Fruit in small spaces

Dwarf tibouchinas

Camellias

Pink tabebuia

Cool season vegies

Callistemons

Flowering aloes

ISSUE 64

AUTUMN2013
For more gardening hints & tips, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au
Colour your home
with these fashionable cover pots

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 Issue 64
AUTUMN2013

About this issue...

Features
Fruit for the small backyard 4
New-wave callistemon 6
Dwarf tibouchinas are groovy, baby! 8
Bounty for the cool season 10
The pink tabebuia 18
New Searles seeds 19
Persimmon & walnut salad 19
Growing the beautiful camellia sasanqua 20
Fabulous flowering aloes 22
Regulars
ATG Autumn 2013 Garden Diary 12
ATG Autumn 2013 handy hints & tips 14 L o v e s t he
Subscribe to About the Garden 23 hea t e
s th
L ov e
The About the Garden su n
Autumn is the time for Magazine is proudly
rejuvenation! It can be a produced from
sustainable resources.
better time than spring
to plant most trees,
shrubs and perennials,
so what better excuse
do you need to adopt a few more
plants and make the most of the
lovely weather? Happy reading
and God bless...
C on S e a r le
At night his song is with me—a prayer
to the God in my life. — Psalm 42:8
• Managing Director: Conway Searle
• Contributors: Noel Burdette,
Frida Forsberg, Alana Searle,
Ashley Searle & Chelsea Van Rijn
• Magazine Manager: Alana Searle
• Design & Layout: Frida Forsberg
• ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle
• Front Cover Photography: Gaillardia ‘Fanfare Blaze’
by Plants Management Australia
About the Garden is published seasonally by About the Garden Pty. Ltd.
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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
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the views of the publisher. ©Copyright 2013 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.
Ripening ‘Brown Turkey’ figs
by Noel Burdette
Just because you have a small backyard, doesn’t mean you can’t grow some of
the more delicious or exotic fruit. Extend your home-grown produce repertoire with
some of these lesser-known or unusual fruits that are not only delicious and easy to
grow, but can be grown in the smallest of courtyards or on a sunny balcony.
As each generation of new home
owners inherits smaller block sizes, they
face greater limitations in what they
can grow in their gardens. Almost as
if in defiance of this, backyard self-
sufficiency — that is, growing edible and
productive plants — is enjoying more
popularity than ever before.
Growing a fruit tree is often high on a
new gardener’s agenda and fruit tree
growers have responded to demand
with an increasing number of new dwarf
fruit tree cultivars.
There are also many ‘old’ varieties of
fruiting plants that are perfect for small
spaces. A few of these are little-known,
yet are so packed with flavour and
make such wonderful additions to our
outdoor living spaces that they deserve
better recognition.
tamarillo
4 pots. The fruit can be eaten raw and
Ripe blueberries
Feijoa flowers are ed
Fruit
ible: they are
sweet and taste like
cinnamon!
The feijoa or pineapple guava, is equally delicious when cooked into
(Feijoa sellowiana), is one of the most chutneys or preserves.
underestimated fruiting plants in home
Figs (Ficus carica) are a great fruiting
gardens. This evergreen shrub grows
tree for small spaces or for growing
up to three metres tall and makes a
in large pots. These age-old fruits are
beautiful informal screen or manicured
well-suited to areas with intense summer
hedge. If allowed to grow to its full size,
heat and all they require is a well-
its lower branches can be removed
drained site that does not become
to create a small shade tree. In early
waterlogged. Figs fruit from an early
spring, bright, cherry-coloured flowers
age and can be grown successfully in
appear, followed in summer by green,
all but the wettest of tropical regions.
egg-shaped fruit that are delicious
If you have limited space but have
either eaten raw or stewed. They prefer
sunlight to spare, figs can be easily
a well-drained site and are perfect for
espaliered against fence lines or brick
coastal areas due to their high salt and
walls where they will fruit freely from
wind tolerance.
early summer right through to autumn,
The tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea), depending on the cultivar.
also known as tree tomato, is an
Blueberries (Vaccinium ashei) (syn V.
uncommon sight in backyards, yet
virgatum) have gained popularity in
is well worth the effort it may take to
recent times, partly because of their
hunt one down. For those who enjoy
amazing health benefits. The small
the tropical look, the tamarillo provides
stature of this bush allows it to be grown
large, lush foliage that will blend easily
successfully as a potted specimen. Try
in any tropical-style setting. This plant
growing two or three blueberry bushes
also grows well in cooler conditions.
in a large pot and ensure that there
The bright red (or sometimes golden),
