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ISSUE 52
Vegie planting
Cascading plants
Flowering natives
Autumn orchids
Growing garlic
What’s fl owering now
For more gardening hints & tips, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.auor more gardening hints & tips, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au
Autumn 2010
About this issue...FeaturesAutumn vegie planting 4Gardening on the western side 6Cascading beauties 8Vegetables for children 10 Autumn-bloomin’ beauties 16 Native autumn stunners 18Audacious autumn orchids 20Planting garlic 22
Special interestEzyGrow Planter makes growing easy 23
RegularsAutumn 2010 Garden Diary 12Autumn 2010 handy hints & tips 14Subscribe to About the Garden 22
Issue 52Autumn 2010
Mild autumn temperatures create the perfect
conditions for starting new projects, tree
planting and general garden beautifi cation.
In most parts of Australia, autumn is our ‘other’
spring, so look after that fl ower garden in
preparation for Mother’s Day and home-grown
Easter bouquets! God bless...
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all things acknowledge him, and he shall direct your way. — Proverbs 3:5, 6
• Managing Director: Conway Searle• Contributors: Noel Burdette, Frida Forsberg, Alana Searle and Ashley Searle• Magazine Manager: Alana Searle• Design & Layout: Frida Forsberg — ATG Graphics Dept.• ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle• Front Cover Photography: Frida Forsberg
About the Garden is published seasonally byAbout the Garden Pty. Ltd. ABN 21 076 919 9924914 D’Aguilar Highway, Kilcoy or P.O. Box 70, Kilcoy Qld. 4515Phone: (07) 5422 3090 • Fax: (07) 5497 2287Email: [email protected]
Con Searle
The material appearing in About the Garden is subject to copyright. Other than as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. No responsibility is accepted by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. for the accuracy of information contained in the text, illustrations or advertisements. Although believed to be accurately and correctly sourced, thereof disclaims any liability against itself, editor/s or employees arising from any person acting on the material herein. The opinions expressed in the magazine, or by contributors, do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. ©Copyright 2010 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.
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Dianella ‘Border Silver’ Cordyline ‘Rubra’
Rudbeckia
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From our front cover...
3. RudbeckiaLightly apply organic fertiliser and plant 30cm apart in a sunny position
1. Dianella ‘Border Silver’ Likes sun or shade. Tolerates drought, light frost and most soil types. Fertilise in spring.
2. Cordyline ‘Rubra’Loves shade. Feed in spring & autumn with Searles Liquid Potash. Propagate by division.
Beetroot
Potato
Growing your own vegetables is not only an excellent way to cut down your grocery bills and reduce your carbon footprint, it’s a great pathway to a healthier lifestyle. Here’s how to get started with some of the
Silverbeet needs full sun and excellent drainage. Allowing plenty of air circulation between the plants will help guard against fungal diseases, so plant them at least 35cm apart, depending on the variety. Compact varieties can be grown in large containers or styrofoam boxes. Silverbeet like rich soil, so use Searles Kickalong Herb & Vegetable Organic Plant Food at the recommended rate. Digging in plenty of Searles Real Compost and Searles 5IN1 Plus a couple of weeks prior to planting will also help support their lush growth. Silverbeet prefer an alkaline soil, so it may also be benefi cial to dig in garden lime
at this stage. If planting from seed, soak seeds in water for a couple of hours before planting to promote germination. Keep silverbeet moist if you want to use it in salads. Limiting its water supply can make it more drought tolerant, but it tends to make their leaves bitter and suitable for eating only after cooking. Harvest as required once leaves are large enough to make a meal, taking the outer leaves fi rst. Fungal infections can appear as spotting on the outer leaves. Remove any spotting or yellowing leaves. The younger, unaffected leaves will still be suitable for eating. Keep mulched and remove weeds by hand.
Like other cold season crops, cabbage need full sun and good drainage. However, they prefer a slightly acidic and somewhat heavy (clay) soil which will prevent leaching of nutrients with the regular watering they require. Alkaline soil can be balanced by adding organic compost or the pH can be lowered by adding sulphur powder. Cabbage are greedy feeders, so dig plenty of Searles Kickalong Vegetable & Herb Organic Plant Food into the soil. Cabbage can be planted as seed or seedlings; refer
to the label for depth and spacing requirements and water immediately after planting. Water regularly and keep them weed-free. Cabbage white caterpillars should be removed by hand on sight. Heavy infestations may need a spray of pyrethrum or derris dust. Harvest when their heads feel hard. To do this, dig up the whole plant, sever the stalk with a sharp knife and remove any outer leaves before storing in the fridge. Compact cabbage varieties can be grown in pots of Searles Herb & Vegetable Planting Mix.
Plant potato by early autumn in frost-prone areas so they can mature before frost. Only use certifi ed virus-free potato seed and plant in an open position with excellent drainage. Their swelling roots will push up the soil around them as they grow, so avoid planting in containers or small garden beds. Some seed needs to be hardened off before planting, in which case, lay it out in a box for a fortnight in a dry, shaded position. Meanwhile, roughly cultivate the soil, spread a thick layer of Searles Real Compost and Searles Cow Manure, water well and cover with mulch and wet
newspaper. Two weeks later, lift the mulch and newspaper and lay potato seed 50cm apart with 80cm between rows. Cover with straw, then cover with soil excavated from between the rows. Water well and replace the newspaper and mulch. As plants grow, build up soil around the tubers, never allowing them to be exposed to sunlight. Irrigate the trenches between rows once weekly and keep the mulch moist until the foliage dies down, then harvest immediately. Remove caterpillars by hand and spray aphids with Searles Bug Beater. Don’t apply fresh lime to acidic soils as this can cause scab.
