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Plants for the heat

Clumping bamboo

Edible ginger

Hibiscus

Grevilleas

Pawpaw

Chillies

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

Summer 2009–2010ISSUE 51

About this issue...FeaturesSome like it hot 4Indoor gardens 6Chillies — the heat is on! 8Growing grevilleas 10 Home-grown ginger 11Hot tips for hibiscus 18More, more pawpaw! 20Clumping bamboo 22

Special interestPetunia Raspberry Blast 16EzyGrow Planter makes growing easy 23

RegularsSummer 2009–2010 Garden Diary 12Summer handy hints & tips 14Subscribe to About the Garden 21

Issue 51Summer 2009–2010

Summer is the time to relax in the garden. If

your garden starts to look a little unruly, it’s

okay to procrastinate — you’ll have plenty of

time to neaten it up when things cool down.

Further south, gardens are bursting with life

and warmth, but don’t forget to wear a hat, keep some

water handy and take it easy in the sun. Most of all,

enjoy the holidays and God bless...

Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. — Luke 6:28

• Managing Director: Conway Searle• Contributors: Claire Bickle, Noel Burdette, Roey FitzPatrick, Frida Forsberg, Alana Searle, Ashley Searle & Rick Warwick • Magazine Manager: Alana Searle• Design & Layout: Frida Forsberg — ATG Graphics Dept.• ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle• Front Cover Photography: Ramm Botanicals

About the Garden is published seasonally byAbout the Garden Pty. Ltd. ABN 21 076 919 9924914 D’Aguilar Highway, Kilcoy or P.O. Box 70, Kilcoy Qld. 4515Phone: (07) 5422 3090 • Fax: (07) 5497 2287Email: atg@aboutthegarden.com.au

Con Searle

The material appearing in About the Garden is subject to copyright. Other than as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. No responsibility is accepted by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. for the accuracy of information contained in the text, illustrations or advertisements. Although believed to be accurately and correctly sourced, thereof disclaims any liability against itself, editor/s or employees arising from any person acting on the material herein. The opinions expressed in the magazine, or by contributors, do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. ©Copyright 2010 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.

Want more?To subscribe, email

atg@aboutthegarden.com.au

Anigozanthos‘Rampaging Roy Slaven’

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Subscribe to About theGarden’s Seasonal Newsletter

Ramm Botanicals will donate 50c from every ‘Rampaging Roy Slaven’ sold in Australia to Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) which provides an invaluable support service to Australians who suffer with autism spectrum disorders. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a difference to improve the lives of children with ASD. Visit www.aspect.org.au

otanicals will donate 50c from every ‘Ramp

The easy way to recycle ALL your food waste

with the fabulous Bokashi Kitchen Composter

Feed your garden...........Recycle your food waste

The simple and easy

recycling alternative

that turns kitchen waste

into rich organic soil

conditioner, right in your kitchen!

FrangipaniOne of the most loved of all summer fl owering trees is the frangipani (plumeria sp.) With its alluring perfume and tropical-style foliage, the frangipani grows to a height of 4 metres and brings a touch of the tropical island resort to any backyard. Flowering throughout summer and unperturbed by the heat, frangipanis come in an assortment of colours and the further north you live, the greater the colour range and variety there is to choose from. These handsome trees, when covered in their clusters of white, yellow, pink or bicoloured fl owers, create welcome shade and are safe to plant relatively close to the home or entertainment area. Good drainage is essential as

plumeria detest wet conditions. Frangipani rust is new to home gardens, so remove any fallen leaves around the base of the plant and bin them to help prevent this problem. Prevention is better than cure, so a monthly application (from January onwards) of either

Searles Copper Oxychloride or Searles Mancozeb Plus on the undersides of foliage can help reduce the outbreak of this fungal disease.

PortulacaThe gorgeous portulaca is now sold under several names such as ‘Sun Jewels’, ‘Hot shots’ or ‘Hot spots’. Small and demure they may be, but they certainly pack a punch when it comes to colour. Taking the stage around February onward, the iridescent, 20 cent piece-sized blooms of magenta, hot pink, raspberry, burnt orange or gold become beacons of colour in hanging baskets or along garden edges or rock walls. Portulacas are succulent plants which makes them tough performers in rugged, hot and dry conditions, yet they are pretty enough to bring grace to even the softest of cottage gardens. Portulacas are among the most water wise fl owering plants available to home gardeners.

CannasThe tough, dependable canna (Canna sp.) is famous for its lush, tropical-style foliage and fl owers in explosive hues of red, orange, yellow and hot pink. They are now available in more delicate shades of cream, lemon and other soft pastels as well as bicoloured forms. Cannas stand up to the extremities, including heat and waterlogging and bring a festive atmosphere to the garden. They actually prefer slightly heavier soils with

good moisture retention, but with the additive of wetting agents such as Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules and a good organic plant food such as Searles 5IN1 Plus, they can grow beautifully in just about any garden.

Red Hot PokerThe kniphofi a or red hot poker has been winning hearts in cooler climes and southern states for a long time and is a great choice for late summer colour. These clump-forming perennials are often found in the ‘ornamental grasses’ section of nurseries, although they are actually a member of the lily family and originate from South Africa. Red hot poker is best placed towards the back of garden beds where its one metre tall spires will emerge like shining candles in shades of red, burnt orange, lemon and sometimes lime green. These

stately blooms will also attract nectar feeding birds to your garden.