are at least two cultivars as this will aid
egg-shaped fruit appear in abundance
in cross-pollination. Blueberries enjoy
inside the canopy. The fruit are easily
a slightly acidic soil. In fact, their soil
harvested as tamarillos rarely exceed
requirements are similar to azaleas and
two-and-a-half to three metres in
so, can be very successfully grown in
height. They enjoy a fertile soil with
Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia
regular watering and are fast-growing
Specialty Mix. Tip pruning blueberry
during spring and summer. The tamarillo
bushes as they grow will encourage
is a great choice for large tubs or
dense foliage growth and in turn, better
 ©McCarthy
Feijoas fall off the tree
when they are ripe.
for the small
backyard
flowering. Fine netting placed over the
shrub while it’s in fruit can help protect
the berries from birds. Blueberries are
most readily available in spring, when
their flowering and fruiting cycle begins.
If you have a little extra space for a
small feature tree or want to grow one
amongst paving, consider planting a
jaboticaba or a persimmon tree. Both
these trees will grow to around four
metres tall and will become a multi-
trunked feature. They are both quite
tolerant of heavier, clay-based soils.
Outside of its native Brazil, the
jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) is
better suited to warmer climates where
humidity is high during spring and
summer. Here, it is not uncommon for
this tree to have two fruiting periods in a
year. Masses of grape-sized, shiny black
fruit are produced directly on the trunk
and branches of this undemanding
small tree, which also seems to be
unaffected by fruit fly. Their flavour is
reminiscent of passionfruit mixed with
banana and mango with the texture of
a lychee, so they are a real treat for the
tropical fruit buff.
You will need...
japoticaba
persimmon
The persimmon (Diospyros kaki) hails
from China. It grows equally well in
subtropical to cold temperate regions
and is frost hardy. The smooth, bright
orange fruit form from late spring to
early summer. The fruit becomes ripe
in autumn, at which stage the foliage
also turns delightful shades of fiery
orange, red and gold in preparation for
its winter dormancy. Be sure to obtain
only grafted specimens as older, seed-
grown cultivars require at least two trees
to bear fruit and the fruit can be very
astringent when not perfectly ripe. The
fruit from the older forms needs to be
soft like jelly before it can be consumed,
while the new, non-astringent cultivars
are self-pollinating and can be eaten
while still firm like an apple or pear.
On a smaller scale, the pepino
(Solanum muricatum) has gone under
Pepinos
the gardening radar on many levels
and deserves to be more commonly
grown. This small-growing, lax shrub is a
member of the tomato family, yet the
fruit is sweet and has the remarkable
flavour of rockmelon and honeydew
melon rolled into one. Depending in the
climate, pepino can produce fruit from
late spring until late autumn and can
live for many years. Fruit can be eaten
straight off the vine or added to salads.
The bushes require staking as the fruit
are quite heavy and can weigh down
the plant. Pepinos can be grown as a
ground cover or in pots or tight spaces
where they can be supported by a
fence or trellis. They enjoy a rich, well
drained soil in full sun or light shade and
suit subtropical to temperate climates.
Protect them from heavy frost.
When growing any fruiting plant in
the garden, you may be dismayed to
find others enjoying the fruits of your
labour — I refer to common backyard
marauders such as insects, birds and
fruit bats. There are many ways to keep
your produce safe: exclusion bags, very
fine netting, organic, spinosad-based
sprays, caterpillar sprays and Searles
Fruit Fly Traps can all be very effective.
All fruiting plants need good nutrition
to support the formation of flowers and
fruit. A fortnightly feed with SeaMax®
Fish & Kelp throughout the growing
season can deliver a bountiful crop.
Good pollination is also essential to
good fruit formation so even if space
is limited, plant at least one or two
flowering annuals or perennials nearby
to attract pollinating insects to your
fruiting plants. This simple strategy
can dramatically increase successful
pollination from honey bees, native
stingless bees and butterflies.
A lack of space does not mean
you cannot have a productive
garden. In fact, it can bring out the
creative gardener in you! With a little
imagination and clever plant selection,
the entire family will be enjoying
healthy, home grown fruit — at a
fraction of what it can cost from the
grocery store!
5
 New wave callistemon
Callistemon ‘Candy Pink’
Incredibly hardy and adaptable, ‘Candy Pink’
is a medium-sized bush (about 4m tall and
2m wide) with beautiful, dark pink flowers on
large spikes, virtually all year round. Its ability
to flower in any season will make it a winner.
Give it a light pruning after each flush of
flowers to keep them coming!