Broccoli loves the cold season. It needs good drainage and plenty of sunlight, although late maturing varieties may prefer some shade to protect them from sudden heat in late spring. The harvest period can be extended by planting a few different varieties that mature at different times. Prepare the soil to a depth of at least 30cm, digging in plenty of Searles 5IN1 Plus and Searles Real Compost. Sweeten with garden lime if your soil is acidic. Sprinkle Searles Penetraide ReWetting Granules, water well, mulch and leave for 2 weeks. If
planting seed, draw a
drill and plant 6mm deep, about 50cm apart in groups of three. Thin out the two weakest seedlings later. Each seedling should have a central bud or growing tip — discard any without. Keep broccoli moist and weed-free. Harvest when the heads are still green and compact (they’re too old once they turn yellowish with fl owers starting to open). To harvest, cut off the head along with about 10cm of stalk and a few leaves. Two smaller, but more tender heads will grow in its place. Remove cabbage white caterpillar and spray aphids with Searles Bug Beater.
Beetroot need good drainage and prefer full sun. Make sure you get them in the ground by early autumn in frost-prone areas. Like most root vegetables, they prefer to be grown from seed. They dislike acidic soils, so digging in some garden lime a fortnight before planting can be benefi cial. Searles Complete Plant Food, which contains trace elements, is also recommended. Beetroot seeds contain a tough outer coat, so soak them in water overnight before planting. Thin out emerging seedlings once they are 3cm high and keep them moist. Deep watering, less often,
is preferable to frequent, shallow watering. Mulch lightly around each plant to help keep soil moisture levels consistent — allowing them to dry out can make them woody and suitable only for juicing. It’s common for the roots to bulge up above ground level as they mature. Don’t cover them with soil at this stage or they may rot. Harvest time depends on the variety; baby beets should be eaten when small, others should be grown to the size of cricket balls. Lift the whole plant and twist off the foliage. The foliage can also be steamed and eaten like silverbeet.
Cabbageg
a slightly aheavy (claleaching owatering tsoil can beorganic colowered bCabbage
Silverbeet
Broccoli
Autumn vegie planting
4 5
most popular vegetables in Australian home vegie gardens.
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For delicious, healthy vegies,
feed them fortnightly with Searles Fish &
Kelp Plus.
Geranium, (Pelargonium sp.), will relish an area that replicates its hot, Mediterranean origins. Bright, colourful blooms appear for most of the year and an exposed site can help reduce fungal problems such as rust on the foliage. Give geraniums full sun and excellent drainage. They prefer an alkaline soil of around pH 8, so acid soils may benefi t from an occasional dose of dolomite or lime. Regular dead-heading will promote continued fl owering from summer into autumn. Also try ‘scented geraniums’ whose fl owers are insignifi cant but release a range of delicious fragrances from their foliage when it is rubbed or crushed. The heat of the sun can release their essential oils into the air, creating an intoxicating atmosphere on a summer afternoon.
Although fragrance is an often overlooked element in garden design, it can bring an extra level of interest and enjoyment to a garden. Lavender (Lavendula sp.) is a much-loved perennial or small shrub which many visitors can’t resist touching for its distinctive fragrance. Lavender and geraniums enjoy similar growing
conditions and can make wonderful companions in a garden bed facing the hot western sun.
For contemporary gardens, euphorbias are hard to ignore. The African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona), in both its green and purple forms, makes a striking presence in the garden. This succulent hails from Africa and can set the scene for an eye-catching succulent or cacti garden in hot sites. Growing to 2 metres, this heat lover rarely needs pruning and can be grown in large containers with smaller succulents around its base. It also looks great with stylish forms of mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria sp.) Famed
for their durability, sansevieria offer elegance, hardiness and style. Use a well blended potting mix such as Searles Cacti & Succulent Mix and pot them up with other succulents. This can also save you the trouble of digging gardens in the hottest areas.
Many cycad varieties enjoy the intense sunlight of a western aspect. The fern-like fronds of these primitive plants creates a lush, tropical look as well as a sense of structure. Under-plant cycads with reliable groundcovers such as creeping boobialla (Myoporum parvifolia), seaside daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus) or the silver foliaged kidneyweed ‘Silver falls’ (Dichondra argentea).
For little maintenance and high visual impact, bougainvilleas create a fl amboyant, tropical look, even in cool regions. Standard bougainvilleas are best ‘trained’ along walls or fence lines under a watchful eye, but the compact ‘Bambino’ range can be more easily limited to smaller areas or grown in large pots or hanging baskets. Give bougainvilleas regular applications of Searles Liquid Potash to encourage bigger, stronger blooms with less water
Gardening onthe western sideA garden that faces west will be subject to extremes of temperature. On a summer afternoon, this is where the sun can bake the soil, scorching all but the toughest of plants. Many beautiful plant species revel in a western location however, and clever plant selection can turn an ‘unusable’ section of your garden into an inviting living space.
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shoot (fl owerless growth). Bougainvilleas look great companioned with cycads.
A structure like an arbour or archway makes a wonderful shade structure when covered in a blanket of greenery. Allamanda (Allamanda schottii) loves clamoring over an archway and bears waxy, vividly-coloured fl owers for most of the year. There are now many allamanda cultivars which bloom in a range of colours, including subtle hues of gold, cream, ruby, caramel and peach. Growing different varieties of climbers which fl ower at different times of year on the same trellis can effectively extend the fl owering season from one season to another. A good companion for allamanda are the wisteria-like fl owers of Sandpaper vine (Petrea volubis). With numerous racemes of delightful violet fl owers, the petrea will repeat fl ower from spring until late
summer. Look for a superior cultivar known as ‘Purple Passion’ (Petrea kohautiana) which has large fl owers borne on racemes as long as 40cm.
Hot spots in the garden can also be used for growing fruit bearing trees. Olive trees and citrus trees of all varieties will grow happily in these spaces and the availability of many of the newer dwarf cultivars such as the ‘Lots-a-Lemons’ (true Dwarf Meyer lemon) and ‘Sublime’ (true Dwarf Tahitian Lime), means a wider variety can be grown in a smaller space.
