Summer Scoop 2023-24

Scoop SUMMER 2023-2024

Garden To Glass

COCKTAIL GARDEN Sip into summer with our delicious cocktail recipes

Thrillers, Fillers, Spillers

ELEVATE YOUR PATIO Unlock the secrets to crafting a show-stopping patio display

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Welcome to the prickly paradise of cacti gardens

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SUMMER 2023-2024

Contents The Features

The Staples

Classic Beauty Of Hydrangeas...... 13

What's Happening............................ 4

Discover one of Auckland's favourites

Create A Tropical Oasis................... 16

Transform your garden into a tropical paradise

Escape To Tropics With Hibiscus.. 19

Plant Doctor....................................... 8

Design Your Own Cacti Garden... 22

What We’re Loving........................... 10

Elevate Your Patio........................... 28

For The Bees...................................... 12

Some of our top summer plants

What the bees are loving this summer

Spice Up Your Life With Chillies.... 31

Meet Our Team................................ 20

Cocktail Gardens............................ 34

Indoor Plants................................... 24

Cocktail Recipes.............................. 36

Kings in The Community.............. 27

Bring the heat to your garden

0800 PLANTS | kings.co.nz

Celebrating your garden success stories Your questions, our expert advice

Master thrillers, fillers, and spillers

Not sure what to get the green thumb in your life?

Give the gift of choice with a Kings Gift Card, available instore and online.

Gardeners’ Mail................................. 6

Bring this signature flower to your home The prickly paradise of cacti

Give a greener gift.

Catch up on all things Kings and what's happening this summer

From garden to glass

Sip into summer with these favourites

Meet a handful of our passionate staff Styling advice for summer

What our partners have been up to

Seasonal Recipes............................. 38 Try our delicious seasonal recipes

Little Growers Corner..................... 40 Bug hotels & a chance to WIN!

Summer Checklists......................... 42

What to plant and tend to this summer

HERE'S THE SCOOP ON

WHAT’S HAPPENING

What's New

At Kings Summer is finally here, and with it comes a time of relaxation and reward. With the warmer weather finally starting to arrive, we're feeling hopeful for a sunnier summer.

We’re delighted to share with you that we have been voted gold winners at the Reader’s Digest Quality Service awards for the fourth year in a row. At Kings, we're plant people, and we're thrilled to hear that you think we're as good with people as we are with plants. Thank you to everyone who voted for us - we’re so pleased we’ve been able to help so many kiwis grow well.

There are so many amazing plants arriving in our garden centres through summer. From new arrivals like watercolour orchids, to old favourites like hydrangeas and chillies, each week brings more plants into our stores. We've got exciting new releases coming in the summer months, so keep an eye on our socials and emails to get the scoop and stay up to date.

spillers. Since it's summer, we've included some tips for crafting the perfect cocktail garden, plus a few cocktail recipes to try! We’ll introduce you to some of our expert team, and share what some of our community partners have been up to recently. Plus, we’ve included a couple of our favourite recipes which can be made with delicious seasonal produce.

In this issue of Scoop, you'll read all about hydrangeas, hibiscus, chillies, and more. As well as our usual staples, we’ll take you through how to create your own tropical oasis, cacti garden, and how to plant thrillers, fillers and

With the warmer weather and sunnier days finally here, take some time to relax in the garden and enjoy the rewards of your hard work in spring. So sit back, sip on a cocktail, and grow well with this issue of Summer Scoop.

DIY Mushroom Grow Kits

Enjoy the educational experience of growing your own mushrooms with the new DIY Oyster Mushroom Grow Kits. They include everything you need to cultivate your own delicious oyster mushrooms, from spores to substrate.

- The Kings team

Watercolour Orchids

You may have seen our stunning blue Watercolour orchids in stores recently. Keep your eyes peeled this season for an exciting new colour soon to be released. These striking orchids are enhanced with non-toxic dye, however, any future flower spikes will be white.

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Echinacea Moodz Jealousy

A new addition to the Moodz range, this new release Echinacea boasts unique green blooms.

Available later in the season, this stunning echinacea has rounded mounds of blooms and a more compact habit than the traditional echinacea varieties.

Torenia Moon Series

These shade loving perennials will flower early and stay in bloom throughout the season.

Available in a range of vibrant colours, from blue and purple, to magenta, white and more, Torenia Moon Series are beautiful when planted in hanging baskets.

Ocean Collection Pots

Introducing the Ocean Collection

by Elho. These designer pots are made from 100% recycled maritime plastic waste, and every design is unique in its colour and pattern. The perfect sustainable cover pot to add to your collection.

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CELEBRATING YOUR SUCCESS

Gardeners’ Mail Jack and the Beanstalk We are Room 8 Year One children at Marlborough Primary School. We have been studying the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Our teacher brought Dwarf Borlotti Red Rooster and Dwarf French Tenderness Beans for us to plant. We were excited to use the castle template and cannot wait for our beans to grow.

Thank you for the great idea.

- Mrs Cole

Congratulations on Your Retirement After nearly four decades in the horticultural industry, Don O’Connor from Gellerts has decided to retire. Don has become a familiar face and friend to many during his career, including the Kings family.

When asked what his favourite plants to sell might be, Don has said, “Orchids, they’d have to be my favourite. They used to be such an elite type of plant that only the occasional person would have one. But through nurseries like Gellerts growing so many, and such vibrant colours, they’ve become more commonplace and something everyone can enjoy, which is wonderful.”

Seeing customers' reactions to plants and the joy they bring is just one of the reasons Don has loved what he does. His genuine interest in plants and people shines through as he shares his insights and knowledge with everyone. Don leaves an incredible legacy of knowledge, passion, and the joy of all things green. His dedication to the horticultural industry and his genuine connections with customers have made him a beloved figure, leaving an indelible mark on the world of plants and people. On behalf of everyone at Gellerts we wish Don all the best for his well-earned retirement. May this new chapter be filled with relaxation, adventures, and cherished moments with the people he loves.

- Gellerts

WIN

BE IN TO 6

A $50 KINGS GIF T CARD

Post: PO BOX 31002, Milford, 0741 Email: scoop@kings.co.nz or message us on Facebook or Instagram

Every published story wins, so send us your gardening success stories!

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ASK OUR

Hi Plant Doc,

Plant Doctors

I’ve noticed a caterpillar on my tomatoes, would you please help?

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Your local questions, our expert answers.

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Thank you for your Plant Doctor enquiry, This is Tomato Fruit Worm, which is a caterpillar that is partial to tomatoes. Regular spraying with Success ultra and Bioneem will control this pest. Repeated spraying will be required to maintain control, and as a preventative measure moving forward. These two sprays will also treat the other insect pests that tomatoes are susceptible to.

Hey Plant Doctor, What has happened to my camellias? I’ve noticed the leaves are looking a bit swollen?

- Thank you, Susan Hi Susan, This is Camellia Gall, which often appears as the weather warms up and the humidity increases. Only the small new leaves are affected which makes the leaves look swollen and distorted, often with a slight red tinge.

This mainly affects sasanqua varieties, and although unsightly it will not hurt the plants. There is no spray that will treat this issue, the best thing to do is to get a sharp pair of secateurs and cut off any affected growth.

Immediately place into a sealed bag to avoid spreading any spores. Clean the secateurs with bleach between each cut to avoid the spread from one plant to another.

Hi Plant Doctor, What is causing this discolouration on my Tamarillo?

