Summer Sunshine Awaits Us!
Edited and Published by
iLiakhovi
NOAH’S ARK
CHILDREN’S HOSPICE
“It is the duty of a caring society to ensure that children who are seriously unwell, and their families, have access to expert and compassionate palliative care.”
Noah’s Ark is a local North London-based charity focusing on helping children with life-threatening illnesses receive as much care and support as they need without treating the children like patients; As they say, “enable those we support to enjoy life as children, rather than as patients; as families, not just as carers.” They provide high-quality support with experts in palliative care and paediatricians, caring for each child with an individualistic approach so that every family receives the necessary support they require.
For 2025, Sunshine Garden Centre have partnered up with Noah’s Ark to help raise money and support this wonderful charity. We have been helping Noah’s Ark by organising activity walks for the children around the garden centre and we are planning on doing more workshops and activities in 2025. But what about you, our esteemed customer? We have introduced donation cups at our tills; our reusable plastic bags will cost 30p, with all proceeds going straight to charity. The money you help us raise will make sure Noah’s Ark can maintain and even supersede their exceptionally high quality care for every child.
A SPICY ENIGMA!
Words By Phil
The weather isn’t the only thing bringing on the heat! Phil explores a Spicy favourite.
Wild chillies were first gathered and eaten in Mexico around 7000BC. Plant remains, and archaeological research, tell us that locals were collecting and storing various types of chillies at this time. Over time, the wild plants were cultivated.
Chillies were used for cooking but also valued for their medicinal properties. The Mayans and Aztecs used chillies to treat stomach aches, rashes, rheumatism and arthritis, among other things.
Little was known of chillies in the rest of the world until the 1490s, when Christopher Columbus brought the plants back to Spain from the Caribbean. The addition of the name “chilli-pepper” was a misnomer – Columbus and his men mistakenly thought that the chillies were related to black pepper plants. In fact, chillies are far more closely related to tomatoes, aubergines, potatoes and even goji berries than black pepper.
Before the 1990s, there were only 2 chillies that had been measured at over 350,000 SHU (Scoville scale signifies chillies’ heat) –the Scotch Bonnet and the Habanero. The Scotch Bonnet hails from the Caribbean and is so called for its resemblance to a Scottish Tam O’Shanter hat. The Habanero is named after Havana, the city in Cuba where it was
commonly traded. In 1999 the Habanero held the Guinness Record for hottest chilli in the world. But things were about to change… In 2017, Guinness crowned the Carolina Reaper as the World’s hottest, with SHUs measured at 1,641,183, and in 2023 the Pepper X took the crown with a rating of 2.69 million SHUs! The creator of the Carolina Reaper & Pepper X credits eating fresh chillies daily as the reason for him beating skin and thyroid cancer
Chilli plants can thrive in the uk with the right care & growing conditions. Although they originate from warmer climates, many varieties adapt well to the Uk’s short summers. My favourites are Jalapeno, Cayenne & Apache; a good reliable choice. Chilli plants prefer a sunny, sheltered spot with well drained soil, water regularly but avoid waterlogging, as chillies dislike soggy bottoms. Feeding with a chilli & pepper feed once flowers appear. Harvesting usually extends from July to October, depending on the variety & growing conditions. With their colourful fruits and spicy flavour, chilli plants bring heat and visual appeal to any garden or home.
SUMMER PLANT SOS!
Words By Denis
Walking past those miserable looking wilted plants in your pots day after day with a sense of shame? Well, you are not alone.
Are you tired of looking at wilted plants in your pots and baskets? You’re not alone! Many of us neglect our plants, which affects our home’s kerb appeal. If your in-laws are set to visit, it’s time to address that guilt and give your plants some care.
Pick the right plants for the space: Sunnysilver, grey, hairy and small leaved plants or ones with waxy leaves, the epitome of low maintenance with the sun being reflected rather than absorbed, thus reducing your water demand. Upright and trailing - Geranium, Gazanias, Helichrysum, Dichondra, Nepeta, Felicia, and Nemesia. Shady- large-leaved and glossy evergreens which maximise the light they do get, and because they are in the shade, their watering requirements are lowered. Use bright large-flowered plants like Begonia, New Guinea Impatiens (Bizzie Lizzies), Fuchsias, Hydrangeas, Skimmias, add coloured and dark textured foliage for a bit of drama - Ivy, Heucheras, Ferns, Euonymus and Lamium to lift darker areas.