Taller species such as olive trees can also create pleasing shade once established.Many dwarf citrus cultivars and olives can be grown successfully in large containers such as half wine barrels. Underplanted with useful herbs such as oregano, thyme or rosemary, this can turn a barren area into a highly productive corner of the garden.
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A garden that faces west will give plants protection from frost on winter mornings and you may fi nd you can grow more heat loving plants here than in any other part of your garden. In cool regions, hot climate trees like frangipani can have their best chance if planted against a western-facing wall.
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Bonus point:
CascadingbeautiesThe trailing nature of many plants
is a fantastic design tool in home gardens. Grown in hanging baskets, trailing plants create interest by adding extra ‘levels’ in medium or low-lying gardens. They also look gorgeous when grown over rock faces and embankments. Here’s our selection of the most beautiful and easy-care cascading plants.
‘Gold Cover’ (Goodenia ovata)Spreading to 2m, this extremely tough native groundcover is great in landscaping,
hanging baskets and cascading over embankments. Great for weed suppression, plant it in full sun. Tolerates light frost.
Native Violet (Viola hederacea)This Australian rainforest native works a treat when trailing from hanging baskets or over embankments. Prefers a cool, shady position and soil that is
constantly moist, especially during hot summers.
Ivy PelargoniumFlowering from spring until autumn,
ivy pelargoniums are easy to care for and will trail beautifully from hanging
Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
Native violets ‘White Carpet’ Scaevola albida‘Cousin It’ Casuarina glauca
baskets in a wide selection of bright colours. Give them full sun and good drainage. Also excellent as a ground cover. Protect from frost.
‘Cousin It’ (Casuarina glauca)With a spread of about 1 metre, ‘Cousin It’ will cascade beautifully over the edges of hanging baskets, walls or embankments. It’s glaucous, leafl ess stems look like shaggy, green hair and will make it a talking point throughout the year. Give it full sun.
Scaevola albidaHighly recommended for hanging baskets and landscaping, Australian
native Scaevola albida are a lovely, trailing groundcover and need little care. Tolerant of light frost, they bear pretty, fan shaped fl owers for most of the year and are great for suppressing weeds. Plant in full sun.
Brachyscome daisy (Brachyscome multifi da)This dainty Australian native bears gorgeous little fl owers, has quick growth and a low-
growing, spreading habit. Drought and frost tolerant, it will trail over embankments and over the sides of hanging baskets.
Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’The quintessential trailing plant, this silvery-grey beauty will cascade about 1.5m. Although it tolerates heat and full sun, it prefers part shade. Water well until established, after which time it will be drought-hardy.
Ivy pelargonium ‘Royal Barolo’
Brachyscome daisy ‘Pacifi c Island’
98
If plants in pots and hanging baskets are showing the strain after a long summer, now is the time to give them a dose of Searles Recharge Sprinkle & Grow. This provides a boost of both slow release and quick response fertilisers and a wetting agent to help dried-out potting mixes retain water. Simply sprinkle it on and water the soil thoroughly. While the weather is still warm, trim off any straggly stems and spent blooms to encourage new growth before winter.
‘Gold Cover’ fl owers most of the year.
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Beans and tomatoes fl ourishing in pots.
An enthusiastic student planting bean seedlings
• Carrots A vegetable most children eat and will enjoy
harvesting by pulling it out of the ground.
• Beans/Peas Children love picking and eating straight off the
bush, so go organic.
• Lettuce Fast growing and can be harvested regularly.
• Cherry tomatoes Ideal for quick results. Children usually devour
them while standing next to the bush and the tomatoes rarely make it to the kitchen.
• Sweet corn Plants will grow tall, so make sure you have the
space, but children love this crop.
• Cucumber The quick growth of the vines and formation of
fruit makes cucumber a favourite with kids.
• Herbs Try mint, basil and oregano. Herbs can be planted
throughout the vegetable patch to ward off some pests and of course, they’re great to eat.
Cherry tomatoesI had a moment of parental victory, recently. My four year old daughter who had been happily playing in the garden, turned suddenly and headed towards our home vegetable patch, picked off a handful of beans, devour them quickly and returned to play with her little brother.
Parents often have trouble convincing young mouths to eat vegetables but it is equally important to educate young minds on how foods are grown and the human and environmental resources taken to grow them.
A few years ago my husband and I decided it would be fun and educational to demonstrate the process of growing fruit and vegetables to our two young children, believing if they were to understand and participate in the growing process they would take more of an interest on what was presented to them on their dinner plate. ‘Mummy, are these beans and carrots from our vegie garden?’ ‘Yes, darling’. Minutes later the plate would be empty.
My thoughts were echoed at the local kindergarten when a class of enthusiastic three and four year old
students donned gloves and planted a potted vegie garden. They planted in pots instead of a garden bed due to the limited space and positioned them in an area where the plants received full sun. Strawberries, beans, tomatoes, lettuce and marigolds were planted and watered daily by the students. On regular visits to the kindergarten, I noticed the fruit and vegies had been picked and the plants were happily flourishing. Obviously pride had been taken. The harvested vegetables were used in the children’s regular cooking classes.
When there is limited space, many vegetables can be grown in pots. To spark a young mind’s interest, start small and plant a fast and easy vegetable crop, such as cherry tomatoes, carrots, beans, lettuce or herbs. Remember to keep them well watered and fertilise with Searles Fish & Kelp Plus for a juicy bumper crop.
Vegetables forchildren!
Alana Searle
Lettuce
CarrotsCarrots are easy to grow and can be grown all year round. Carrots love light soils which are rich in organic matter. Plant them in full sun to achieve strong growth. Working the soil before planting to remove any rocks or lumps will help prevent branching or misshapen carrots. Don’t use high nitrogen fertilisers which will favour foliage over root growth. Use Searles Liquid Potash which is high in potassium and phosphorous for strong root development.
