Edited and Published by
iLiakhovi
DENIS’ UPCOMING TALKS
Are you stuck in a gardening rut or you want some inspiration from our finest gardeners at Sunshine? Check out our upcoming Spring talks right here in the centre and learn from the best! Can’t get enough of our talks? Keep your eyes on this page for new events!
TAP HERE TO EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF UPCOMING TALKS AND BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET! BUT HURRY, TICKETS ARE GOING REALLY QUICKLY!
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.
GROW YOUR OWN!
Words By Phil
Looking to cultivate lowmaintenance fruit and veg? Phil showcases some fan faves!
Learning how to grow vegetables is straightforward, but like anything else, it requires time and patience. To maximize your chances of success and get off to a good start, it’s wise to begin small and focus on cultivating just a few crops well. Once you’ve mastered a couple of crops, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your allotment or garden into a flourishing food haven! For beginners, it’s best to choose crops that are low-maintenance, quick to harvest, and resistant to pests and diseases. Some excellent options include courgettes, beans, beetroot, lettuce, radishes, and tomatoes.
Lettuces
Start with looseleaf varieties such as butterhead or romaine, which mature quickly and thrive in various growing conditions. Alternatively, you can try a mixed seed pack for added variety. Sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil or containers, keeping the soil consistently moist for best results. By making successive plantings, you can enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Radishes Courgettes
If you’re looking for a vegetable that provides quick rewards, radishes are an excellent choice. These fast-growing root vegetables are ready to harvest in just three to four weeks, making them perfect for impatient gardeners. Sow radish seeds directly into well-prepared soil and keep the soil moist for rapid germination. With their crisp texture and peppery flavour, radishes make a delightful addition to salads, sandwiches, and snacks.
Courgettes are a versatile summer vegetable producing abundantly over a long period. You can expect to harvest three or four fruits from each plant each week at peak growth. Be sure to pick them up regularly, or you may end up with oversized marrows! One or two plants typically suffice for the average household, meaning they take up little space. Surplus courgettes can be cooked into soups or ratatouille and frozen for use in the winter.
Green Beans
Green beans are another beginner friendly vegetable that is suitable for gardeners of all skill levels. These productive plants are relatively low-maintenance and don’t require much space to grow. Choose bush varieties for compact growth or pole varieties for vertical gardening. With regular picking, your green bean plants will continue to produce abundantly throughout the season.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a favourite among beginner gardeners—and for good reason. These versatile fruits thrive in various climates and can be grown in containers, in the ground, or even in hanging baskets. Make sure to select a variety suited to your conditions, and don’t forget to provide support if needed. With proper support and regular watering, you’ll be rewarded with juicy, flavourful tomatoes throughout the summer months.
Strawberries
Summer wouldn’t be complete without strawberries—just think of Wimbledon! While you can buy strawberries yearround at supermarkets, they’re often pricey and rarely taste as good as homegrown ones. Strawberries thrive in pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, growing bags, and strawberry planters, as well as in the ground.
Blueberries
Blueberries are not only delicious and highly nutritious, but they are also considered superfoods. In addition to their health benefits, they are attractive shrubs boasting pretty white flowers in spring and beautiful leaf colours in autumn. Blueberry bushes are easy to grow and require minimal attention. The main consideration is that they need acidic soil and ideally should be watered with rainwater. If acidic soil isn’t available in your garden, blueberries grow well in pots. They are perfect for smaller gardens since they reach just over one metre in height and remain fairly compact. It’s best to plant at least two blueberry varieties close to each other to ensure a better harvest. This approach extends the cropping season, as some varieties produce fruit in July while others do so in August.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
Words By Denis
As the stormy Winter months give way to Spring, Denis investigates what blooms to look out for!
Today as I strode into work, I noticed the first glimmer of hope that spring is finally about to lavish us with all its colourful glory. What triggered this thought you might well ask, it was the delicate spring flowers of the ornamental plums just starting to peak through that held the promise that spring is about to be sprung. There is a hint of warmth in the sun when you catch it on your face on the rare break in the clouds. So, my attention will turn to my garden over the next few weeks to clean, feed and tidy it to bring out the best of the early spring colour.
