��I�

� ���

����

����

� ED�

����

2�ä 2

2/ä ä

� ä�

ISSUE 63

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

Flowers in the shade

Classy grass

Summer vegetables

Screening plants

Table-top plants

Summer herbs

Lawn grub defense

SUMMER2012–13

Grow tasty herbs, vegies and beautiful flowers using 5IN1TM.5IN1TM combines the benefits of 10 organic ingredients to produce outstanding garden results.

Available in

35(0,80�5(68/76

Garden Productswww.searles.com.au

Available from ATG Garden Centres

my tomatoes

About this issue...FeaturesClumping beauties 4Beauties for the big screen 6Flowers in the shade 8Grass with class 10A life without lawn grubs... 18Hot-season herbs 20Summer vegetables 20Recipe: Savoury zucchini slice 21It’s fruit fly season... 21 Table talkers 22Regulars Subscribe to About the Garden 5 Summer 2012–2013 Garden Diary 12Summer 2012–2013 handy hints & tips 14

Issue 63

Summer is upon us and

the holiday season is

for enjoying! This issue

is full of great ideas but

remember to take your

time, relax and avoid the worst of

the summer heat. Most importantly

have a safe and happy holiday

season and God bless...

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. — James 5:13

�� 0DQDJLQJ�'LUHFWRU��Conway Searle

�� &RQWULEXWRUV��Claire Bickle, Frida Forsberg,

Alana Searle & Ashley Searle

�� 0DJD]LQH�0DQDJHU��Alana Searle

�� 'HVLJQ��/D\RXW��Frida Forsberg

�� $7*�*URXS�&R�RUGLQDWRU��$GYHUWLVLQJ��Jason Searle

�� )URQW�&RYHU�3KRWRJUDSK\�� Petunia ‘Oasis: Colour Parade’

$ERXW�WKH�*DUGHQ�LV�SXEOLVKHG�VHDVRQDOO\�E\�$ERXW�WKH�*DUGHQ�3W\��/WG�$%1�����������������������'¶$JXLODU�+LJKZD\��.LOFR\�RU�3�2��%R[�����.LOFR\�4OG������3KRQH�������������������)D[�������������������(PDLO��DWJ#DERXWWKHJDUGHQ�FRP�DX

Con Searle

7KH�PDWHULDO�DSSHDULQJ�LQ�$ERXW�WKH�*DUGHQ�LV�VXEMHFW�WR�FRS\ULJKW��2WKHU�WKDQ�DV�SHUPLWWHG�E\�WKH�&RS\ULJKW�$FW��QR�SDUW�RI�WKLV�PDJD]LQH�PD\�EH�UHSURGXFHG�ZLWKRXW�WKH�SHUPLVVLRQ�RI�WKH�SXEOLVKHUV��1R�UHVSRQVLELOLW\�LV�DFFHSWHG�E\�$ERXW�WKH�*DUGHQ�3W\��/WG��IRU�WKH�DFFXUDF\�RI�LQIRUPDWLRQ�FRQWDLQHG�LQ�WKH�WH[W��LOOXVWUDWLRQV�RU�DGYHUWLVHPHQWV��$OWKRXJK�EHOLHYHG�WR�EH�DFFXUDWHO\�DQG�FRUUHFWO\�VRXUFHG��WKHUHRI�GLVFODLPV�DQ\�OLDELOLW\�DJDLQVW�LWVHOI��HGLWRU�V�RU�HPSOR\HHV�DULVLQJ�IURP�DQ\�SHUVRQ�DFWLQJ�RQ�WKH�PDWHULDO�KHUHLQ��7KH�RSLQLRQV�H[SUHVVHG�LQ�WKH�PDJD]LQH��RU�E\�FRQWULEXWRUV��GR�QRW�QHFHVVDULO\�UHSUHVHQW�WKH�YLHZV�RI�WKH�SXEOLVKHU���&RS\ULJKW������$ERXW�WKH�*DUGHQ�3W\��/WG�

SUMMER2012–13

The About the Garden Magazine is proudly

produced fromsustainable resources.

��6WURQJ��KHDY\�GXW\�SODQWHUV��(DV\�WR�XVH�IRU�YHJHWDEOHV�DQG�KHUEV��6XLWDEOH�IRU�SDWLRV�DQG�XUEDQ�JDUGHQV

Convenient Planters

GP914

GP916 GP916 GP193

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 2x60c 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

Clumping

Canna: Moisture lover. For that

troublesome spot in the garden that

never seems to dry out, the canna

can be a godsend. Loving excessive

moisture, all cannas — dwarf and

tall — can be happily grown in that

boggy corner. In winter it best to cut

your cannas right down to ground

level and they will reward you with

lush, thick, new spring growth and

ÁRZHUV�WKDW�ODVW�DOO�VXPPHU�ORQJ��&DQQD�ÁRZHUV�FRPH�LQ�D�UDLQERZ�of colours — as does the foliage.

With this striking double act they can

add a certain pizzazz to any garden

design. A sunny location is required for

JRRG�ÁRZHULQJ�

Thysanotus: Native touch is a too-

cute-for-words Australian native which

grows in grassy tufts about 50cm high

and bears masses of bright purple

ÁRZHUV�HGJHG�ZLWK�D�IULOO\�IULQJH�RYHU�several months in spring and early

summer. Sensational when planted

en masse, give it full sun on pots or

garden beds. Tolerates dry conditions,

heat and light frosts.

Dietes: The toughest of them all. What’s that

clumpy, grass-like plant on the median strip

or growing in the shopping centre car park?

It’s probably dietes. Dietes are such a tough

cookie when it comes to hot, dry, exposed

positions. They will happily provide you with

ÁRZHUV�MXVW�DERXW�DOO�\HDU�URXQG�LQ�WKHVH�hostile conditions and can be planted in

those tricky spots right underneath trees, as

long as they receive at least half a day of

sun. This genus has several species, the most

common being Spanish iris (Dietes bicolour) and Wild iris ('LHWHV�JUDQGLÁRUD) but there

are many more to choose from.

&OXPSLQJ�SODQWV�FDQ�DGG�GHÀQLWLRQ�WR�D�SODQW�ERUGHU��DUFKLWHFWXUDO�VKDSHV�WR�D�JDUGHQ�EHG��WKH\�FDQ�KDYH�KXJH�LPSDFW�LQ�PDVV�plantings and even lend themselves quite happily to pot culture DQG�URFNHULHV��+HUH�DUH�VRPH�RI�WKH�EHVW��HDV\�FDUH�SODQWV�WKDW�IRUP�VPDOO�RU�VSUHDGLQJ�FOXPSV�ZLWK�WKH�DGGHG�ERQXV�RI�DWWUDFWLYH�ÁRZHUV��foliage or fruit.

Canna

Society garlic4

Wild iris ‘White Tiger’

Spanish iris

Heliconia

9LVLW�&ODLUH�RQ�)DFHERRN��KWWSV���ZZZ�IDFHERRN�FRP�FODLUHELFNOHJDUGHQLQJSDJHV�

Thysanotus ‘Frilly Knickers’

E\�&ODLUH�%LFNOH

beauties

Strelitzia

Agapanthus

www.aboutthegarden.com.au

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:

Visa Mastercard

Card no:

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

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

Phone: (07) 5422 3090 Fax: (07) 5497 2287Email: atg@aboutthegarden.com.au

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

Home delivery!Subscribe and have the About the

Garden Magazine delivered to your door!

Summer 2012–135

Heliconia: Tropical beauty. Nothing says ‘tropical’ more than the genus heliconia. With a very large number of species and named cultivars, the heliconia family can be grown in a wide range of climates if varieties are chosen carefully. In cold climates, the heliconia will die down during the wintertime but in the tropics they can be found as evergreen clumping plants. 7KHLU�ÁRZHUV�DUH�KLJKO\�VRXJKW�DIWHU�LQ�WKH�ÁRULVW�WUDGH��)XOO�sun to semi-shade, ample water and a good fertilising regime will put you onto the road to success.