- Thanks, Paul

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The problem here is a fungal condition called Powdery Mildew. Tamarillo are prone to this condition, especially in warm humid conditions. Spray with Kiwicare Super Sulphur, repeated spraying will be required as a preventative measure.

OR

Hi Paul,

Got a tricky plant question?

Ask instore or try our online Plant Doctors at plantdoctor.co.nz

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SUMMER PLANTS

We’re Loving It’s such an exciting time to be in our stores, filled with new arrivals of beautiful summer plants. Here are some of our favourites!

Bananas

Frangipani

Bring a tropical vibe to your garden by growing bananas. They are fun and easy to grow, rewarding you with delicious fruit that’s packed with essential nutrients. Plus, once they get established, they are drought-tolerant and disease-resistant. Bunches of bananas can reach up to 20kg, so you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family!

With their lush green foliage and exotic, fragrant blooms, frangipani bring a touch of tropical paradise right to your garden. Most of the frangipani we stock at Kings are unique, as they are grown from seed, so the colour of the flowers is not known until they bloom.

Root-Based Spices

Ginger, turmeric, and galangal - these root-based spices can be grown right in your own backyard. They are hardy, easy to grow, and you can harvest after just a few months. Not only do these aromatic spices enhance the depth and flavour of your culinary adventures, but they also have a range of health benefits. What’s not to love?

Raspberries

Fresh raspberries on tap all summer - yes please! Create your own raspberry patch to enjoy sweet, juicy harvests throughout the summer months.

Michelia Figo

Fill your garden with the delightful fragrance of the Port Wine Magnolia. This tree is popular for its stunning flowers in creamy yellow and burgundy.

Pineapples

Enjoy fresh, juicy pineapple straight from your backyard. Pineapples are easy to grow, and thrive in a sunny, frost-free spot - ideal for Auckland’s climate. With their rosette of spiky leaves, pineapple plants not only add a touch of unique beauty but, with a little care and regular watering, will reward you with delicious, homegrown pineapples.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with new releases and what we’re loving.

KingsPlantBarnNZ KingsPlantBarn

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SUMMER PLANTING

THE CLASSIC BEAUTY OF

For The Bees

Hydrangeas

Bring vibrant colour and buzzing pollinators to your garden with summer flowers. Create a buzz in your garden with our favourite beefriendly plants for this summer:

Picture this: stunning, large blooms in shades of white, pinks, purples, and even blues! Hydrangeas are classic shrubs, renowned for their striking flowers that create a show-stopping masterpiece in your garden.

Bergamot

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Commonly known as bee balm, bergamot live up to their name by attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden with their colourful blooms.

Cornflower

Beautiful perennials that boast an abundance of intense double blooms through spring and summer.

Hebe

These easy-care, evergreen natives have vibrant, nectar-rich blooms, perfect for attracting pollinators to your garden.

Echinacaea

Kings Top Tip Help our bee friends by leaving a clean saucer of water near your summer flowers.

Adding flat rocks to the saucer gives the bees somewhere to land!

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Also known as coneflowers, these hardy perennials will bring bees and butterflies to your garden throughout summer and autumn.

Salvia

With their striking spires of beautiful blooms, salvia provide a nectar source and serve as an eye-catching focal point in your garden.

There's something so mesmerising about hydrangeas.

Their captivating flowers have a timeless appeal, gracing Auckland's gardens with their presence for many decades.

From delicate pastels to vibrant blues and purples, there’s a hydrangea to suit any garden.

Position

Hydrangeas are remarkably versatile, looking beautiful in both classic and contemporary garden styles. Whether they're mass-planted or planted as a feature, they bring a wow factor to your garden when they burst into bloom.

Care

Hydrangeas prefer being planted in the ground, however some varieties will also thrive in pots - and even indoors! The allure of hydrangeas extends beyond the garden, finding a place in cut flower bouquets and dried arrangements.

When you're introducing hydrangeas to your garden, it's important to consider that they lose their leaves and flowers during the winter months. With this in mind, choose a spot that can tolerate a bit of bareness when the colder season rolls in.

If you have established hydrangeas in your garden, the good news is that you don’t need to do too much to keep them looking stunning year after year.

To keep your established hydrangeas thriving during the summer, all you need is a consistent watering routine.

Feed your hydrangeas Kings Fast Food Liquid Fertiliser or Kings Rose Food between early spring and early autumn to give them everything they need for lush growth and vibrant blooms.

If you're fortunate enough to have those classic blue or pink flowering hydrangeas in your garden, you can enhance their colour by adjusting the soil's acidity. To deepen blue hues, use aluminium sulphate, and to intensify pinks, opt for dolomite lime. Apply once in autumn, and again during the growing season in spring.

Deeply water your hydrangeas two to three times per week, but make sure to avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

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Our Top Varieties Here at Kings, some of our favourite hydrangea varieties include:

Tuxedo

Limelight

Magical Revolution

Snowball

Renate Steiniger

Bridal Bouquet

This hydrangea boasts deep, near-black leaves contrasting beautifully with vivid red and pink flowers. Blooming profusely from spring through autumn, this hydrangea grows to around 90 centimetres, making it a striking addition to both garden beds and containers.

Snowball hydrangeas have deep green foliage and large, rounded white blooms, resembling soft snowballs. This variety grows to about 1.5 metres, creating an elegant presence in the garden.

When planted in groups, they offer stunning visual impact.

Limelight hydrangeas display magnificent lime green blooms that mature to a creamy hue, eventually turning deep pink in late autumn. Reaching a height of about 1.5 metres, this variety provides a changing palette of colours throughout the seasons, ideal for dynamic garden displays.

Renate Steiniger is a moptop variety with abundant brilliant blue flowers, creating a spectacular sea of blue in full bloom. This variety grows to around 1.5 metres tall, making a vibrant statement in garden beds with its striking blue hues.

Magical Revolution hydrangeas start with pastel pink or blue blooms, which gradually deepen to a rich burgundy over a long flowering season. Growing to around 70 centimetres, this variety adds a splash of ever-changing colour to garden spaces, perfect for mixed borders.

Bridal Bouquet has large, creamy flowers that bloom from spring to summer. This variety reaches a height of around 1.5 metres, adding vertical elegance and continuous blooming to gardens, making them ideal for cutting and indoor displays.

If you want a natural superfood that gives your plants a turbo boost and helps build a healthier soil long term, try out the Organic Living Earth range for your summer planting.

Ask about our Living Earth range in-store today.

Guaranteed weed free.

100% Organic Compost brewed from recycled organic matter.

Yates Liquid Hydrangea Pinking

Yates Liquid Hydrangea Blueing

Kings Sheep Pellets

Changes flowers to pink and maintains vibrancy of the colour in existing flowers by making soil more alkaline.

Acidifies soil in a fast-acting liquid form, improving the intensity of the blue colour in hydrangeas.

A great organic fertiliser for all plants, trees and shrubs, helping to improve soil structure.

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TRANSFORM YOUR GARDEN INTO A

Tropical Oasis

Lush Greenery Adding an assortment of palms to your garden is the perfect way to infuse a tropical vibe. Their impressive height not only offers a shady spot, but also brings the gift of privacy. By incorporating plants at different heights, your garden gains a curated and multi-dimensional feel, adding depth and visual interest to the space.

There’s no need to hop on a plane for a taste of the tropics when you can enjoy a lush, tropical paradise right in your own backyard.

While the allure of a faraway escape beckons, we’ve come up with the perfect planting plan that lets you escape to a tropical oasis without leaving the comfort of your home.