The colours that are most associated with spring are the yellows and a lot is starting to flower already. The winter Jasmine sprawling across my painted blue fence is looking stunning at present. There are also some wonderful scents with Mahonia Charity and Edgeworthia Chrysantha and Hamamelis Arnold Promise coming into their own just now. The delicate flowers of the Corylopsis and fantastic displays of the Forsythia are sure to brighten the soul. Spring reminds me of purity, rebirth and a fresh start and what better colour to do this than the beautiful arching white flowered stem of Spiraea Snowmound/arguta? The white Camellias in my garden are just starting to burst into colour with the large white blooms adding
colour to the deepest darkest recess of my garden, these have been paired with some beautiful long flowering Hellebores which have already been in flower for well over a month. The delicate creamy white flowers of my Sarcocca which have replaced my Buxus plants on the edge of the garden path are now exquisitely scented. Their tiny insignificant flowers draw me to my garden shed to encourage me to get my ass in gear and start a long list of gardening jobs I have been procrastinating over. One thing that I have missed in my current garden is a sunny spot to take some of the dwarf lilacs Syringa Pallibin that I have come to love.
“The flowers of late Winter and early Spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size.” Gertrude S. Wister
We grew it in my garden in Poland and I dearly miss its long-lasting compact scented flowers where it sat right next to the garden gate. It would be quite remiss of me to forget the versatility of the Viburnums, a mix of evergreen and deciduous flowering shrubs. My favourites amongst these are the Viburnum bodnatense, Dawn, Viburnum plicatum Mariesii and the not so lowly Viburnum tinus. Finally, the flowering currant Ribes King Edward VII and Pulborough Scarlet with their pendulous racemes of pink, red, yellow and white flowers borne on the stiffly erect naked stems is a welcome addition to most gardens
So, whatever you are doing over the next few days start planning your garden to incorporate some of these wonderful additions and you will reap the rewards.
Ribes King Edward VII
Lilacs Syringa Pallibin
Edgeworthia Chrysantha
Viburnum Plicatum Mariesii
35 YEARS OF JOY!
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!
35 YEARS OF JOY!
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!
Gardening tips
HEALTHY SOIL, HEALTHY PLANET!
Words By Simon
How well do you know the ground upon which you walk? Simon educates us about soil!
Many people think of soil as merely the dirt in the garden, but it is a remarkable ecosystem that supports all life on our planet. Soil is a mixture of tiny particles of rock, decomposed plants and animals, air, and water. It plays several vital roles: it stores water, helps plants grow, and absorbs and releases gases. Remarkably, soil is very effective at absorbing carbon dioxide and can store three times as much carbon compared to the atmosphere.
There are many different types of soil. For example, we are all familiar with sticky London clay, which tends to become waterlogged and is challenging to work with, but it is rich in beneficial minerals. Understanding the importance of soil is crucial not just for us, but for all living plants and creatures. As gardeners know, good soil leads to thriving plants.
First and foremost, remember the old adage: “Right plant in the right place.” Observe what grows well in your locality, as those plants are likely to thrive in your garden too. There is some flexibility in this approach. For instance, if you want to grow camellias, which prefer acidic soil, you can plant them
in ericaceous soil to help them flourish. If you’re interested in Mediterranean plants, mix sand or grit into the soil to improve drainage and create a soil environment similar to that of the Mediterranean. The key is to care for and nurture your soil. Adding organic matter can help with aeration, feed the soil, and enhance biodiversity within it. Be cautious not to overdo the fertilizers. Liquid seaweed is an excellent option, and slow-release fertilizers are also beneficial since they release nutrients as the temperature rises and plants need more nourishment. Consider implementing a no-dig policy in your garden; you don’t need to dig or turn over the soil—just mulch with plenty of organic matter.
In conclusion, if you look after the soil, it will reward you with healthy flowers, fruits, and vegetables, as well as a cleaner, healthier environment!
This article was inspired by a visit to an exhibition at Somerset House called “Soil: The World at Our Feet.” It’s a wonderful, enlightening, and enthralling exhibition—catch it if you can!
TENDER LAWN CARE!
Words By George
Do
you ever look out of the window and wish for a more luscious lawn?
George might have a solution...
Having a patchy lawn this time of year is something we can all relate to, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. The perfect way to have a new luscious lawn in no time is to use Johnsons Any Time Lawn Seed.
It is a general-purpose lawn seed, but boasts a low-temperature requirement for germination, meaning that while we still have those cold and occasionally frosty nights, you can begin seeding your new lawn sooner than other seeds would allow. Sow the seed evenly in soil that is clear of any weeds or debris. The existing lawn would ideally be a recently scarified one as it would have exposed the soil and removed any thatch and dead grass that would result in poor germination. Once the seed has been scattered, cover the seed thinly with topsoil and firm it down by lightly treading on it. After the seed has been sown, keep it consistently damp but not soggy. You’ll see your new grass beginning to grow in anywhere from 10-14 days. Continue the maintenance process of making sure it doesn’t dry out and once the new grass is at least 8cm tall, give it a very high mow.
