why not book a deliciously indulgent Christmas lunch at Coolings Green & Pleasant? This year our friendly team would love to welcome you to celebrate the season of goodwill with a two or three course lunch served in our Blueberry Café

T

hose of you who have enjoyed our popular late-night Thursdays throughout the year will know that we know how to put on a spread!

Whether you want to go for the traditional turkey option or be more adventurous with our baked plaice with black butter, expert cooking and quality from our fabulous chef Mark are guaranteed.

For those looking for something a bit different, how about our bookable Christmas cream or high tea? Enjoy Bucks Fizz or mulled wine, with mince pies or cakes. Get together with a group of friends and treat yourselves – after all that Christmas shopping you deserve it!

Christmas Lunch Starters

Mains

Desserts

Smoked Duck Breast with a Pear, Hazelnut & Spinach salad and Red Wine dressing

Traditional Roast Turkey with all the trimmings

Christmas Pudding with Cream or Custard

Baked Plaice with Black Butter served with Broccoli Cheese and sautéed Potatoes

Winter Berry Trifle with Honeycomb topping

Brie & Cranberry Strudel and Radish & Celery coleslaw

Roast Butternut Squash with Mascarpone, Parmesan & Sage stuffing served with sautéed Courgettes and Lyonnaise Potatoes

Roasted Beetroot Soup with warm home baked Bread

Christmas Cream Tea

ONLY £9.99 PER PERSON

Glass of Bucks Fizz or Mulled Wine / Mince Pie / Scone, Jam and Cream / Unlimited Tea and Coffee / Festive Cracker

Christmas High Tea

ONLY £16.99 PER PERSON

Lemon Syllabub with Brandy Snap biscuits 2 Course lunch £18.95 3 Course lunch £22.95 Available Monday 3rd December – Thursday 20th December (not weekends)

Booking now!

Mel 01959 534386

Glass of Bucks Fizz or Mulled Wine / Selection of Sandwiches / Selection of Cakes / Mince Pie / Petit and Strawberries / Unlimited Tea and Coffee / Festive Cracker 18Fours Cuttings from Coolings

Sign up to

Cuttings

& Win

Online O

ur lovely friends at the Stag Community Arts Centre in Sevenoaks have given us a wonderful prize. We have one family ticket (worth £46) to give away for Aladdin, this year’s Christmas pantomime, starring Boyzone’s Shane Lynch!

Ahead of Boyzone’s 20th anniversary tour next year, Irish superstar Shane Lynch will be starring as the villain Abanazar in this year’s Christmas pantomime, Aladdin, at the Stag Community Arts Centre, Sevenoaks, which starts on Saturday 8 December and runs through to Sunday 6 January 2013. Shane will be joined by acting heavyweight, the Olivier-nominated Tony Haygarth, whose acting credits include The Tempest at the National Theatre and numerous TV and film roles such as Emmerdale and Where The Heart Is. We have one family ticket (worth £46) to give away for the VIP opening performance for

Aladdin on Saturday 8 December 2012.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply sign up on our website for the online version of our Cuttings newsletter and the winner will be picked at random from the new subscribers. .

Deadline for entries is Thursday 22 November 2012. (Winners will be notified by return email. Winners will be selected at random from addresses submitted between Monday 22nd October and Thursday 22 November 2012. No cash alternative. Tickets may not be exchanged. Tickets are valid for evening performance on Saturday 8 December 2012.

The competition is not open to employees of the Stag or Coolings Nurseries Ltd. Family tickets are for four seats, maximum two adults).

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Christmas Lunch

By Karen Howard

With all the changes in Arthurs, this year has flown by and Christmas is nearly upon us. The whole team is looking forward to welcoming all our customers who have already booked to have Christmas Lunch with us during December

I

f you haven’t booked your Christmas Lunch just yet, then ring us now on 01959 532269 to enquire about places. You can enjoy a delicious 3-course Christmas Meal for only £23.95 per person. (A £6 per person, non-refundable deposit is required when booking.) Lunches start on Monday 3rd December and continue until Friday 14th December, not including weekends.

