PR

INT

PO

ST A

PP

RO

VED

PP

424

022/

0040

9

Winter 2008ISSUE 45

Geraniums

Bare rooted plants

Potted lemon trees

Winter hints & tips

For more gardening hints & tips, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au

Grow cabbage

Wipe out weeds

Fish tank fashions

Issue 45Winter 2008

About this issue...FeaturesGorgeous geraniums 4 Winter weed warfare 6Tank talk — Siamese fighting fish 10Bare rooted facts 16Growing cabbage 19Potty about lemon trees 20Ashley’s pest watch — bindii 22

Special interestPlants from Redlands Nursery 18 Termite editorial 23

Regulars Subscribe to About the Garden 5 ATG Winter 2008 Garden Diary 12Winter handy hints & tips 14

•ManagingDirector:ConwaySearle•Contributors:FridaForsberg,RenéeNugent, AlanaSearle&AshleySearle•MagazineManager:AlanaSearle•Design&Layout:FridaForsberg AbouttheGardenGraphicDesignDepartment•BusinessDevelopment&Advertising:RenéeNugent•FrontCoverPhotography:AlanaSearle

ThematerialappearinginAbouttheGardenissubjecttocopyright.OtherthanaspermittedbytheCopyrightAct,nopartofthismagazinemaybereproducedwithoutthepermissionofthepublishers.NoresponsibilityisacceptedbyAbouttheGardenPty.Ltd.fortheaccuracyofinformationcontainedinthetext,illustrationsoradvertisements.Althoughbelievedtobeaccuratelyandcorrectlysourced,thereofdisclaimsanyliabilityagainstitself,editor/soremployeesarisingfromanypersonactingonthematerialherein.Theopinionsexpressedinthemagazine,orbycontributors,donotnecessarilyrepresenttheviewsofthepublisher.©Copyright2008AbouttheGardenPty.Ltd.

It matters little what form of prayer we adopt or how many words we use, what matters is the faith which lays hold on God and touches the heart of the Father who knew us long before we came to him. —DietrichBonhoeffer

I’ve always found the cool season to be one of the best — and busiest — times of year in the garden and this issue is sure to help if you’re looking for ideas. The hints and tips on page 14 are jam packed with great advice, as is the Diary on

page 12, and gardeners in cool zones will love the article on bare rooted plants on page 15. Wherever you are in Australia, happy gardening and God bless, Con Searle

AbouttheGardenispublishedseasonallybyAbouttheGardenPty.Ltd.ABN210769199924914D’AguilarHighway,KilcoyorP.O.Box70,KilcoyQld.4515Phone:(07)54972313•Fax:(07)54972287Email:atg@aboutthegarden.com.au

Creamy lemon tartIngredientsbase• 2cupsplainflour

• 125gcoldunsalted butter,chopped

• 2eggyolks

• 1/3cupcoldwater

MethodbaseMixflourandbutterinafoodprocessoruntilitresemblesbreadcrumbs.Addeggyolksandcoldwaterandcombineuntilthemixclumpstoformadough.Refrigerateforonehour.Rolloutdoughandlinepastrydish,cuttingoffanyoverhangingpastry.Refrigerateforanotherhour.Blindbakebaseina180˚Covenfor20minutesoruntilbrowned.

lemon fillingCombinecastorsugarandeggsuntilsugarisdissolved.Graterindfromlemonsandthenjuicethem.Addlemonjuiceandrindtothemixture.Stir.Adddoublecreamandwhiskgentlyuntilsmooth.Pourfillingintobaseandreturntotheovenat180˚Cfor1houroruntilfillingisfirm.Servewarmwithascoopofvanillaice-creamordoublecream.

lemon filling• 125gdoublecream

• 4largeeggs

• 180gcastorsugar

• 2freshlemons

At the ATG office, we decided this lemon-packed creamy lemon tart was essential sustenance for those chilly winter evenings after a hard day’s gardening. Whether eaten hot from the oven or refrigerated, it’s the perfect comfort food. Winter is the time when lemons usually come into fruit, so if you don’t have your own lemon tree already, check out our ‘Potty about lemon trees’ article on page 20.

HOME DELIVERY!

Name: .....................................................................................

Age: 25–35 36–45 46–55 55+

Address: ..................................................................................

City: .............................. State: .............. P/code: ..................

Phone: ...................................... Fax: ......................................

Email: .......................................................................................

Enclosed is a cheque for:

1 year ($18.00) 2 years ($30.00)

OR charge this to my:

Bank card Visa Mastercard

Card no:

Card holder’s name:......................... Expiry date: ................

Signature: .................................................................................

Subscribe and have the About the Garden Magazine delivered to your door!

Phone: (07) 5497 2313 Fax: (07) 5497 2287Email: atg@aboutthegarden.com.au

www.aboutthegarden.com.au

Please send this form to:About the GardenP.O. Box 70 Kilcoy Qld 4515

Au

t 08

AVAILABLE FROM ALL LEADING NURSERIES, GARDEN CENTRES & HARDWARE STORES.

Manufactured by:

The geranium (or pelargonium)originates from South Africa, where a number of zonal types are native. It’s from these plants that most of the hybrids grown in our gardens today originate. Flowers may be in all shades of pink, orange, red, white and mauve, often with attractively patterned leaves. They make a great splash of colour for most of the year and are so easy to grow that we tend to take them for granted.

Generally, geraniums need little care. However, their fleshy roots and stems can be susceptible to rot if they have poor drainage. Taking the following steps should ensure a long and happy relationship with these pretty perennials.

In the groundPosition — give geraniums full sun for good flowering, though they will grow in light or partial shade.

Good drainage — if you have heavy clay soil, build up raised beds and fill with a sandy loam. Searles® Garden Soil Mix is ideal. Alternatively, you can grow them in containers. Rose-scented geraniums don’t mind clay and are good plants for breaking up heavy soils.

Soil — while geraniums will grow in poor, sandy soil they do best in a well-drained sandy loam.