Flowering aloesAn excellent alternative to kniphofi a in warmer zones are the fl owering aloes. The new ‘Aloe-aloe’ fl owering aloes come in a wide selection of sizes and fl ower colours and are very similar to kniphofi a in appearance.

These new fl owering aloes are not to be mistaken for cacti or the old fashioned wild aloe vera that grows at the bottom of the garden. These new forms have been bred for their fl owering ability that begins in summer and can continue until late spring in some cultivars. Impervious to the heat and cold, these striking plants are highly attractive to bird life and their eye-catching, architectural foliage can make a bold statement in a variety of different garden styles.

Some like it hotPlants that have a proven track record against extreme weather conditions are the secret to a low maintenance, trouble-free summer garden. Here’s my list of favourite plants that can stare summer squarely in the face and not batter an eyelid.

corugaanarof binprePrethamo(froonw

good moisture retention, but with the dditi f tti t h

Flowering aloe

‘Beatrix’

earles Copper Oxychloride Mancozeb Plus on the under

frangipani (plumeria)

Red hot poker (kniphofi a)

54

NOTE: If grasshoppers or

caterpillars become a problem,

use Searles Bug Beater to

minimise damage to plants.

unnamed variety ‘Tropicanna’ ‘Frau Gardenburg’

stately blooms will also attract nectar f di bi d t d

portulaca

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.

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Healthy indoor plants create a special ambience in a room. The humblest potted geranium on a window-sill immediately converts a sterile space into a ‘living’ area. Whether you live in a period worker’s cottage or a contemporary inner-city apartment, indoor plants are an essential decorating element.

Indoor gardens plants thrive in low-light conditions, while

others must have sun. Don’t place large, spreading plants in walkways or landings where they may suffer from passing traffi c.

Benefi ts of indoor plantsIndoor gardens help to clean the air, removing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Peace lillies, mother-in-law’s tongues, ivies and azaleas even absorb and break down airborne toxins such as paint and cigarette fumes. Houseplants can be incorporated into your lifestyle to any degree, from the odd fl ower-pot or spot of greenery, to a full-scale jungle room. Adding running water to a grouping of indoor plants will make a cool oasis to escape to in the summer. This can be easily achieved by buying a small indoor water fountain from a garden supplier and arranging it with a group of suitable plants, or you can create your own water feature using a purchased submersible pump, a selection of terracotta bowls, and river stones or pebbles.

FeedingIf you choose your indoor plants sensibly, most will fl ourish with little more than regular watering. The secret is to give them a good start in life with an excellent potting mix such as Searles Kickalong Organic Premium Potting Mix, Searles Peat 80 Plus, or one of Searles specialised premium potting mixes — African Violet Mix, Cymbidium Orchid Mix, Dendrobium Orchid Mix, Cacti and Succulent Mix, or Bonsai Mix. Indoor plants grow more slowly than outdoor varieties and consequently need less feeding. Be careful not to overfeed. A liquid fertilliser like Searles Fish & Kelp Plus, applied no more than once every two weeks, is ideal for strong, healthy houseplants. Searles Robust Plus controlled release fertiliser can be added every six months, and Searles Recharge will revive tired soil after long periods in the same pot.

PottingBegin with a suitable pot for the size and type of plant, bearing in mind that you may need to repot as your plant grows. Some plants rarely need repotting and positively prefer a tight squeeze. If in doubt about repotting, ask your garden centre specialist for advice when you purchase your plant. Self-watering pots can be a good choice for indoor plants as they make it easy to keep the potting soil moist with minimum risk of water spillage on carpets or polished surfaces, but be aware that some plants prefer to dry out completely between waterings and for these the self-watering system is impractical. Searles Water

Crystals added to the potting mix will release reserved moisture into the soil when necessary — very useful if you sometimes forget to water or if you are away for a few days and your plants are home alone.

PositionNatural light is essential to indoor plants. Though some do quite well in dim surroundings, most need at least indirect sunlight for several hours a day to fl ourish. To prevent uneven growth, quarter-turn pots regularly so all sides of the plants are exposed equally to the light. It is advisable to remove indoor plants from time to time to a sheltered position in your garden or on a verandah or patio for a week or so of outdoor living.

Choosing plantsYou can experiment with plants potted from your own garden, but generally the tried-and-true specimens found in covered displays at your garden centre are best suited to an indoor environment. Golden cane or parlour palm, cordyline, philodendron, dieffenbachia, dracaena, aspidistra, zanzibar gem, various ferns, and crotons are some of the foliage favourites. A trough containing several tall plants can make an effective room divider, and a climber, such as devil’s ivy can be trained up walls and across exposed beams to great effect. Flowering plants such as African violets, orchids, begonias, cyclamen, Cape primrose, impatiens, peace lillies, anthuriums and bromeliads do well indoors but will need sunlight to fl ower successfully. Never leave plants

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Top 6 indoor plantsAsplenium antiqum ‘Victoria’

Calathea needs low light, plenty of water and a warm position.

Philodendron ‘Congo’

Spathiphyllum (peace lily) is an excellent ‘clean air’ plant. Give it fi ltered light and moderate water.

Calidium Anthurium ‘Small Talk Red’

Blechnum are great as indoor plants and in low-lit, moist garden beds.