This year we have a special treat in store, our bakers have been very busy cooking up a seasonal surprise! Why not try a Coolings Christmas Cake or Plum, Pudding? Made from the finest ingredients and homemade in our kitchens, they are the perfect treat for any festive table. Our Christmas Cakes are £8.50 and our Plum Puddings are only £6.00 (1lb) and £12.00 (2lb).

Starters

Mains

Homemade Carrot and Red Lentil Soup

Roast Breast of Turkey from our local butcher, served with all the Seasonal Trimmings

Red Onion Tarte Tartin served with Pea Shoot Salad and Balsamic Glaze Wild Mushroom in Port & Stilton Sauce served with a chunk of Rustic Bread Ultimate Shrimp Cocktail with homemade Marie Rose Sauce on a crisp Little Gem Leaf, garnished with a King Prawn

Chargrilled Swordfish direct from the Kent coast, served in Citrus Butter Sauce with New Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas and Baby Corn Pan-fried Duck Breast served with Thyme Potato Cake, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts and Leeks, with homemade Spiced Duck Gravy Chargrilled Vegetable Stack served with Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

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Desserts

Homemade Traditional Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce Homemade White Chocolate & Berry Tart served with Chantilly Cream Slow Poached Pear in Mulled Wine served with Mascarpone Cream A selection of three Cheeses and assorted Biscuits

To Finish Fresh Filter Coffee and homemade Mince Pie

Houseplants

Festive Season

for the

by Nicky Peto

T

he festive season is nearly upon us once again, traditionally the time for giving. Plants make a really pleasing gift at this time of year and whether you choose an individual plant or a planted arrangement the recipient is always grateful. We offer a complimentary gift wrap service to further enhance your selection. It is obviously best to know where the plant would be placed, as a chilly room would not be suitable for a Poinsettia which originates from Mexico where it grows like a weed. These very festive plants require warmth and good light away from draughts. Poinsettias come in a superb range of colours, ranging from pale cream bracts through to deep red, the most popular being scarlet.

Cyclamen The lovely Cyclamen is happiest in a cool light room or porch and will suffer if put in a warm room, where it will quickly collapse.

Orchids Orchids are also a very popular choice for a gift. With their exotic blooms, these stunning plants provide weeks if not months of colour. The most popular orchid is the Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid, which come in a huge range of colours with various petal patterns. Cymbidium Orchids make a grand statement with their lovely stems of waxy flowers; however they do need quite a bit of space to show them off to their best advantage.

Azalea The showy Azalea originates from eastern Asia where it inhabited cool humid mountain forests. It will last much longer if not subjected to too warm an environment. These lovely plants do need to be kept moist, never allowing the root ball to dry out.

Planted arrangements of indoor plants are always a good choice to give – we plant together those plants with similar requirements so they grow happily in harmony. If you require a specific colour scheme, we will be happy to plant it for you. If you need any assistance in choosing any indoor plant please do ask us and we will be happy to help.

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EVENTS at The Gardener's Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill

Saturday 27 October, 10am-5pm MEET THE EXPERTS Apple Day Saturday 27 October, 2:30pm MEET THE EXPERTS An Audience with Steve Bradley* in the Lecture Room Thursday 1 November, 10:30am MEET THE EXPERTS Cleve West - From Spuds to Chelsea* in the Lecture Room

EVENTS at Coolings Green & Pleasant

Thursday 25 October, 10am, 11am, 12 noon & 1.30pm STORYTELLING FOR THE UNDER 5’S* (KIPPER’S TOYBOX) Come and join the fun as favourite children’s stories are brought to life in special storytelling sessions for the under 5’s at 10am, 11am, 12 noon and 1.30pm. £4.50 per child, Little Seedlings lunch included. Must be pre-booked.

Thursday 25 October – “Kipper’s Toybox” Thursday 29 November – “We’re going on a bear hunt!”

