GARDENSHOP’S MAGAZINE

®

Autumn 2014

AutumnTreasures!Grow

Dazzling NEW garden gems

Precious treats

for birds

Indoor jewels

GardenTalk 3

GardenShopTel: 011 516 9700Fax: 011 516 9701PO Box 70966, Bryanston, 2021

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Editor: Deborah Helee-mail: deborah@gardenshop.co.za

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Queries: To­provide­you­with­excellen­t­servic­e,­we­have­a­team­of­dedicate­d­and­passionate gardening experts and there­are­several­ways­of­directing­your gardening queries to us:

Online: gardenshop.co.zaCall 0861 G-A-R-D-E-N (427336)Email us on info@gardenshop.co.za

Connect with GardenShop! Daily gardening­posts,­updates­on­new­plants, trending gardening ideas and seasonal pictures from our garden centres.

featuredYour garden in Autumn A treasure chest of valuable hints, tips and ideas All­a­twitter!­Fantastic feeds for our feathere d friends Dazzling gems for 2014 Discover some of this year’s most precious and beautiful garden blooms Scentsational­Sweet­Peas Enchanting fi­nds­for­fragrant­gardens

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As the seasons change so do gardening styles and trends. For us­in­the­gardening­industry­it­is­exciting­to­see­these­changes!­The trends are never extreme – just an extension of creativity and cementing­the­age-old­love­we­are­all­share­for­gardening­and­

plants.­Gardening­will­always­be­an­incredibly­relaxing­hobby­and­no­wonder­more­and­more people are digging into gardening and becoming more eco-conscious.

Autumn is a treasure trove of introducing gorgeous indoor colour into the home, bringing light and sparkle to herb gardens and contrasting foliage shrubs to give glint and highlights to areas that need lifting and enhancing. This Autumn, GardenShop is delighted to introduce­many­new­dazzling­garden­gems­to­your­garden.

Cooler­weather­means­we­need­to­continue­to­provide­precious­treats­for­birds,­GardenShop’s­range­of­exclusive­imported­bird­feeders­are­well­suited­to­our­climate­and­our­birds­will­clamour­in­excitement­to­supplement­their­daily­diet.

Grow­Autumn­Treasures!­

Happy Gardening.

AutumnTreasures!Grow

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Conditions are just perfect for dividing, planting, fertilising and trimming. Here are some great­tips­to­keep­you­busy­and­to­help­get­your­hands­dirty­this­coming­Autumn!Your

garden in Autumn

Flowers

• Remove summer annuals that are faded and replace with Pansies, Primulas, Stocks, Calendulas and Petunias for lovely Winter colour.

• Sow hardy fl ower seeds like Primulas, Sweet Peas, Stocks, Namaqualand Daisies, Delphininiums, Gazania and Iceland Poppies.

• Continue spraying your Roses with an organic insecticide on a fortnightly basis to prevent both fungal and disease attacks.

• Continue to prune your Roses lightly, remove dead and diseased wood at the same time. This will encourage fl owering until winter.

Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit

• Plant fruit bearing berry bushes/vines such as Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries and Blackberries.

• Plant vegetable seedlings. We recommend Cabbage, Spinach, Beetroot, Caulifl ower and leafy greens like Pak Choi, Tatsou, Mizuna and Chinese Cabbage.

• Sow vegetable seeds. Broad beans, Broccoli, Beetroot, Swiss chard, Carrot, Cabbage and Leeks are ideal.

• Plant Winter culinary herbs. Thyme, Oreganum, Chervil, Parsley and Sage are best.

• Cut and dry herbs for use in the Winter.

• Citrus trees can be fed with 2kg of Rose Food and 75g of Magnesium Sulphate (Epson Salts).

• Continue to take precautions against slugs and snails.

Bulbs

• When the ground has cooled down it is time to plant Spring fl ower bulbs Hyacinths, Daffodils, Ixias, Sparaxis, Anemones, Ranunculus, Waterblommetjies and Leucojums.

• Indoor bulbs such as prepared Hyacinths can also be planted now.

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Ponds

• Continue to feed pond fish.

• Check filters on pumps to ensure that they are not blocked.

• Remove any plant material that has fallen into the pond to prevent the build-up of disease.

• Net the pond to prevent leaves falling in to it.

Lawns

• An ideal time to create a new lawn using seed or grass.

• Continue fertilising your lawn with Vitaliser Lawn and Leaf, Vita-Lawn 5:1:5 or Neutrog’s Blade Runner.

General tasks

• Start feeding the birds – hang up some feeders with a variety of seeds and suet balls to attract different birds to your garden. (See page 8 for great bird feed ideas).