Feeding — add compost to the soil every spring and autumn. It isn’t necessary to fertilise geraniums growing in well-composted soil but you’ll get better blooms if you use Searles Robust®

controlled-release fertiliser. Never use a high nitrogen fertiliser

with geraniums —

you’ll get lots of leaves but few flowers. Too much nitrogen can also soften the stems, making them liable to rot.

Watering — this should rarely be necessary with established plants. In very dry weather, give them a deep watering about once every couple of weeks. To make really efficient use of water, apply Penetraide® Re-Wetting Granules when planting and reapply each year before the dry season, working the granules into the soil.

Pruning — geraniums tend to grow straggly in hot, humid climates so if this is a problem, give yours a prune when the stems start to look long and lanky. Pruned geraniums flower better and live longer.

Problems — geraniums are rarely attacked by insects and recover easily if they are. They aren’t prone to disease, either, though if rusty-coloured patches appear on the leaves, use a fungicide such as Searles® Mancozeb or Mancozeb Plus.

With so many amazing plants in garden centres today, it can be easy to forget some of the most obvious choices. Geraniums flower beautifully, keep a lush appearance in some of the hottest, driest conditions, are elegant in pots and can be the mainstay of low-maintenance gardens. With the recent geranium revival, it’s time to give the humble geranium a look with a fresh pair of eyes.

Gorgeous geraniums

Mulching — soft material such as straw can be used very lightly around geraniums; don’t pack it in, and keep

it well clear of the stems. In wet weather, push mulch away from

the plant. A high quality mulch like Searles Mulch Plus can be

ideal. Gravel or pale-coloured pebbles also look good.

In the potGeraniums are among the top favourites for window boxes, pots and hanging baskets because they put on such a good year-round show. Ivy-leaved, trailing geraniums are particularly good for hanging baskets.

Potting mix — a good mix such as Searles Peat 80 Plus is

ideal. Add crocking or a layer of gravel to the base of the pot

to ensure good drainage.

Geraniums are great as pot plants in either formal or informal settings.

In this garden, dainty white geraniums make an informal border alongside verbena and vinca.

co

mp

iled

by

Frid

a F

ors

be

rg

New varieties:

Propagating tip:Geraniums are very easy to propagate. Place cuttings in a jar of water until they root and then plant them out. However, if you’re looking for the newest and best varieties, the best place to find them is at your garden centre.

Royal Barolo

Sailing klesail

Vineta

Royal Red4 5

Repotting — once every two years is usually all that’s necessary, unless you urgently need to move a plant to a larger pot. Geraniums flower best if their root zone is a bit restricted, so try to avoid putting a small plant in a large pot. Tough as they are, geraniums can suffer if their roots are overheated in a pot — clay or plastic — in full sun all day. To avoid this, put the potted plant inside a larger pot.

Feeding — don’t feed for the first four months after potting. After that, mix in some Searles Robust® at the recommended rate. Otherwise, feed once every six weeks with Searles Flourish®.

Watering — only do this when the potting mix feels dry. In dry weather, a general guide is to water plants in clay pots twice a week and those in plastic pots once a week. Large pots will require less frequent watering than smaller pots.

186 Glenmount Rd Tanawha Q 4556

Ph: (07) 5476 6245Fax (07) 5445 6364

Geraniums. The natural way.

The leisurely pace of plant growth during the winter presents the perfect opportunity to halt the progress of weeds. Here’s the step-by-step basics for a trouble-free lawn...

W inter weed warfare

Most lawn weeds begin their germination and growth in winter so this is the perfect time to commence an eradication program for a weed free lawn through the spring and summer seasons. A very common weed which appears with vigor in winter is the bindii (for further information on controlling this weed, see article on page 22).

The first step in selecting the appropriate spray is to try to identify the weeds that are appearing. Below is a chart of the 12 most common weeds that afflict home lawns. If you cannot identify the weed, you need not worry as most sprays will kill a wide range of weeds.

Step 1 Identify weed

12 most common weeds

Mullumbimby Couch

Nutgrass Paspalum

Clover

Bindii Capeweed

Sowthistle Cobblers Pegs

Chickweed Fleabane

DandelionCreeping Oxalis

Step 2 is probably the most important one. Identify your lawn type as not all sprays can be used on all lawn types. Once you have identified your lawn type, select the sprays that are suitable for use on that lawn type.

Timing of sprayingThe time of spraying is very important. The best time to spray is about 3-4 days after mowing and on a clear, fine day with no sign of rain. After weeds are mown, they will start to re-grow immediately and it is while they are in their growing phase that they are most susceptible to sprays.

Wetting AgentFor best results when spraying, always add a wetting agent such as Spredmax. Spredmax will make the spray stick to the

weeds better which gives a better weed kill. Follow all directions on the bottle for mixing rates and coverage and use a pressure sprayer for best results.

LimingAnother way to suppress weed growth in winter is to apply lime or dolomite and gypsum to your lawn. Most weeds grow well in soils that are acidic or have become compacted. Applying lime or dolomite will help reduce the soil’s acidity, making it is less conducive to weed growth. Gypsum helps aerate the soil, creating a good environment for healthy grass root growth. This will favour lawn health and vigour over weed growth.

The following chart provides a good guide for identifying the weeds in your lawn and selecting the best spray to help you create a lovely, weed free lawn.

Step 2 Identify your lawn type

Lawn Perfect® LawnWeeder Bindii & Clover Paspalum, Nutgrass Buffalo Killer & Clover Killer Master®

Couch Lawns(not QLD Blue Couch) • • • • •QLD Blue Couch • • • •Buffalo Grass(except ST varieties) •Carpet Grass • • •Bent & Fescue • • • • •Rye Grass •Paspalum •Kikuya • • • •Saltene • •

Step 3 Select the weedkiller suited to your lawn type

Lawn Perfect® LawnWeeder Bindii & Clover Paspalum, Nutgrass Buffalo

Killer & Clover Killer Master®

Barnyard Grass •Bindii • • • • •Capeweed • •Catsear • • • •Chickweed • • • •Clovers • • • • •Cobblers Pegs • • Cotula •Creeping Buttercup •Creeping Oxalis • • • •Cudweed • • •Dandelion • • • • •Dock • Duckweed •Fat Hen • •Flateweed • Fleabane • • •Fumitory • • Jo-Jo (One hunga) •Lambs Tongue • • • •Mallow • •Mouse-EaredChickweed •Mullumbimby Couch • •Nut Grass •Paspalum •Perlwort • •Plantains •Scarlet pimpernel •Sowthistle • •Stagger Weed • •Summer Grass(Crab Grass) •Water Couch •Wire Weed • •

76

by

Ash

ley

Sea

rle

Please refer to individual product information to check which weeds are controlled by each herbicide. Before using any product, always read the PRODUCT LABEL for full directions, application, safety directions and guidelines.