Peace lilies surround an

indoor water feature

exposed for long periods to the full blast of sun from a western window as they will suffer from heat stress.

Do’s and dont’sPlants don’t enjoy extremes of temperature. The living areas in your home suit them best as these rooms tend to be kept at a fairly constant comfort level. Try to avoid draughty spots and don’t place plants too close to heating vents or open fi res, as this will cause pots and plants to dry out too rapidly. Always monitor soil moisture carefully when air-conditioning, either hot or cold, is in use as most climate control systems will reduce humidity. A water fountain or room humidifi er can help to redress the balance.

Don’t over water or over fertilise. Keep a record of when you fertilise your plants and don’t be tempted to overfeed. Remember to feed and water less often in the winter months.

When planning where to put your indoor plants, take advice from your garden centre and learn from your own experience. Some

Here, devil’s ivy has been ‘trained’ to grow over an indoor archway.

Calidiums like warmth and fi ltered sunlight. Keep moist, but not saturated.

Anthuriums need frequent watering, protection from frost and fi ltered or morning sunlight for best fl owering.

Spathiphyllum ‘Power Petite’

Aspleniums need moist soil and fi ltered sunlight.

Calathea

Philodendrons need moderate water and grow well in pots.

Chillies – the heat is on!Australian cuisine has come a long way over the years and with our multicultural population it’s not surprising that the chilli has become one of our most popular spices. People are now more conscious than ever about eating fresh, organically grown produce and considering how easy and cheap chillies are to grow, why not grow your own?

Chillies originate from Mexico and were domesticated around 7000 years ago. There were about four original species and all of our modern cultivars are derived from these varieties. The chilli is basically a hot capsicum. They are in the same family as the capsicum Solanaceae and there is only one difference; a chemical that chillies produce called capsaicin. This chemical is what gives chillies their ‘hot’ fl avour. It can also make their juice irritating to the skin, so if you have children make them aware of this fact.

Chillies need a well-drained soil and protection from frost. They are at their best during the warmer months of the year and tend to sulk a bit if the winter is too cold. In very hot regions, semi shade can be preferable, otherwise full sun is best for chilli cultivation. Feeding with Searles Liquid Potash from November to April will help produce more fruit. Continually harvesting your chillies will also encourage more setting of the fruit. In really hot weather, regular watering is benefi cial. Keep in mind in tropical and subtropical areas the chilli is grown as a short lived perennial but in colder regions it’s usually grown as an annual with bushes being replaced each year. Plants can be easily propagated from seed in spring and summer or planted as young plants during the warmer months.

Pests and diseasesRoot knot nematode: Chillies belong to the same family as tomatoes, capsicums and eggplants which makes them prone to root knot nematodes. This is usually only a problem in very poor soils. To counteract this, add plenty of organic matter such as compost and manures before planting.

Bacterial spot: Use a copper based spray and avoid overhead watering.

Fruit fl y: Set fruit fl y traps to monitor populations and spray an organic fruit fl y spray if needed. Another option is to use exclusion bags to cover and protect chillies from being stung.

Claire’s Top 10 chillies(Heat rating ranges from 1–10, with 10 being the hottest.)

• Anaheim: 2 (for the timid)• Jalapeño: 5• Purple delight: 6• Siam: 6• Cayenne: 7• Bell: 7 (and so ornamental)• Thai Rainbow: 7 (great in pots)• Birdseye: 9• Habanero and Tepin: 10+ (for the diehards!)

Even if you are not a fan of chillies for eating, they are still worth growing just for their ornamental value. They can add a fantastic splash of colour to the vegetable or herb garden and can be easily grown in pots. Chillies are guaranteed to brighten any sunny verandah. So spice up your life today and become a chilli grower.

Jalapeños Thai Rainbow

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Daisies. The natural way.

What you’ll need...

98

Aphids, scale and thrips: Use a mix of pyrethrum and white oil as a spray applied to foliage to keep these pests at bay.

Blossum end rot: Apply dolomite to the soil before planting, apply mulch and water when needed to ensure soil is consistently moist.

Cla

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CalypsoCalypso Birdseye

This mix of chillies is Habanero (orange, lantern-shaped), Serrano (narrow, green & red) and Hungarian hotwax (yellow).

Ginger can be grown from the fresh ginger available at your grocery store, which is actually the underground runner, or rhizome, of the plant. For best results, use pieces that are young, tender and plump. Sometimes store-bought ginger has been treated with a hormone to prevent it from sprouting. This problem can be avoided by buying organic ginger or purchasing it especially from nurseries or garden centres. Ginger that has already begun sprouting is ideal for growing at home.

Ginger can be grown in containers or large, shallow planter tubs (of 40 litre capacity, for example). Fill the container with a free draining medium like Searles Peat 80 Plus Potting Mix. Plant rhizomes about 2cm beneath the surface. Make sure the growing buds or ‘eyes’ are pointed upward before covering them over with soil.

Originating in tropical Asia, ginger likes warm weather, humidity and rich, moist soil. In the tropics, it usually needs a part shade position, but in cooler areas, full sun is usually best. Ginger grown in pots can be moved around to make the most of sunlight availability. Ginger should also be moved away from strong winds and frost which can kill the dormant rhizomes.