Tulbaghia: Low border delight. Commonly named Society garlic, the Tulbaghia makes a delightful clumping border plant when planted en masse. During the heat of the day, the garlicky-scent of their foliage can be easily GHWHFWHG��7KH�ÁRZHUV�DSSHDU�as lavender/mauve umbels which stand high above their blue-green, strappy foliage. There are forms available with variegated foliage. An added bonus is that the foliage is edible. Plant it in a full sun to semi-shade position.

Clivia: Shade lover. Dry shade is one of the hardest VSRWV�WR�ÀOO�LQ�WKH�JDUGHQ��enter the clivia. I know it’s

strictly a bulb but for a plant that clumps out well in a shaded position you can’t JR�SDVW�WKH�FOLYLD��)ORXULVKLQJ�in shaded, moist to dry soil types, the clivia comes in all shades of orange, from almost red to pale apricot. Also available are a range of \HOORZ�DQG�FUHDP�ÁRZHULQJ�forms. Growing to around 50cm tall, the clivia is a little slow-growing but well worth the wait. Under trees, shaded southern aspects and as potted specimens in shaded courtyards the clivia is a winner.

Agapanthus: The fairest of them all. This genus has many species and even more named cultivars, with SODQWV�SURGXFLQJ�ÁRZHUV�LQ�a range of colours from the darkest of purple-blue, sky blue and white. They really GR�ORRN�DQG�ÁRZHU�WKHLU�best in a full sun position with good drainage. Their succulent, strappy bright green foliage is joined by WKH�PRVW�PDJQLÀFHQW�URXQG�ÁRZHU�KHDGV�WKURXJKRXW�the summer months. These days there are dwarf forms available for smaller VSDFHV��)HUWLOLVH�ZLWK�Searles Liquid Potash early spring to encourage maximum VXPPHU�ÁRZHULQJ�

6WUHOLW]LD��&XW�ÁRZHU�FODVV� The ‘Bird of Paradise’ would have to be one of the most bombproof plants

for Australian gardens. It is slow growing but once established the only thing required is to stand back and DGPLUH�LWV�DPD]LQJ�ÁRZHUV��The tangerine and blue ÁRZHU�WKDW�UHVHPEOHV�D�ELUG·V�head makes them the most ZRQGHUIXO�FXW�ÁRZHUV��)XOO�VXQ��good drainage and a little patience will see you on your way to being a proud strelitzia owner. They grow to around 1.5m in height and width. If you want something bigger, there is the Strelitzia nicolii,

which reaches 4m tall and produces large white, similar VKDSHG�ÁRZHUV�

There are so many other groups of plants and spe-cies that could easily be SODFHG�LQ�WKLV�FDWHJRU\��)RU�instance, all of your bulbs, ����·V�RI�ÁRZHULQJ�SHUHQQL-als, various succulents and of course all of your grasses. )RU�PRUH�LGHDV�RI�ZKLFK�FOXPSLQJ�ÁRZHULQJ�SODQWV�WR�grow this summer, check in with your local nursery.

Clivia

Syzygium ‘Big Red’ is an outstanding lilly pilly with large, glossy leaves with deep crimson-coloured new growth. White ÁRZHUV�DSSHDU�LQ�VXPPHU��IROORZHG�E\�HGLEOH�EHUULHV��%RWK�ÁRZHUV�DQG�IUXLW�DWWUDFW�QDWLYH�ELUGV��%LJ�5HG�WROHUDWHV�IURVW��GU\�DQG�FRDVWDO�FRQGLWLRQV��3HUIHFW�IRU�KHGJLQJ��LW�JURZV�DERXW��P�WDOO�DQG�DERXW����P�ZLGH�ZKHQ�OHIW�XQSUXQHG��EXW�UHVSRQGV�ZHOO�WR�shaping. Use only a low phosphorus IHUWLOLVHU�OLNH�Searles Native Plant Food. It will grow in moist, well-drained soils in IXOO�VXQ�RU�SDUW�VKDGH�

Beauties for the

bigscreenWhether you want privacy or to screen out an unattractive vista, these reliable plants are effective, easy-care and beautiful.

Chinese Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides��EHDUV�SURIXVH�ÁRZHUV�ZLWK�D�YDQLOOD�IUDJUDQFH�IURP�1RYHPEHU�XQWLO�)HEUXDU\��7KLV�FOLPEHU�FDQ�EH�VORZ�JURZLQJ�LQ�LWV�HDUO\�\HDUV�EXW�HYHQWXDOO\�EHFRPHV�YLJRURXV�HQRXJK�WR�HIIHFWLYHO\�FRQFHDO�D�IHQFH�RU�VKHG��*UHDW�LQ�SRWV�RU�JDUGHQ�EHGV��LW�ZLOO�FOLPE�EHDXWLIXOO\�RYHU�D�WUHOOLV��IHQFH�RU�DUERXU�EXW�DOVR�PDNHV�DQ�H[FHOOHQW�JURXQGFRYHU��3ODQW�LW�LQ�IXOO�VXQ�RU�VHPL�VKDGH��$�QHZ�\HOORZ�ÁRZHULQJ�FXOWLYDU��¶<HOORZ�6WDUV·�(Trachelospermum asiaticum��ÁRZHUV�RQO\�LQ�WKH�VKDGH��,W�SUHIHUV�D�ULFK��ZHOO�GUDLQHG�soil and partly shaded position. Drought WROHUDQW�RQFH�HVWDEOLVKHG��LW�WROHUDWHV�VDOW�DQG�GHHS�VKDGH��EXW�QRW�ZDWHUORJJLQJ��3UXQH�LW�EDFN�KDUG�LQ�HDUO\�ZLQWHU��

Chinese Star Jasmine6

Syzygium ‘Big Red’

‘Big Red’ detail

‘Ghost’ (Dendrocalamus minor var amoenus)Callistemon ‘Mary MacKillop’

New Zealand Christmas Bush (Metrosideros spp.) bears gorgeous, fiery-red flowers over summer. Tough-as-boots once established, it takes dry or coastal gardens, frosts or inland conditions. Its silvery-green foliage responds well to pruning and makes it attractive even when not in flower.

Banksia ‘Sentinel’

Banksia Sentinel is a dwarf variety of banksia (Banksia integrifolia fastigiata) with bird-DWWUDFWLQJ�ÁRZHUV�IURP�ODWH�VXPPHU�WR�PLG�ZLQWHU��,WV�FRPSDFW��QDUURZ�JURZWK���P:�[����P+��DQG�JRRG�UHVSRQVH�WR�SUXQLQJ�PDNHV�LW�D�SHUIHFW��ORZ�PDLQWHQDQFH�ÁRZHULQJ�KHGJH��,W�QHHGV�D�ZHOO�GUDLQHG�VRLO�LQ�IXOO�VXQ�RU�SDUW�VKDGH��:DWHU�ZHOO�XQWLO�HVWDEOLVKHG�DQG�RQO\�XVH�D�QDWLYH�IHUWLOLVHU��$�JRRG�FKRLFH�LQ�IURVW�SURQH�DQG�FRDVWDO�JDUGHQV�

Clumping bamboo is a great FKRLFH�EHFDXVH�LW�LV�IDVW�growing and has a shallow URRW�V\VWHP��8QOLNH�WUDGLWLRQDO�EDPERR�KRZHYHU���LW�LV�QRQ�invasive. Perfect in gardens ZLWK�OLWWOH�JURXQG�VSDFH��WKHUH�LV�DQ�DVVRUWPHQW�RI�YDULHWLHV�WR�FKRRVH�IURP�IRU�VFUHHQLQJ�to a wide range of heights. :LWK�YDULHWLHV�VXLWHG�WR�ERWK�VXQ�DQG�VKDGH��WKH\�DUH�KDUG\��HDV\�WR�JURZ�DQG�DUH�H[FHOOHQW�IRU�ODQGVFDSLQJ�

