gardens this SPRING C O M E
A L I V E
FOCUS speaks with Carol Goulding and John van der Ley on the eve of Spring at Abundance.
H
i Carol and John. Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Australian garden. What are your top tips for planting for the new season, and what varieties should we invest in? The current dry conditions are going to play a major role in our recommended selections for spring and going through to summer. Look for water wise plants with vibrant colour bougainvilleas, geraniums, lavender, daisies and gardenias. Grevilleas, callistemons, banksias, syzygiums and westringia are easy care in drought conditions and the NZ Christmas bush metrosideros - will give vibrant red flowers and a lushness often hard to find in the dry. The Abundance business has many different aspects to the brand. What are some of the exciting things happening at Abundance for the month ahead? Speaking of drought, we have almost
40 Greater Port Macquarie focus
completed a new water recycling project, so that every precious drop we use to irrigate our wholesale nursery will be recycled. This has been on the planner for a while now, and we have finally been able to implement it this month. A fabulous new and fresh menu will hit the deck in mid September. Along with this, Mitch and his kitchen team are introducing delicious new cakes to delight and entice even the most die-hard dieters to indulge in a treat. The emphasis is on edible flowers and bursts of colour and flavour! The Garden Centre is having a revamp, and new giftware is arriving daily. New season roses, fruit trees, deciduous trees and citrus are now in. We are newly appointed agents for Form-Boss metal garden edging and have joined the Independent Garden Centre Group, so we can bring new product to our customers at great prices. The Abundance team members are led by you, John. What is your specific area of interest in the world of horticulture?
I like to produce plants that inspire, and I like to ensure there is constant supply ready for our retail nursery. I have spent many years developing a range of bougainvilleas that I believe is the best in Australia. There is a "boug" for every occasion, and they give such a spectacular show almost all year around. I want to educate our customers and give the best advice for their particular situation. I am also a collector and love getting out and about on our travels and bringing home some more unusual varieties ‌ and I am not very good at sharing these! I understand the brand is also working to expand its beautiful ranges of giftware, making Abundance an ideal shopping spot to pick up a unique gift for a loved
one. What are some of the specific lines of giftware stocked? We are always looking for new giftware, and it is often difficult stick to our theme of gardens and garden related ... Water features for table tops, the cutest dog breed salt and pepper shakers, bird and animal cups, fairy gardens, premium floor mats, stunning decorative pots and rattan hanging baskets, a fabulous cushion collection and beautiful botanical soaps! Our seventh birthday is creeping up, and we will be celebrating with our customers. Night dining will commence when it is a bit warmer, and Christmas bookings are now being taken for private celebrations. Spring is here ‌ and from all of us, we are pumped! Thanks Carol and John.