Ginger likes plenty of water but its fl eshy roots will quickly rot in waterlogged conditions. This can be avoided by giving it good drainage. Water regularly and mulch to keep the soil moist but not wet.

Shoots should break through the soil surface about a month after planting. Allow at least another 5–6 months before harvest. After it has developed a good root system, container-grown ginger can be planted out into garden beds. Plant ginger plants 30cm apart.

As winter approaches, the leaves will begin to die down. In frost prone areas, the roots can then be dug up and dried

Ginger can be grown from

Fresh ginger brings a touch of authenticity to any Asian stir-fry and makes a cool, soothing cordial on a summer afternoon. Growing ginger in your home kitchen garden can be easy.

Growing ginger

out a little in the sun to help preserve them. Put aside as much as you want for your own use and store the rest over winter in a dark, dry place. Replant it in spring. In tropical and subtropical zones, ginger can be left in the ground throughout the year.

Ginger grown in pots should also be divided or harvested when the pot is full, normally 8–12 months after planting. To harvest, trim off any leaf stalks and either tip out the whole contents of the pot or dig them out with your hands.

Ginger prefers a soil pH that is slightly acid to neutral (between 5.0–7.0) but if your soil is enriched with plenty of compost, soil pH is unlikely to be a problem.

Plant the rhizomeabout 2cm deep.

Cover with soil and water well.

Cover with clear plastic to trap warmth and moisture.

Remove plastic when new shoots appear above soil.

Grevillea 'Moonlight'• small tree up to 5m tall• rarely without fl owers• dislikes heavy frosts

Grevillea ‘Peaches & Cream’• small shrub• 1.2m tall and 1.5m wide

Grevilleas are among the most popular native plants in Australian home gardens and fl ower most of the year. Their striking, nectar-rich fl owers are like a larder for native birds and can be an important food supply at times of year when other food is scarce. Grevilleas grow in rocky or sandy soils and must have excellent drainage, so if your soil is heavy clay, build up the soil in mounds or plant into raised garden beds rather than dig into the ground. Improve the soil by mixing in a little Searles Real Organic Compost and sprinkle Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules. Planting on slopes can also improve drainage. Keep grevilleas lightly mulched, especially while establishing, and water during dry spells. Fertilise in early spring and late summer with Searles Kickalong Native Organic Plant Food and never feed grevilleas with a fertiliser that isn't especially formulated for natives. There are so many gorgeous grevilleas available in garden centres now. Here are our favourite six...

Grevillea ‘Cooroora Cascade’• ground cover• 2.5m diameter

Flowers up to 20cm long appear for about 3 months from summer into autumn

Grevillea ‘Pink Midget’• rockery-sized• ground hugging• 30cmH x 70cmW• tough in dry periods• great in containers

Gorgeous grevilleasGrevillea ‘Silvereye Cream’• small shrub• 1.2m tall and 1.5m wide• fl owers most of the year• attracts small birds

Grevillea ‘Firesprite’• fast growing, evergreen

shrub up to 3–5m tall

• suited to all but the coldest Australian climate zones

Keep the soil moist at all times while the ginger is growing.

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For a tough indoor plant that will flower throughout the warmer times of year, try begonias. A room in the house that's brightly lit with natural light, but not direct sunlight, is ideal. Feed with Searles Robust according to directions and keep moist, but not damp, for best results.

For a tough indoor plant that will

ALL ZONES

Elatior begonia

Something for everyone at

Sydney

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 thoroughly. Before laying turf, sprinkle one handful of Searles Kickalong Organic Plant Food per square metre and rake in well. Water well after laying turf to help it establish. Prune wisteras. Feed all food crops fortnightly. Feed azaleas, camellias and gardenias fortnightly with Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia. Avoid overwatering watermelon once it starts to set fruit as this can result in a watery, tasteless crop.

Temperate areas

NewcastleOrange

Rockhampton

Mackay

Wodonga

Blackall

Longreach

Warwick

DIARY MAP

MelbourneCold & Southern Tableland areas

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 Searles Fish & Kelp Plus 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.

South-east Qld & Northern NSW

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 — Coastal

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.

North QueenslandTropical — Wet & Dry Tropics

Summer 2009–2010Regional Garden Diary

Code:Tropical

Sub tropical

Temperate

Cool

Inland

The lovely Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt. Coot-tha (pictured above) has become Australia's fi rst capital city botanic gardens to be independent of the mains water supply with its own small scale desalination plant. This system uses solar energy to pump brackish water from the Brisbane river through an 80m bore. The salt is removed through reverse osmosis and a natural process of fi ltration to produce nearly 34 thousand litres of usable water every 24 hours.

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.

awnmower

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Ideal for hanging baskets or for trailing over rockeries, the beautiful Dichondria 'Silver Falls' will trail about 1.5m and is both heat and drought tolerant. It will need minimal water once established, but water it well when first planted to help it settle into the pot. Although it tolerates sun, it prefers part shade. Its stunning silver foliage makes a striking contrast in most gardens.

Ideal for hanging baskets or for trailing

ALL ZONES

Garden art is an underestimated design tool, creating focal points in the garden and enhancing your chosen theme. Visit your garden centre or even look up local artists or exhibitions for inspiration.