7

Callistemon ‘Mary MacKillop’�LV�D�KDUG\��DGDSWDEOH�QDWLYH�VKUXE�����P:�[����P+���,WV�GHHS�UHG�¶ERWWOHEXVK·�ÁRZHUV�DSSHDU�IURP�VSULQJ�LQWR�VXPPHU��DQG�WKH�ELUGV�ZLOO�ORYH�WKHP��3UXQH�LQ�PLG�VXPPHU�and feed with Searles Native Plant Food for a VHFRQG�ÁXVK�RI�ÁRZHUV�LQ�DXWXPQ��,W�JURZV�ZHOO�LQ�PRVW�FOLPDWHV�DQG�PRVW�VRLOV�LQFOXGLQJ�GDPS�FOD\��EXW�LW�ZLOO�QHHG�H[WUD�ZDWHU�DQG�PXOFKLQJ�LQ�VDQG\�VRLOV��3URWHFW�LW�IURP�IURVW�ZKHQ�\RXQJ�

Mona Lavender (Plectranthus sp.) ÁRZHUV�EHDXWLIXOO\�LQ�IXOO�RU�SDUW�VKDGH��)ORZHULQJ�IURP�ODWH�VXPPHU�LQWR�DXWXPQ��LW�IRUPV�D�ORZ�EXVK���FP:�[���FP+��*LYH�LW�PRLVW��ZHOO�GUDLQHG�VRLO�DQG�SUXQH�JHQWO\�DIWHU�ÁRZHULQJ��3URWHFW�IURP�IURVW�

Rose myrtle (Archirhodomyrtus beckleri) LV�D�QDWLYH�UDLQIRUHVW�VKUXE��DERXW�����PHWUHV�WDOO��,W�OLNHV�OLJKW�VKDGH�WR�IXOO�VKDGH��WROHUDWHV�OLJKW�IURVW�DQG�D�ZLGH�UDQJH�RI�VRLOV��*UHDW�LQ�FRQWDLQHUV�RU�IRUPDO�KHGJLQJ��LWV�SHUIXPHG�ÁRZHUV�DSSHDU�LQ�ODWH�VSULQJ�DQG�VXPPHU��IROORZHG�E\�FRORXUIXO��HGLEOH�EHUULHV��,WV�VKLQ\�IROLDJH�LV�DURPDWLF�ZKHQ�FUXVKHG��$WWUDFWLYH�WR�ELUGV�DQG�EHQHÀFLDO�LQVHFWV��IHHG�LQ�ODWH�VXPPHU�ZLWK�Searles Robust Native FRQWUROOHG�UHOHDVH�SODQW�IRRG�Rose myrtle

Does your garden have a shady spot in need of some ÆW_MZXW_MZ'�5W[\�ÆW_MZQVO�XTIV\[�VMML�OWWL�[]VTQOP\�\W�XMZNWZU�_MTT��_PQKP�KIV�KZMI\M�I�XZWJTMU�QV�\PI\�OTWWUa�KWZVMZ��.WZ\]VI\MTa��\PMZM�IZM�I�ZIVOM�WN�XTIV\[�\PI\�TW^M�LIXXTML�[PILM�IVL�M^MV�I�NM_�\PI\�_QTT�ÆW_MZ�QV�LMMX�[PILM��[W�\PM�\ZQKS�\W�[]KKM[[�Q[�KTM^MZ�XTIV\�[MTMK\QWV��0MZM��IZM�[WUM�JMI]\QM[�

FlowersHydrangeas JURZ�EHVW�LQ�GDSSOHG�VXQ��SDUW�VKDGH�RU�D�ZHOO�OLW��IXOO�VKDGH�SRVLWLRQ��7KH\�SUHIHU�D�ULFK��PRLVW��ZHOO�GUDLQHG�VRLO�WKDW�LV�VOLJKWO\�DFLGLF��.HHS�WKHP�ZHOO�ZDWHUHG�WKURXJK�WKH�VXPPHU��:KHQ�JURZLQJ�LQ�SRWV��VWDQG�WKHP�LQ�D�VDXFHU�RI�ZDWHU�DQG�ZDWHU�HYHU\�GD\�LQ�KRW�ZHDWKHU�

New Guinea Impatiens come in a wide range of vibrant, VKLPPHULQJ�ÁRZHU�FRORXUV��*LYH�WKHP�D�IHUWLOH��PRLVW�VRLO�DQG�SURWHFW�WKHP�IURP�IURVW��)HHG�RQFH�D�\HDU�ZLWK�6HDUOHV�5REXVW�3OXV�DQG�ZDWHU�LW�LQ�ZHOO��*UHDW�in pots, hanging baskets or mass SODQWLQJV�IRU�KLJK�LPSDFW�

8 Gardenia ‘Florida’

New Guinea Impatiens ‘Jungle Drums’

Hydrangea

Mona lavender

<PM�LMTQKQW][�NZIOZIVKM�WN�gardenias is a []UUMZ\QUM�LMTQOP\��)T\PW]OP�SVW_V�I[�[]VTW^MZ[��\PMa�KIV�IT[W�OZW_�_MTT�QV�Y]Q\M�LMMX�[PILM��/Q^M�\PMU�I�ZQKP��[TQOP\Ta�IKQLQK��_MTTLZIQVML�[WQT��NMML�_Q\P�Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia�IVL�SMMX�\PMU�UWQ[\�IVL�_MTT�U]TKPML�

Spathiphyllum, also called ‘Peace Lily’ is one of the few plants WKDW�ZLOO�ÁRZHU�ZLWKRXW�GLUHFW�VXQOLJKW��*LYH�LW�D�EULJKWO\�OLW�SRVLWLRQ�IRU�EHVW�ÁRZHULQJ��'URRSLQJ�OHDYHV�LV�D�VLJQ�WKDW�LW�LV�JHWWLQJ�WRR�GU\�³�EXW�LW�ZLOO�UHFRYHU�TXLFNO\�ZKHQ�ZDWHUHG��$�EHDXWLIXO��KDUG\�SODQW�DQG�D�JUHDW�SUREOHP�VROYHU�ZKHUH�QRWKLQJ�HOVH�ZLOO�JURZ��&KRRVH�IURP�NQHH�KLJK�WR�ZDLVW�KLJK�YDULHWLHV�

Native violet (viola hederacea) can JURZ�DQG�ÁRZHU�ZHOO�LQ�SDUW�RU�IXOO�VKDGH��$�JUHDW�RSWLRQ�IRU�ERJJ\�VRLO�RU�D�GDPS��GDUN�FRUQHU��LW·V�JUHDW�DV�D�ODZQ�VXEVWLWXWH�ZKHUH�LW·V�WRR�VKDG\�IRU�JUDVV��)ORZHULQJ�PRVW�RI�WKH�\HDU��LW�QHHGV�PRLVW�FRQGLWLRQV�WR�ORRN�LWV�EHVW�

.WZ�TWVOTI[\QVO��KWTW]ZN]T�ÆW_MZ[�QV�\PM�[PILM��you can’t go past begonias��-I[a�\W�ÅVL�QV�V]Z[MZQM[�I[�_MTT�I[�\W�XZWXIOI\M�NZWU�K]\\QVO[��JMOWVQI[�XZMNMZ�I�_IZU��[PMT\MZML�XW[Q\QWV�IVL�I�ZQKP��_MTTLZIQVML�[WQT��)T\PW]OP�\PMa�TQSM�P]UQLQ\a�\PMa�KIV�IT[W�JM�Y]Q\M�LZa�\WTMZIV\�

Flowers in the shade

begonias

Peace lily

Native violet

ColeusHenna

ColeusRedhead

Availableat your local garden retailer

9

Grass with classAnigozanthos ‘Ruby Slippers’

Lomandra ‘Lime Divine’

Lomandra ‘Frosty Top’

Lomandra ‘Lime Divine’ is a QDWLYH�JUDVV�ZLWK�VRIW��ÀQH��graceful weeping foliage. It forms an elegant clump up to 30cm high and 60cm wide and tolerates light frost. Outstanding in the garden or in a container, plant it in full sun or part shade along pathways or in landscaping. %ULJKW�\HOORZ�ÁRZHUV�DGG�an extra, subtle interest. This plant has low water needs and grows in most soils. Feed it in late summer with Searles Kickalong Native Plant Food.