Water your plants early in the morning to avoid evening humidity, which can attract slugs and lead to fungal issues. Aim for watering at the base to encourage strong root growth and prevent fungal spores from spreading on
leaves. A micro drip irrigation system can help target the roots effectively. Ensure your pots are moist throughout, with some water draining from the bottom. Consider using a moisture meter to avoid guesswork, and remember that frequent, light watering is better than soaking them all at once. Avoid watering over the foliage at the height of day as the water droplets can act like a mini magnifying glass and scorch the foliage. Fleshy, dark-leaved plants, deciduous plants with purple/ soft yellow/ light pink foliage, are very prone to shrivelling and scorching in dry, windy, sunny conditions and more so with water on the foliage - Just like my pasty white bits do after a summer sea swim! If these are desperate, get in below the foliage to water and remove to the shade to recover. Avoid plants sitting in saucers of water.
In a newly planted bed, consider adding plenty of organic manure as a surface layer to help retain moisture in the soil before planting. Once prepared, think about using landscape fabric to cover the ground to suppress weeds. This can be topped with gravel and bark for a decorative moisture-retentive layer that allows water to condense beneath the fabric, minimising water loss.
The higher your plants are, especially on balconies, the stronger the wind becomes, which dries out the plants even further. Therefore, you should consider using an irrigation system and moisture-control compost, particularly if you are away from home frequently and are relying on the help of friends.
Pop in and speak to us about other ways to water and save water and also recognise when you are drowning your plants.
Nemesia
New Guinea Impatiens
LOVE A BIT OF SHADE!
Words By Pete
No need to fear the shade! Pete explores different kinds of bedding for different garden environments!
As we hurtle into June, the fear of a late frost a distant memory, we can finally fill all those planters and containers we’ve been ignoring, full of the glorious colour that has been missing from our lives. The Summer bedding season is in full swing, and we have a veritable cornucopia of colour to choose from. There is, if anything, too much choice! But wait! Most of the labels have the dreaded phrase ‘Full Sun’ and you have a couple of pots that see as much daylight as your average mole. Well, fear not! There is plenty to choose from.
For flowering bedding in those dark areas, there is a holy trinity of impatiens, begonia and fuchsia. Impatiens, or busy lizzies, are small, vibrant and colourful and will liven up even your darkest areas. There is a hybrid form called New Guinea if you need a centrepiece. Begonias also come in a wide range of colours and varieties, with the trailing forms making excellent hanging basket plants. Fuchsia will also tolerate shade, and comes in upright and trailing forms, with pendulous, dancing ballerina flowers that last all Summer and well into the Autumn.
But flowers aren’t everything when it comes to container planting. Texture and colour from foliage can be just as striking, and there are several plants which offer this for shady
areas. Coleus comes in an impressive range of colours, with its nettle-like leaves giving a tropical twist to any pot. Heuchera also has a wide range of colours and are effectively evergreen. Ferns can also give permanence and structure, and don’t ignore plants like ivy and lysimachia which offer trail in those dark corners.
Fuchsia
Begonias
Ivy
SHOTS AT SUNSHINE
We may be many things, but being camera shy is definitely not one of them. If you love photographing the displays we’ve been showing over the years, please send them our way on Instagram!
FEED ME, SEYMOUR! Gardening tips
Words By Simon Plant food: not just for musicals! Simon takes a look at some of our favourite plant feeds.
Like the man-eating plant in ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’, your outdoor plants do need to feed. Fortunately, you won’t need to find human bodies on the street or sing a song, as we have a range of plant feed and minerals that are undoubtedly more delicious and nutritious!
Feeding your plants is super easy! When you’re planting your containers or putting plants in the ground, we recommend you use Miracle Gro continuous release feed. This clever feed works its magic when the soil temperature and moisture are just right, ensuring your plants get the nourishment they need during the warm months, while giving them a little less when it’s cooler and growth slows down.
Continuous release fertiliser comes in three varieties:
1. All-Purpose: Ideal for bedding plants in pots, window boxes, and gardens.
2. Ericaceous: Specifically for plants such as camellias, heathers, azaleas, and blueberries.
3. Rose and Shrub: Designed for planting larger, more permanent plants.
While the options mentioned above are fantastic, liquid feeds can play a valuable role in your shed, too! They work wonders when you want to give your plants a quick boost, especially towards the end of summer when other fertilisers might be losing their effectiveness. There’s quite a variety of liquid feeds available, and for general use, we highly recommend Vitax Q4 Liquid Feed. For those heavy feeders or anything that flowers or fruits, Tomorite is a great choice! Just keep in mind that ericaceous plants need a special feed, so feel free to ask us when you stop by!