Friday 2 November, 9:30am FLORISTRY WITH MYRA LESTER ‘All Wired Up’* in the Lecture Room Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 November ORPINGTON ART CLUB EXHIBITION in the Lecture Room Friday 30 November 9am A DAY OUT WITH COOLINGS AT PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR Join us as we visit the 13th annual Victorian Festival of Christmas in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard See page 24 for details Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 December EAST SURREY WOODTURNERS EXHIBITION & CRAFT SALE in the Lecture Room Friday 21 December 9.30AM FLORISTRY WITH MYRA LESTER ‘Christmas Door Greeting’* in the Lecture Room Saturday 27 October, Saturday 24 November, Saturday 22 December FARMERS MARKETS

Items marked with an * need to be pre booked see pg 25 for booking form

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Saturday 27 October – Sunday 4 November, 10am-4pm daily BUSY BEE’S WOODLAND WALK Half Follow Busy bee around the Nature Trail, Term answer 10 easy questions and get a prize.

Activ ity FREE with Nature Trail entry.

No need to pre-book.

Monday 29 & Wednesday 31 October, 11am HALLOWEEN COOKIE WORKSHOP* Make some special Halloween cookies with our Cookery Expert. Enjoy a delicious lf a H Term y picnic style lunch while your cookies are Activit baking! £8.95 per child aged 5+. Includes lunch in Blueberry Café. Must be pre-booked.

Tuesday 30 October & Thursday 1 November, 11am BUILD A BUG OR BIRD BOX* These exciting hands-on workshops provide children with a great opportunity to build their own wooden Bug or Bird Box to take home and use in the garden. All tools and Half materials are provided, children are just Term Activity asked to bring along a responsible adult and lots of enthusiasm! £8.95 per child, min. age 5 yrs.

BLUEBERRY CAFÉ Monday 29 October - Friday 2 November Thursday 22 November, 6-9pm HARRIS HOSPISCARE LIGHT UP A LIFE: A CEREMONY OF REMEMBRANCE’ followed by a Christmas shopping open evening: 10% of all sales will go directly to the Charity.

CHOCOLATE WEEK Blueberry Café becomes a chocoholic’s heaven!

Monday 5 – Friday 9 November SAUSAGE WEEK Goes with a bang-er!

Tuesday 13 November, 10am onwards

Saturday 24 November, 11am Santa arrives at Coolings Green & Pleasant

HARRIS HOSPISCARE COFFEE MORNING at Blueberry Café, informal, relaxed social meeting

Saturday 24 November 12 noon SANTA’S WOODLAND HIDEAWAY OPENS. Santa will be available on the following dates:

Sunday 25th November Saturday 1st December Sunday 2nd December Saturday 8th December Sunday 9th December Saturday 15th December – Sunday 23rd December inclusive First Booking 9.30am, Last Booking 4.40pm Must be pre-booked. £7.50 per child.

Phone on 01959 534386 for availability.

Thursday 29 November, Sessions are at 10am, 11am, 12 noon & 1.30pm STORYTELLING FOR THE UNDER 5’S* ‘We’re going in a bear hunt!’ Come and join in the fun as favourite children’s stories are brought to life in special story telling sessions for the under 5’s.

Little Seedlings lunch included, must be pre-booked.

Items marked with an * need to be pre booked see pg 27 for booking form

Friday 23 November, 9am BREAKFAST WITH EXPERTS CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING* Join our Visual Merchandising Manager for a demonstration on decorating techniques. With advice, hints and tips on colour schemes, themes and stories, it’s so much more than just hanging baubles and tinsel on the tree! £10 per person. Full English Breakfast in Blueberry Café included Thursday 17 January 2013, 8am BREAKFAST WITH THE EXPERTS BIRDWATCHERS BREAKFAST* Join us for a peaceful early morning visit to our Bird Hide and enjoy a walk around our Nature Trail, the best time to spot birds and wildlife as they enjoy a quiet start to the day. £10 per person. Full English Breakfast in Blueberry Café included FOOD NIGHTS @ BLUEBERRY CAFÉ £19.99 person. Tables can be booked between 6.30-9pm. Blueberry Café is a licensed premises.

Thursday 15 November “Winter Warmer” Join us for a delicious 3-course meal of winter favourites.

To book please ring Mel on 01959 534386

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A Day Out with

Coolings Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Victorian Christmas Fair Join us as we visit the 13th annual Victorian Festival of Christmas in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard A huge variety of colourful characters and entertainment From the moment you arrive you will be greeted by the music of Jazz Magic, Festival Brass and Rose & Thistle Pipe Band, the firing and drumming of the Fort Cumberland Guard.