NZ Nīkau

The only palm that is native to Aotearoa, nīkau are slow-growing palms that will eventually reach 10 metres high. Their fruit serve as a tasty treat for our native kererū.

Planting a nīkau not only creates a tropical oasis for you to enjoy but also extends an invitation to one of our most beautiful native birds.

Bamboo Palm

Chamaedorea costaricana, bamboo palms, are easy to grow and thrive in Auckland conditions.

With an abundance of lush, green fronds and bamboo-like stems that form dense clusters, these palms are excellent for screening.

Bamboo palms tend to grow to 3.5 metres, and grow well indoors.

Kentia Palm

Despite their slender stems, kentia palms can soar to heights of 15 metres. Ideal for a tropical garden, these palms also grow well indoors, offering a lush tropical vibe to your indoor space.

Fragrant Paradise Vibrant Colour When envisioning a tropical paradise, you think of bright colour and beautiful blooms. As you begin creating your own oasis, the first step is selecting the perfect plants.

To ensure a truly immersive experience in your tropical paradise, engaging all of your senses is key. As you sit outside and enjoy your garden, heavy hits of delightful fragrance will fill the air with the help of these scented, tropical beauties.

Gardenia

Gardenia are known for their sweetly fragrant, white blooms. They prefer light shade, so consider growing them in pots on your patio or by your front door to enjoy their fragrance as soon as you step outside.

Star Jasmine

Star Jasmine grow well in full sun to part shade, filling your garden with an abundance of fragrant flowers throughout the summer months. Their sweetly scented blooms will help transform your outdoor space into a fragrant haven.

Stephanotis Bird of Paradise

The bird of paradise earn their name from their elegant, crane-like flowers, in deep purple and fiery orange hues. They make a statement amidst a collection of other tropical species.

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Mandevilla

With striking blooms in red, pink or white, mandevilla are perfect for bringing vertical colour to your garden. These vining plants offer an impressive tropical display when trained to climb across fences and posts.

Vireya

Also known as the 'tropical rhododendron', vireyas will bring a perpetual tropical vibe to your garden, filling it with colourful bursts of blooms throughout the seasons.

Popular for their fragrant, white blooms contrasting against glossy, dark green foliage from spring through autumn. Their vining growth habit will bring the scent of the tropics to new heights.

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Taste the Tropics The tropics are known for their assortment of fresh, exotic and delicious fruit. From creamy cherimoya to fragrant passionfruit, tasty fruit is an essential part of a tropical paradise. With our subtropical climate here in Auckland, we have a great environment for growing many fruits that are usually found in the islands.

ESCAPE TO THE TROPICS WITH

Hibiscus

With their striking blooms and tropical feel, hibiscus are a favourite in Auckland gardens. Whether they’re deciduous or evergreen, large or small, any hibiscus plant you see will undoubtedly catch your eye.

STARTING YOUR FIRST

Tropical Garden Passionfruit

The pulp of a freshly ripe passionfruit picked straight from the vine tastes like no other.

Available in stores in late spring and summer, now is the perfect time to get planting so you can experience the deliciousness for yourself.

Bananas

We all know that clay soil can drive Auckland gardeners, well, bananas. Bananas actually grow well in clay soil, and are incredibly resilient so long as they are sheltered from harsh winds. Try our Misi Luki variety for bountiful harvests each spring.

Cherimoya

Vanilla custard and fruit salad is a delicious combo, but what if we told you that’s what cherimoyas taste like? While they're a rare find in supermarkets, cherimoya are easy to grow in Auckland gardens.

They make a tasty after-dinner treat, and are amazing in cocktails.

Care Once you've thoughtfully crafted your dream tropical paradise, the key to its ongoing beauty lies in proper care.

Water deeply and regularly during the drier months - consider installing an irrigation system for convenience. Try using mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed all of your outdoor plants with a natural fertiliser

such as Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster during the spring months to promote healthy growth.

If you’re ready to turn your tropical garden dreams into a reality, visit your local Kings Plant Barn. You’ll find everything you need to plant your tropical oasis, plus our expert team are on hand to help you grow well.

Kings Top Tip Consider adding a water feature, such as a bird bath or waterfall, to accent the greenery of your tropical garden. Elevate the ambience further with the warm glow of solarpowered fairy lights and bamboo torches.

Hibiscus are a striking addition to any garden. Plant en masse for an eye-catching floral display, or individually to add a touch of tropical charm. Some hibiscus varieties can be grown indoors.

Planting

Sunlight is key for a happy hibiscus. They prefer full sun, with some protection from strong winds. Hibiscus can be grown in containers or planted directly in the ground, and they grow well in soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

If planting directly in the ground, add Kings Compost, Kings Sheep Pellets, and Kings Citrus & Fruit Tree Fertiliser at planting time to enrich your soil with nutrients.

If planting in pots, use Kings Container Mix, as this has water storage crystals which help with moisture retention. Water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster whether they’re planted in the ground or in a pot.

Care

Regular watering is critical, especially while your hibiscus are getting established. Make sure the soil stays moist, but not waterlogged. Monthly feeding during spring, summer, and autumn with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster will encourage strong, healthy plants and roots.

In spring, prune your hibiscus back by a third to encourage bushier growth. Hibiscus flower on new growth, so pruning back helps to promote more flowers.

Growing Indoors

Some varieties of evergreen hibiscus, such as HibisQs, can be grown as an indoor plant, bringing a touch of tropical paradise to your indoor space. They stay under 1 metre in height, and have longer lasting flowers than other hibiscus. Just find a spot with bright, indirect light. Be sure to water at the base, and mist the leaves regularly to maintain high humidity.

Deciduous Hibiscus

Deciduous hibiscus, such as Hibiscus moscheutos, are much more hardy than the evergreen varieties and can handle harsher conditions. They boast large, dinner plate-like blooms, and flower slightly later in the season, from late-summer to mid-autumn. Unlike the evergreen varieties, deciduous hibiscus shed their leaves in winter, creating a distinct seasonal appearance. Plant a combination of deciduous and evergreen hibiscus to fill your garden with their tropical charm for a longer flowering season.

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PASSIONATE PLANT PEOPLE

Meet Our Team

Charlotte Instore Product Manager

After a couple of years working as a Florist, I took the leap into Garden Centres and 23 years later I am still here. Kings has been a fantastic place to work and learn massive amounts of plant knowledge.

The team at Kings are plant people – passionate and enthusiastic about caring for plants. Get to know a few of our team, and the story of how their love for plants came about. With their expertise and love for plants, they’re here to help you grow well.

Horticulture is an amazing industry where you meet growers and fellow enthusiastic plant people. I have enjoyed following along with different garden trends and seeing Auckland gardens change over the decades.

Lara Dispatch Assistant

As an enthusiastic retailer I have enjoyed spending the last 18 years managing different branches and meeting so many wonderful staff and customers.

My family were Croatian immigrants who settled down in west Auckland. Famously growing apples and stone fruit for generations. My great grandad even cultivated his own variety of apple ‘Oratia Beauty.’ A tart, mottled apple that Kings sold.

My fondest memories in the garden were with my grandparents. Picking berries through bird netting, watching my grandma prune her roses, playing in the petals of my grandads cherry blossoms and leaving with bags full of fresh veggies from their garden.

I love working as part of the web team. Packing customer orders, taking pictures for the website, helping customers to find that one plant they saw online a few years ago.