NutriPaK is a balanced fertiliser in an easy-to-use, liquid product. Promotes vigorous growth and greening. Contains organic manure and seaweed extracts. Simply attaches to hose.

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 plants (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,

Beerwah Qld 4519Ph: (07) 5439 0355

Fax: (07) 5439 0366www.superway.com.au

SUPERWAY GARDEN, Ag & PestPRODUCTS PTY.LTD.

(a quality assured company, proudly Australian owned and operated)

Available 250ml, 500ml & 1litre chamber pack. Available in concentrate or ready-to-use pack.

Available in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre packs.

Available in 250ml to 20 litres and 1 litre 'ready-to-use' spraypack.

Available in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre chamber pack.

PEST

CO

NTR

OL

PLA

NT

FOO

DH

ERBI

CID

E

GA

RDEN

PES

TSH

OU

SEH

OLD

PES

TS

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Trade enquiries welcome.8 9

Using a hand weeder

With the prongs firmly in place, move the handle of the weeder toward the ground so the weed is levered out of the ground by the root.

Dandelion can be placed upside down on the lawn with their roots in the air to dry out in the sun. They can later be mulched or composted. For weeds that carry seed heads such as bindii, place them in a bucket and then in the bin.

Weeding by hand is easy and can be a very effective option during the colder months when weeds are not growing.

Position the weeder at the base of the weed where the root begins. Push gently downward at a 45˚ angle so that the prongs of the weeder grasp the base of the root from either side.

This hand weeder is most effective on flat, star-shaped weeds like dandelion and capeweed. These weeds have a single, carrot-shaped taproot that can make them difficult to pull out by hand.

Weeds can be easier to lift when the soil is soft and moist, ie. after rain.

Try to remove the weed before or during flowering ie. before it sets seed. This can prevent next year’s weeds.

Always use gloves whenever working in the garden.

Don’t have the energy to weed by hand? Most children can be bribed with an offer of 10c per weed.

Other good advice when weeding by hand:

Step 1. Step 2.

Step 3.

Step 4.

Forperfect lawns.

Searles Spredmax®

For best results, add a small amount of spredmax into the spray solution before spraying weeds. Spredmax helps the spray stick to the weeds, enhancing its effectiveness.

Step 3.

NAMBOUR SHOWGROUNDS

ENTRANCE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR PHONE FOR

FURTHER INFO

Coronation Avenue, Nambour,

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

(one hour north of Brisbane on the Bruce Highway,

turn off at the Big Pineapple)

adults

aged concession

groups of 10 or more

three day gold pass

kids under 12

car parking onsite - all day

(all proceeds from car parking go to local service clubs)

[07] 5441 4655

[07] 5441 4677

$14.00

$12.00

$12.00

$30.00

FREE

$7.00

Free shuttle buses roam Nambour half hourly

meeting and dropping off to every train.

Phone

Fax

Chi

lli_6

426

july '0811+12+13

I www.homegardenexpo.com.au

Presented by the Nursery & Garden Industry QldSunshine Coast Branch

GATES OPEN 8.00AM DAILY

The 2008 Queensland Home Garden Expo will open its gates to thousands of people from across the state on 11 – 12 – 13 July this year. Each year over 20,000 garden lovers and horticulture professionals flock to the Nambour Showgrounds, Sunshine Coast to enjoy Queensland’s premier gardening event.

On par with Australia’s best garden shows, the quality of displays, exhibits and lectures make this one of the top five garden shows in the country and number one in Queensland.

Queensland Home Garden Expo is where top landscape designers and nurseries showcase their creative talents and share their knowledge. With over 340 exhibitors, there is an amazing range of garden products on display including over 40,000 plants, all the latest in garden tools, pots, books, tanks, mowers and power equipment. The Giant Kitchen Garden Feature continues to grow each year with the increasing interest in sustainable living and gardening. Here you will find some great tips on how to make a difference to the environment in your own backyard.

Information and advice abound at the Garden Expo with continuous lectures on five live stages. Colin Campbell, Annette McFarlane, Ross McKinnon, Phil Dudman and Paul Plant lead a team of over twenty speakers covering a wide variety of gardening topics.

Not to be missed are the fantastic floral art creations and displays by more than fifteen Queensland Garden Clubs and Societies.

All of this, plus great food, street entertainment and free children’s playground combine to make Queensland Home Garden Expo a great day out.

NAMBOUR SHOWGROUNDS

ENTRANCE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR PHONE FOR

FURTHER INFO

Coronation Avenue, Nambour,

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

(one hour north of Brisbane on the Bruce Highway,

turn off at the Big Pineapple)

adults

aged concession

groups of 10 or more

three day gold pass

kids under 12

car parking onsite - all day

(all proceeds from car parking go to local service clubs)

[07] 5441 4655

[07] 5441 4677

$14.00

$12.00

$12.00

$30.00

FREE

$7.00

Free shuttle buses roam Nambour half hourly

meeting and dropping off to every train.

Phone

Fax

Chi

lli_6

426

july '0811+12+13

I www.homegardenexpo.com.au

Presented by the Nursery & Garden Industry QldSunshine Coast Branch

GATES OPEN 8.00AM DAILY

QueenslandHome Garden Expo

There are many approaches for decorating the tank, however the most important ‘fashion’ item is the pebbles. Pebbles set the style of the tank and will dictate your theme. Select only from pebbles that are sold especially for use in fish tanks. Some pebbles are dyed and their inks will run, which could be disastrous for the fish. Glass pebbles are a great option as they will not leak harmful dyes.