A taste of days gone by…

There will be snow in the air and underfoot as you take a stroll along the Dickensian-style street amongst chimney sweeps, wenches, gentry and "Victorian Strollers" and keep your eyes peeled for Fagin and his gang of pickpockets and Penny Farthings whizzing by!

Pull up a chair in the beautifully ornate Fagin's Tavern and join in the programme of toe-tapping entertainment!

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

Timetable: Depart Coolings:

9am

Arrive Portsmouth:

11am approximately.

Depart Portsmouth: 5.30pm Arrive Coolings:

7.30pm approximately

Friday 30 November 2012.

Cost per person 24 £45 Cuttings from Coolings

for your loved ones at over 140 gift stalls, the Historic Dockyard retailers and Boutique market.

Amazing World-Class Attractions Your ticket includes entry to the attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. See the National Museum of the Royal Navy in its Centenary year, HMS Warrior 1860 celebrating the 150th anniversary of her launch, plus HMS Victory, Action Stations and boat trips around Portsmouth Harbour (weather permitting).

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

Make a Note From spring we will be running an interesting programme of speakers and special excursions, including a trip to David Austin Roses Centre in Albrighton, Wolverhampton. Check the March edition of ‘Cuttings from Coolings’ for information and booking forms, or keep an eye on our website.

Booking form COOLINGS

The Gardener’s Garden Centre THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING

Coolings The Gardener’s Garden Centre No. of Tickets

Cost

Events

Date

Meet the Experts “An Audience with Steve Bradley”

Saturday 27 October 2.30pm

£10 per person

Meet the Experts “Cleve West - From Spuds to Chelsea”

Thursday 1 November 10.30am

£20 per person

Floristry with Myra Lester “All Wired Up”

Friday 2 November

£25 per person, includes Lunch

“Christmas Door Greeting”

Friday 21 December 9.30am

£25 per person, includes Lunch

A Day out with Coolings “Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Victorian Christmas Fair”

Friday 30 November 9:30am

£45 per person,

Total Cost £

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

Address .................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... Postcode ......................................................

Telephone Number ...............................................................................................................................................................................

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

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

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

Last three digits of Security No ___ ___ ___

Expiry Date ___ ___ / ___ ___

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

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

Cuttings from Coolings 25

Hellebore Weekend

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 February 2013

by Lesley Webster

Hellebores are so easy to grow and they are happy in shade, a problematic aspect in many people’s gardens. Winter or early spring flowering, their beautiful blooms are something to look forward to in the bleak cold weather!

As usual over this weekend we will have a large variety of hellebores for you to choose from, so make a note of the date in your diary.

The Perfect

Christmas Present

A Spring Clean For Your Garden!

by Lesley Webster

We can spring clean your garden during February/ March, making sure it is ready for the new season.

Whether it’s weeding the borders or pruning shrubs our expert teams are ready to tackle the winter debris and leave your garden looking great for the start of the spring season.

Our service is available the following postcodes in : • • • •

BR 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 DA 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16 SE 9, 12 TN 13, 14, 15, 16

26 Cuttings from Coolings

One Day Spring Clean from 9.30am to 4pm with a team of two, available in postcode areas as shown below. Only £285.

Please call Lesley on 01959 532269 for further details and to book.

green & pleasant the natural place to visit

Events

g form Bookin Green s Cooling t an s & Plea

Date

Time

No. of Tickets Cost

STORYTELLING FOR UNDER 5’s ‘Kipper’s Toybox’ (All children must be accompanied)

Thu 25 Oct

10am 11am 12 noon 1.30pm

£4.50 per child, includes Lunch

HALLOWEEN COOKIE WORKSHOP (Minimum age 5 yrs, must be accompanied)

Mon 29 Oct

11am

Wed 31 Oct

11am

£8.95 per child, includes Lunch

BUILD A BUG OR BIRD BOX WORKSHOP (Minimum age 5 yrs, must be accompanied)

Tue 30 Oct

11am

Thu 1 Nov

11am

STORYTELLING FOR UNDER 5’s ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt!’ (All children must be accompanied)

Thu 29 Nov

10am 11am 12 noon 1.30pm

£8.95 per child, includes materials £4.50 per child, includes Lunch

Total Cost £

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

Address ................................................................................................................................................................................................. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................ Postcode .....................................................................