Patrick Garden Centre Assistant / Assistant Manager

I was born and raised in China in a city called Wenzhou in the Zhejiang province. My hometown has more than 9 million people, most of them living in high-rise apartments.Having a house with a garden is a real luxury. When I arrived in New Zealand seeing all the plants and even clouds against a blue sky was special – I just knew this would be home!

After graduating from my horticulture diploma, I worked in a rose nursery for 6 years.

I’ve always wanted to learn more about plants and Kings has been the perfect place to put my existing knowledge to good use while also growing my skills with managing a garden centre.

Working with plants daily and sharing what I know with customers is super rewarding. Right now, the rose and shrub areas of the store are getting my attention. And I’m also one of the team looking after Kings Chinese customer community using the popular app 'Little Red Book' #kingsplantbarn.

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The mahi that goes into every aspect of this place is amazing. And yes, our plants don’t die in the post! Over the years, we’ve crafted a way to make sure the precious cargo doesn’t snap, bend or wilt.

Dave Garden Centre Assistant / Forklift Driver

After 40 or so years working in leadership positions in the financial services industry and also roles helping people with mortgage and insurance needs it was time to put the ‘suit & tie’ to one-side.

This year I have transitioned to being part of the Product team who bring new and exciting products to our branches.

Part of my job is to build good relationships with our amazing group of suppliers. I particularly like to support smaller Auckland makers and suppliers, so our customers can add those special unique touches to the home or garden.

The prospect of finding work that offered me some much-needed balance back into my life, as well connecting daily with people were high on my wish list.What began as a venture into a whole new industry has quickly turned into a fulfilling experience where no two days are the same.

I get a real kick out of chatting with customers about our products, keeping a close eye on the smooth running of our yard and local distribution operation, as well as getting out and about with valuable deliveries for our customers. The bonus for me has been the fantastic team camaraderie.

The store team is awesome to work with, and I learn something new every day. Our customers are always so friendly, and who could turn down working in a great garden centre with an equally great café?

The other good thing about working at Kings is the balance of time that’s left in my week to enjoy my other passion – performance motorbikes!

From our nurseries to our stores, at Kings we love helping our plants and our customers grow. Head instore today and meet our team of expert staff and knowledgeable Plant Doctors. Whether you’re a beginner or a gardening pro, our team are here to help you grow well.

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DESIGNING YOUR OWN

Cacti Garden Welcome to the prickly paradise of cacti, where spiky wonders meet decor dreams! Whether you're just looking for a windowsill companion, or you want to go all out and create a spectacular outdoor cacti desert garden, we've got the secrets for success.

Planning Originating in the desert, it’s no surprise that cacti prefer a welllit, sunny spot both indoors and out. They grow well in specialist cacti mixes, such as Yates Cacti & Succulent Mix. Create your own by mixing Kings Potting Mix with sand or perlite, to improve drainage.

Make sure to avoid any mixes that have added water storage crystals.

Outdoor Paradise Crafting a diverse outdoor cacti garden gives you lots of opportunities to bring the arid charm of the desert into your outdoor space, and customise it to fit your own personal style.

Variety is Key

Choose a mix of cacti varieties with different shapes and sizes to create visual interest. The interplay of taller columnar cacti, paired with low-growing and barrel varieties creates a dynamic and captivating outdoor cacti garden.

Desert Flora

Introducing a mix of droughttolerant plants alongside your cacti can complement its aesthetic, while still keeping maintenance to a minimum. Try planting a variety of succulents, such as echeveria, sedum, and sempervivum to bring their own unique shapes and vibrant colours into the mix.

Rock On

Consider incorporating larger rocks or boulders to create focal points in the garden. This not only improves the aesthetics of your outdoor oasis, but also aids in drainage, which is essential for cacti. You can also use rocks to create a pathway through your cacti garden, which will not only make navigation easier but will also add a sense of structure.

Artistic Containers

Further enhance your outdoor cacti garden by selecting artistic containers for your cacti. These containers can range from ornate terracotta pots with intricate patterns to quirky and colourful pots.

Indoor Oasis

Care

While cacti are often associated with vast deserts, they actually grow well indoors. There are many ways to style cacti in your home, whether you prefer them as a centrepiece or as part of a diverse indoor plant collection.

Cacti are relatively lowmaintenance and need very little care, whether they are planted indoors or out. Water every three to four weeks from spring through autumn, but avoid watering in the winter months. Allow your cacti to dry out completely in between watering. Feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food once a month, from spring through autumn.

Desert in a Glass

Crafting a desert-inspired terrarium is an easy way to style your cacti indoors. By grouping cacti and adding sand and gravel, you can replicate the natural desert environment to create a striking and cohesive display.

Kings Top Tip Rotate your potted cacti by a quarter every few weeks to ensure even growth.

Terracotta Pots

Terracotta pots not only provide an ideal environment for cacti with their excellent drainage, but they also exude a warm, earthy charm to complement the desert aesthetic. Consider different sizes and shapes of terracotta pots to add a dynamic feel to your cacti collection.

Accent with Accessories

Consider accompanying your cacti with accent plants and decor elements. Succulents, air plants, and small potted herbs can complement the cacti's desert feel. Decorative pebbles, miniature sculptures, and vintage books can be used to add character to your display.

Kings Top Tip Group similar types of cacti, as they’ll likely have similar watering needs.

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INDOOR PLANT

Summer Styling Whether you’re new to the indoor plant game or you’ve already got an extensive collection, summer is your time to get growing. Sunny days, public holidays and plenty of time to notice the new growth sprouting for your houseplants!

Styling Success Secrets Elevate your plants' presence in your living space with our styling tips:

Mix and Match Foliage

Styling is all about experimenting with different textures and colours.

Choose plants with foliage that have contrasting textures. For example, we love the delicate fronds of a maidenhair fern paired with the large, glossy leaves of a rubber plant.

The contrast is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also showcases the unique nature of each plant.

Vertical Interest With the warmer weather finally here, summer brings lazy days at home, more time with friends and family, and the opportunity for a revamp of your indoor space.

Take some time out to assess where you want to make design changes, and which new indoor plants you can welcome into your home. Our summer indoor plant

guide has some care tips for the sunny season, plus everything you need to know for styling success.

Care

As temperatures rise, your plants will be thirstier than usual. Keep an eye on moisture levels in the soil, making sure your plants are kept evenly moist. Familiarise yourself with the specific watering

needs of your plant before setting your summer watering schedule.

Most houseplants love a liquid feed every three to four weeks through the summer months. We recommend Kings Houseplant Food for lush foliage houseplants, and a liquid orchid fertiliser with higher potassium for flowering plants.

With their cascading vines and lush foliage, trailing plants bring an elegant vibe to your styling.

They are perfect for small spaces, adding vertical interest without taking up precious floor space.

Hanging from decorative planters or high shelves, trailing plants like pothos or string of pearls will give a carefully curated feel to your home.

The Art of Plant Pairing

Grouping plants is a design technique that elevates your indoor space to a new level of style and cohesion. Clusters of plants look fantastic on stylish shelving, and can transform even the most boring corners. We love the look of a tall and dramatic fiddle leaf fig, with the glossy foliage of a monstera and the unique style of a ZZ Plant.

Make a Statement

Statement plants, such as bird of paradise or large monstera, shine on their own. Whether standing tall in a corner, or filling in a spacious room, statement plants contribute an intentional sense of style to your living space.

LECA

Feel like trying something a little different with your houseplants?