Dianella ‘Cherry Red’ is a lovely, native lily which forms grassy clumps (about 75cmH x 75cm wide) with broad, strappy foliage. /DYHQGHU�ÁRZHUV�DSSHDU�LQ�VSULQJ��followed by violet-blue berries in summer. Give it sun to full shade and regular moisture. Grow it in containers, along pathways or in landscaping. Feed in late summer with Searles Native Plant Food and WULP�VSHQW�ÁRZHU�VWHPV�WR�NHHS�LW�neat. Tolerates drought and frost.

Anigozanthos ‘Ruby Slippers’ LV�D�IDVW�JURZLQJ�NDQJDURR�paw which loves open, sunny garden beds and is stunning when planted in drifts. It also JURZV�ZHOO�LQ�SRWV��7KH�ÀHU\�UHG�ÁRZHUV�DSSHDU�LQ�ODWH�ZLQWHU�and spring and its strappy foliage is attractive all year round. Best in regions with low summer humidity, feed it with Searles Native Plant Food in spring or late summer.

Whether you’re after the contemporary look or just want some structure and texture in your garden, plants with grass-like foliage tick all the right boxes and most are super tough.

CfdXe[iX�Ê=ifjkp�KfgË�`j�X�ZfdgXZk#�c`^_kcp$n\\g`e^�eXk`m\�^iXjj�n`k_�]`e\#�^i\p$^i\\e�]fc`X^\�Xe[�j`cm\i$]ifjk\[�e\n�^ifnk_�n_`Z_�^ifnj�lg�kf�),�_`^_�Xe[�-'Zd�n`[\%�P\ccfn�]cfn\ij�Xgg\Xi�`e�jgi`e^�Xe[�jldd\i%�Cfn�dX`ek\eXeZ\�Xe[�kfc\iXek�f]�]ifjk�Xe[�ZfXjkXc�Zfe[`k`fej#�^`m\�`k�]lcc�jle�fi�gXik�j_X[\�Xe[�X�n\cc$[iX`e\[�jf`c%�@k�Xcjf�dXb\j�Xe�\oZ\cc\ek�ZfekX`e\i�gcXek%�=\\[�`k�n`k_�J\Xic\j�B`ZbXcfe^�EXk`m\�GcXek�=ff[%

Pennisetum var. rubrum: This is a IR[WDLO�JUDVV�WKDW�ZRQ·W�WDNH�RYHU�\RXU�\DUG��7KH�VWULNLQJ��EXUJXQG\�IROLDJH�ORRNV�VWXQQLQJ�DPRQJ�plants with grey or yellow-toned IROLDJH��7KH�IR[WDLO�OLNH�ÁRZHU�SOXPHV�DUH�D�ORYHO\�VKDGH�RI�SLQN��Grow it in a sunny location for foliage to be at its best colour — too much shade will send it green. It will tolerate dry conditions but ORRNV�LWV�EHVW�ZLWK�VRPH�ZDWHU�DQG�7/&��&XW�EDFN�KDUG�WR�JURXQG�OHYHO�LI�\RXU�FOXPSV�VWDUW�WR�ORRN�untidy.

10

What you’ll need...

Purple

White

AngeloniaArchangel

Bigger ÀRZHUV�IRU�YLVXDO�LPSDFW

Dianella ‘Cherry Red’

Xanthorrea

Lomandra ‘Silver Grace’ is a fast-growing native JUDVV�ZLWK�ÀQH��VLOYHU\�IROLDJH�DQG�SOXPHV�RI�\HOORZ��IUDJUDQW�ÁRZHUV�LQ�VXPPHU��9HU\�KDUG\��LW�WDNHV�KRW��GU\�FRQGLWLRQV�EXW�DOVR�WHPSHUDWXUHV�EHORZ���Ü&��*UHDW�IRU�VXVWDLQDEOH�JDUGHQV��LW�FDQ�SUHYHQW�HURVLRQ�DQG�FUHDWHV�KDELWDW�IRU�VPDOO�DQLPDOV�DQG�ELUGV��+DUG\�LQ�ODQGVFDSLQJ��ERUGHUV��SRWV�RU�FRDVWDO�SODQWLQJV��3ODQW�LQ�IXOO�VXQ�RU�SDUW�VKDGH�DQG�IHHG�ZLWK�Searles Native Plant Food�

Pennisetum var. rubrum

‘Silver Grace’

11

FlowersSow balsam, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, gomphrena, marigold, petunia, salvia, sunflower, torenia and vinca.

HerbsPlant basil, coriander, lemongrass, mint and tarragon.

Fruit & vegetablesPlant artichoke, beetroot, capsicum, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, pumpkin, radish, shallots, spring onion and tomato.

More advice...Prepare garden beds in readiness for next season’s vegetables. To discourage hibiscus beetle, pick up and dispose of spent hibiscus flowers. Keep the fertiliser up to citrus trees as nutrients are constantly being lost with the rain.

Wet & Dry TropicsNorth Queensland

FlowersSow ageratum, aster, balsam, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, gomphrena, impatiens, marigold, salvia, sunflower, torenia, vinca and zinnia.

HerbsPlant basil, chives, coriander, fennel, gotu kola, heliotrope, lemongrass, mint, parsley, tarragon and winter savoury.

Fruit & vegetablesPlant artichoke, beans, capsicum, celery, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, melons, okra, onion, potato (tubers), pumpkin, radish, rhubarb (crowns), rosella, silver beet, spring onion, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato.

More advice...Spray roses with Searles Rose Pro to prevent black spot. Cut back excessive growth on herbs to prevent them becoming lanky. This will also reduce fungal infections caused by humidity.

Subtropical areas

South-east Qld& Northern NSW

REGIONAL ZONESTropicalSubtropicalTemperateColdMediterraneanArid

Euphorbia ‘Silver Swan’ is a compact, small shrub (75cmW x 75cmH). Its striking, silver-green foliage with creamy edging creates a sense of ‘structure’ and contrast with other foliage. It’s also stunning in pots. Spikes of creamy-white ÁRZHUV�DSSHDU�LQ�ODWH�ZLQWHU��+DUG\�LQ�most well-drained soils, it’s also tolerant of extreme heat and drought. Plant in full sun and avoid skin contact with sap when pruning.

SUMMER2012–2013Regional Garden Diary

12

1HPHVLDV�FDQ�ÁRZHU�DOO�WKURXJK�WKH�warmer times of year but may need dappled shade and protection from hot, afternoon sun in warmer climates. Great in pots with a regular dose of Searles Flourish; ensure they have good drainage when grown in garden beds.

A summer essential, Seamax® Seaweed Plant Nutrient is an organic tonic that increases your plants’ natural resistance to disease, heat and dry

conditions.

Adelaide & PerthMediterranean Climates

FlowersPrune spring-flowering shrubs. Trim spent roses with long stems. Deadhead flowering annuals to keep them flowering.

HerbsKeep picking the flowers of parsley and basil to prevent them bolting.

Fruit and vegetablesPlant tomatoes, zucchini and capsicum by the end of January. Spray apples and pears against codling moth.