• Clear up any fallen leaves and other dead plant material to prevent diseases over wintering.

• Plant new shrubs and trees to ensure a good start in Spring, as roots will have time to establish through the Winter months.

• Divide and split perennials and groundcovers like Agapanthus, Dietes, Red-hot Pokers, Ornamental grasses, Day Lilies, Alstromerias and Asters.

• Transplant plants that are in the wrong positions in Autumn so that they have time to settle in during the Winter months.

• Prune back and clean out hedges.

• Mulch your beds with lawn clippings, fallen leaves and bark chips to prevent loss of moisture.

• Start your own compost heap.

• Or alternatively start your own wormery to create the best garden compost you will ever lay your hands on. It is easy and effectively takes care of your organic kitchen waste like vegetable and fruit peelings, stale bread, coffee grindings, tea bags, leftover cooked rice and pasta.

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Treasure chest of Autumn colour

There are loads of reasons for gardeners to enjoy Autum­n.­For­a­start,­the­milder­weather­makes­working­in­the­garden­a­pleasure.­The­plants­love­it­too,­flower­colours­are­deeper­and­richer,­and­growth­is­better­than in midsummer, especially after a light trim.

Best of all, you need no excuse to pull out tired looking Summer annuals. Thank goodness for the change in seasons.­It’s­a­chance­to­plant­something­new­and­there is certainly plenty on offer if you are looking for Autumn colour.

What about indigenous?It­is­no­secret­that­South­Africa­has­lovely­Autumn­flowering­wildflowers.­Most­can­be­grown­as­garden­flowers­with­very­little­pampering.­If­planted­now­they­will­flower,­then­settle­in­over­Winter­and­be­the­first­to­flower­again­in­Spring.­

Visit www.coveritt.co.za for more colourful ideas!

AUTUMN TIPS

• Always enrich the soil with compost before planting. This aids drainage and replaces nutrients used up in the previous season.

• Water regularly until the plants have settled in, then reduce watering to once a week.

• Feed plants with a liquid fertiliser at least once a month. This boosts flowering.

Bacopa Scopia is a vigorous, trailing groundcover that also works­well­in containers and hanging baskets. Its large, pink, violet­or­white­flowers­glow­against the bright green leaves.

Nemesia has small, Snapdragon-shaped­fragrant­flowers­in­shades­of pink, deep purple, and white.­Mass­it behind Diascia, being taller (20cm) and more upright. It grows­best­in­moist, fertile soil­that­drains­well.

Diascia ‘Genta’ has larger than normal pink flowers­with­rosy throats. Plants are bushy and compact, excellent for borders.

Felicia Amelloides­(Kingfisher­Daisy)­grows­into­a­small,­compact shrub, 50 cm high­and­wide.­It produces masses of blue­or­white­daisy-like flowers­with­yellow­centres.­There is a variegated­version,­with­green­and­yellow­leaves.­

Don’t forget about … Salvia Farinacea­(“Rhea”)­that­flower­all­year round, Verbena “Tuscany” that performs best in cool weather,­versatile Cuphea “Cocktail” as a border, pot plant or small clipped hedge and the new­Quick­Mix­varieties.

Gazania varieties are available in almost every colour under the sun; bronze, gold, yellow,­red,­orange, tiger stripes, pink and cream. Try the­vibrant­New­Day Mix of red, orange and yellow­flowering­Gazanias. There are also “Frosty” Gazanias with­silvery-grey­leaves.­

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GardenTalk 8

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!

Watching­which­birds­visit­your­garden­will­give­you­a­good­idea­on­what­type­of­bird­feeder and feeding stations to put out. At GardenShop­we­have­a­wide­range­of­bird­feeders­that­will­cover­many­different­types­of­birds­that­will­frequent­your­garden.­Suet­treats and mixed seeds can be scattered on a bird table and the ground.

• Bird feeder should be taken down regularly to be cleaned.

• Provide fresh, clean water for your visiting birds.

Look­after­your­garden­birds­and­they­will­bring you many hours of enjoyment and entertainment.

All a twitter!Bring­your­Autumn­garden­to­life­by­attracting­a­fl­ock­of­birds.

When­the­days­become­cooler­and­we­move­slowly­into­Autumn­it­can­prove­to­be­a­diffi­cult­time­for­birds­to­keep­up­with­the­diminishing­stocks­of­seeds­and­berries.­However,­this­is­the­perfect­time­for­us­to­supplement­their­food­with­the­correct­types­of­foods­and­feeders.