RGarden art is an underestimated

The lively, pink and orange summer foliage of dwarf acalypha 'Spitfire', changes to a spectacular burgundy red in winter. This 1m x 1m plant will grow well in pots of Searles Peat 80 Plus. Give it a warm position in full sun or part shade with good drainage.

ummer

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Few plants will power through a hot summer or flower more beautifully than the oleander. They love full sun, just about any soil and respond well to severe pruning, so feel free to hack them right down to ground level at the end of the growing season. Oleanders are toxic if eaten, so supervise small children and pets like new puppies.

Few plants will power throughh a hhottt

ALL ZONES

13

Australia DayRaces

Kilcoy

ALL ZONES

These glazed balls make a distinctive talking point.

• Featuring 6 Races with added prize money

• Fashions of the Field• Picnic at the races outfi ts• Australia Day outfi ts• Generous prizes• Jazz Band, Entertainment

prousawww.kilcoyraceclub.com.au

50 LUCKY RACE BOOK PRIZES

26th Jan

2010

Blue star creeper (Pratia pedunculata) is a perennial native ground cover (5cmH x 60cmW) which forms a carpet of tiny white or blue flowers in spring and early summer. Ideal for filling gaps between rocks and sleepers, its tendency not to grow over pavers creates an easy-care, 'tidy' look. Plant in full sun to semi-shade with space to spread and keep it moist. Divide in autumn.

Keep the water up to citrus trees throughout the summer to ensure a quality crop the following winter. Also, keep citrus trees well mulched to protect their roots from summer heat. Scorched roots will kill corresponding leaves and branches on the tree.

Summer handy hints & tips

It's very important whenever using a weed spray, to use it in conjunction with Searles Spredmax. This increases the weedkiller's effectiveness by helping it stick to the leaves of the weed.

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

Few warm-season flowering plants are lovelier than the gardenia. Give them a sunny position and rich, humus-rich soil in full sun or part shade. They also grow well in pots outdoors or indoors near a sunny window where their delightful perfume can be best enjoyed. Keep moist, mulch well and feed with Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia.

Beware of moving bromeliads around the garden during the summer as sudden exposure to the sun can cause leaf burn. Many bromeliads are naturally sun loving, while others can be gently acclimatised to sunlight, but look out for signs of stress or burning on all shade-loving plants.

The stunning miniature eucalyptus Corymbia 'Summer Red', rarely grows taller than 5m and looks its best from December to March. Plant in full sun and feed with Searles Kickalong Native Plant Food in early summer.

As Christmas approaches, poinsettias appear in garden centres. Keep one as a table centrepiece for the festivities and then plant it out into your garden in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Poinsettias actually flower naturally in winter and in the southern hemisphere need to be 'tricked' into flowering at Christmas by artificially altering the lighting.

As Christmas approaches, poinsettias

In southern areas, summer marks the peak of the gardening season while in warmer zones it's a time to relax and the enjoy the results of hard work earlier in the year. Wherever you live, now is when plants will benefi t most from having a watchful eye on them. The secret this season is to garden smarter, not harder.

Tropical

Sub tropical

Temperate

Cool

Arid

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These deformities were caused by a tiny native wasp called the citrus gall wasp (Bruchophagus fellis). In spring, this tiny villain lays its eggs inside the soft new shoots of citrus trees, causing swellings or 'galls', which become visible during the summer. Affected tissue should be cut off and burned before the young wasps emerge the following spring.

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For healthy plant growth through the summer, give your garden a generous dose of Searles Kickalong Organic Plant Food — Complete Garden. Sprinkle it over everything — lawns, vegetables, fruit trees and garden beds. Do this just after rainy weather for best results.

Hydrangeas make fantastic cut fl owers, lasting over a week in a vase. They prefer a dappled shade position protected from wind and don't like to dry out, so mulch well and water when necessary over summer. They fl ower in November, which is the time to purchase them. Hydrangeas are frost

tolerant.

What bug is that?

To prevent anthracnose on mangoes, spray trees with Searles Mancozeb, following the directions carefully.

Watermelon will be ripening, now. Be carefully not to overwater as the fruit is forming and cut watering right back to a minimum as it approaches maturity to ensure a sweet, flavoursome crop.

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Citrus gall wasp leaves tell-tale evidence.

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dwarf guava trees

Dwarf fruit trees are perfect for gardens both large and small. Their small size makes them easier to harvest, to examine for pests and diseases and to protect from bird attack with netting. Commonly, trees are 'dwarfed' by being grafted onto dwarfing rootstock, so fruit size and production should be the same as with full-sized trees.

Allamanda Sunee 'Compacta' (Allamanda cathartica) is a delightful, compact shrub or container plant with glossy foliage and bold, yellow flowers in summer. Give it a sunny, open position and moist, well-drained soil. Protect from frost and keep moist in dry weather.

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Allamanda Sunee 'Compacct

'Compacta' Allamanda Sunee

Hot pink hydrangeas indicate an alkaline soil.

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leaf burn on a bromeliad

Bamboo-like Baby Panda (Pogonatherum paniceum) loves full sun or filtered sunlight. It also loves water. You don't need to worry about overwatering this plant — it will even happily sit in a saucer of water. A native to rocky banks along rainforest streams, it will adapt to low-lit bathrooms or sunny window sills as a low-lying ground cover. Feed with Searles Robust Plus.

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Curling, dying leaves indicate sunburnt roots.