This means you should ensure that you only take off a maximum of a third of the new growth. At this point, you can begin feeding with fertiliser to foster its health and growth, a liquid feed is ideal initially.
There you have it, an easy way to patch up your lawn or even begin a new one without the need to wait for the seemingly never improving weather.
Available in a range of sizes for all lawns- Check in-store for availability
Houseplants
GET REPOTTING!
Words By Fiona
Are your indoor plants looking a little morose?
Fiona is here to help with some tips you wished you knew earlier!
It’s been a long and dull winter, and despite the care we’ve lavished on our green friends, some of them may not be looking their best. The good news is that the growing season is fast approaching, officially starting in April. This is the ideal time to repot your plants.
First, take a close look at your plants. If the roots are protruding from the drainage holes in their pots or if the growth has filled the surface of the pot, they will benefit from being up-potted. Before you start, it’s important to plan ahead. We now stock a fantastic product called Root Ultra, which helps prevent transplant shock and encourages root development. Use it for at least two waterings before you repot and continue to use it for a month afterwards. I used it on my plants at home and was very impressed with the results, so I’ve included it in my repotting routine.
To begin repotting, gently remove your plant from its pot and loosen the roots around the outside of the root ball. Choose a pot that is one size larger and add enough soil to the bottom so that the top of the root ball sits approximately one centimetre below the rim of the pot. Fill in around the sides, gently tap the pot to settle the compost, and then
press down on the top to firm it in place. For leafy plants, water them afterwards to help settle the compost, adding more soil if necessary. For cacti and succulents, avoid watering for the first week, as the compost will already be damp. Always use the appropriate compost for your plants. We carry several types, including houseplant repotting mix (suitable for most leafy plants), citrus compost, cacti and succulent repotting mix, orchid repotting mix, and carnivorous plant mix. Repotting an orchid requires a different technique, but feel free to pop in, and we can advise you on that. We’re also excited to host Professor Manos Kanellos in March, who will be delivering a lecture on orchids, including repotting advice. Keep an eye on our social media for announcements regarding dates.
Don’t forget, we’re always here to help and advise you. If you’re unsure about anything, come in and see us!
THE BEST OF BRITISH SOAPS!
Words By Jack
Eastenders, Coronation St, who
needs them?
We’ve got the latest and best soaps!
We are excited to announce the arrival of two new fragrances from the English Soap Company, now available in-store. The first is a sweet and sumptuous blend of Orchid and Vanilla, and the second features the earthy and spicy notes of Geranium and Basil. Both of these new additions are sure to become popular choices within the already best-selling Kew Garden range.
But who are the creators behind these delightful soaps that embody the finest British floral and herbal fragrances? The English Soap Company began in the founders’ kitchen after they discovered some vintage soap moulds in a barn. Since then, much like the geraniums they use, the business has grown, flourished, and blossomed into one of the UK’s most reputable cosmetic brands.
This year marks their 25th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by introducing even more new fragrances? Earlier this month, Olive Grove and Green Tea joined our shelves as part of the anniversary range, offering subtle, fresh, and earthy
notes that beautifully contrast with some of our more adventurous fragrances.
All English Soap Company products are 100% British, 100% vegan, and 100% fabulous. These products will leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. They make perfect gifts for friends or loved ones and are available in various forms, including soaps, hand creams, and liquid hand washes.
Come in, take a sniff, and enjoy!
NEW! WEBER SPIRIT RANGE FOR 2025!
Words By Daryl
Experience the best of grills! Let Daryl introduce you to the all new Weber Spirit Gas Range for 2025!
Weber has recently revamped their Spirit gas range for 2025, not only improving the perfor mance of the BBQ’s they have changed the styling too!
Elevate your grilling with the new Weber Spirit range starting with a 2-burner BBQ, going up to a 4-burner BBQ with a sear zone & a side burner, there is a model to suit everyone within the range. With a host of new features introduced and the same quality that we have all grown to expect from Weber!
New features include:
• Easy Ignition:
• Boost Heat in the Sear Zone Models)
• Weber Works™
So, whether you BBQ once a year or every day the Weber Spirit has you covered!
Pop in-store to explore the full range of Weber BBQs, we have them all!
Weber Spirit EP-435
Pictured:
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 February 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.