Telephone Number ..........................................................................................................................................................................

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

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

I enclose a cheque for £ ______________________________ (payable to Coolings Nurseries Ltd) *Or please debit my VISA/MASTERCARD/SWITCH* (*delete as appropriate) Card No ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ Issue No (Switch only) _________________________ Last three digits of Security No ___ ___ ___ Start Date ___ ___ / ___ ___ 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 27

Have you ever thought about

joining the Coolings team?

N

icky Younger joined as a Marketing Assistant in March 2012.

“I joined the Coolings team six months ago on a part-time basis after spending a few years at home looking after my son. Because I had been away from a work environment for a while I was nervous about starting a new job with a new company, but I have been made to feel very welcome by all the staff at Coolings.

Everyone is very friendly and went out of their way to help me settle in and make me feel part of the team.

Coolings is the first company I’ve worked for that actually follows their stated values. I wanted to work for a passionate, forward-thinking company that genuinely cared for their customers and staff, and that is exactly what I have found. Everyone shares a ‘can do’ attitude, and I love the fact that staff are encouraged to input into the direction of the company through ideas and suggestions. I think Coolings has a bright future and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

If you would be interested in finding out a little more about working at Coolings, please come along to our Open Afternoon from 2pm until 5pm on Saturday 1st December 2012 in our Lecture Room at Rushmore Hill.

You will have an opportunity to meet some of our staff, ask any questions you may have and learn about our weekend and weekday vacancies for 2013.

Please call Jane on 01959 532269 or email janehopson@ coolings.co.uk to let us know if you will be attending so we have an idea of numbers. Alternatively, let us know your name and email address and we will contact you in the New Year with details of our vacancies.

Full details will also appear on our website www.coolings.co.uk in January 2013.

28 Cuttings from Coolings

Caring for Birds in Winter

by Sandra Califano Now is the time of year to give your feathered friends some high energy food to help them survive the winter months. Birds don’t hibernate like mammals do, so they puff themselves up and keep active to stay warm in the bitter cold.

Expending all this energy means that birds need the right food to keep their strength up. Birdseed alone won’t do it – birds need fat and protein too

T Recommended products:

“Tom Chambers”

er Water Tower Feed £16.99

he obvious choice for this is suet, which we sell in a variety of forms, e.g. fat balls, suet cakes, etc. Some of the new innovative ideas from Tom Chambers are Suet Candles which can be hung from a feeding station. As the birds peck away at the suet, perches for them to sit on are revealed, helping clinging birds to feed well. We also have a variety of suet pellets which can be put into a peanut feeder.

They come in four different flavours - Insect, Mealworm, Berry Nice and Nice Nuts.

Nyjer Nibbles by Tom Chambers are a favourite of Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Siskins and Redpolls.

Peanuts are another great food to offer birds in the wintertime. Peanuts have high protein and fat levels and are often an ingredient in suet products. They are especially loved by Blue Tits.

“Tom Cham b

ers” Winter Ener gy Feast (2 kg £6.99

For ground feeding birds Rockin’ Robin Feast and Fruity Ground Blend are good choices. For an easy all-inone feed which attracts lots of birds try High Energy blend or the new Winter Energy food.

Finally don’t forget to supply fresh water. An easy way to do this is to use the new Tom Chambers Water Tower. While nest boxes offer a safe and warm escape from the cold, natural plant covers are great for birds seeking protection from natural predators such as birds of prey, so make sure you have plenty of evergreen shrubs established to act as the perfect hideout. Be sure to clean out old nests from houses to help reduce the possibility of parasitic bugs surviving the winter. It also allows birds the opportunity to roost in a clean house.

Serve up a feast for your birds this winter to ensure they’re kept fed, watered, warm and in healthy condition, vital for breeding in spring

)

mbers” “Tom Cha (1.5kg)

gy Blend High Ener £5.99

Cuttings from Coolings 29

Winter

Weather Essentials

During last winter we had more than our fair share of snow, so why not make sure you’re better prepared this winter.