Easy vegetablesfor children
Keeping them interested...• Grow easy and fast herbs and
vegetables that fruit quickly or can be harvested on a regular basis.
• Plant a little at a time. Children’s’ attention quickly wanes, so if you are starting a large vegie patch, stagger your planting times.
• Cook your produce in snacks or meals that you know the children will eat. Let them participate in the preparation.
• Let them do the planting and watering. It might be a little hard to relinquish the responsibility (especially with younger children) and a few seeds and seedlings may be sacrificed, but it will keep them interested.
• Put them in ‘costume’ by investing in their very own small watering can, fitted gloves and garden hat.
Go organic...
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Watering the produce was part of the children’s daily play time.
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Plants grown in pots have extra watering and fertilising needs compared to their counterparts in garden beds. A quality potting mix that provides good drainage, water retention and insulation can increase the range of plants suitable for pots. Always forgetting to water? Hardy plants can be an extra safety net. Agaves are great for pots as they tolerate dry, poor soils and can usually subsist on rainfall, even when potted.
FlowersSow ageratum, alyssum, candytuft, carnation, cineraria, coreopsis, cornflower, cyclamen, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, Iceland poppy, impatiens, marigold (English), pansy, snapdragon, sweet pea and viola.
HerbsPlant chervil, chicory, coriander, fennel, garlic bulbs, lavender, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rocket, sage, sorrel, rosemary, thyme, winter tarragon and yarrow.
Fruit & VegetablesPlant broad beans, broccoli, lettuce, onion, peas, radish, shallots, spinach, spring onion and turnip.
More advice...Camellia season is upon us again. If there were varieties you were after last season and couldn’t find them, your local nursery may order them in if you ask for them, now. If your azaleas have petal blight, remove affected blooms and spray with Searles Mancozeb Plus. Later in the season, prepare garden beds for roses by mixing in plenty of Searles 5IN1 Plus.
Subtropical — Coastal
Cold & Southern Tableland areas
Temperate areas
FlowersPlant alyssum, antirrhinum, aquilegia, begonia, calendula, carnation, cineraria, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, erigeron, foxglove, geranium, hollyhock, larkspur, lobelia, nasturtium, nemesia, pansy, polyanthus, poppy, primula, ranunculus, snapdragon, stock, sweet pea, viola.
HerbsPlant chives, dill, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme.
Fruit and vegetablesPlant beetroot, broad beans, broccoli, Brussels sprout, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, endive, leek, lettuce, onions, peas, snow peas, silver beet and spinach.
More advice...Plant spring flowering-bulbs. Prune perennials that have finished flowering. Treat moss and algae on bricks and concrete by dusting with lime or applying a moss killer. Harvest remaining chilli or capsicum fruit before the onset of frost. Buy maples which are in autumn colour, now.
FlowersSow ageratum, aster, balsam, carnation, celosia, chrysanthemum, cockscomb, coleus, cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, everlasting daisy, gaillardia, gazania, geranium, gerbera, impatiens, kangaroo paw, African marigold, French marigold, nasturtium, petunia, portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, verbena, wallflower and zinnia.
HerbsPlant basil, coriander, garlic, garlic chives, marjoram, oregano, parsley, thyme and winter tarragon.
Fruit & VegetablesSow beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, melons, mustard, okra, onion, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, radish, rosella, silver beet, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato, tomato and zucchini.
More advice...Prepare garden beds around Easter for planting flowers and vegetables. Fertilise regularly and mulch well.
Tropical — Wet & Dry Tropics
FlowersPlant alyssum, calendula, candytuft, carnation, cineraria, cornflower, cosmos, daisy, foxglove, lobelia, nasturtium, nemesia, pansy, poppy, primula, schizanthus, snapdragon, sweet pea and viola.
HerbsPlant coriander, garlic bulbs, marjoram, oregano, parsley, thyme and winter tarragon.
Fruit & VegetablesPlant broad beans, English spinach, green beans and peas.
More advice...Remove spent summer annuals. Prolong flowering on remaining annuals by dead-heading and applying Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food every fortnight. Broccoli should be ready to start harvesting. Grow English spinach fast with regular watering and a fortnightly application of Searles Fish & Kelp Plus. Mulch to suppress cool climate weeds which will be starting to emerge now.
DIARY MAP
Autumn 2010Regional Garden Diary
TropicalSub tropical
TemperateCoolArid
FlowersSow chrysanthemum, cockscomb, cosmos, dahlia, everlasting daisy, gazania, geranium, gerbera, impatiens, kangaroo paw, marigold, nasturtium, petunia, portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, verbena, wallflower and zinnia.
HerbsPlant chervil, chives, chicory, coriander, dill, fennel, garlic bulbs, lavender, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, sorrel, rosemary, thyme, winter tarragon and yarrow.
Fruit and vegetablesPlant broad beans, broccoli, Brussels sprout, cauliflower, lettuce, onion, peas, radish, shallot, spinach, spring onion, tomato and turnip.
More advice...Fertilise all gardens and lawns with an organic fertiliser such as Searles 5IN1 Plus. Apply Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules to allow better water penetration.
Agaves are perpetually
fashionable.
If you're looking for an easy-care fl owering plant, the salvia is for you. Often fl owering year-round, salvias require little water and tolerate poor soils. They range in size from small perennials to semi-shrubs and fl ower colour is equally diverse. Great in a vase, they're also easy to propagate from cuttings. Give them full sun.
you're looking for
ALL ZONESIf you’ve always wanted to grow your own vegies, lettuce is a good one to start with as it is easy to grow and you can usually start harvesting within a few weeks of planting. Keep it well mulched to protect its shallow roots. For a sweet and juicy crop, keep it well watered and don’t let the soil dry out. This can prevent the leaves becoming bitter.