Gardman Flip Top

Suet Feast Feeder

Gardman Water Drinker

GardenShop proudly supports

GardenShop Suet Cakes, high protein treat for wild birds. 180g and 700g Value Packs.

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The indigenous and ever-popular Plectranthus Chimanimanensis —­more­commonly­known­as­‘Cheeky­Chemenii’­–­is­now­available­from­GardenShop!­It­is­an­evergreen shrub reaching 80cm to 1m­in­height­and­is­a­special­treasure­to­grow­in­your­garden.­Its­delicate small green leaves are plentiful and support a mass of flower­spikes­that­start­to­bloom­from­Spring­and­reach­their­peak­colour display during Autumn and early Winter. From a distance, the­plants/flowers­present­a­beautiful,­consistent­and­striking­pink­haze!

The­individual­flowers­-­carried­on­flower­spires­ensuring­flower­to­foliage­ratio­is­particularly­high­-­are­soft­pink­in­colour,­with­darker­buds­opening­into­delicate­soft­pink­wings­with­a­white­lip.­They­perform­well­in­both­sun or semi-shade positions and require well-composted­soil.­These­plants­are­shallow-rooted­and­need­adequate­watering,­however­once­established­they­can­withstand­periods of drought.

‘Cheeky­Chemenii’­is­frost-tender­but­if­grown­under­trees­are­afforded­some­frost protection. Frost protection measures are­advised­during­their­first­winter.­In­their­second­season­the­plants­will­be­much­stronger.­They­require­low­maintenance­and­have­no­specific­pest­control­measures.­To­maintain a neat shape and lush­foliage,­prune­after­each­flowering­period.

Visit www.elands.co.za

Pink JewelsBring this little gem into your garden this season

All a twitter!Bring­your­Autumn­garden­to­life­by­attracting­a­flock­of­birds.

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Agapanthus Amethyst(above). Bushy indigenous perennial plant.­Soft,­lilac­coloured­flowers­with­a­darker, amethyst-coloured stripe running­down­the­centre­of­each­petal.­The­jewel-coloured­flowers­are­ideal­as­cut­flowers­and­when­planted­in­big­landscapes­en­masse­will­make­for­a­spectacular sight during the summer months.­They­are­very­easy­to­grow­and­will­withstand­bouts­of­frost­and­cold. Ideal to plant to attract a host of butterflies­and­birds.

The bulb and the beautiful!GardenShop boasts a spectacular range of Autumn-planting bulbs guaranteed to add sparkle and delight­to­your­Spring-flowering­garden. Planting bulbs in cool, saturated­and­well­composted­soils­now,­will­open­up­a­treasur­e­chest of sensational colour in Spring!­And­to­make­your­bulb­choosing and planting easier, Garden Shop has packaged together different colour bulbs to allow­for­special­colour­combina-tions to suit every style of garden –­a­real­gem­of­an­Autumn­find!

Dazzling Gems for 2014

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Fruit Tree JewelsPlums, Pomegranates, Apples, Apricots and Olives are this­season’s­favourite­fruit­treasures!

Thyme Silver Posie (below­left).The daintiest of all Thymes, smothered in stunning clusters­­of­lavender­fl­owers­with­pink­overtones­at­the­ends of the stems from early to mid-Summer. Its highly attractive tiny fragrant leaves remain greyish-green in colour­with­distinctive­white­edges­throughout­the­year.­Plant­in­full­sun­and­ideally­amongst­fl­agstones­to­create­a­beautifu­l­fragrant­walkway.

Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Summer Sunset’(below,­top).­A­newly­released­plant­in­South­Africa.­The leaves are marbled in endless hues of oranges, reds, greens­and­white.­It­is­a­worthwhile­addition­to­the­gard­e­­n­and­will­trail­up­wooden­or­metal­frameworks.­Look­out­for this fabulous shrub to truly inspire visual senses.

Euphorbia Diamond Frost (below,­bottom).Heat­and­drought­tolerant­plant­with­clouds­of­airy­white­fl­owers­all­season.

This season, GardenShop opens a treasure chest of beautiful and magical plants to make your garden­sparkle!

GardenShop opens

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ALOE ‘Lemondrops’

ALOE ‘Twice as Nice’

GardenTalk 13

Scentsational This­easy­growing,­attractive­plant­grew­in­popularity­and today many varieties are available. Not only is the Sweet­Pea­blessed­with­a­delightful­fragrance,­but­it­also­makes­an­excellent­long-lasting­cut­fl­ower.