Why not give LECA a try! LECA, short for lightweight expanded clay aggregate, creates a fantastic growing environment for your houseplants. These little clay balls can absorb and slowly release water, and can be used in the place of houseplant mix. Plus, they're fantastic for preventing root rot and keeping those pesky pests at bay. Since LECA doesn't pack much in the way of nutrients, regular feeding with a liquid fertiliser is essential. If you're new to LECA, we suggest starting with peace lily or sansevieria.

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25

KINGS IN THE

Community At Kings, we’re proud to support community groups who are on a mission to make their neighbourhoods greener.

The Well Foundation The Well Foundation is the official charity for North Shore Hospital, Waitākere Hospital and community health services across West Auckland, North Shore and Rodney. Recently we donated plants, soil and compost to help with a much needed overhaul of two of their healing courtyard gardens. With our support, the Well Foundation is bringing a touch more greenery and plants with well-being qualities into the spaces.

The Well Foundation have just launched a campaign to raise money for a large scale indoor Healing Garden in the new hospital building at North Shore Hospital, which will open in April of next year. You can find out more information about the Healing Garden, or make a donation on their website. giveabitofgreen.co.nz

Moths and Butterflies Trust Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that has been engaging with New Zealanders to ensure our biodiversity promotes a thriving moth and butterfly population.

For more than 20 years Gellerts have been helping Kiwis to create stunning living spaces with our range of indoor plants. From the lush evergreen range of Calathea and Monstera to the graceful blooms of the Phalaenopsis Orchid, we have something to suit everyone.

Look out for our brand label in-store today.

Over the spring school holidays, we teamed up with Moths and Butterflies Trust, and a group of students from AUT to help raise awareness of the highly endangered Red Admiral. They implemented an activation in our stores, inviting kids to search the garden centre to find Ranui, the Red Admiral Butterfly and learn about what they can plant to help encourage Red Admirals back to Auckland.

nzbutterflies.org.nz

Auckland Rose Society The Auckland Rose Society Inc. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the cultivation of roses. Founded almost 80 years ago, this community group welcomes seasoned gardeners and newbies to share their love for roses.

As part of our partnership, we support the Auckland Rose Society with their Annual Rose Show each spring, and welcome them into our stores so they can share their knowledge with the wider community through their rose pruning events. We love supporting a community group who are so passionate about promoting and educating one of the world’s oldest flowers.

aucklandrosesociety.org.nz

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THRILLERS, FILLERS, SPILLERS

Elevate Your Patio Unlock the secrets to crafting a show-stopping patio display with the power of thrillers, fillers, and spillers! If your outdoor area is looking a little bare, or you just want to add another pop of colour, this tried and true method will transform your space into a colourful paradise.

The thriller, filler, spiller method creates a perfectly curated, three-dimensional planting display. A thriller is the tall, striking centrepiece that serves as the focal point of your potted display, giving it height and the wow factor. Fillers add fullness and cover the spaces between your thrillers and spillers.

Spillers trail and drape over the edges of your pot, creating a graceful, cascading effect.

Fillers Fillers serve as the lush backdrop for your thriller that complements the focal point.

Calibrachoa

One of the most popular flowers for growing in pots, calibrachoa are available in a range of beautiful colours. Calibrachoa boasts a profusion of petite, bell-shaped blooms, making them an excellent choice as fillers for your pots.

Petunias

Flowering profusely throughout the warmer months, petunias are a gorgeous addition to your patio pots. Not only are they hardy and heat-tolerant, but they are perfect for filling in those empty spots in your containers, creating a vibrant display.

Marigolds

Marigolds have vivid blooms in yellows, oranges, and reds.

As a filler plant, they add a burst of colour that perfectly complements the spiller and thriller, filling your container with vibrant and captivating beauty.

Thrillers The thriller sets the tone for your display, so it’s important to choose a plant that really stands out.

Tropical Impatiens

Add pops of vibrant colour to your pots with tropical impatiens.

With large, vivid blooms in red, pink, white, and orange, tropical impatiens have a long flowering cycle and can provide colour for up to 10 months of the year.

Positioning

Before planting, consider the pot's location on your patio and position the plants accordingly for the best visual impact. After planting, gently firm the soil and thoroughly water.

Geraniums

With their vibrant, cup-shaped flowers, geraniums make an ideal, low-maintenance addition to your patio pots. They are available in a range of colours, and will provide a continuous display of blooms throughout the growing season.

Kings Top Tip

Argyranthemum

Argyranthemum, commonly known as Marguerite Daisy, are a popular choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners.

Available in a wide range of colours, they are continuous low-maintenance bloomers.

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Planning

When planning your pots, consider the sunlight requirements of each plant you are choosing. Ensure they have similar preferences, so they can grow well together.

Water every few days through summer, mixing in Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster every second week. Prune and deadhead regularly to encourage longer flowering periods.

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Spillers

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE WITH

Chillies

The addition of a spiller plant to your pot softens the overall look and gives your arrangement a sense of depth and dimension.

Dichondra Silver Falls

With their distinct trailing habit and silvery, cascading foliage, Dichondra Silver Falls are a captivating choice for hanging baskets and containers. They are not only visually stunning but are also low-maintenance.

Get ready to ignite your culinary adventures with the fiery world of chillies! These small plants add a burst of flavour and heat to your dishes, and they're surprisingly easy to grow. Whether you're a seasoned spice enthusiast or just beginning to embrace the heat, we've got the scoop on growing and enjoying these spicy wonders.

Bacopa

These low-maintenance plants bloom profusely, offering a continuous display of colourful blooms throughout the growing season. With dainty, star-shaped flowers and small leaves with a trailing habit, bacopa are the perfect spiller for your pots.

Lobelia

Lobelia are adorned with an abundance of small, vibrant blooms, ranging in colour combinations. They are easy to grow, and will bring pops of colour to your display for months on end.

Planting

When planting your patio display, use Kings Container Mix. In warmer months, add a handful of SaturAid to the soil, as this helps channel the water directly to your plants.

Kings Container Mix

Debco SaturAid

Great for using on trees, shrubs, hanging baskets, and any edibles that prefer moist soil.

Helps conserve water by directing moisture in the soil straight to your plants' roots.

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Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster A great organic fertiliser for all plants, trees, and shrubs, helping to improve soil structure.

Chillies add a world of flavour to our dishes and are an essential ingredient in a variety of cuisines.

dried, fresh, and frozen, providing plenty of options come harvest time.

From sizzling Mexican dishes to the aromatic curries of India, chillies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor the level of heat to your own personal preference.

The love of chillies extends beyond their culinary uses. Chillies are packed with essential vitamins like C, B6 and A, and enriched with phytochemical capsaicinoids, responsible for their spiciness and heat. Phytochemical capsaicinoids are also thought to increase metabolism and work as a natural pain reliever when applied topically. So, while chillies most certainly bring the heat, they also

Whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery explosion, you can simply use a little more or less, or try out a new chilli with a whole different heat level. Chillies can be stored

offer a spicy touch of well-being – in moderation, of course!

Chillies aren’t just a flavoursome addition to your kitchen, but they’re also reliable and rewarding plants to grow. From the tiniest varieties to those that are eyewateringly spicy, there is a chilli for everyone. Their lush foliage adds an ornamental touch to your garden, and their ability to grow well in pots makes them great for kitchen gardens and small spaces.

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How Hot is Too Hot?

From mild and fruity to mindblowingly hot, you’ll be sure to find a chilli that suits you!

There are so many varieties to choose from, and there is much to consider when deciding what to grow. The hotness of a chilli can vary widely, and its flavour can be impacted by its growing conditions and ripeness.