ALL ZONESA general tidy up after summer's vigorous growth could be a good opportunity to get your composting system in order. Decaying organic matter needs regular contact with oxygen to stay healthy (as well as odour-free) so turn your compost over regularly with a shovel. A worm farm or ready-made composting system with built-in air ducts could make the process easier, so ask at your garden centre for alternatives.
A general tidy up
ALL ZONESWatch out for lawn grubs as they are very common after a wet summer and can do extensive damage to lawns. These pests live beneath the soil and eat the roots of grass, leaving dead patches in the lawn. To fi nd out if they are present, lay out a piece of wet towel or hessian over your lawn overnight. Lift the towelling in the morning to see if the grubs have come to the surface. To control them, sprinkle Searles Lawn Grub Killer over your lawn and water it in thoroughly.
b th
ALL ZONES
Typical lawn grub damage
ra watering
ALL ZONES
Lawn clippings, table scraps and shredded prunings
are great combination for quality compost.
Inland areasArid or outback areas
MelbourneSydneySouth-east Qld & Northern NSW
North Queensland
1312
'Pink Flecks' (Zieria prostrata) has dense, layered foliage which emits a citrusy fragrance when crushed. Endangered in its native habitat in northern New South Wales, Pink Flecks is long-lived, has low water needs and tolerates seaside conditions. Its name is derived from the dainty pink fl owers it bears in spring but it is mostly grown for its foliage. Give it light shade in a pot or garden bed and
protect it from moderate frost. Great for bonsai.
AVAILABLE FROM ALL LEADING NURSERIES, GARDEN CENTRES & HARDWARE STORES.
Use David Grays’ Antex to control ants, cockroaches, fleas, spiders and silverfish.See package instructions for more information.
Ants in yer pants?Say goodbye to nasty critters with David Grays pest control.
Spring is usually considered the time to plant evergreen trees, but autumn is also excellent because it allows roots time to establish a little before winter. This means trees are better prepared for growth when spring arrives. Most evergreen trees including citrus trees will benefi t from being planted, now. In frost-prone areas however, avoid planting trees that are frost tender when young.
Spring is usually considered the
Now is the time to plant peas (which includes snow peas). In frost-prone areas, sow seed by April. Choose a sunny spot with a trellis so they have something to climb onto and prepare soil a week before planting by digging in plenty of compost and Searles 5IN1 Plus. Once mature, continual harvest will increase the crop.
The sweetly-perfumed flowers of cyclamen are a cool-season favourite. They can be grown as an indoor plant but will benefit from a spell outdoors under a shady tree. A cool, moist but well ventilated situation is best, so keep them away from heaters and reverse-cycle airconditioning.
Autumn handy hints & tips
For beautiful winter blooms on your japonica camellias, apply Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia now, as their buds are forming. This plant food can correct many deficiency problems. Reduce buds to no more than two per stem to promote healthy flower formation.
NpesnpFor beautiful winter
These tiny villains are mealy bug. They feed by sucking sap from plants but tend to only become serious pests in the presence of ants, who feed on their sugary secretions. Ants will protect them from predators and spread them from plant to plant. Severe infestations can cause leaf drop. When treating mealybug, treat the ants at the same time to ensure the problem does not return. Mealybug enjoy warm,
moist conditions.
Autumn is a wonderful time in the garden. The air is cool and fresh and plants are making a comeback after the onslaught of summer heat. In southern zones, deciduous trees set the scene ablaze with fi ery reds and oranges, crops are ready for harvest and everywhere it is time for planting; colourful annuals, herbs, vegies, trees and shrubs. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Tropical
Sub tropical
Temperate
Cool
Arid
ALL ZONES
The colourful flowers and ruffled foliage of mini regal Sweet Series Pelargoniums are tough, easy-care and drought tolerant. They are more compact than other pelargoniums which makes them ideal for small gardens. Great in pots. Give them full sun and protection from frost.
uffled foliage
ALL ZONES
The sweetly-perfumed flowers of cyclamen are a cool season
Plant cool-season herbs like coriander, chives, garlic, marjoram, oregano, parsley, thyme, winter tarragon and rosemary, now. In the tropics, now is the time to plant basil, a warm season favourite in zones further south.
ant cool-season herbsoriander, chives, garlic,regano parsley thyme
From left: rosemary, mint & basil
ThThThesesee ttitiny vililllaiins are
Searles Native Plant Mix is formulated for Australian natives and other phosphorus-sensitive plants. Add it to garden soil or use it straight as a potting mix.
arles Native Plan
ALL ZONES
Euky dwarf is one of the most reliable, hardy and adaptable little trees anywhere! This native miniature eucalypt bears fl owers throughout the cool season — easily spanning six months of fl owering and is an excellent food source for native birds at a time when other food sources are scarce. Euky Dwarf rarely grows more than 6m tall and is extremely frost hardy. Feed from spring to late summer with a dose of Searles Kickalong Organic Native Plant Food and do not overwater.
me to plant
ALL ZONES
Fallen leaves from most deciduous trees can be turned into leaf mould — a valuable soil conditioner. Leaves are best wet and shredded, which can be achieved with a lawnmower with its blades set high after rain. Place leaves in a plastic bag, loosely sealed. Make a few ventilation holes and leave for about 6 months. Leaf mould is ready to apply to the garden when it crumbles easily in the hand.
Related to Scaevola albida, Scaevola aemula are a new range of upright-growing scaevola. Try ‘Aussie Spirit’, which grows into a miniature shrub up to 60cm high. Give it full sun in a pot or garden bed. Frost tolerant.