For best results with Sweet Peas, soak­the­seeds­overnight­in­water.­Plant­in­a­sunny­position­in­soil­prepared­with­compost­and­3:1:5:­fertilizer.­Seeds­should­be­inserted­about­2cm­below­the­surface­of­the­soil.­Safeguard­young­seedling­from­hungry­birds­with­a­protective­cover.­For­optimum­blooms­feed­plants­every­2­weeks­with­Multifeed­Flowergro.­

Remember­–­the­more­fl­owers­you­pick­from­the­plants­the­more­fl­owers­it­will­yield.

May­these­seductive­fl­owers­germinate­in­your­heart­and­grow­into­a­life-long­love­affair.

The Kirchhoff’s Heirloom range includes:

• ‘Cupani’ - the variety fi rst discovered by Francisco Cupani near his monastery.

• ‘Miss Wilmot’ – Introduced in 1901 features deep salmon-pink fl owers.

• ‘Mrs Collier’- A highly scented cream coloured fl ower introduced in 1907.

• ‘King Edward’- Petals of the deepest royal crimson, honouring Queen Victoria’s son.

• ‘America’- Ivory blossoms striped with crimson-red.

Recently­Kirchhoff’s­has­introduced­the­new­Heirloom­range­of­Sweet­Peas.­These­varieties­echo­the­history­of­the­humble­origins­of­the­Sweet­Pea.­The­‘Old­Spice­Heirloom varieties’ are prized for their exceptional fragrance,­heat­tolerance­and­cut­fl­ower­qualities.

crimson, honouring Queen Victoria’s son.

• ‘Americacrimson-red.

• ‘Senator’- These fl owers have a chocolate maroon fl ake standard and purple fl ake wings.

• ‘Painted Lady’ – This variety was fi rst planted in 1737 has seduced gardeners ever since with its heady fragrance and fanciful white and rose bicolour blooms.

• ‘Butterfly’ – Beautiful mauve and white blooms tinged with lavender make this 1887 introduction a standout.

• ‘Queen of the Isles’ – an 1885 introduction with distinctive white and red striped fl owers.

Sweet Peas

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Physical Address Cnr Jan Smuts & Bolton Roads Rosebank Johannesburg Gauteng

Telephone Number 011 447 2368

Fax Number 011 880 1640

Business Hours 08:00 – 17:00­ Seven­days­per­week

Co-ordinates 26° 08° 55° S/28° 08° 03° E

GardenShop ParktownA­green­lung­situated­in­the­heart­of­Parktown­North,­this­GardenShop branch offers you a little piece of heaven and­tranquility­where­you­are­able­to­experience­garden­shopping­at­its­absolute­best.­A­wide­range­of­gardening­essentials, tools, accessories are available amongst the large collection of healthy indoor and outdoor plants, trees, garden furniture and stunning home decor. The best Florist in­town,­Bunches­Flowers­will­simply­take­your­breath­away­with­their­gorgeous­array­of­fresh­contemporary­flower­arrangements­and­relax­with­a­cup­of­tea­and­choice of fabulous food at Munch.

GardenTalk 15

Gourmet treasures from your Garden

1. Vegetables are sun lovers - choose a spot in the garden that gets full sun all day for best results.

2. Vegetables are seasonal – select vegetable varieties according to season and climate of the area you live in. Most seed packets detail prime planting periods per variety.

3. Plan staged planting to ensure variety and continuous kitchen supply­–­plant­a­few­seeds­of­each­variety­every­week­to­ensure­harvests over the full season.

4. Prepare beds and dig in compost before buying seedlings – seedlings lose vigour and health if they stay unplanted for a period out of the ideal conditions of nursery care.

5. Old seeds expire – to ensure successful germination purchase fresh seeds each season.

6. Plant edibles the family likes – there are a lovely variety of novel, tasty, and colourful vegetables to choose from, but if your family does­not­eat­‘frilly­kale’­do­not­plant­it.

7. For success fertilise vegetables according to variety:

•­­ Root­and­bulb­vegetables­need­good­phosphates­to­develop­strong­roots­and­bulbs­so­plant­with­Talborne­Vita­Grow­2:3:2(16)

•­­ Leafy­vegetables­need­nitrogen­and­potassium­for­green­growth­so­feed­with­Talborne­Vita­Veg­6:3:4(16)­­­

•­­ Fruiting­vegetables­need­nitrogen­and­more­potassium­to­stimulate­flower­and­fruit­so­plant­with­Talborne­Vita­Grow­2:3:2(16)­and­feed­before­flowering­with­Talborne­Vita­Fruit­&­Flower­3:1:5(18)­­­­­

8.­ Water­vegetables­regularly­–­in­dry,­warm­weather­water­at­least­ 3­times­per­week­-preferably­in­the­morning­to­protect­against­the­day’s heat.