SWIM, DON’T SINK!
Words By George
Looking to optimise your summer holiday preparation to maximise relaxation?
Are holidays coming up? Don’t worry about watering your garden; we have it covered!
If you have a mature garden with few pots and no bedding plants, you should be fine for a couple of weeks. However, for most of us, it’s important to make arrangements for watering while you’re away.
One option is to ask family, friends, or neighbors for help. You can entice them with the promise of a lovely trinket from your chosen vacation spot upon your return.
A more reliable alternative is to install a water timer. For this, you’ll need an outdoor tap to which you can connect a battery-operated timer, starting from £39.99. From the timer, simply attach a hose and a sprinkler, then set it to run for about an hour every couple of days. That way, you’ll keep your plants hydrated!
It’s a good idea to group all your pots together to ensure they receive ample water from the sprinkler.
If you’re interested in a more permanent
irrigation system that can still work with the same timer, feel free to visit and consult with one of our irrigation experts. They are easy to install and can be modified to meet your changing irrigation needs.
Enjoy your holiday and return to a lush, blooming garden!
Houseplants
HOUSEPLANTS IN MAY
Words By Fiona
Have you taken a look at your indoor plants recently? Fiona gives us a couple pointers in advance of a warm summer!
I don’t know about you, but I’m really enjoying my houseplants at the moment. It’s been a glorious May, and the extra warmth and light has given our green friends a boost and new leaves and buds are unfurling at an almost alarming rate; I was eyeballing my variegated Monstera at home the other day and despite having been repotted during my March annual leave it’s already outgrowing not just its pot, but its coir pole too! Thankfully, I made the wise choice of using one of the extendable coir poles we sell, so it’s an easy fix.
So, what should I be doing with my houseplants right now, you may ask? Firstly, I’d recommend enjoying them. Our busy lives often leave us with little time to pause but taking a few minutes out of your day to stop and look at your plants is incredibly mindful.
While you’re there, give the leaves a little clean and check out their health. One of the downsides to warm weather and open windows is an increase in insect pests, but spot it early enough, and it’s a simpler problem to fix. SB Plant Invigorator is a non-toxic solution and used as part of weekly maintenance can act as a deterrent as well as a control method, but if you need something with a little more punch, we also stock Baby Bio Houseplant Bug
Killer Ultra, which is systemic, i.e. is distributed throughout the plant.
If you weren’t feeding your plants over winter, I’d highly recommend feeding your plants now with an appropriate feed, we recommend Growth Technology Focus feeds. Your plants will need a drop more water than they have been getting over winter and will thank you for it.
Finally, a mention of the special houseplant offers we have running now. Our £25 specimen houseplant offer continues and is still incredibly popular, but we’ve also added many other fabulous houseplant offers, some of which are exclusive to Sunshine Club Members and visible in the catalogue at the top of the app newsletter. Keep an eye on it as offers are changing all the time.
Enjoy your summer, and as always, if you have any houseplant problems, we’re here to help.
RAIN ON MY PARADE!
Words By Ned
Looking for a new parasol? Ned’s got us coveredliterally!
As the days grow longer and summer approaches, now is the perfect time to add a parasol to your garden setup. A quality parasol not only provides shade but also creates an inviting outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors for longer. Spending more time outside can significantly boost your mood, encourage physical activity, and promote better sleep.
Whether you need a lightweight parasol for a sunny corner or a large cantilever model that covers a wide area without the base getting in the way, we have the perfect solution for you! Our selection includes a variety of colours, sizes, and features, such as tilt-and-turn arms, UV-blocking fabrics, and sturdy bases designed to withstand windy conditions. All of our Alexander Rose parasols come with a 2-year warranty, ensuring top-quality craftsmanship that is built to last.
If you’re placing the parasol through a table, you’ll only need a small base. For free-standing models, a larger base is required, and we have those available as well!
Not sure which parasol is right for you? Our friendly staff is always ready to help you find the perfect fit for your space. Visit us this week to get your garden ready for summer!