To help lavender cope with summer humidity, ensure bushes have space around them for aeration, pruning out dead branches for better airflow. Don't prune back into hard wood however, or the plant may not recover. Use a light-coloured mulch such as quartz or crushed shells to reflect light back onto the bushes.

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Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Tricolour' is a slow-growing relative of jasmine grown for its beautiful, variegated foliage with pink and white new growth in summer. It makes a great ground cover, slow growing climber or low hedge (to 30cmH) and is also great in pots and baskets. Give it full sun or part shade and a rich soil.

Trachelospermum jasminoides

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Fabulous new release Petunia Raspberry Blast has improved performance and colours and really will stop you in your tracks with its pure ‘WOW’ factor. The vibrant blooms of this fl amboyant little darling are pink, edged with deep cerise violet. A prolifi c bloomer, the 5-6cm fl owers cover the entire plant from early spring right through to the fi rst harsh frosts of winter.

This new plant on the block has a low, spreading habit. With a height of 15cm and a spread of up to 1 metre, Petunia Raspberry Blast is referred to as a ‘living mulch’, shading the ground the same way a mulch does. This not only keeps the soil cool and moist, it helps suppress weed growth, reduces soil erosion and promotes the health and vigor of plants growing nearby.

Petunia Raspberry Blast will quickly cover bare soil between shrubs and other plants. This can create a bold landscaping statement, reforming bare earth into a lush and healthy green garden scene. Due to its

vigorous, yet restrained growth, one plant can replace up to 10 normal petunias, making a considerable cost saving.

Being such a vigorous grower it is also a hungry feeder, so a fortnightly application of Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food or a single application of Searles Robust Plus slow release plant food at planting time will reward you with strong, healthy growth.

The other major advantage of Petunia Raspberry Blast is that it loves the heat. In the recent heat wave that struck much of southern Australia, plantings of Petunia Raspberry Blast fl ourished and kept gardens looking green and colourful.

So if you need to add a blanket of colour to your garden landscape, create a trailing effect down an embankment or garden wall or create a stunning container or hanging basket then Petunia Raspberry Blast is the truly exceptional ‘WOW’ plant to look out for this summer

www.searles.com.au

Get to know yourgarden soil better

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To ask for this great Searles product, Ph: 07 5497 2022

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

Use David Grays’ White Oil to control scale insects on fruit trees, shrubs and vines. David Grays’ Antex controls ants, cockroaches, fleas, spiders and silverfish.See package instructions for more information.

Ants in yer pants?Say goodbye to nasty critters with David Grays pest control.

ColourChoice of flower colour is endless, with the exception of a true blue. Hibiscus come in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, mauve, white and every colour in between. Mottled or multi-coloured hibiscus are also an interesting option.

Buying hibiscusMost nurseries stock grafted hibiscus as well as cutting-grown plants. Many of the really special hibiscus (modern hybrids) will perform better when grafted onto a more hardy root stock. You will pay more for grafted plants due to the labour involved in the process, but the results are worth the investment. Cutting-grown hibiscus will usually be of the older varieties and there are some beautiful varieties available.

Where to plantConsider that over two years, most hibiscus will grow to 1.5–2 metres high. Be sure they always receive optimal sunlight. Full sun for the whole day will see your hibiscus grow and flower to its full potential. Hibiscus plants in any level of shade will tend to be leggy and will not flower well.

Potted hibiscusHibiscus plants can be grown in large pots or tubs, but remember that they will depend on you for all their water and nutritional needs. Repotting is advisable at least every two years. Ceramic or terracotta pots are preferable, but not essential. Plastic pots sitting in the sun can tend to overheat the root system, which in time can lead to health problems. Use a reliable potting mix such as Searles Premium Potting Mix. Potted hibiscus should be watered about every 2–3 days, if not every day.

WateringHibiscus plants in the garden will tolerate relatively dry conditions, once established. A good soaking every week will ensure good growth and flowering and a thick layer of mulch will help the soil retain moisture. Do not allow the mulch to touch the stem of the plant.

Pruning hibiscusMany gardeners are intimidated by the idea of pruning, but pruning is essential if you want healthy-looking bushes and vigorous flowering. First, prune out any diseased or dead branches from the centre, as well as crossed-over branches. This will reduce competition and also allow sunlight and airflow to those new shoots waiting to grow. Of the outer branches, reduce last season’s growth by at least one third. Always cut just above a bud that is facing outward, as the new branch will grow in whichever direction this new bud is facing. You may be alarmed at the appearance of your hibiscus immediately after pruning — but don’t panic. Very soon, your hibiscus will bounce back with more gusto than ever.

Fertilising hibiscusApply Searles Fish & Kelp Plus to the foliage weekly or fortnightly to greatly enhance plant health. Apply a small amount of Searles Hibiscus & Bougainvillea Food on a regular basis (every 3–4 weeks) to induce bursts of growth. In the tropics, hibiscus are growing and flowering throughout the year so fertiliser should be applied in smaller amounts on a more regular basis for continual feeding. If your plant doesn’t seem to be responding to the fertiliser, check the pH of the soil which should be between 6.2 and 6.5. If you want really big, profuse and colourful flowers, use a liquid fertiliser that is high in potash or potassium, such as Searles Liquid Potash or Searles Flourish®. Follow these tips and your hibiscus will flower their heads off!