Temperate areasSydney

Cold & Southern Tableland

FlowersPlant ageratum, alyssum, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, Iceland poppy, lobelia, lupin, marigold, pansy, petunia, phlox, primula, stock, verbena, wallflower and zinnia.

HerbsPlant basil, chives, coriander, lemongrass, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon and thyme.

Fruit and vegetablesPlant beans, beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, English spinach, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnip, pumpkin, radish, silver beet, spring squash, swede, sweet corn, tomato, turnip and zucchini.

More advice...Water flowering annuals and vegetable gardens as required. Snap off withered rhododendron trusses. Watch potted house plants for dry-out and feed with diluted SeaMax® Fish & Kelp when watering. Apply Searles Flourish fortnightly for better vegetables and blooms. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, snails and caterpillars. Give Japanese and Siberian iris clumps a deep watering as they come into flower.

Melbourne

Petunias are the perfect choice for potted colour and garden beds throughout the warmer times of year. Available in just about any colour of the rainbow, give this cheery annual a fortnightly feed with Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food for best results.

13

FlowersPlant ageratum, alyssum, boronia, calceolaria, cleome, cyclamen, Iceland poppy, linaria, malope, marigold, pansy, schizanthus, stock, verbena, vinca, viola and wallflower.

HerbsPlant basil, chives, coriander, fennel, gotu kola, heliotrope, lovage, mint, parsley and tarragon.

Fruit & vegetablesPlant beans (dwarf and climbing), beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chicory, chilli, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, endive, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, okra, parsnip, potato (tubers), radish, rhubarb (crowns), shallots, silver beet, spring onion, sweet corn, sweet potato and zucchini.

More advice...Mulch the entire garden. Before laying turf, sprinkle one handful of Searles Robust Lawn Booster per square metre and rake in well. Water well after laying turf to help it establish. Feed all food crops fortnightly. Feed azaleas, camellias and gardenias fortnightly with Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia and keep them well-watered.

Raise the blades on your lawnmower to cut the grass higher. Longer grass will keep the soil cooler, preventing moisture loss and dead patches which will welcome weeds. Grass should never be less than 2.5cm high.

Flowering annuals and perennials are great for quick, dramatic colour, but may need some help in the summer heat. Give pot plants and garden beds a generous layer of mulch (at least 5cm thick) to prevent the soil heating up and drying out. Prune lightly to promote good aeration around plants in humid conditions and water plants on their roots, not their leaves to discourage fungal infections.

Gazanias are a tough ground cover and are a fantastic, no-mow lawn alternative. Low maintenance once established, they will smother weeds, shield the soil from the worst heat of summer and give a vibrant floral display in sunny hues like yellow, orange and flame red.

For an abundance of blooms through the warmer months of the year, grow osteospermum daisies. Forming neat, upright mounds in either garden beds or pots, they are tough in seaside gardens and tolerate light frosts and even dry conditions.

Plant them in full sun.

Darwin

Brisbane

Sydney

Melbourne

Hobart

QLD

N.S.W.

Vic.

Tas.

S.A.

W.A.N.T.

Adelaide

Perth

TropicalSubtropicalTemperate

CoolMediterranean

Arid

Want to turn your native garden into a riot of colour? Native paper daisies (bracteantha), are suited to Aussie summers and are now available in a delightful range of colours. Originally yellow or creamy-white, they now come in fiery red, orange, purple and pure white. Give them full sun.

Hints & Tips

Pelargoniums will liven up pots or garden beds in any sunny position. With flowers in feminine shades of pink, white, red, orange or apricot, they are perfect in xeroscapes or gardens with a hot, western outlook. Give them good drainage and protection from frost.

SUMMER2012–2013

14

Osteospermum ‘White Mist’ Pelargonium ‘Jester Red/White’

Gardens grown in old tyres are cute, cheap and can take the rough and tumble of play time.

Keep the kids entertained over the summer break with this beautiful-yet-practical gardening project!Note: Because tyres can release certain substances into the soil, it is recommended that ornamental, rather than edible plants

3ODFH�W\UHV�LQ�SRVLWLRQ��¿OO�

with garden soil mix* and give

them a coat of acyrlic paint.

Colour wheels

Sundaze ‘Salsa’

It may now seem natural to forget about your camellias, but summer is the most important time to give them TLC. Keep camellias well fed, watered and mulched over summer to ensure plenty RI�ÁRZHUV�RQFH�DXWXPQ�DQG�ZLQWHU�DUULYH��Use Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia for best results.

are used in this project.* We used a mix of Searles Garden Soil Mix and 5IN1™ Organic Plant Food.

Verbenas are tough, quick-JURZLQJ�DQG�EULQJ�PDJQLÀFHQW�colour to small or large areas. As a groundcover they have about a 1m spread, or they can trail from hanging baskets or containers. Flowering from spring until autumn, they need little water or fertiliser once established. Give them full sun or part shade and a well-drained soil. Tolerant of frost, salt DQG�DWWUDFWV�EHHV�DQG�EXWWHUÁLHV�

Hardy in landscapes or in a pot, Australian native climber Pandorea jasminoides�ZLOO�ÀRZHU�IURP�VSULQJ�WKURXJK�WR�DXWXPQ�DQG�ZLOO�FOLPE�SUHWWLO\�RYHU�D�IUDPH�RU�DUERXU��:LWK�D�VSUHDG�RI�RQO\�DERXW���FP��LW�ZRQ¶W�EHFRPH�XQUXO\��*LYH�LW�IXOO�VXQ�IRU�EHVW�ÀRZHULQJ��7ROHUDWHV�OLJKW�IURVW�

Few roses are hardier in Australian conditions or have more fascinating blooms than the Chameleon Rose. This rose opens bright yellow and changes to red, pink and eventually to white as it ages, with roses of many different colours typically remaining on the bush at any one time.

Portulacas are a semi succulent that love the heat and flower from spring until autumn in outstanding, shimmering colours. This quick-growing groundcover will smother weeds and save water. Great in pots, give them full sun.

Native Daisy Bush (Olearia lanuginosa) is a beautiful, hardy bush (up to 70cm tall) whose grey, feathery foliage creates contrast and interest all year round in pots or garden beds. Tough in the landscape, it tolerates seaside conditions, light frosts and dry conditions. $�µVXUSULVH¶�RI�WLQ\��ZKLWH��GDLV\�OLNH�ÀRZHUV�smother the bush in spring. Plant in full sun.

3DQGRUHD�µ-D]]\�%HOOV¶

Aphids attack new growth on plants, causing leaves to ZLOW��7KH\�DOVR�H[FUHWH�D�VXJDU\�ÁXLG�WKDW�encourages an unattractive, black sooty mould to form. Severe infestations can kill young plants. to control aphids, give them a spray with Searles Bug Beater.

$SKLGV�DWWDFNLQJ�QHZ�JURZWK�RQ�D�URVH�9HUEHQD�µ&REELWW\�3XUSOH¶

15Now the fun begins ²SODQWLQJ�ÀRZHUV�

:DWHU�SODQWV�RQFH�D�week and feed them with SeaMax Fish & Kelp XQWLO�WKH\�DUH�ÀRXULVKLQJ��*UHDW�ÀRZHUV�IRU�SLFNLQJ�

Note: Don’tIRUJHW�\RXU�

hat, gloves and

JDUGHQ�WURZHO���All painted up and UHDG\�IRU�SODQWLQJ����

3RUWXODFD�µ)XVFKLD¶ 2OHDULD�µ*KRVW�7RZQ¶

http://www.facebook.com/aboutthegardenmagazineaustralia

Hints & Tips

Chrysocephalum is a long-lived flowering native ground cover that loves an open, sunny position and is effective at smothering weeds. Easily propagated from cuttings, it’s also frost-hardy.

Ants are out in force in summer and will spread insect pests like aphids, scale and mealy bug from plant to

plant. They also make dry soils and potting mixes moisture-repellant. Give ants their marching orders with Searles Ant Kill — available as granules or liquid form.