Related to Scaevola albida, aa Scaevola l f i ht
ALL ZONES
Scaevola aemula ‘Aussie Spirit’
Mealy bug on a
maidenhair fernALL ZONES
Golden penda (Xanthostemon chrysanthus) is a medium to large (5–40m) native rainforest tree, flowering in summer, autumn and winter. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or part shade and keep well watered. Attracts nectar-feeding birds.
y sucking
cyclamen
Pelargonium ‘Sweet Memories’
If you’d like an easy-care hedge in a hurry, look no further than clumping bamboo. Chinese dwarf bamboo (Bambusa guangxiensis) is very easy to keep to any height of up to 3 metres and is both drought and frost tolerant. Left alone for an informal look or manicured to geometric perfection, this bamboo requires about half as much work as other hedging plants to keep it looking good.
dge in a hurry, b b
ALL ZONES
Chinese dwarf bamboo (variegated variety)
Plant snow peas, now.ike marjoram,
ALL ZONES
albebespinA L ZO SALL ZONES
What bug is that?
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Plant cool climate spring-flowering bulbs like daffodil, iris and tulip, now.
Plant tulip bulbs en masse.
Fabulous new release Petunia Raspberry Blast has improved performance and colours and really will stop you in your tracks with its pure ‘WOW’ factor. The vibrant blooms of this fl amboyant little darling are pink, edged with deep cerise violet. A prolifi c bloomer, the 5-6cm fl owers cover the entire plant from early spring right through to the fi rst harsh frosts of winter.
This new plant on the block has a low, spreading habit. With a height of 15cm and a spread of up to 1 metre,
Petunia Raspberry Blast is referred to as a ‘living mulch’, shading the ground the same way a mulch does. This not only keeps the soil cool and moist, it helps suppress weed growth, reduces soil erosion and promotes the health and vigor of plants growing nearby.
Petunia Raspberry Blast will quickly cover bare soil between shrubs and other plants. This can create a bold landscaping statement, reforming bare earth into a lush
and healthy green garden scene. Due to its vigorous, yet restrained growth, one plant can replace up to 10 normal petunias, making a considerable cost saving.
Being such a vigorous grower it is also a hungry feeder, so a fortnightly application of Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food or a single application of Searles Robust Plus slow release plant food at planting time will reward you with strong, healthy growth.
The other major advantage of Petunia Raspberry Blast
is that it loves the heat. In the recent heat wave that struck much of southern Australia, plantings of Petunia Raspberry Blast fl ourished and kept gardens looking green and colourful.
So if you need to add a blanket of colour to your garden landscape, create a trailing effect down an embankment or garden wall or create a stunning container or hanging basket then Petunia Raspberry Blast is the truly exceptional ‘WOW’ plant to look out for this autumn.
ShrubsTibouchinaThe tibouchina (pronounced tibba-sheena) is a favourite shrub or small tree which grows throughout Queensland and New South Wales and will brighten your garden with its remarkable purple flowers throughout the autumn months. The bush is also fast growing and quick to establish. Plant one now and you will have a full bush with a flamboyant purple display by this time next year!
Camellia sasanquaThe lovely autumn-fl owering sasanqua camellia has a delicate, feminine beauty and grows very well in pots. Use pots at least 30cm wide and fi ll them with Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Mix. Sasanqua is the most sun hardy camellia.
PerennialsFederation daisyFederation daisies are easy care and have long-lasting floral displays through autumn and spring. They grow into a large bush about 60cm wide and 1m high. Give them full sun and a feed with Searles Flourish every two weeks while flowering. Excellent in pots, they look perfect in Tuscan or cottage-style
gardens. Other daisies to try are chrysanthemum and Aussie native brachyscome daisy, which takes the same fertiliser and care as other daisies.
Geranium (pelargonium)The easy-care, drought tolerant nature of geraniums makes them a ‘tried and true’ favourite in Aussie home gardens. Give them full sun and don’t overwater them. They take very well to life in a pot and are easy to propagate from cuttings. Protect from frost.
Princess LilyPrincess lily (alstroemeria) is as tough as it is pretty. Flowering nine months of the year, it has an attractive, compact habit even when not in flower and needs little watering. Great in pots.
AnnualsPansy & viola Few garden plants offer a more extensive range of fl ower colours than pansies and violas — plant them now for a long-lasting fl oral display through winter and into spring. The cooler the temperature, the larger and more intensely coloured the blooms, so expect increasingly impressive fl owers into winter. Remove spent blooms regularly to promote more fl owering. A fortnightly feed with Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food will give great results.
Autumnbloomin’ beauties
16 17
Frid
a F
ors
be
rg For brightly coloured blooms and prolifi c fl owering,
most fl owering plants will benefi t from an application of Searles
Flourish Soluble Plant Food every two weeks
during the fl owering season. For Australian
natives, use Searles Flourish Native
Plants.
Tibouchina ‘Jazzie’
Mandevilla ‘Aloha Red’
Federation Daisy
Scaevola ‘Aussie Salute’
ScaelvolaScaevola is a fast-growing, Australian native ground cover which bears pretty, fan-shaped flowers from spring to autumn. Their traditional mid-blue or white flowers now come in all shades of blue, pink, and mauve. There are also more upright, shrub-like varieties available (see picture). Give them full sun and don’t overwater once established.
Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’
Vireya rhododendron
Princess Lily ‘Ariane’
Pansy
ClimbersMandevilla Mandevilla’s lush, tropical-style foliage and bold fl owers borne from Spring until Autumn in cooler zones and year-round in the tropics and subtropics make it an all-time favourite in Aussie home gardens. Easy to train over a trellis, this non-aggressive climber grows equally well in pots or garden beds. Give it full sun and protection from frosts.
Vireya rhododendron Now is a good time to plant the beautiful vireya rhododendron, which can grow almost anywhere in Australia except the true tropics. In the garden, a rich, slightly acidic soil with excellent drainage is essential, so build up garden beds rather than dig down into clay soils. Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Planting Mix is ideal for this purpose. Vireyas also take well to being grown in pots using Searles Cymbidium Orchid Potting Mix. Give vireyas a sheltered, semi shade position with protection from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun. Keep them moist.
Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’ Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’ is a dwarf banksia, ideal for shallow terracotta pots. It bears masses of small, bright orange ‘candles’ through autumn and winter. Prefers full sun to part shade.
Brachyscome ‘Pacifi c Reef’ This lovely little rockery plant bears bright pink, daisy-like fl owers throughout the year. It prefers a partly shaded, well-drained position and can be used to soften edges of paths, etc. Give it extra water through the hot months.
BracteanthaAlso known as Australian paper daisy, this daisy-like annual has hot coloured, papery fl owers which are excellent in dried fl ower arrangements. Feed and care for them the same way you would traditional daisies.
Callistemon ‘Angela’ Callistemon ‘Angela’ is a low growing callistemon to 1.5 metres but often kept smaller to improve bushiness and fl owering. Its soft pink fl owers are borne prolifi cally in autumn and spring at the ends of wispy branches.
Scaevola ‘Lilac Fanfare’Scaevola ‘Lilac Fanfare’ is a fast-growing native ground cover. Its gorgeous, fan shaped fl owers are borne from spring until autumn. A great landscaping plant, it tolerates second-line coastal conditions, light frosts and is drought hardy. There are now new cultivars with a more upright habit.
Eucalyptus ‘Euky Dwarf’ One of the most reliable, hardy and adaptable little trees in Australian home gardens, Euky Dwarf grows about 6m and is extremely frost hardy. Flowering prolifi cally throughout the cool season, it provides food for native birds when food is scarce. Feed in early autumn with Searles Kickalong Organic Native Plant Food. Do not overwater.
Callistemon ‘Angela’
Brachyscome ‘Pacifi c Reef’
Eucalyptus ‘Euky Dwarf’
Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’
Scaevola ‘Lilac Fanfare’
Bracteantha
Nativeautumn stunners
Superway Dicamba-M is a selective herbicide for the control of bindii, thistle, cudweed, clover and dandelion in most lawns except buffalo grass.Active ingredients: 80G/L Dicamba 340G/L MCPA
Delta-M: is a non staining residual insecticide, for the control of spiders, cockroaches, fleas, ants, silverfish, flies and mosquitoes.
Grub, Ant & Pest Controller: Controls ants, spiders, cockroaches, lawn beetle, lawn grub, and armyworm in the home garden.
Dimethoate 300: Is a systemic insecticide which provides effective control of a range of insect pests (including fruit fly, aphids, leaf miner and thrips) on fruit trees and other plants in and around the garden.
Most Superway products come packaged in easy to use ‘squeeze & measure’ chamber pack bottles. No more messy measuring cups or spoons and no more risk of getting chemicals on your hands. Just safely squeeze, measure, pour into a watering or spray pack, apply water and use!
1. Loosen the cap above the measuring chamber.
3. Remove lid from measuring chamber and pour contents into measuring can/spray can.
4. Add required amount of water and apply as directed.
How to use Superway ‘squeeze & measure’
chamber bottles
2. Gently squeeze the bottle to make the chemical flow into the measuring chamber.
Weedkiller: provides effective control of most broadleaf weeds and grasses. 1 litre of concentrate’ Makes up to 100 Litres of ready-to-use weedkiller.
SuperwayP.O. Box 183,
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Fax: (07) 5439 0366www.superway.com.au
Available 250ml, 500ml & 1litre chamber pack. Highly concentrated. Available in 1litre pack.
Available in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre packs.
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There could be no better Mother’s Day gift than the stately blooms of an orchid in fl ower. Autumn is when more orchid varieties are in fl ower than at any other time of year, so now is the time to check out your local garden centre for the wonderful varieties available.
Selecting an orchidOrchids are a delightful and extremely diverse range of plants. There are literally thousands of different orchids that occurred naturally in the wild from a huge range of climatic zones, and the growing requirements of different types of orchids are just as diverse. Here we have focused on some of the most popular orchids that are easy to grow in home gardens. Choosing the right orchid for your climate should have you well on the way to success. Find out what lighting conditions your orchid needs and ask what kind of growing medium it prefers before you take it home. Also consider how often you’re prepared to water it, as some varieties will need frequent watering while others will subsist perfectly happily on rainfall. The trick is in choosing the right variety for your situation, so don’t be afraid to ask at your garden centre for advice. The majority of orchid varieties prefer fi ltered sunlight and erecting a simple shadecloth can
create the perfect environment for growing a huge variety of these lovely plants.
Potting mixA quality orchid mix will be open, allow free drainage and provide good anchorage for the orchid’s fl eshy roots. Don’t use a standard potting mix — most orchids will be happier growing in a pot of plain pine bark, gravel or charcoal. In the wild, many varieties of orchid will grow onto a rock (lithophytic varieties) or in the bough of a tree (epiphytic varieties). These orchid varieties do not need soil, usually deriving all the nutrients they require from the air and from rainwater as it fl ows over their roots. Orchids also enjoy being ‘potbound’ and dislike being repotted too regularly. They
Audacious autumn orchids
DendrobiumThese lovely orchids are native to Asia and the Pacifi c, including Australia. They love a warm climate, growing best throughout Queensland and in northern New South Wales. They have no leaf drop, which makes them easy maintenance. Give them warm conditions, lots of water in the summer and a dry period over winter. For beginners, try growing the soft-caned (fl oppy) types in a hanging basket under a verandah or pergola. The most famous dendrobium in Australia would probably be the Cooktown orchid, the fl oral emblem of Queensland.