Before adding the pebbles to a tank, be sure to wash them well in running water. Do not use detergent.

Place the glass pebbles gently into the tank. If you like lots of colour, you can create some fun patterns by using different coloured pebbles.

Any ornaments will need to be washed clean before being placed in the tank. Glass or glazed ceramic ornaments are a great option. Anchor any aquatic plants by covering the roots with pebbles. Porous materials such as wood or metals that may rust are best avoided.

Fill your tank with water, but not right to the top — you don’t want your fish to escape! Aquarium suppliers, pet stores and some garden centres can supply a tonic and water conditioner to neutralize the chlorine and other chemicals in tap water. For good measure, allow the tank to sit for at least 24 hours before introducing the fish.

...come and see!

Visit the Queensland Home Expo and see the

ATG Photo Exhibition

1110

Tank talk — Siamese fighting fish

by

René

e N

uge

nt

NAMBOUR SHOWGROUNDS

ENTRANCE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR PHONE FOR

FURTHER INFO

Coronation Avenue, Nambour,

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

(one hour north of Brisbane on the Bruce Highway,

turn off at the Big Pineapple)

adults

aged concession

groups of 10 or more

three day gold pass

kids under 12

car parking onsite - all day

(all proceeds from car parking go to local service clubs)

[07] 5441 4655

[07] 5441 4677

$14.00

$12.00

$12.00

$30.00

FREE

$7.00

Free shuttle buses roam Nambour half hourly

meeting and dropping off to every train.

Phone

Fax

Chi

lli_6

426

july '0811+12+13

I www.homegardenexpo.com.au

Presented by the Nursery & Garden Industry QldSunshine Coast Branch

GATES OPEN 8.00AM DAILY

Step 1.

Step 2.

Step 4.

Step 5.

Step 6.

Photograph by Renée Nugent

Photo display to be located at the main lecture marquee.

Pet shops normally dispense fish in a plastic cup or bag for easy transport home. To avoid shocking the fish with

a sudden temperature change when it moves into the water of its new

home, allow the cup to sit, fully submerged in the water of the tank for about 20 minutes before releasing the fish.

A fish bowl or tank can be a great interior decorating accessory. Betta fish (Siamese fighting fish) are a great option in such an ensemble as they can live happily in a very small tank or bowl. The great thing about these fish is that their bright colour and striking good looks can make them compatible with some more exotic, retro or even psychedelic colour schemes, so be adventurous with colours. Here are some simple steps for decorating your tank.

A favourite of bees, Australian native leptospermum starts flowering now. This hardy shrub or small tree grows well in most soils, tolerates exposed conditions and needs little attention once established. Most varieties are quite compact and it makes an excellent informal hedge. Plant in full sun.

Sydney MelbourneSouth-east Qld & Northern NSW

FlowersBefore spring, fertilise roses with Searles Rose Plant Food and dig in a small amount of Searles 5 IN 1 Plus. Fertilise azaleas and flowering bulbs.

HerbsPlant chamomile, comfrey, dill, garlic bulbs, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, parsley, oregano, sage, and thyme.

Fruit & VegetablesPlant spinach, silver beet, lettuce and early-maturing cabbage. Fertilise fortnightly with Searles Fish & Kelp Plus and keep the water up to them to ensure an excellent crop.

More advice...•Cutbackrosestoaboutone-third.•Cleanoutfishponds.•Plantdeciduousfloweringtrees

and shrubs.•Cutcannaliliesrightdownto

ground level — they will grow back beautifully in spring.

•Dead-headagapanthus.•Cutbackdeadperennials.•Divideperennialsthathave

become overcrowded.•Thisisalsoagoodtimetostart

planning and begin planting native plants — a great way to attract native fauna.

Subtropical — Coastal

Cold & Southern Tableland areas

Temperate areas

FlowersPlant alyssum, aquilegia, begonia, calendula, cineraria, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, erigeron, foxglove, geranium, hollyhock, larkspur, lobelia, nemesia, pansy, polyanthus, poppy, primula, ranunculus, snapdragon, stock and viola.

HerbsPlant chives, curry, dill, mint, parsley, sage and thyme.

Fruit and vegetablesPlant beetroot, broad beans, broccoli, Brussells sprout, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, endive, leek, lettuce, onions, peas, snow peas, silver beet and spinach.

More advice...•Plantvirus-freestrawberry

runners.•Prunegrapeandkiwifruitvines,

raspberries and other berries.•Asthenewbudsstarttoswell

on fruit trees such as plum, nectarine, cherry and peach, spray with Searles Copper Oxychloride to control fungal disease.

•Plantbare-rootedroses.•Plantdeciduoustreesandfruit

trees.

FlowersPlant pansies and violas for great winter colour. Small native shrubs such as leptospermum and grevillea can be planted now and are a good option for a difficult spot as they are tough and tolerate dry conditions.

HerbsPlant chamomile, comfrey, coriander, dill, feverfew, garlic bulbs, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, parsley, oregano, sage and thyme. Protect coriander from frost.

Fruit & VegetablesPlantChinesegreens—Pakchoicanbe harvested just 3–4 weeks after planting. Grow English spinach quickly in rich soil. Harvest citrus. Plant peas where summer annuals were planted — they will enrich the soil for next summer’s blooms.

More advice...•Prunenativesthathavefinished

flowering.•Prunehydrangeas.•Divideagapanthusandother

strappy-leafed perennials.•Don’treturnfruitflyinfectedfruitto

the compost.•Transplantanytreesthatneed

moving, especially in wet weather.•Pruneroses.•Plantdeciduoustrees.

FlowersPlant aster, begonia, dahlia, daisy, gazania, geranium, impatiens, marigold, nasturtium, petunia, portulaca, salvia and verbena.

HerbsPlant dill, garlic bulbs, marjoram, mint, parsley, oregano, sage, Thai coriander and thyme.

Fruit & VegetablesPlant broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, peas, potato, pumpkin, spinach, sweet corn and tomato.