...continued from page 14

Philodendron ‘Congo’ is a beautiful indoor plant with a lush, tropical look and will ‘clean’ the air in your home. It loves a well-lit position near a window but out of direct sunlight. Water thoroughly every week or so but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

SUMMER2012–2013

Ê=fi\�J_fi\Ë�`j�i\j`c`\ek�`e�_Xij_#�

ZfXjkXc�Zfe[`k`fej%�>ifn`e^�,'�o�,'Zd#�`k�`j�

g\i]\Zk�`e�gfkj#�cfn�_\[^`e^�fi�jdXcc�jgXZ\j%�>ifn`e^�Y\jk�`e�

]i\\$[iX`e`e^�jf`cj�`e�]lcc�jle#�`k�Xcjf�kfc\iXk\j�gXik�j_X[\%�Gile\�`]�[\j`i\[%

:Xc`YiXZ_fXj�Y\Xi�dXjj\j�f]�]cfn\ij�`e�k_\�dfjk�\oZ`k`e^�iXe^\�f]�Zfcflij%�KiX`c�k_\d�]ifd�gfkj�fi�_Xe^`e^�YXjb\kj�`e�X�jleep�fi�gXik�j_X[\�gfj`k`fe%�8�df`jk#�n\cc$[iX`e\[�jf`c�`j�`[\Xc#�Ylk�Xccfn�jf`c�kf�[ip�flk�X�c`kkc\�Y\kn\\e�nXk\i`e^%

Ceratopetalum (New South Wales Christmas Bush) is a small, native shrub ZKLFK�EHDUV�GHOLFDWH��ZKLWH�ÁRZHUV�followed by bright red bracts (pictured) by Christmas time. Give it sun or part shade and a moist, well-drained soil. New dwarf variety, ‘Johanna’s Christmas’ grows to only 1m.

Keep strawberry plants moist, weed-free and feed them with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp every two weeks. They will crop best in their second year and should be replaced every three years for best fruiting.

A new strawberry cultivar ZLWK�SLQN�ÀRZHUV�

/HSWRVSHUPXP�µ)RUH�6KRUH¶

hints & tips

regional garden informationAustralian gardening advicenational retail network

...in the garden

Summer

16

Plants in outdoor pots should be watered every day during the summer, especially in dry weather. Feed potted plants fortnightly with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp and use a quality mix like Searles Peat 80 Plus for best results.

A stylish and maintenance-free groundcover, ‘Cousin It’ is tough in dry, frosty or coastal conditions in pots or garden beds. Give it full sun. Each plant spreads or cascades about 1m.

Bougainvilleas could be the most spectacular of flowering plants and in warm climates, the dwarf, ‘Bambino’ varieties can be grown in place of roses or azalea bushes.

Use DAVID GRAYS’Ant and TERMITE SPRAY

for termite and insect control.

Goodenia is a native ground cover that’s great for weed suppression in hot, harsh conditions. With a 1.5m spread, it also cascades beautifully over retaining walls, pots or hanging baskets. Golden yellow ÀRZHUV�DUH�ERUQH�RYHU�WKH�ZDUPHU�PRQWKV�of the year. Plant it in full sun. Tolerates drought and light frost.

Goodenia ‘Gold Cover’

Bougainvillea ‘Jazzie’

Bonsais are increasingly popular in home gardens. For best success, learn about the water, sunlight and soil requirements of your tree before you take it home. Be prepared to repot bonsais occasionally and remember that most species traditionally used for bonsai can’t survive indoors.

‘Cousin It’ (Casuarina glauca)

Mandevillas are the perfect option for brightening up a patio, pool area, trellis or any sunny position where they have something to climb onto. These well-behaved climbers are dry-tolerant but need excellent drainage which makes them perfect for pots.

The army worm caterpillar is a major pest.

Army worm can wipe out large areas of lawn.

White curl grub

Some wasps prey on white curl grub.

White curl grubThe first type of lawn grub is the white curl grub. These white, ‘C’-shaped grubs are the larvae of the cockchafer beetle or African black beetle. (Commonly, these grubs are wrongly identified as ‘witchetty grubs’ when observed by home gardeners.) White curl grubs live beneath the soil surface and feed on the healthy roots of grass. Like armyworm, these pests have been known to destroy entire lawn areas completely within a matter of weeks.

How to detect white curl grubLook for visual signs, such as circular patches in your lawn turning brown or yellow. Your lawn may feel soft and spongy to walk on and you may find grass lying loosely on top of your lawn. (In advanced cases, sections of lawn will be able to be lifted off the surface of the soil like a toupee, as there is no root system left.) For a final confirmation that white curl grubs are present, place a wet hessian bag on your lawn overnight. In the early morning, lift the bag to see if the grubs have come to the surface.

There are two main types of lawn grub, each of which can cause devastation to lawns before you are even aware of their presence. Here are some easy ways to recognise and deal with them before they do too much damage.

Lovely lawnsA

shle

y Se

arle

A life without lawn grubs...

ArmywormThe second type of lawn grub is the armyworm. These army-coloured, khaki-green caterpillars are the larvae of moths of the Noctuidae family. They are a nuisance throughout Queensland and New South Wales and sometimes occur in plague proportions. Armyworm consume the leaves, stems and seed heads of grass. They can decimate entire lawn areas, leaving behind practically nothing but bare earth.

How to detect armywormIf you notice patches of lawn suddenly dying, this could be evidence of armyworm activity. You may also notice small, grey moths flying around your lawn. (These moths are armyworms in their adult stage, looking for a place to lay their eggs.)

Further signs of lawn grubsYou may see wasps hovering over your lawn. Certain species of wasp are a predator of lawn grubs and use them as hosts to feed their young.

What time of yearMost lawn grub activity occurs in the warmer times of year from early spring, through summer and into autumn.

TreatmentLawn grubs are easy to control. Sprinkle Searles®

Lawn Grub Killer or Searles Dead Grub granules evenly over

the ground where lawn grubs are

present and water it in well. Alternatively, attach the Searles Lawn Grub Killer 2 litre Hose-On pack to a garden hose and spray it over your lawn or dilute the Searles Lawn Grub Killer Concentrate from the chamber pack and apply it with a pressure sprayer.

The granular shaker bottle means there are no messy concoctions or spraying. For the white curl grub, use the hessian bag test (mentioned earlier) after a week to make sure all grubs are gone. Keep watching for evidence of lawn grubs as they can return throughout the warm season. It may be necessary to reapply the lawn grub killer

every 4–5 weeks. Apply lawn grub killer late in the evening for best results.It is advisable to start applying Searles®

Lawn Grub Killer from early to mid spring, before these pests have had the chance to lay their eggs.

18

White curl grub is the larvae of the common African black beetle

PEST

CO

NT

ROL

HO

USE

HO

LD P

EST

S

SUPERWAY GARDEN, Ag & PestPRODUCTS PTY. LTD.

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

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.

Weedkiller:

provides effective

control of most

broadleaf weeds

and grasses. 1 litre

of concentrate’

Makes up to 100

Litres of weedkiller.

Superway: P.O. Box 183,Beerwah Qld 4519Ph: (07) 5439 0355Fax: (07) 5439 0366

www.superway.com.au

Available 250ml, 500ml & 1litre chamber pack. Highly concentrated. Available in 1litre pack.

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

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

HER

BIC

IDE

HER

BIC

IDE

Superway Bifenthrin

Termite & Pest

Controller: Termite/

Insecticide for use

as a termite barrier

spray around poles

etc. as well as control

of ants, spiders, etc.

Available in 500g, 1kg & 2kg packs.

Available in 1Litre Chamber Pack as well as larger pack sizes.

TER

MIT

E C

ON

TRO

LT

ERM

ITE

CO

NT

ROL

Superway White

Ant Termite Bait:

A D.I.Y. ‘Back

to the nest’

termite treatment

primarily for use

in Termite baiting

stations.