Pest controlKeep your hibiscus plants healthy and well nourished and pests should be little problem. The worst pest of the hibiscus is the hibiscus flower beetle, which feeds on the unopened and developing flower bud. Healthy plants will detect the hibiscus beetle and drop the damaged flower bud, so if you notice flowers falling prematurely it can usually be taken as a sign of the beetle’s presence. From time to time you may also find grasshoppers, aphids or caterpillars. Control hibiscus flower beetle and aphids with Searles Conguard spray. Simply keeping an eye on your plants will go a long way in preventing pest outbreaks.

Hot tips for hibiscusFor a smallish shrub of fairly delicate habit, hibiscus sure can produce the most enormous, flamboyant flowers. They are tough, too. Even a neglected hibiscus bush can continue to flower through the harshest conditions. In the tropics, hibiscus can flower throughout the year — including winter.

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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 pests (including fruit fly, aphids, leaf miner and thrips) on fruit trees and other plants in and around the garden.

Most Superway products come packaged in easy to use ‘squeeze & measure’ chamber pack bottles. No more messy measuring cups or spoons and no more risk of getting chemicals on your hands. Just safely squeeze, measure, pour into a watering or spray pack, apply water and use!

1. Loosen the cap above the measuring chamber.

3. Remove lid from measuring chamber and pour contents into measuring can/spray can.

4. Add required amount of water and apply as directed.

How to use Superway ‘squeeze & measure’

chamber bottles

2. Gently squeeze the bottle to make the chemical flow into the measuring chamber.

Weedkiller: provides effective control of most broadleaf weeds and grasses. 1 litre of concentrate’ Makes up to 100 Litres of ready-to-use weedkiller.

SuperwayP.O. Box 183,

Beerwah Qld 4519Ph: (07) 5439 0355

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

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.

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SUPERWAY GARDEN, Ag & PestPRODUCTS PTY.LTD.

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The compact Hibiscus 'Patio Party' range are great for pots and flower profusely in a range of colours.

Hibiscus 'Pink Chiffon' has medium to tall growth and delicate, pink flowers.

Hibiscus 'Orange Lagos'

A pawpaw tree loaded with fruit.

Pawpaws are like a gift from the gods! Easily grown in home gardens, their delicious, sweet flesh can be enjoyed at the breakfast table for most of the year. Native to southern Mexico and central America, pawpaw flourishes in the tropics and subtropics where individual trees can be productive for up to 6 years.

Which sex to buy?Pawpaw trees can be male, female or bisexual (meaning they produce flowers which have both male and female functioning parts). It’s important to be aware of this as male specimens won’t bear fruit and female trees will need a male tree somewhere nearby for fertilisation before they can set fruit. Trees can be easy to grow from seed, but this can make it difficult to achieve the best male-female tree combination for fruit production. Bisexual varieties, which are now readily available in garden centres, are self-pollinating which can make them an easier option.

Soil preparationPawpaws grow best in soils rich in organic matter, but good drainage is important to prevent root rot. Two weeks before planting, mix plenty of Searles 5IN1 Plus into the soil. Pawpaws don’t like very acid soils. The

optimum soil pH is 6.0 to 6.5. If the soil is more acidic than this, dig lime

or dolomite into the soil at the recommended rate and allow it to settle for two weeks before planting.

PlantingPawpaws are prolific fruiters in warm climates. Plant them in a warm, sunny position and keep them well protected from frost. When planting, allow enough space between the trees to encourage air flow which will reduce mildew attack and allow pollinating insects to roam freely around them. Mulch well after planting and water well.

MaintenanceFor best fruiting, apply Searles Liquid Potash Plus every 2 to 3 weeks, starting before the first formation of flower buds and continuing through to the end of fruit production. Pawpaws are heavy feeders, so for best fruit production apply Searles Kickalong Fruit & Flower organic plant food as directed throughout the growing season. Water requirements depend on the weather, but watering pawpaws once weekly throughout the growing season or twice weekly during drier weather is a good guide.

HarvestSome trees take 60–120 days to mature and others take up to 12 months before they start bearing fruit. A good strategy is to harvest the fruit just before it ripens so pick it when it’s about two-thirds golden in colour and allow it

to finish ripening indoors. In the tropics, fruits will grow all year round and healthy trees can produce up to 30kg of fruit each growing season. In the subtropics, fruiting will usually cease during the winter months.

The yum factorGreen pawpaw can be cooked up in stir-fries and eaten as a vegetable. Fresh, ripe fruit can be enjoyed on its own or with a blob of ice cream, in smoothies, fruit salads or as a pavlova topping.

Pest and disease control...Control broad mites with a sulphur spray. Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars, which can be hosed off and squashed if the infestation isn’t too severe. Get rid of fruit fly by hanging Searles Fruit Fly Traps around the trees. To reduce fruit rot and fungal problems, pick the fruit early and ripen it indoors, as described earlier. In humid weather watch for mildew, which can be discouraged with good airflow around the plants and can be controlled with Searles Mancozeb Plus.

Alana Searle

What you’ll need

More, more pawpaw!

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GreenPawpaw Salad

MethodPound garlic, salt and chillies in a pestle and mortar. Add peanuts and pound into a coarse paste. Add cherry tomatoes and gently mash. Add green pawpaw and bruise. Season with sugar, lime juice, tamarind paste and fi sh sauce. Eat with wedges of cabbage, cucumber slices or coconut rice.