More advice...•Harvestproduceplantedinautumn.•SoakthevegiegardenwithSearles

Fish & Kelp Plus every fortnight.•Watchforpestslikegrasshoppers

and caterpillars.•Takefrangipanicuttings.•Melonandpumpkinvinescanbe

pruned to keep them within a 2m radius. This will give denser growth without decreasing the yield.•Fertilise,waterandmulchmango

trees once flowering has finished.•Enjoyfloweringnativeslikecocky

apple, kapok and woollybutt.

North QueenslandTropical — Wet & Dry Tropics

Winter2008RegionalGardenDiary

OutbackInland or arid areas

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.

HerbsBasil, chives, coriander, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme.

Fruit & VegetablesSow beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, cape gooseberry, capsicum,carrot,chicory,Chinesecabbage, cress, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, marrow, melons, mustard, okra, onion, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, radish, rosella, silver beet, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato.

More advice...•Nowisagreattimetogardenin

warmer parts of inland Australia.•Petuniaswilldoparticularlywell

from late autumn until spring.•Plantfruittreesandvines.•Divideclumpingplantssuchas

agapanthus, canna lilies, liriope, iris and clivea.

•Removespentflowerstoinducenew blooms.

DIARY MAP

Tropical

Sub tropical

Temperate

Cool

Arid

The orange trumpet vine Pyrostegia venusta is a flamboyant bloomer, setting winter gardens alight with magnificent orange, tubular flowers. Its dense foliage gives great coverage; perfect for covering a dull corner or creating a privacy screen. Give it full sun to semi shade and protection from cold winds and frost.

The drought may appear to have eased in many parts of the country but this doesn't mean we should go back to our previous water wasting ways. By all means, indulge in a few lush exotics and potted colour, but continue to adhere to water restrictions and make hardy plants the mainstay of your garden.

The delightful cymbidium orchid is flowering and available at garden centresnow.Displayedindoors,they're sure to be a talking point. Once they finish flowering, move them to a position outdoors with about50%sunlight,suchasunderatree or shadecloth.

Doyouhaveshadyordryspotsin your garden where nothing will grow? Make it look like it's meant to be that way with clever use of paving, pebbles or ornamentation. A visit to your garden centre should give you plenty of inspiration.

ALL AREAS

Nowisthebesttimetobuydeciduous magnolias as they come into flower at the end of winter. Differenttypeshavedifferentsoil,position and space requirements so always ask at your garden centre to make sure you have the best

variety for your area.1312

ALL AREASALL AREAS

Magnolia 'Star Wars'

Summer advert FINAL.eps 28/9/07 3:57:52 PM

Now is the time to purchase japonica camellias. Plant them in dappled shade or a position with morning sun and mulch well to keep the roots cool and moist. These flamboyant beauties also grow well in pots.

Kangaroo paw (Anigosanthos) can be planted in the second half of winter and look magnificent in mass plantings. If you don't have the perfect, free-draining soil that these Western Australian beauties adore, try a kangaroo paw from the Bush Gems range which can tolerate heavier soils. Give them full sun.

For more great hints and tips, visit the Searles website: www.searles.com.au

Anthuriums are great indoor plants that can flower for most of the year. If yours are not flowering well, ensure they have enough light (but not full sun). Sitting them on an eastern facing window sill can be ideal. Water often to keep the soil moist.

Cyclamen love the cool season. They need shade or part shade, often doing well under a shady tree. They grow and flower well indoors in pots if kept cool and not allowed to get waterlogged, however will still benefit from frequent spells in outdoor shade.

15

Now is the time to plant pansies and violas. These vibrant annuals come in practically every colour of the rainbow and are very cold hardy. In fact, the cooler the temperature, the larger and more vibrantly coloured their flowers. Boost blooms with a fortnightly dose of Searles Flourish and deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers. They are shallow rooted so mulch them well and don't let the soil dry out.

Pot plants need less watering during winter but don't forget to water them altogether! A weekly watering should suffice for most pot plants but if you're not sure, push a finger into the potting mix to check for dryness.

Rose bushes should be watered less frequently during winter. Prune the bushes back about two thirds in July to make way for spring growth. For more winter rose care info, visit www.searles.com.au

Bracteantha (native paper daisy) makes a cheerful addition to any garden with a cottage or native theme, but also works well in formal borders. Its dry, papery flowers are great in dried flower arrangements. Prepare soil, water and care for it as you would any other daisy. (To dry them, hang them upside down for a few weeks in a dark, dry place.)

Anthuriums love sunlight in the mornings.

Related to the poinsettia, Euphorbia 'Snow flake' creates wonderful winter highlights and the impression of 'snow' in frost free areas when it becomes covered in a blanket of snowy white bracts through the cool season.

Winter handy hints & tips

Euphorbia 'Snow flake'

The gurgle of a water fountain can create a wonderful ambience and free-standing water features can be easy-care and simple to install. Now is a great time to get such projects completed. You'll be grateful once the warmer weather returns and you can simply kick back and enjoy!

Tropical

Sub tropical

Temperate

Cool

Arid

Apply Searles Liquid Seaweed and Searles Liquid Potash Plus on separate, fortnightly intervals to boost your plants' natural resistance to frost and cold. Begin at least 4 weeks before the onset of severe cold.

Give the growing tips of lavender a trim and remove any dead branches. Don't prune all the way down to hard wood however, or you may kill the plant. Late winter is a good time to plant new lavender. Give it full sun and well drained soil.

Winter can be a tough time of year for wild birds as there is less food available. Do them a favour by growing winter-flowering natives like banksia and grevillea to keep them fed until spring.

1514

Winter is one of the busiest and most beautiful times in the garden. Peas, beans and brassicas are ready for harvest, many natives are blooming and showy annuals like viola and sweet pea paint the scene with colour. It's a great time for activity so prune any plants that have finished flowering and prepare vegie beds in readiness for spring planting.

ALL ZONES

ALL ZONES

ALL ZONES

ALL ZONES

ALL ZONES

ALL ZONES

What bug is that?