Available in 250ml, 500ml, 1litre & 2.5litre bottles.

Superway Inside-Outside Cockroach,

Spider, Flea & Ant Residual Insecticide:

Concentrate for indoors and outdoors.

&RQWUROV�FRFNURDFKHV��ÀHDV��ÀLHV��VLOYHU¿VK��spiders and ants. For porous & non-porous

surfaces. Odorless & stain-free.

NEWRELEASE

As the name suggests, this

product is a

residual insecticide

giving effective

and ongoing

protection against

those everyday

household pests

both indoors

and outdoors.

It is proven for

the effective

control of cockroaches including

German cockroaches (a variety

VRPHWLPHV�GLIÀFXOW�WR�NHHS�XQGHU�control), Australian cockroach,

American cockroach, smokey

brown cockroach and oriental

FRFNURDFK�DV�ZHOO�DV�ÁHDV��ÁLHV��VLOYHUÀVK��VSLGHUV�DQG�DQWV��Suitable for DIY application, this

is an odourless product that will

not stain when used according to

instructions.

*active ingredient: 15g/Litre Alpha-Cypermethrin

For a full range of products, visit: www.superway.com.au or call: 1300 30 29 38

Superway Inside-Outside Cockroach, Spider, Flea and Ant residual insecticide*

NEWPRODUCT <gf�l�d]l�h]kcq�[jall]jk�khgad�qgmj�hYjlq�l`ak�kmee]j�

INSE

CT

ICID

E

19Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Trade enquiries welcome.

Fresh, home-grown summer herbs really are the spice of life. Whether you’re eating Asian-style or Italian alfresco, home-grown herbs can make home cooking extraordinary.

For organic Herbs use

Cucumber

Cucumbers are an abundant producer and are quick and easy to grow. There are many varieties of cucumber but all are annual vines with similar growing requirements. Cucumbers need a warm, sunny position, a well-drained, loamy soil and space to ramble. Before planting, prepare garden beds with a rich organic fertiliser like 5IN1™ Organic Plant Food. If space is limited, erect a treillis to support vertical growth. Cucumbers can be planted just about anywhere in Australia during the summer. Plant more plants every two months to ensure a constant supply of fruit. Water well after sowing and

mulch after seedlings have come through the soil. From before ÁRZHULQJ�DQG�XQWLO�IUXLW�production ends, apply Searles Liquid Potash Plus fertiliser every 2 or 3 weeks to promote fruit production. Fertilise with SeaMax Fish & Kelp Plus to promote healthy growth and protect against heat and drought-induced stresses. Water at the base of the plant — not the leaves — to discourage fungal infections. Water regularly and harvest fruit when it is young for the sweetest-tasting cucumbers. Powdery mildew can be controlled with Searles Mancozeb Plus.

Summer

20

sweet basil

chillies

ginger

mint

lemongrass

chives

Hot-seasonherbsBasilPlant basil in a sheltered position and keep it well-watered in the heat of summer. Pruning (or regular harvest) can keep the plants compact and also extend their productive life. Unlike PRVW�KHUEV��LWV�ÁDYRXU�LQFUHDVHV�ZLWK�FRRNLQJ�

ChivesHardy in garden beds or in pots, plant chives in full sun but don’t let them dry out. If the weeding gets away from you, chives can be distinguished from surrounding grass by its hollow stems and pungent aroma. Remove ÁRZHUV�WR�SURPRWH�D�ORQJ�OLIH�

ChilliChillies are really just tiny capsicums — with a much hotter taste! They grow in sun or part shade and are tolerant of a range of soil types. They also grow well in pots. Keep them moist and lightly mulched. Chillies come in a range of different ‘temperatures’ and also a range of colours. Regular harvest promotes further fruit development. Chillies won’t ripen off the bush.

MintMint is easy to grow and can actually become a little invasive if allowed to escape from its pot. It grows in either full sun or shade and likes a well-drained soil. Keep it moist for best results DQG�UHPRYH�ÁRZHUV�IRU�D�ORQJHU�SURGXFWLYH�season. Look out for peppermint, spearmint, pineapple mint or chocolate mint.

GingerIn the garden, ginger is an attractive understorey plant. It grows best in full shade in a moist, well-drained soil. The rhizomes beneath the soil can be harvested as needed — cut off as much as you need with a sharp knife to avoid damaging the rest of the plant. Alternatively, the whole plant can be dug up and the rhizomes stored in the freezer for up to a year.

LemongrassLemon grass is delicious in cooling summer drinks like fruity iced teas. Its 1.5 metre tall, grassy clumps will grow in pots or garden beds. In stir fries or curries, only the soft, inner stem is used — give it a whack with the back of a NQLIH�WR�UHOHDVH�LWV�ÁDYRXUV�EHIRUH�XVLQJ�LW��*URZ�lemon grass in a full sun position with plenty of moisture.

Capsicum

Method:PUHKHDW�RYHQ�WR����Ü&��*UHDVH�DQG�OLQH�D����[���FP�ODPLQJWRQ�SDQ�

BHDW�HJJV�LQ�D�ODUJH�ERZO��$GG�ÁRXU�DQG�EHDW�XQWLO�VPRRWK��$GG�RLO�DQG�:RUFKHVWHUVKLUH�VDXFH��$GG�]XFFKLQL��RQLRQ��EDFRQ�DQG�FKHHVH��VWLU�XQWLO�ZHOO�FRPELQHG��3RXU�LQWR�SUHSDUHG�SDQ��%DNH�XQWLO�D�NQLIH�RU�VNHZHU�FRPHV�RXW�FOHDQ��DSSUR[����²���PLQXWHV��

OHIWRYHU�FKLFNHQ��VDXVDJHV�RU�FDQQHG�VDOPRQ�RU�WXQD�FDQ�EH�VXEVWLWXWHG�

,QJUHGLHQWV���PHGLXP�]XFFKLQLV��JUDWHG

��ODUJH�RQLRQ��FKRSSHG

���J�ULQGOHVV�EDFRQ ��FKRSSHG

��FXS�JUDWHG�FKHGGDU�FKHHVH

��HJJV

��FXS�VHOI�UDLVLQJ�ÁRXU��VLIWHG

����FXS�ROLYH�RLO

��WDEOHVSRRQV�:RUFKHVWHUVKLUH�VDXFH

Savouryzucchini slicePlant FDSVLFXPV�in

the sunniest part of your vegie patch or into large pots, but never let them dry out. In pots, use 6HDUOHV�+HUE��9HJHWDEOH�6SHFLDOW\�0L[; in the garden, dig in plenty of �,1���2UJDQLF�3ODQW�Food before planting. Give the bed a long, deep watering before planting and make sure seedlings are kept moist. If growing tall varieties, erect a stake and tie each plant onto the stake as

it grows. Keep plants well mulched and well-weeded. Feed fortnightly with Seamax )LVK��.HOS�2UJDQLF�3ODQW�)RRG up until fruit set. (Plants grown in pots should be fed weekly). Capsicums are a perennial in frost-free climates and will start bearing bigger fruit in their second year. When fruiting KDV�ÀQLVKHG�LQ�ODWH�autumn, cut them back and they’ll reshoot the following spring.

Don’t prune them during summer as this can expose the fruit to sunburn. Few pests and diseases affect FDSVLFXP��,I�IUXLW�Á\�becomes a problem, remove affected fruit, install 6HDUOHV�)UXLW�)O\�7UDSV and harvest fruit as soon as it is ripe enough to eat. Crop rotation can minimise soil-borne diseases like spotted wilt and powdery mildew.

vegetables

Zucchini

It’s fruit fly season...