Dendrobium ‘Jaihan’
OncidiumAlso called ‘dancing ladies’ these orchids grow in arching sprays of tiny fl owers. The blooms are typically patterned with variations of yellow and brown, sometimes with a pansy-like fl ower form. Give them a bright but shaded position and of course, a free draining growing medium. They also do well when mounted onto bark or trees. Oncidiums are recommended for beginners because they are quite hardy, although most varieties dislike temperatures below 10˚C. Native to tropical America, they enjoy humidity but let them dry out between watering and don’t overwater them as they are prone to root rot. Propagate by division.
Phalenopsis
Oncidium
Phalenopsis ‘Butterfl y orchid’
Phalenopsis
2120
PhalenopsisAlso called moth orchids, phalenopsis orchids are native to south-east Asia from the Himalayas to Cape York Peninsula and bear elegant blooms on long, arching stems for up to 6 months of the year. Beautiful and easy-care, they are highly recommended for beginners. Traditionally pink or white, they now also fl ower in lavender, yellow, deep red and variegated combinations of these colours. Give them plenty of light but not direct sunlight during the summer. A shade cloth should not allow more than 70% of sunlight through.
can actually be happiest when their roots are dangling over the sides of the pot, so only repot them when they look like they are about to topple over.
In the gardenMany orchids are perfect for growing in the bough of a shady tree. Vigorous-growing orchids can be attached to
a tree with string or a strip of old rag (It’s important only to do this with tree species which do not shed their bark). Make sure you tie the orchid securely enough that it won’t move in strong winds. The orchid will eventually grow onto the tree, after which time the binding material can be removed.
WateringOrchids have water requirements similar to most other pot plants. They may need watering daily during a hot, dry summer, but this should be cut back considerably during cooler times of year, maybe to once weekly in winter. Because they have a sensitive root system, it is preferable to use rainwater rather than tap water.
CattleyaCattleyas are native to the tropical
Americas and have some of the largest blooms of all orchids, which are often fragrant.
They’re also reasonably tough which makes them good for beginners. Most cattleyas don’t like very cold winters, but some will tough it out if kept dry. Reasonably drought tolerant, they usually prefer to dry out between watering. Cattleyas are good candidates for growing in pots but use a coarse, fi brous compost to ensure excellent drainage.
Cattleya
AVAILABLE FROM ALL LEADING NURSERIES, GARDEN CENTRES & HARDWARE STORES.
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Crucifi x orchidsare excellent for beginners as they are tough, easy to grow and bear colourful, long-lasting fl owers in spring. Tolerates seaside conditions. Dislikes frost and fl owers best in full sun. A good rockery plant.
For lovely orchids...
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186 Glenmount Rd Tanawha Q 4556
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A clove or two of garlic will give an exciting new dimension to even the most humble of home cooked meals. What’s more, it’s so easy to grow. Here’s how to produce this highly nutritious and versatile herb in your own garden.
Planting garlic
MakesGrowing Easy!Call Our Office 1300 EZY GROW (07) 4154 4659
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The EzyGrow garden bed has proven to be very successful in making it easy to grow your herbs and vegetables. The garden bed is at a handy height, can be on your patio or outdoor area with no fear of mess and of course, the garden moves with you.
One of the major benefi ts of this product is that it is good for the environment. The feature of capturing all your excess water and nutrients and being able to recycle them means you don’t waste water and the added fertiliser isn’t leaching into the waterways.
We asked the Horticulture department of the Tafe at Toowoomba to do a study of the water and nutrient effi ciency of this product. They have planted up two EzyGrow
garden beds with exactly the same potting mix, a slow release fertilizer and with the same plants. In one they are recycling all the water, and in the other they are letting it drain into a bucket not to be put back through. In only 4 weeks there was a saving of 60 litres of water through recycling. Over a year that equates to 720 litres of water saved for one garden.
Imagine having your own garden at your fi ngertips, that can move with you and is also an asset to the environment. EzyGrow Gardening is truly the garden for those that want to help look after themselves and their surrounds.
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Autumn 10
1. Choose a full sun position with light, well-drained soil and remove any weeds. Prepare soil with plenty of
3. Dig a small hole for each clove, about 8 to 10cm deep and 10cm apart. Plant the cloves pointy-end up, gently cover with soil and apply a light mulch.
2. Gently separate the garlic bulb into individual cloves by hand.
2322
onset of frost. The roots will start to grow immediately after planting and young garlic should break through the soil in about two weeks. It’s good to get good root development before winter dormancy.
HarvestGarlic should resume growth in spring and be ready to harvest by late spring or early summer. Plants should have fi ve or six green leaves with no more than a couple beginning to turn brown. Bulbs will store in a cool, dry place for up to 8 months. Any unused bulbs can be divided up and re-plant-ed the following season.
How to buyGarlic can be grown from seed, which can be obtained from horticultural suppliers. It can also be grown from fresh garlic bulbs purchased from your local organic grocer. (It’s important to use organic garlic, as non-organic garlic is likely to be treated with chemicals that will prevent it from sprouting.) It can also be important to choose a variety suited to your climate. Russian garlic is the variety most commonly available commercially and is best suited to warmer zones. Australian garlic has bigger cloves, a more subtle fl avour and can be better suited to cooler areas.
When to plantGarlic is basically a spring-fl owering bulb, so wait until there is a chill in the air before planting. In areas that have frosty winters, plant garlic about 6 weeks before the
Searles Real Compost and if soil is dry, water well before planting. If planting in pots, use Searles Herb & Vegetable Planting Mix.
21
3
You will need:wooden skewers (soaked in water for 1 hour)1 1/2 tbsps olive oil3 cloves garlic, crushed1 small chilli, deseeded & crushed1 tbsp lemon juicesalt & pepper500g green prawns, shelled with tails intact
Instructions:Combine olive oil, garlic, chillies, lemon juice, salt & pepper in a bowl. Add green prawns and mix together thoroughly. Skewer prawns and grill or fry until cooked. Serve immediately with rice salad or green salad.
Garlic prawn skewers
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