ALL ZONES

These are scale insects. They range from the size of a pinhead to 4mm across in shades of white, yellow, brown or black. They suck sap which weakens the plant and excrete honeydew which causes unsightly sooty mould. Control this pest with Pest Gun or Searles White Oil.

Planting notes:• Plantthetreeassoonaspossible

afterpurchase.

• Don’tplanttoodeep.Thetreeneedstobeatthesamedepthasitwasinitsoriginalposition.Lookforaslightchangeincolourationonthebaseofthestemforanindicationoftheoriginalsoilline.(Asaguide,thegraftshouldsitabout10cmabovetheground.)

• Remembertokeeptherootsmoist.Ifyouarenotplantingimmediately,wraptherootsinwetnewspaperandaplasticbag.

• Beforeplanting,removeanydiseasedordamagedroots.

• Itcanbegoodtoapplywatercrystalswhenplanting,butusingmorethanrecommendedontheinstructionscancauserootrot.

• Placetheplantinthehole,spreadingtherootsintoanaturalposition.Buildingamoundatthebaseoftheholemayhelpsteadytheplant.Whenbackfilling,wigglethetreeandwatertherootstohelpremoveanyairpockets.

• Waterimmediatelyafterplanting,butdon’toverwaterwhendormant.

• Startapplyingfertiliserwhengrowthresumesinspring.

The bare-rooted facts

Just about any deciduous plant is a fair candidate for purchase as bare-rooted stock. This includes roses, fruit trees and ornamentals. Bare-rooted stock can be a great money-saver, sometimes carrying a ‘50% off’ pricetag.

Barerooted originsThe bare-rooted plants you see in nurseries are usually grown in the ground, out in a field. They are dug up and sold in winter when they are dormant as this gives them the best chance of being replanted successfully.

What to look forReputable garden centres should sell only quality stock but it’s still a good philosophy to examine before you buy. Avoid specimens with brittle branches that break easily; they should feel sturdy and fairly flexible. Also avoid specimens with visible damage or disease.

Preparing the soilDig a hole, mixing in additives to improve the soil. A good formula is:

• onethirdgardensoil• onethirdriversand• onethirdorganicmatter,ie.Searles5IN1.

(Ifthesoilisveryheavyclay,throwhalfthesoilaway and replace it with Searles Premium Potting Mix.)

The rows of bare rooted plants in cool climate nurseries at this time of year can seem rather unglamorous. Looks, however, can be deceiving. In fact, many gardeners refuse to plant at any other time, greedily

Ugly ducklings:It’shardtoimaginethattheseunexcitinglooking‘sticksin the ground’ could one day soon be flooding gardens with sweetly scented blossoms, flavoursome fruit or fiery Autumn colour.

When to look for themLook for bare-rooted plants in winter — June, July and August. (Don’t buy bare-rooted stock after August as plants will start to reshoot, making transplant difficult.)

anticipating the cool season when we have some of the finest jewels of the plant world at our fingertips...

Bye-bye, plastic tiesOnce the warm weather returns, expect the tree to grow fast. Ensure any plastic tags or ties are undone as they can strangle the plant.

Pruning & stakingBare rooted plants have their roots cut for easy removal and transport which can leave them top heavy and without good anchorage. Once planted, the tree can be ‘balanced’ by pruning the branches about 30cm from the main trunk, cutting just above a bud. Loosely stake it until established.

co

mp

iled

by

René

e N

uge

nt

1716

A note on sawdust...Many bare-rooted trees are sold with their roots bound in sawdust to keep them moist. Remove this sawdust before planting as the decaying matter can harm the new feeder roots.

Most roses can be bought as bare rooted stock.

The maple brings autumn colour.

Platycerium bifurcatum‘Netherlands’

Ozothamnus‘Winter White’A new selection of Rice Flower which is compact and therefore ideal for the garden. ‘Winter White’ flowers from mid winter through into spring and displays

‘Green Orange’™Something different! Glossy green leaves with orange stems and veins make this a fascinating specimen! Keep it in a well lit, indoor position or outside in a shady courtyard or patio. ‘Green Orange’ looks stunning displayed in an orange or black ceramic pot. When potting, use Searles Peat 80. It needs to be kept moist but do

Bougainvillea Bambino™The growing of Bougainvilleas has been revolutionized in the last 10 years with the introduction of dwarf varieties. The Bambinos™ offer an outstanding range of colours over lush green or variegated foliage. Ease of growth makes these Bougainvilleas suitable for many situations in the landscape. An excellent choice for a sunny courtyard, poolside in containers or hanging baskets on a balcony. Bambinos™ will guarantee a magnificent display if given a sunny position in a well drained soil, fed in spring, summer and autumn with Searles Robust Plus and kept well mulched. Prune to shape and remove old heads of flower.

Plectranthus ‘Emerald Lace’‘Emerald Lace’ grows as a compact mound with layers of showy bright green leaves with silver veins. It looks particularly striking in spring and autumn when it produces delicate lilac pink flowers amongst the showy variegated leaves. ‘Emerald Lace’ is suitable for indoors in a well-lit area or outdoors in semi shaded areas. It can be grown in the garden, containers or hanging baskets and makes an interesting feature in a mixed planting. Avoid watering late in the day to maintain a stunning display.

attractive white buds for many weeks before flowering. Best grown in light well drained soil in a full sun position, once established requires little or no extra watering. The Rice Flower is native to Eastern Australia and makes an excellent dry flower if picked before the flowers open. Prune after flowering and feed with Searles Robust Plus.

not allow it to sit in excess water. To keep in peak condition, fertilise with Searles Flourish.

Chlorophytum orchidastrum

The Elkhorn fern ‘Netherlands’ has a dwarf growing habit, making it suitable as a houseplant. In fact, it was developed in Holland for the European house plant market (hence the name Netherlands). It can grow beautifully either indoors or outdoors. It can look striking in a hanging basket or half basket on a wall or can be tied to branches of trees where it will establish itself. Elkhorns prefer a moist atmosphere and semi shade. They require a free draining soil similar to that used for most orchids. Do not over water as they need very little once established.