Variety Heat Bell Pepper Banana Pepper Jalapeño Hungarian Wax Pepper Manzano Tabasco Cayenne Rocoto Habanero Bhut Jolokia Trinidad Scorpion Carolina Reaper

Position and Planting

When growing chillies, find a spot with well-draining soil, and at least 6 hours of sun each day. If you are planting your chillies directly in the ground, it's best to choose a location that hasn't previously hosted tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants to reduce the risk of disease through crop rotation.

Prepare the soil by mixing in Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets.

Ensure there's a minimum of 30 centimetres of space between each plant, though some varieties may require even more room to flourish.

If you’d prefer to plant in a pot, opt for a pot size of no less than 20L to provide your chillies with plenty of room to thrive. Plant your chillies in Kings Container Mix for optimal growth.

Due to our cooler winters in New Zealand, most chillies are grown as an annual, which means they typically last for one growing season.

However, some exceptions, like Rocoto and Manzano, can tolerate cooler temperatures compared to their spicier cousins. These chilli varieties are more likely to last through winter, though it's important to note that they won't survive a heavy frost. They can grow to be bushy 2 metre shrubs, fruiting prolifically for up to 15 years!

INSECT CONTROL WITH GROSAFE GARDEN

Care

Chillies are relatively lowmaintenance, requiring just a few care essentials.

Keep them growing well by watering regularly, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy.

Whenever possible, avoid wetting the foliage.

For a bumper crop, feed regularly with Kings Tomato Food, or opt for an organic option like Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.

4547

Drying Chillies

For a longer-lasting supply of chillies, consider drying them. Start with choosing ripe, unblemished fruits. Slice the chillies lengthwise and remove the seeds. Arrange on an oven tray, then bake at a low heat, around 80°C, for six to eight hours. Store in an airtight jar and enjoy!

GroVentive® Garden is a new, two way systemic insecticide, with a high level of safety to bees. Using GroVentive® Garden will control and prevent re-infestation of chewing and sucking insects on ornamentals, pot plants and roses, protecting your plants for up to 4 - 6 weeks.

GroVentive® Garden controls: aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, psyllids, scale, thrips, spittlebugs and whitefly.

BioNeem® is an organic certified insecticide registered for use on all fruit and vegetable crops, citrus and ornamentals to control chewing and sucking insects. BioNeem® has anti- feeding and repellent properties.

Kings Top Tip

BioNeem® controls: aphids, leafminers, mealybugs, mites, scale, thrips and whitefly.

EnSpray 99® Spraying Oil, is another certified organic insecticide for controlling chewing and sucking insects on your edible crops and ornamentals. EnSpray 99® inhibits eggs, nymphs and adult insects and mites breathing resulting in suffocation, as well as affecting feeding and egg laying.

EnSpray 99® controls: aphids, mealybugs, mites, scale thrips and powdery mildew in grapes.

Our Suggested Spray Programme GroVentive® Garden is the foundation spray and we recommend using this for the initial treatment early in the season to protect against insect infestation. Monitor pest pressure and repeat again 3-4 weeks later and up to 3 to 4 sprays during the growing season if insect pressure is persistent. For enhanced performance and efficacy we strongly encourage using it with Grosafe EcoSpread®.

For all edible crops and ornamentals, apply BioNeem® when the pests are first seen and reapply 1-2 weeks later if necessary. Apply EnSpray 99® every 3-4 weeks to protect your edible crops and ornamentals. Both BioNeem® and EnSpray 99® are contact sprays so good coverage is essential. EcoSpread® enhances the performance of these insecticides, as well as having a 30 minute rainfastness after spraying.

®

Handle chillies with care, and be sure to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth until you've thoroughly washed your hands.

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info@grosafe.co.nz | www.grosafe.co.nz GroVentive®, BioNeem® and EnSpray 99® are registered trademarks of Grosafe Chemicals.

BioNeem® is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1979 No. P9791 EnSpray 99® is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 No. P9104

Herbaceous Haven

GARDEN TO GLASS, CREATING YOUR OWN

Cocktail Garden

Herbs are the secret ingredient in many cocktails, and add an aromatic touch to your garden.

They can be grown in pots for easy access from the kitchen, so long as they have well-draining soil.

Most herbs grow well with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, so choose a sunny spot.

A warm summer afternoon in your backyard, surrounded by berries, herbs, and citrus – the ideal setting to enjoy the cocktails and mocktails of your dreams. Selecting the perfect plants allows you to create your very own cocktail garden, where each sip offers a taste of paradise.

Make sure to check the specific requirements for each of your herbs before choosing where to plant them. Regularly harvest and water your herbs to encourage bushier, more productive growth throughout the year.

Mint

Mojitos, juleps, and many other classics rely on the cool, refreshing flavour of mint.

Basil Basil's sweet, earthy notes elevate your gin and tequila cocktails such as Basil Margaritas and Gin Basil Smash.

Rosemary This herb is perfect for adding depth to an Old Fashioned or a Lemon & Rosemary Bourbon Sour.

Berry Bliss

Designing your cocktail garden is half the fun, choosing what you want to grow and where it will thrive. Consider the ingredients that make up your favourite drinks, along with any garnishes that will make them shine. Whether you have a spacious garden or a small urban oasis, you can still create a vibrant cocktail garden. Most of our top picks will grow well in pots, which means you can pop them on a deck or balcony and enjoy a cocktail no matter the size of your garden.

Strawberries

After fruiting and harvesting is complete, prune your berry plants to remove dead or overgrown canes to increase fruit yield and improve plant health.

Plump and flavourful, raspberries offer a burst of sweet-tart goodness, tasting delicious in classics such as the Raspberry Snakebite.

Strawberries are versatile and can be muddled into cocktails like Frosés and Strawberry Daiquiris, or added as garnishes.

Blackberries

These dark, luscious berries taste delicious in a range of cocktails.

Why not try a Blackberry Bramble?

Raspberries

Garden Garnish From cucumber strips to fresh berries, herb sprigs, and even edible flowers, your fancy cocktail won't be complete without the perfect garnish (or two!).

Cucumber

The vibrant yellow lemons from your own tree will be the star of your Mojitos and Lemon Drops.

Get creative with your garnishes, using your cocktail garden as a boundless source of inspiration to turn your homemade beverages into five-star delights.

Fresh berries are the key to adding a burst of colour and a pop of fruity goodness, elevating both aesthetic appeal and flavour of your cocktail.

Limes

Edible Flowers

Citrus Sensations

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Berries bring natural sweetness, vibrant colour, and a touch of elegance to your cocktails. Why not try growing your own? Easy to grow, berries thrive in welldraining, slightly acidic soil, just make sure to plant them in a sunny spot. For bountiful harvests and well, bountiful cocktails, feed with Kings Slow-Release Citrus Fertiliser in spring.

Citrus trees are incredibly versatile and a staple in many classic cocktails, infusing your drinks and garden with their zesty, tangy, and refreshing notes.

Lemons

If you're short on outdoor space, dwarf citrus trees offer a perfect solution. They grow well in containers, provided you choose pots of at least 50L, making them ideal for sunny spots on decks or balconies. Keep in mind that potted citrus can get a little thirsty, so be sure to water deeply and provide regular feeding during the warm summer months.

A lime tree is perfect for making your Margaritas, Mai Tais and Cosmopolitans come to life.

For a touch of elegance, edible flowers such as borage or nasturtium can transform a simple cocktail into a work of art.