7KH�4XHHQVODQG�IUXLW�Á\�LV�common in the warmer times of year. After mating, the female lays her eggs under the skin of the fruit. When the maggot-like larvae hatch, they burrow deeper into the fruit. 6HDUOHV�)UXLW�)O\�7UDS is effective and reusable. It contains a wick that attracts male fruit ÁLHV��WUDSV�DQG�NLOOV�WKHP��

stopping the breeding cycle. 6HDUOHV�)UXLW�)O\�7UDSV can also be used to JDXJH�LI�IUXLW�ÁLHV�DUH�LQ�\RXU�DUHD�

7R�XVH�WKH�WUDS����+DQJ�WKH�ZLFN�LQVLGH�WKH�WUDS��XQGHU�WKH�OLG�

���+DQJ�WKH�WUDS�LQ�WUHH�DW�OHDVW��P�DERYH�JURXQG�OHYHO�

���0RQLWRU�WUDS�IRU�IUXLW�Á\�QXPEHUV�DV�UHTXLUHG�

Grow only one type of�]XFFKLQL at a time as cross-pollination between different varieties can reduce fruit quality. Although zucchini usually prefers full sun, part shade can be preferable in summer. Plant in a deep, well-composted, well-drained soil. In garden beds, dig �,1���

2UJDQLF�3ODQW�)RRG�into the soil. Zucchini can be grown in containers as long as they have good sunlight, plenty of space or a trellis to climb onto. Plant cucumber about 1m apart and keep well-watered until the fruit begins to mature. After this, keep the soil slightly moist and well mulched. Zucchini is pollinated by bees, so

don’t use insecticides. Pick fruit when it is young and tender and harvest regularly to promote more fruit. Powdery mildew can be controlled with 6HDUOHV�0DQFR]HE�3OXV. 6HDUOHV�%XJ�%HDWHU can control aphids. Water in the mornings rather than at night to discourage fungal infections.

21

Anthuriums are the perfect indoor plant if your home has good natural light. Their glossy, lily-shaped blooms in red, magenta, pink or apricot hues make them very sought-after. They will grow KDSSLO\�LQ�ORZ�OLJKW�EXW�PD\�QRW�ÁRZHU��,I�\RXUV�ZLOO�QRW�ÁRZHU�LQGRRUV��WU\�NHHSLQJ�it outside under the dappled shade of a tree and bring it inside when it’s in bloom. Keep it moist and give it an occasional feed with Searles Flourish or SeaMax® Fish & Kelp throughout the growing season.

7KH�SODVWLF�ORRNLQJ�ÁHVK�RI �succulents (and their relatives, the cacti) can give them a quality quite unlike any other members RI �WKH�SODQW�NLQJGRP��:KDW·V�PRUH��WKH\·UH�VR�HDV\�WR�JURZ��7KH\�ORYH�JURZLQJ�LQ�SRWV��WKH\�SRZHU�WKURXJK�GU\�SHULRGV��love the seaside and are easy to SURSDJDWH�IURP�FXWWLQJV��9LVLW�\RXU�JDUGHQ�FHQWUH�QRZ�WR�VHH�ZKDW�IDVFLQDWLQJ��¶FKDUDFWHUV·�DUH�QRZ�DYDLODEOH�

Begonias need a bright, but not sunny position and a moist, humus-rich soil. They also need good airflow, so don’t crowd them with other plants. Keep them well-fed and watered and they will reward you with tropical-looking flowers in white, yellow, orange, red or pink. They also have striking, often variegated foliage in unusual colours and shapes. Begonias are frost tender and so are often grown exclusively as annuals or house plants in cooler climates.

Poinsettia: Associated with Christmas throughout the western world, these subtropical beauties QHHG�IXOO�VXQ�WR�ÁRZHU�ZHOO�VR�will need to be planted out into the garden after a week or two indoors. These hardy, small shrubs prefer a warm, sunny position and will stay lush and compact with a hard pruning in early spring.

Table-talkersPotted plants can make the perfect table accessory at Christmas or any special occasion. Tip: Ensure sun-loving plants are returned outdoors as soon as festivities are over.

Tabletalkers

Decorating your dining table with a fresh, prettily SUHVHQWHG�ÁRZHULQJ�SODQW�FDQ�DGG�WKH�SHUIHFW�ÀQLVKLQJ�touch to a dinner or party setting. ‘Table talkers’ are an excellent way to set the scene for Christmas festivities, a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day or just a celebration of your wonderful home and family!

by

Frid

a F

ors

be

rg

Anthurium

22

Begonia

Succulents

Feeding tip:.MML�ÆW_MZQVO�XTIV\[�_Q\P�Searles Flourish M^MZa�\_W�_MMS[�NWZ�XTMV\QN]T�JTWWU[�IVL�PMIT\Pa�XTIV\[�

Bidens ‘Flair’(Bidens fernlifolia)3UL]HG�IRU�LWV�SURIXVH�ÁRUDO�GLVSOD\V�LQ�WKH�EULJKWHVW�VKDGH�RI�JROGHQ�\HOORZ��Bidens ‘Flair’ LV�DOVR�HDV\�WR�JURZ��,W�QHHGV�IXOO�VXQ��VR�GRQ·W�NHHS�LW�LQGRRUV�IRU�PRUH�WKDQ�D�ZHHN�DW�D�WLPH��*URZLQJ���FP�KLJK�DQG���FP�ZLGH��LW·V�SHUIHFW�IRU�SRWV��KDQJLQJ�EDVNHWV�RU�JDUGHQ�EHGV��*LYH�LW�D�IUHH�GUDLQLQJ�VRLO��NHHS�LW�PRLVW�EXW�QRW�ZDWHUORJJHG�DQG�IHHG�IRUWQLJKWO\�ZLWK�Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food�

Cuphea �SURQRXQFHG�NRR�IHH�DK��LV�D�YHUVDWLOH�DQG�WRXJK�SODQW��JUHDW�LQ�JDUGHQ�EHGV��URFNHULHV��SRWV�RU�KDQJLQJ�EDVNHWV��&XSKHDV�WROHUDWH�IURVW��VHDVLGH�DQG�GU\�FRQGLWLRQV��EXW�SHUIRUP�EHVW�LI�NHSW�PRLVW��3ODQW�WKHP�LQ�IXOO�VXQ�RU�SDUW�VKDGH��,Q�IURVW�IUHH�FOLPDWHV��WKH\�FDQ�ÁRZHU�IRU�PRVW�RI�WKH�\HDU��9HU\�UHVLOLHQW�DV�D�WHPSRUDU\�LQGRRU�GLVSOD\��UHWXUQ�WKHP�RXWVLGH�ZKHQ�QHFHVVDU\�DQG�UHYLYH�WKHP�ZLWK�D�GRVH�RI�SeaMax® Fish & Kelp��9HU\�DWWUDFWLYH�WR�KRQH\HDWLQJ�ELUGV�

Bromeliads make the perfect table centrepiece! Generally, they prefer shade or filtered sunlight, but there are also bromeliads that prefer full sun. If you’re buying one as a gift, make sure it is in flower. Of course, there are many bromeliads with brightly-coloured foliage that will catch the eye at any time of year.

Poinsettia

Bromeliads like a half-strength dose of SeaMax® Fish & Kelp.

Bidens ‘Flaire’

Cuphea ‘Jocelyn’s Pink’

http://www.searles.com.au/Gardeningtips.html

Watch our videos for great

gardening advice.

Grow tasty herbs, vegies and beautiful flowers using SEAMAX®. The SEAMAX® range are high concentrated formulas that will give outstanding results and help reduce plant stress from pest & diseases, heat & cold.

�*52:�+($/7+<��������9(*,(6��)/2:(56

www.searles.com.au

my roses

SUNSHINECALOUNDRA 5491 9400COOROY 5447 6677DALBY 4662 2822GYMPIE 5489 9988HERVEY BAY 4197 7800KINGAROY 4162 1888MAROOCHYDORE 5477 2677NAMBOUR 5441 1255NOOSAVILLE 5455 9837