Redlands Nursery plants are available from all good garden centres.

When to plantCabbage is available as seed or seedlings. Most cabbage varieties are quite frost hardy so it can be planted throughout winter. In the tropics, plant in the beginning of winter to ensure the heads have time to form before heat returns.

How manyLarge cabbages can feed many mouths and store well in the fridge when cut, so plant at least 20, or cultivate a few different types to stagger the season.

Where to plantCabbages dislike wet feet, so good drainage is essential. As with other cold season crops, they should be planted in a sunny position. Compact varieties grow well in pots.

How to plant Cabbages prefer clay soils as these are richer in nutrients than sandy soils that become quickly depleted with frequent watering. If your soil is very light and sandy, it can be improved by digging in as many as two 30litre bags of Searles Real Compost per square metre (Loam or clay soils will need considerably less).

Cabbages favour soil that has a very slightly acid pH of around 6.0. To improve fertility, dig in some Searles Garden & Vegetable Plant Food when preparing the bed. Seeds can be sown in individual cell-pack punnets or directly into garden beds. Seed sown directly into the ground should be dispersed sparsely to ensure that the plants have plenty of space around them as they mature. Sow into a drill at a depth recommended on the packet and backfill by gently replacing the soil from either side of the drill. The seedbed should be watered immediately and kept moist at all times thereafter.

How to maintainCabbages have large appetites and so it is important to grow them steadily with an abundant supply of food and water. Do not let weeds appear between the plants as these will compete for water and nutrients. Fertilise fortnightly throughout the growing period with Searles Fish & Kelp Plus and a once-only application of one teaspoon of sulphate of ammonia sprinkled around each plant.

Pests and diseasesCabbage white caterpillars are the main problem with cabbages, and should be removed by hand. Heavy infestations can be sprayed with pyrethrum or dusted with derris if necessary.

CompanionsCabbages make good companion plants for beans, beetroot, celery, lettuce, peas and potatoes.

HarvestingCabbages should be picked when their heads feel hard. Dig up the whole plant, sever the head from the stalk with a sharp knife; discard the outer leaves, and store in the fridge until required.

Bonus pointRaw cabbage salads such as coleslaw are packed with Vitamin C to fight off winter colds. Drink the water in which cabbage has been boiled for a fabulous skin tonic.

Growing cabbages

This display garden demonstrates how cabbages can be decorative and contrast pleasingly with other plants. (It’s advisable however, to give cabbages more adequate spacing than in the picture to discourage fungal disease.)

1918

Different cabbage varietiesoffer dramatic colour variations.

For more hints and tips on growing vegetables, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au

Colourwave®

beautiful flowering plants

With over 50 varieties to choose from, there is a Colourwave® plantthat is just right for putting flowers back into your garden. People whoneed reliable, tough plants can also count on Colourwave plants. Forover 10 years, Colourwave has put millions of flowers in homes andpublic spaces all over Australia. From Cairns to Hobartthere are Colourwave plants just right for your place.

Million Bells Lavendar ChimesMillion Bells Lavendar Chimes

ATG ad March08 31/3/08 12:42 PM Page 1

Here is some further advice to help you get the most from your potted lemon tree:

•Selectadwarfvarietyoflemontree, such as ‘Lots A’ Lemons’.

•Selectapotnotlessthan40cmwideforyournewcitrustree.Afteracoupleofyears,itwillprobablyneedrepottingintoa60cmpot.Your tree should then happily remaininitspot,butreplacethepottingmixeveryfewyearsifthetree starts to look tired.

•Fillthepotaboutonethirdwithpottingmix.Waterthenewtreethoroughly, remove it from its originalpot,placeitinitsnewpotandfillintherestwithpottingmix.

•Pottedlemontreesrequiredailywateringuntilestablishmentandshouldbewateredregularlywhilegrowing.Oncetheplantisfullyestablisheditshouldonlyrequirewatering2–3timesaweek.

•Pottedlemontrees(likeallcitrus)requiresubstantialsunlightandafullsunposition.Thebeautyofpotcultureisthatitallowsplantstheadvantageofmobility.Apottedlemontreecanbegrownonabalconyaslongasithasagoodaspecttothenorth,eastorwest,fromwhichitcanreceivedirectsunlight for at least 5 hours every day.(NorthofBrisbane,anorth-facingbalconywillbeinshadefor most of the summer, during whichtimethetreemayneedtobemovedtoamorefavourablepositionsuchasaneastorwestbalconyorasunnypositionawayfromthehouse.)

•Manycitrustreeswillbearfruitwithinthefirstyearofpurchase.Thiswillhappenduringthefruitingseasonwhichisusuallyinwinter.Removal of the first and second seasonoffruitwillredirectthetree’s energy and nutrients towardsgrowthandestablishmentof the tree. The result is a stronger treethatwillproduceheaviercropsinsubsequentseasons.

•Adequatewaterandnutrients(ahandfulofSearles Kickalong Fruit & Flowerevery3months)willensurestronggrowth.

To pot or not to pot?Whilelemontreesarequitehardy,growingthem(oranyplant)inapotpresentsitsownsetofchallenges.Potsheatupquickerinthesun,aswellascooloffquickerinexcessivecold.Thismakespottedplantsmoresusceptibletoheatandcoldstressthanthosegrowingingardenbeds.Becausetheyaremoresusceptibletodry-outtheyneedmoreregularwateringwhichresultsintheleaching of nutrients from the potting mix. This means they usually need more fertiliseraswell.

The right potting mediumItisadvisabletoalwaysuseapottingmixofthehighestqualitysuchasSearles Peat 80 Plus. This potting mix has excellent capacitytoabsorbandholdwaterandnutrients and its generous peat content is an excellent natural insulator against heat and cold. Guaranteed tofeedplantsforupto12months, it assures healthy plantswithouttheneedtofrequentlyfertiliseandrepotyour tree. Using Searles Peat 80 Plus, a potted lemon tree canbeaneasycareplant.