Oranges Whether you prefer freshly squeezed orange juice or zest for your Old Fashioned, an orange tree adds a touch of sweet citrus.

For a refreshing and crisp twist, consider adding cucumber slices, which offer a subtle coolness.

Berries

Herbs

Pick herbs straight from your cocktail garden for a fragrant garnish.

Not sure what to plant?

Sometimes we all need an expert, and the team at Kings have years of knowledge. They’re a handy sounding board for your cocktail gardening challenges.

Chat with one of the friendly team instore, or message us on Facebook or Instagram.

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SIP INTO SUMMER WITH OUR

Cocktail Recipes Taste summer in a glass. Here are some of our favourite singleserving cocktail recipes for the season, combining delicious flavour with fresh fruit and herbs picked straight from your garden. These delectable cocktails can easily be enjoyed as mocktails for everyone to enjoy.

Cucumber Watermelon Crush Taste the essence of summer with this cool and invigorating cocktail that combines the crispness of cucumber with the juiciness of fresh watermelon.

What You’ll Need ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙

1 shot of gin 15mL fresh lime juice 4 fresh mint leaves 5 fresh cucumber slices 1/2 cup fresh watermelon chunks Ice Soda water (sparkling water) Fresh mint sprig for garnish

Method

In a cocktail shaker, add 1 shot of gin, 4 fresh mint leaves, 5 cucumber slices, 15mL of fresh lime juice, and 1/2 cup of fresh watermelon chunks.

sparkling water and stir gently to combine the ingredients.

Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a slice of watermelon.

Fill the shaker with ice to the top, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and blend all the ingredients.

Prepare a chilled glass filled with ice, and add the strained cocktail mixture. Top off the glass with

Strawberry Basil Bliss Enjoy a refreshing blend of strawberry and basil flavours with a hint of citrus.

What You’ll Need

∙ 1 shot of vodka ∙ 4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced ∙ 4 fresh basil leaves ∙ 15mL fresh lemon juice ∙ Ice ∙ Sparkling water ∙ Strawberry slice and a sprig of basil for garnish

Method

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 4 fresh strawberries and 4 basil leaves together to release their juices and fragrant aromas.

Add 1 shot of vodka and 15mL of fresh lemon juice to the shaker.

Fill the shaker with ice to the top, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients.

Strain the cocktail mixture and fill the remainder of the glass with sparkling water, giving it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.

Garnish your Strawberry Basil Bliss cocktail with a couple of strawberry slices and a sprig of fresh basil.

Passionfruit Margarita Sip and savour the zingy and exotic flavours of this Passionfruit Margarita, perfect for a taste of paradise on a hot summer day.

What You’ll Need ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙

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1 shot of tequila Pulp of 1 fresh passionfruit 30mL fresh lime juice 15mL orange liqueur Ice Salt for rimming Fresh passionfruit half and mint sprig for garnish

Method

Begin by rimming a margarita glass with salt. Wet the rim with a lime wedge, then dip it into a plate of salt to coat the rim.

In a cocktail shaker, add 1 shot of tequila, the pulp of 1 fresh passionfruit, 30mL of fresh lime juice, and 15mL of orange liqueur.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.

Strain the margarita into the prepared glass and garnish with a fresh passionfruit half and a sprig of fresh mint.

37

GARDEN TO PLATE

Summer Veggie Skewers

Recipes

Savour the taste of summer with our seasonal veggie skewers. Bursting with colour and flavour, these skewers are a hit for any outdoor gathering.

What You’ll Need ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙

Cherry tomatoes Courgette, sliced into rounds Assorted capsicum, cut into chunks Red onion, quartered Button mushrooms Olive oil (3 tablespoons) Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons) Garlic, minced (2 cloves) Fresh basil, chopped (a handful) Salt and pepper to taste Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Kings Top Tip Leave the green husk on the strawberries when you wash them.

This stops the fruit from absorbing too much water, which can affect the texture and flavour.

Method

Wash and chop the veggies into bitesized pieces.

To create the marinade, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Toss the veggies in the marinade, ensuring they're all nicely coated. Let them soak up the goodness for at least 15 minutes.

Add the marinated veggies to the soaked skewers, alternating the colours and types for a vibrant look.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill until the veggies are tender and slightly charred.

Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top for an extra flavour kick, and garnish with extra fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon for that final touch.

Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl

When harvesting courgettes, look for ones that are small and tender, just the right size for your skewers. If they feel firm when gently pressed, they're perfect for picking.

Kings Top Tip 38

Indulge in the nutritious blend of fresh berries and creamy banana with our mixed berry smoothie bowl - a tasty treat for breakfast, dessert or even a snack!

What You’ll Need

∙ 1 cup strawberries, hulled ∙ 1/2 cup blackberries and raspberries ∙ 1 ripe banana ∙ 1 cup almond milk ∙ Chia seeds (for topping) ∙ 1/2 cup blueberries (for topping)

Method

Harvest fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and bananas from your garden, ensuring the berries are clean and dry, and the strawberries are hulled.

In a blender, combine the berries, banana, and almond milk.

Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. If needed, you can add more almond milk to achieve your desired thickness.

Once blended to perfection, pour the smoothie into a bowl, and top with a generous amount of chia seeds and fresh blueberries yum!

If you feel like getting creative, we would recommend other toppings such as granola, sliced almonds, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

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C LU B S

LI T T LE

GR

OWE

R

Little Growers Corner BUILD YOUR OWN

Bug Hotel Email a photo of your finished hotel to scoop@kings.co.nz before 1st March 2024 and go in the draw to win a $50 Little Growers prize pack!*

1

A Summer clean-up with FlexiBin Ideal for big or small garden and landscaping projects.

FlexiBin has got your summer clean-up covered.

Available in two convenient sizes, 1m3 & 2m3

Find a good spot for your insect hotel. A warm sunny spot under a tree is perfect for insects, especially if it’s sheltered.

Flexible. Practical. Convenient.

2 Get an old drawer or put a wooden box on its side.

Cover the top with a compost bag to keep water out of the hotel.

3 Collect your hotel filling. You could use straw, firewood, hollow bamboo sticks, corrugated cardboard, and pine cones.

4 Pack these tightly into the box so they won’t move around.

5 Finally, give your hotel a good name (Like the Air Been-Bee). Visit your bug hotel often to see if any new insect friends have moved in!

See flexibin.co.nz for terms and conditions and collection areas.

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*One winner will be randomly selected and notified by email by 11th March 2024. One entry per person.

42 43

Annual chrysanthemums and feverfew will selfseed, add these to flower beds and enjoy them as they come to life each year.

Support your dahlia flowers with a bamboo stake and some soft tomato tie if their flower heads get too heavy for their stems.

Sprinkle Kings Slow-Release Citrus Food around the base of your potted fruit trees, including lemons, limes, mandarins, feijoas, figs and even olive trees.

For cross-pollination and a bumper crop, plant two different varieties of blueberries in your garden.

DECEMBER ESSENTIALS

Grow well with these

One of nature’s most fascinating plants, and a favourite in many households, the carnivorous Venus flytraps are available in stores this month.

With rising temperatures, your houseplants will need more water. Test the soil’s moisture with your finger to see if it needs a deep drink or a light trickle. If the soil feels dry a few centimetres below the surface, it's time for a deep watering.

Encourage new growth from hibernating nodes with cloning paste. Use on monsteras, philodendrons, hoyas, epipremnum and other vining and climbing plants.

Indoor Plants

It’s also great for chillies, capsicum, eggplant, and other fruiting veggies. Liquid feed once every two to four weeks.