GUILT - FREE DELIGHT
Words By Freddie
Fair Trade never tasted so good! Freddie investigates an amazing chocolatier now available at Sunshine!
As we get a better understanding of the seedy underbelly behind our favourite sweet treat, it’s more important than ever to celebrate the brands truly making a difference. Tony’s Chocolonely is a chocolate brand on a mission to end exploitation in the cocoa industry.
Founded in 2005 by Dutch journalist Teun van de Keuken, the company began in response to widespread child labour and modern slavery on cocoa farms in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. The name “Tony’s” refers to Teun, while “Chocolonely” reflects his sense of isolation in standing up to these injustices.
Now available in over 44,000 stores worldwide — including here at Sunshine Garden Centre — Tony’s continues to lead with a commitment to ethical sourcing. All cocoa is traceable, and the company works to ensure farmers earn a living wage while actively fighting child labour and deforestation. Their chocolate bars feature uneven pieces, symbolising the unequal distribution of wealth in the cocoa industry. It’s a bold, edible statement from a company determined to reshape the chocolate trade for the better.
At Sunshine, we’re proud to support brands with meaningful missions. We stock a variety of Tony’s Chocolonely Littl’ Bits, including the
popular ‘Milk Caramel Sea Salt & Biscuit Mix’ and the vegan ‘Dark Orange Choco Cookie.’ Stop by to try Tony’s delicious chocolate as the company continues to challenge norms in the chocolate industry.
ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
Words By Simon
Looking for some good foodware for your next adventure?
At Sunshine, we offer an amazing selection of cool boxes, insulated mugs, and flasks from YETI.
YETI was founded in 2006 by two Americans who recognized the need for a cooler that could keep food and beverages cold for days, not just hours. They wanted a durable cooler that looked great, so they created the fantastic range we now stock at Sunshine.
We believe that just one look at these cool boxes will convince you that you need one. Our range includes the Roadie, which holds 24 litres and is perfect for picnics, all the way up to the YETI Tundra Haul, which has enough space for supplies for a long weekend camping trip.
YETI cool boxes come in an exciting variety of colours, and you have to feel the quality to truly appreciate how durable they are. From the one-handed quick latches to the Anchorpoint tie-down slots for securing to a boat or in your car trunk, these coolers are perfect for adventures beyond just a shopping trip to Marks and Spencer in Muswell Hill! Don’t forget, these insulated boxes can also keep food hot, making them ideal for enjoying your fish and chips hot!
We also have a large stock of YETI drinkware, made to the same high standards. Be adventurous this summer—be a Bounds Green Bear Grylls and go on an adventure with a YETI cooler!
GARDEN PARTY PERFECTION!
Words By Daryl
Looking to explore more adventurous recipes with your Weber grill this summer? Daryl showcases some sumptuous snacks.
Planning a garden party this Summer?
Whether it’s a relaxed afternoon with friends or a sophisticated evening under the stars, your Weber BBQ can help you serve up unforgettable bites. These smoky, elegant canapés are easy to prep, quick to grill, and guaranteed to impress.
1. Grilled Halloumi & Courgette Rolls (Vegetarian)
Grill thin ribbons of Courgette until tender. Wrap around seared Halloumi and secure with cocktail sticks. Finish with lemon-honey glaze and fresh mint for a refreshing, meat-free option.
2. Smoked Salmon Blinis with Charred Lemon Crème Fraiche
Warm mini blinis on the grill, then top with smoked salmon and crème fraiche infused with grilled lemon zest. Garnish with fresh dill and capers for a luxurious touch.
3. BBQ Chorizo & Pineapple Skewers
Skewer caramelised pineapple chunks with spicy grilled chorizo. Add a drizzle of chili-lime glaze for a bold flavour combo with a spicy twist that’s perfect with a summer spritz.
4. Grilled Fig & Prosciutto Bites
Char halved fresh figs lightly on the grill, then wrap in prosciutto and skewer. Finish with a balsamic reduction.
Serve these canapés alfresco with chilled drinks, string lights, and great music—your garden party just became unforgettable.
BLADE & TOOL SHARPENING EVENTS AT SUNSHINE
with Renew Sharpening Se rv ices
1ST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH
9:30am-3:30pm in the Car Park
Available Februa ry to Dece mber
DROP IN FOR A DAY O F SHARPENING, FIXING AND POLISHING FOR A NY B LADE! T AP T HE SCREEN FOR MORE INFORMATION.