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

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� Ingredients• 3 cloves garlic, peeled

• pinch salt

• 4 chillies, deseeded*

• 1 tbsp roasted peanuts

• 4 cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup green pawpaw, shredded

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp tamarind paste

• 1 tbsp fi sh sauce

*If you don’t like your food too spicy, use sweet chillies.

MakesGrowing Easy!Call Our Office 1300 EZY GROW (07) 4154 4659

Visit Us Online www.ezygrow.com.au Email Us info@ezygrow.com.au

• Made from long lasting UV stabilized material

• Easily moved and stackable for transportation

• Lots of smart colours to choose from• Designed and made in Australia

A Smart and SimpleGardening System

for Any Space• Save and recycle water and nutrients• Grow vegetables, herbs and flowers with ease• No more sore backs from bending down• Suitable for your Balcony or Patio• No mess from leaking• Sturdy construction but light enough

to move around• Durable and tough design

Whether you want to grow a hedge in a hurry, create privacy or just want some beautiful plants to enhance your garden, clumping bamboo may be just what you’ve been looking for.

Nepalese Blue (Himalayacalamus porcatus) is happiest in shade. Although it isn’t an indoor plant, it will grow well on a shady veranda as long as it has bright, indirect light. It can handle sun before 10am and after 3pm. The further south you go in Australia, the more sun it will tolerate. It is also great as a soft, delicate hedge and feels wonderful as you brush past it. This bamboo grows great in pots as long as it is lifted and repotted every 2–3 years.

Gold Stripe Bamboo (Bambusa multiplex) grows to 3m high and is easy to trim to a desired height. It has a smaller habit than gracilis but will need the odd culm that is hanging over to be cut off. An almost vertical bamboo, it is a good choice for a screen that you don’t want to grow too high.

Clumping bamboo is a great choice because it is fast growing but unlike traditional bamboo, it is non-invasive. It is drought and frost hardy once established and because it can reach good vertical height in narrow spaces, it makes a great wind break, noise barrier or privacy screen. Its tender young shoots are tasty in Asian dishes and its hard and durable wood can be used as decorative poles or garden stakes. It is also highly decorative and comes with a variety of lovely stem colours and foliage types.

Chungii Bamboo (Bambusa chungii)A stunning bamboo which can grow 8–10mH, depending on conditions. A white, waxy bloom on the culms creates the white appearance. Its small leaves create a delightful ambience as they rustle in the breeze. Tolerates frost to -6˚C and loves the heat. Loves full sun but prefers a little afternoon shade.

Bamboo can be planted at any time of year in warm climates. In frost-prone regions, plant them in spring or summer to ensure they have time to establish before the onset of cold.

Clumping bamboo

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Growing fresh herbs and vegetables is an age-old tradition that can be enjoyed by everyone. However, in today’s society there are numerous obstacles preventing people from doing this. They may have space restrictions, mobility issues or simply lack experience. The ezyGrow planter is specifi cally designed to overcome any issues people may have with growing vegetables. It is a portable garden bed — 1m by 0.5m in growing space and 0.7m high. It fi ts snugly on most balconies and because of the water compartment in the bottom, you not only eliminate the mess associated with container gardening, but you also can recycle the water and nutrients. The ezyGrow planter is so easy that both skilled and unskilled

gardeners alike can have fresh vegetables and herbs at their fi nger-tips. Rod was one of the fi rst to experience growing with the ezyGrow planter. Being an ex-farmer, he knows the joy growing can bring and wanted to pass this on to his granddaughter, Cadence. It has been so successful they call it Cadence’s fl ower garden and every time she comes over, she runs straight outside to pick some fl owers for mummy. I asked Rod why he liked the planter so much and he said; “Because it is just so easy!” Rod has grown fl owers, herbs and lettuces in his planter. “I had so much lettuce from just 6 seedlings I was giving bags of it away”.

EzyGrow Plantermakes growing easy

Gracilis Bamboo (Bambusa textilis gracilis) is the most popular bamboo in Australian gardens. Very popular for hedging between houses, it can block out a 2 storey window next door when grown in a 50cm garden bed. It grows

to 6m high with a very tight

base; plant them 1m apart for a brilliant hedge. It has the classic bamboo look that most people like and grows very rapidly, reaching 6 metres within 18 months to 2 years. Handles frost down to -12˚C and loves the heat. Best in full sun, it will be a little less bushy in shade.

With special thanks to Rick Warwick of Bamboo Down Under www.bamboodownunder.com.au

Chinese Dwarf Bamboo (Bambusa guangxiensis) is a hedging bamboo. It requires about half as much work as most other hedging plants and is very easy to keep at any height of up to 3 metres. Small birds love to nest in this bamboo.

Gold stripe

Nepalese blue

Chinese dwarf

Chungii

Gracilis

Find Searles Seaweed Organic Plant Nutrient at garden centres or phone: (07) 5422 3000

‘More than just a plant nutrient’

n centres or phone: 0(07) 5422 3000

• Eases plant heat stress• Eases plant heat stress

• Promotes strong growth• Promotes strong growth

• Reduces transplanting stress• Reduces transplanting stress

• Helps plants adapt to• Helps plants adapt to Australian conditions Australian conditions