Sun, showers or snow, Coolings has everything you need for protecting your precious plants during the harsher winter months

Keeping Dry

Wrap Up Warm

While it is important to keep your garden watered, plants in pots are vulnerable to excessive moisture caused by winter rain. Help to solve this problem by raising pots up to increase drainage, and also prevent the stains and water damage that occur when a pot is place directly on your patio or decking.

Try our range of decorative ‘pot feet’ available in terracotta starting at just 60p each or go for a vibrant colour with our 3 pack glazed pot feet starting at only £1.99. If your pots are slightly larger then try our decorative wheelie pot stands. With handy wheels starting at £16.99, your pots will glide with ease when you come to move them.

And after all the hard work is done, sit inside in the warm and dry and start planning your garden for next year!

Frost can easily penetrate the sides of pots and kill off roots, especially those that are made out of terracotta. Fortunately there are many ways of safeguarding them so they make it through winter. Simply move plants that are at risk to a frost-free place until the danger is over - a shed, garage or greenhouse is ideal.

If you don’t have space indoors for a pot, or it’s too heavy to move, wrap the outside of the container with a sheet of bubble wrap (£2 per metre) or hessian (£3 per metre), ensuring it is held securely in place with garden twine. Use sheets of horticultural fleece (£1.59per metre) to protect the plants. This can be a little time consuming, so if you’re racing to protect against early and late frosts, why not try the range of Fleece Jackets from Haxnicks? Available in small, medium and large they simply slip over the top of the plant and pot (£7 per set).

Off to Bed Putting the garden to bed for the winter is mostly a matter of cleaning up and covering up. As autumn progresses and temperatures drop, hardy plants prepare for dormancy. Clear out blackened stems and foliage from flowers to prevent the possibility of disease over the winter. For more top tips have a look at the garden tips from our resident Plant Doctor, Mark Reeve, on Page 4.

30 Cuttings from Coolings

New Year

Nature Trail

on the

At Coolings Green & Pleasant

by John Poland As we head through autumn in all its multi-hued glory and move towards winter, the birdwatcher in me starts to feel a sense of anticipation in the knowledge that many exciting species of birds are on their way to over-winter in this country – and perhaps on the Nature Trail

W

inter is an ideal time to nature-watch. Cold and sunny, brisk winter days are magical. With few leaves on the trees everything is in clear sight: at this time of year many animals become bolder in their search for food as the shorter days mean they need to be active for longer. Also, there is no need for the early starts of summer – but you still get a lot of the rewards!

Getting out and about on a regular basis really helps you to get to know your patch; I was lucky enough last year to see a male Crossbill (a rarity in these parts) on the Nature Trail. It was here all too fleetingly and I would have missed it had I not made a point of popping down to the Trail each morning. I would have missed the badger tracks in the snow

as well! After the festive season what better way to lose the extra pounds than a spot of regular bird-watching or badger-tracking? In fact, why not delight someone special this Christmas with the gift of an Annual Pass to the Nature Trail?

There are many migratory species of bird which turn up on the trail over the course of winter. Some will just be passing through, others will stay all season long if you put out food and water for them. Our bird hide is always really busy and all the feeders empty in a day! If you start feeding wildlife, you will need to continue year-round as we do: the animals will learn to rely on you. At Coolings Green & Pleasant we are running a ‘25% extra free’, year- long promotion on some of our seed ranges to encourage you to look after your feathered friends.

Many of you who joined our ‘Friends of the Nature Trail’ scheme at the start of last year and reaped the benefits of unlimited visits will need to renew your subscription in the coming months – we will be sending out e-mail reminders!

In the meantime, Happy New Year and Happy Trails!

Cuttings from Coolings 31

Main Road, Knockholt, Kent TN14 7LJ Registerd Charity No. 1003903

2012

A Ceremony of Remembrance at Coolings Green & Pleasant Thursday 22 November 2012 from 6.00 to 9.00pm (ceremony 6.30 to 7.00pm)

followed by an Open Evening in support of Harris HospisCare

(10% of all sales will go directly to the Charity)

Christmas Department - Gifts - Decorations - Cards - Hot Food available 32

For more details call 01689 825755 Cuttings from Coolings or visit www.harrishospiscare.org.uk