Kings Liquid Tomato Food

Cloth Garden Tie Great for holding up tomatoes, dahlias and other top-heavy, plants. Perfect for delicate soft stems.

Cloning Paste Use on indoor trailing and climbing plants’ dormant nodes to encourage new stems to form, and promote bushing.

Tackle those pesky weeds before they seed and spread throughout the garden! Pull out small ones by hand, or spray with organic weed killer if they are still young.

Stop and smell the roses. Our stunning rose varieties are out in full bloom in stores now, so take a moment to enjoy the colours and smells… and choose a new favourite!

Craft your own tropical oasis. Choose a semishaded spot for bromeliads, ferns, palms, ligularia, and gardenia.

Create fresh floral bouquets for the festive season. We love using hydrangea, dahlia, sweet William, lavender and lilies.

General Tasks

Bring your hanging baskets to life with colourful Kings Super 4 Packs and Kings Colour Your Garden.

Flowers And Perennials

Give your fruit trees some love and mulch them generously with Living Earth More Than Mulch.

Fruit

Summer has arrived, and the festive season is upon us. Take a breather from the holiday chaos with a bit of mindful gardening – your garden can be a peaceful escape.

Plant hydrangeas into partly shaded areas in your garden, under trees or on the south side of a fence or structure.

Trees And Shrubs

Add Aquaticus Soil Conditioner to your soil at planting time. This conditions the soil and makes the nutrients more readily available to your veggies.

Treat your veggie garden to Kings Sheep Pellets - the perfect organic snack. Dissolve a handful in water before pouring around your normal crops every three weeks.

Give your veggies a refreshing morning drink so they have plenty of time to soak up the moisture before the afternoon heat. Avoid wetting the foliage.

Get summer seedlings in the ground this month for a delicious late-summer harvest of lettuce, courgettes, cucumbers, squash and melons.

Tomato plants LOVE their food. Feed them every two weeks with a potassium-rich liquid feed like Kings Tomato Food.

Veggies

December

YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO-DO LIST

Pin me to the wall!

44 45

JANUARY ESSENTIALS

Grow well with these

Prune back any long trailing plants to encourage bushier new growth.

Keep a close eye on the watering needs of your indoor plants. Drooping leaves can be a signal that they need watering.

Indoor Plants

Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster Help your outdoor plants grow well with this all-purpose, organic fertiliser which helps combat root rot and dieback.

GroVentive Garden A two-way systemic spray that doesn’t affect bees. Perfect for dealing with sap-sucking insects, including mealybug, aphids, vinehoppers, scale and psyllids.

Sprinkle around the base of blueberries and water in well.

Feed plants from when flowers start to bloom until harvest.

Now is the perfect time to get drought-tolerant plants in the garden. Some of our favourites include ice plants, kangaroo paws, portulaca pizzaz, and osteospermums.

Kings Blueberry Food

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms.

Maintain your lawn by mowing once every ten days to two weeks. However, don’t mow them too low, as this can expose gaps and encourage weed seed to grow.

Plant tropical hibiscus in your garden to enjoy their stunning blooms year after year.

Bubbled and curled new leaves on your eugenias?

This could be eugenia psyllids. Cut back most of the affected new growth and spray with GroVentive Garden and Bioneem.

Enjoy a fruitful harvest of blueberries while feeding them with Kings Blueberry Food, or Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. Blueberries prefer acidic soil, so be careful not to use lime around them.

Keep your hedges well-hydrated throughout the summer season. Pittosporums and griselinias are hardy but can succumb to dieback when thirsty and planted in clay soil.

Trees And Shrubs

Stagger your planting of lettuce, coriander, rocket, spinach and parsley to spread out your harvest.

General Tasks

Any trees that have been planted within the last twelve months still need deep watering.

Protect your crops with Bug Netting for a spray-free option.

Fill gaps in the garden or outdoor pots with stunning summer flowers such as petunias, gazanias, marigolds, and tropical impatiens.

Feed florals with Kings Fast Food or Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster for an organic option.

Make sure to water your blueberry plants deeply, as they will drop fruit if they aren’t getting enough moisture. Collect rainwater or water from the shower if the season becomes increasingly dry.

Make the most of the warmer months by planting mature tomato plants, large-grade chillies, eggplants, and okra.

Those hungry tomatoes will still need feeding with Kings Tomato Food, and other leafy greens will love Kings Fast Food.

Flowers And Perennials Weed your flower beds to stop competition for nutrients.

Fruit

New year. New Garden? Add getting out in the garden each day to your New Year's resolutions. Enjoy a fresh start and new beginnings by adding some new plant babies to your collection.

Plant delicious subtropical fruit now, including feijoas, cherimoyas, pawpaws, and natal plums!

Veggies

January

YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO-DO LIST

Pin me to the wall!

46 47

FEBRUARY ESSENTIALS

Grow well with these

Maintain a regular watering schedule. To gauge if a plant needs watering, lift the pot and assess how light it feels.

If your peace lilies are wilting faster than usual, it may be time to repot them into slightly larger pots.

Use Kings Slow-Release House Plant Food on larger plants such as ficus, dracaena, and monstera.

Indoor Plants

Plant mandevilla, frangipani, bird of paradise, and hibiscus in well-draining soil and in full sun. If you have clay soil, mix in Kings Compost, creating a slight mound or raised bed for increased drainage for the plant’s roots.

Ensure your trees and shrubs are mulched well with Living Earth More Than Mulch and water deeply once a week.

Trees And Shrubs

Water around the roots each morning. Avoid watering veggie leaves as this encourages powdery mildew.

If your herbs have seen better days, consider replacing them with fresh plants. Check for caterpillars regularly, as they might be hiding in plain sight!

Large-grade chillies are available in stores now. This month, why not try growing a different variety?

Veggies

ClayBreaker Gypsum If you have hard, compact clay soil, add a handful into the bottom of your hole to help with drainage.

Mix into your original garden soil for organic nutrients, as well as helping to improve drainage.

Contains bark which creates a barrier between the sun and earth, keeping plants hydrated for longer.

Fertilise your summer flowering plants with Kings Liquid Fast Food.

Alstroemeria, penstemons, gazanias, geraniums and petunias will be in bloom, and they look fantastic when planted in pots or en masse against fences.

For a long blooming season, keep on top of deadheading spent flowers.

Flowers And Perennials

Kings Compost

If you don’t already compost, now is a great time to get started. If you have a smaller area, try a worm farm.

Worms will dispose of your food and garden waste, as well as providing your garden with natural and organic nutrients with worm tea or composted matter.

Use a grubber to get rid of medium-sized weeds in the garden, ensuring you remove all the roots as well.

General Tasks

Remember that most feijoa varieties need two plants to pollinate fruit. If your neighbour has plants, then you will only need one!

Plant passionfruit vines in a sunny, warm and sheltered position, in well-draining soil.

Harvest late summer fruit as they ripen on the tree, or pick slightly early and share them with friends and family. Once the main crop has finished fruiting, give your trees a light prune.

Plant citrus plants such as lemons and limes in welldraining soil. Enhance your soil by mixing in Kings Compost. If your soil is clay-based, consider adding ClayBreaker Gypsum to the mix.

Fruit

Now that the summer heat has settled in, it’s time to commit to those new gardening routines. Enjoy the last month of summer with time in the garden, harvesting fruit, picking beautiful flowers and working your way through our February checklist.

Living Earth More Than Mulch

February

YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO-DO LIST

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