9.­ Mulch­vegetable­beds­after­seeds­germinate­–­to­prevent­weed­growth,­retain­soil­moisture;­maintain­a­constant­soil­temperature.

10.­Do­not­spray­poisons­on­vegetables­–­the­Biogrow­range­of­non-toxic organic pest and disease solutions stocked by GardenShop are­gentle­on­nature­and­effective­without­using­poisons­on­food.­

Freshly picked health has never been this easy!Visit­www.talborne.co.za­for­more­healthy­growing­tips

White­brinjals­with­violet­trimming,­scarlet­and­green­chillies,­and­a­palette­of­green­and­brown­crunchy­salad­leaves.­These­are­jewels­that­delight­the­passionate­gardener!­Besides­their­stunning­beauty,­they­promise­a­profusion­of­flavor­and­goodness­when­freshly­harvested.­­

The­best­news­is­they­–­and­other­‘Super­foods’­–­spices,­herbs, berries, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits - can all be­homegrown­in­your­organic­Autumn­garden!

Visual: Jane’s Delicious Garden

10 tips for growing organic vegetables

GardenTalk 16

From salads to soups

If you love tender, leafy greens, this is the time to plant them.

Tangy Asian greens like Mizuna, Tatsoi, Pak Choi, and Giant Red Mustard are a real treat. They add a zing to soups,­stir­fries­and­even­salads­right­through­winter.

What’s nice about Asian greens is that the leaves can be individually­harvested­and­with­regular­feeding­they­will­keep­on­producing­new­leaves.­All­they­need­is­full­sun,­fertile,­well­composted­soil,­plenty­of­water.­

For salad munchers there is the Multi-leaf lettuce that is one of the best perpetual lettuces. The mix of red and green­leaves­with­frilly­edges­adds­colour­and­texture­to­the­salad­bowl.

Lettuce­needs­soil­that­drains­well­but­it­should­not­dry­out­completely because drought stressed Lettuce develops a bitter taste.

Other greens that prefer Autumn’s milder temperatures are Rocket and Coriander. Rocket has a lovely peppery fl­avour­while­Coriander,­also­known­as­Cilantro,­is­a­popular ingredient in Thai cooking.

Regular­picking­encourages­new­leaves.­Feeding­with­a­liquid­fertiliser­twice­a­month­will­encourage­healthy­new­leaves.­Remove­any­fl­owers;­this­prevents­the­herbs­going­to seed.

Autumn herbs

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Herbs for soups and stewsIt­is­a­good­idea­to­think­ahead­to­winter­and­stock­up on­herbs­for­fl­avouring­soups­and­stews.

• The most commonly used herbs are Chives, Thyme, Origanum, Lovage and Parsley. They are all perennials that will go through Winter, although growth will slow down.

• For that reason, consider stocking up on extra plants to ensure a regular supply of fresh herbs during the coldest months. Why not plant your ‘extras’ in pots, which makes it easy to move them into a sheltered sunny area when the frost arrives.

• Pruning Thyme and Origanum will encourage new growth. What you can’t use can be dried and stored or even spread around your veggies as an insect repelling mulch. Boost the growth of Parsley, Lovage and Chives with an application of liquid fertiliser like Margaret Roberts Organic Supercharger.

For more information on the herbs in this article visit Healthy Living Herbs, www.healthyliving-herbs.co.za.

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Creative Container Gardening

Whether­it­be­indoor­or­outdoor­(or­both!)­container­gardening­that­enthrals­you,­GardenShop’­s­magnifi­cent­range­of­European­and­Asian­imported­pots­–­from­countrie­s­including Italy, Germany, Thailand and Malaysia – are a sight to behold. Whether your pench­ant­is­for­terracotta­or­a­glazed­fi­nish,­square-shaped,­round,­rectangular­or­somethin g truly unique, the selection affords you gardening creativity second-to-none: from simple to elaborate, the possibilities are limitless.Their versatility in adding instant colour – whether­you­choose­individual­plants,­mix-and-match­varietie­s­even­vegetables­and­herbs­­– means you can adapt your interior or exterior colourscape as seasons change too. And of course they provide bold focal points in your garden and add to the design and architecture­of­your­home.­Let­your­imagination­sparkle!

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A garden for all seasons!

See your garden in a new light by turning your patio into a superior sun-room. Creating your own special sunspace and room with a view has never been easier!

Patios of Perfection

Superior Sunrooms

Walkways

Atriums

Conservatories

Pool enclosures

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For a quotation: Tel: 011 640 5016 • 082 448 1101 email: skylitedesign@telkomsa.net online: www.skylitedesign.wix.com/skylites

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