Terracotta aestheticsPlainorglazedterracottapotscanbringanauthenticMediterraneanlooktopottedcitrus. Keep them meticulously trimmed in a topiary shape for a stylish, ‘tuscan’ look. Terracotta pots are also relatively good insulatorsandwillhelpprotectthetree’sroots against intense heat and cold.

Potty about lemon treesThere could be few things more convenient than a lemon tree growing right on your doorstep, producing delicious, vitamin-packed fruit every winter to stave off coughs and colds. Modern cultivars bear prolific fruit on trees small enough to spend their entire life in a pot, so even gardeners restricted to a courtyard or balcony need not be denied their own nutritious, home-grown fruit.

by

Ala

na S

ea

rle

The beauty of dwarf treesInsmallergardenswithanexistingtree,citruscanbehappilyprunedtostaywithinsizerestraints.Severepruninghowever,cancostthefollowingseason’sfruit,soitmaybeworthwhiletoremovethetreeandreplaceitwithadwarfvariety.

Lemony snippets

2120

A common sense approach to termite control

Detects and intercepts

termiteactivity.

Protect your home!Termites are the most common and costly cause of damage to Australian homes. Infestations can go undetected for years. The White Ant Terminator allows you to detect and eradicate termites before they damage your home. Developed from CSIRO research, this system is easy to install, uses no chemical sprays, is environmentally friendly and kills termites at the source — the nest.

Buy direct or locate a stockist:Post: PO Box 183, Beerwah QLD 4519Enquiries: 1300 302 938Fax: (07) 5439 0366

www.superway.com.au

Part of the Superway group of companies.

Winter is a time when many nuisance weeds and prickles seem to invade our home turf, causing much pain and frustration. One such major nuisance weed is the bindii.

If you have ever walked on a bindii and felt the sharp pain they cause, you may be interested to know that it is actually the seed that forms the prickle. Bindii grows in the winter and sets seed late winter to early spring.

The trick to stopping bindii from spreading is to spray them in winter as soon as you see them, before the prickles develop, and continue to repeat spray every 3 weeks until they are all gone. Repeat spraying is important as this will control weeds that have germinated after the prior spraying.

One excellent weed killer which kills bindii and many other weeds is Searles Lawn Perfect®.

If you want a perfect lawn that you can walk on without all the painful bindii prickles, then you need to spray now to clean up for spring.

Ashley’s Pest Watch

Bindii patrol

by

Ash

ley

Sea

rle

Searles Lawn Perfect® is a powerful spray containing 3 herbicides that effectively knock out bindii, dandelion, clover and many other common lawn weeds. Searles Lawn Perfect® is suitable to spray on many types of lawn including couch, Queensland blue couch, carpet grass, kikuyu, fescue & saltene, either on newly sown lawn or established lawn.

For better coverageWhen spraying weeds, for greater success add a wetting agent, such as Searles Spredmax®. Searles Spredmax® helps the spray to stick to the weeds, giving far better knockdown of weeds.

So remember, for a perfect lawn this year:

• Spray with Searles Lawn Perfect® every 2-3 weeks

• And don’t forget to add Searles Spredmax®.

If you do this every 3 weeks, you’ll enjoy a beautiful lawn without the worry of weeds and prickles.

Protect herbs, vegetables, trees and shrubs from possums, kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, hares, bandicoots, deer, foxes and other wildlife.

Protect vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, seedlings and buildings from cockatoos, crows, ducks, pigeons, rosellas, starlings, swallows, other birds & bats.

Protects homes, gardens, patios, shop fronts and paved areas from both dogs and cats or rats and mice.

is unique. Reject products said to be "just as good", nothing is at all "like it". For further information send 2x50c stamps to:

D-ter, Dept. A, PO Box 3, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225.Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9589 0703. Fax: (02) 9589 0147

Protect one plant or a whole area — perimeter &/or band sprays.

Repels — without harming animals or humans.

Not considered a poison — no withholding period.

Easy to use — spray on. Effective when dry.

Safe, Proven and Effective.

Available in 100g, 1Kg & 4Kg Sizes.

GG

20-2

60/0

2

22 23

Trust David Grays’ quality products to manage most garden nasties.See package instructions for more information.

Has your gardenbeen sluggish?

Say goodbye to pesky critters with David Grays pest control.

AVAILABLE FROM ALL LEADING NURSERIES, GARDEN CENTRES & HARDWARE STORES. A cross-section of termite

damage in a plank of wood.

Termites are the most common and costly cause of damage to Australian homes. Infestations can go undetected for years, finally doing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. Worst of all, YOUR home insurance policy DOES NOT cover termite damage...

Termite nests (which contain the queen) are often located some distance from the house — typically in hidden mounds or old stumps. These nests can be hard to discover and are often located outside your property boundaries.Traditional protective measures involve surrounding your entire home with a barrier of toxic chemicals. This process is expensive, does not guarantee your home against termite attack and requires large quantities of toxic chemicals to be in close proximity to your living space. These chemicals can be hazardous to human health, often

prompting asthma attacks and other sensitivities.

If you see termites in or around your home, never attempt to kill or spray them yourself! The colony, sensing danger, will simply disappear — usually reappearing elsewhere on your property. The only way to successfully destroy the colony is to destroy the queen.

Australian Termite Baiting Systems use a sophisticated method of targeting the termite nest itself. This is the basis of the

Win the termite war...

NEWSFLASHA DIY back to the nest toxin is now available.

Save $$$’s with the first COMPLETE DO-IT-YOURSELF termite detection and eradication system!

‘White Ant Terminator’ bait box system — a specially designed box which is buried in the garden.

The bait box system works by attracting the worker termites to a preferred food source. After feeding, the termites return to the nest to be groomed by the queen of the colony. Once enough termites have been attracted to the baiting box, a simple treatment process is applied which passes the eradication treatment to the queen, killing her and destroying the colony.

The White Ant Terminator allows you to detect and eradicate termites before they damage your property and is being embraced as a truly viable alternative to chemical barrier treatments.

For more information, contact Australian Termite Baiting Systems on

1300 302 938

when plantsneed to looktheir best...

For your nearest gardening outlet, phone: (07) 5497 2022 www.searles.com.au