Callistemon ‘Great Balls of Fire’

For superb foliage colour, plant Callistemon
‘Great Balls of Fire’. This compact callistemon (1m
x 1m) loves full sun and is tough enough for public
landscaping, roadside verges and commercial
planting. Grown for its cerise-red new growth and
naturally dense, compact habit, plant it 50cm
apart for a hedge with a difference! Pruning will
create a dense, formal look — and keep the
colourful new growth coming!

Callistemon ‘Ted Knight’

One of the few true white-flowering callistemons
for home gardens, Ted Knight has upright growth
(up to 3m tall and 1.5m wide) and flowers
through the warmer times of the year in spring,
summer and autumn. Great as a feature screen
or a formal hedge, it has good frost tolerance.

Feeding & watering:

6
Top flowering tip:
The

   secret

   to

   making

   your

   callistemons

   
flower

   repeatedly

   is

   to

   prune

   after

   
each

   flush

   of

   flowers.

   This

   will

   also

   
promote

   compact

   growth.

Callistemon care
Callistemons (also known can be grown in almost
as bottle brush) grow any Australian climate
and flower best in full sun from the tropics to cool
but most will also grow temperate regions. Most
in part shade. Possibly have good tolerance
one of the hardiest of all of frost and seaside
Australian native plants, conditions, but not salt.
they can grow well The main flowering

Easy-care

   hedging
in most soils including season of callistemons
heavy clay. They’re an is spring, but many
excellent option where varieties will flower again
the soil is too heavy to in autumn or spot-flower lii ’ has a unique
Slim’ ue, narrow hab biitt that iiss
t mon ‘S
Calliliste ‘Slim
ging and sma ll or narrow
grow other flowering throughout the year. perfect for low-maintenance hed but only 1.3m
3 metres tall
natives such as banksias Apply a low phosphorus, planting areas. Growing about 1.5 met res tall
to as low as
or grevilleas. Callistemons controlled release wide, it is easily kept pruned ut 12 months
can even tolerate plant food like Searles e it at leas t onc e abo
and 60cm wide. Prun
little pruning after that —
boggy conditions or Robust Native twice a after planting — it should need al result.
inundation. Drought- year in early spring and unless you desire a more form
hardy once established, early autumn for best
they may need flowering. Callistemons
occasional watering will attract native
during extended hot or parrots, honeyeaters and
dry periods or if grown in beneficial insects when in
sandy soils. Callistemons flower.

Firey

   flowers
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bandicoots, deer, foxes and other wildlife.

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   foliage Protect vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, seedlings and
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flushes of bright pink new growth. Great for low to
medium hedging, it takes well to pruning which can
encourage flushes of new growth and flowers.
7
Tibouchina ‘Groovy Baby’
No plant signals the end of a searing hot
summer with a more brilliant hue of purple
than the tibouchina! New dwarf varieties
like Tibouchina ‘Groovy Baby’ from the
Fantasy range are taking Australian home
gardens by storm this year, filling small
gardens, courtyards and sunny balconies
with lush, shimmering shades of purple
and mauve!
Originally known as lasiandras,
tibouchinas originated in Brazil
where they grew as large trees
around six metres tall. Gardens of
yesteryear shone with the vibrant,
satiny blooms of the tree-like
tibouchina ‘Alstonville’ and pink-
flowering ‘Kathleen’ throughout
the autumn months. Later,
intensive breeding programs

Dwarf
resulted in dwarf cultivars like
‘Jazzie’ and ‘Jules’, whose less
assuming, shrub-like stature

tibouchinas
gave them centre stage. This
by Alana Searle

autumn, Tibouchina ‘Groovy

Baby’ — the smallest tibouchina

are
cultivar to date — is stealing the

Groovy, baby!
hearts of gardeners around the Tibouchina
country... ‘Imagine’

Very hardy and easy to grow,
Tibouchina ‘Groovy Baby’ is
the most compact tibouchina
currently available. Growing only
about 60cm tall with an 80cm
spread, it’s perfect for filling small
spaces in either full sun or part
shade. Although it spot-flowers
throughout the warmer times of
year, its main flowering period is in
autumn, and then again in spring.
Although the bush is compact, its
large, vibrant-coloured blooms
can rival those of any tibouchina.
Because tibouchinas originate
from the subtropics, traditional
varieties could be quite sensitive
to cold and frost. New cultivars
like Groovy Baby can be grown
reliably in cooler zones like
Melbourne and Hobart and the
white flowering variety, ‘Peace
Baby’ is especially frost tolerant.
Position
Tibouchinas prefer a sunny position
for best flowering but can also do
Tibouchina ‘Peace Baby’
well in part shade. They like shelter
8
from wind and hot afternoon sun,
especially when young.
Planting
Tibouchinas like a rich, moist and
well-drained soil. When planting,
dig in plenty of Searles Azalea,
Camellia & Gardenia Specialty
Mix. Build the soil up in mounds
to improve drainage if your soil
is heavy clay or if drainage is a
problem. Once planted, water
regularly until established, after
which time they can usually
survive on rainfall alone. For best
results, tibouchinas will benefit from
a good soaking during prolonged
dry periods.
What you may need...

white and mauve and mature to pink.
Potting up...
New, compact tibouchinas like
Groovy Baby can grow well in
large pots or containers. Use a
high quality potting mix like Searles
Peat 80 Potting Mix, mulch well
and keep them well-watered.
Pruning
To promote better flowering, give
your tibouchinas a light pruning
after flowering at the end of
autumn and a feed with Searles
Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Plant
Food. Dwarf tibouchina cultivars
don’t need pruning unless desired.
Tibouchina ‘Groovy Baby’ bears the
traditional large, vibrant purple flowers on a
compact bush. It stands only 60cm tall with
an 80cm spread. It has good tolerance of
cold, dry conditions and frosty conditions
once established.
Tibouchina ‘Peace Baby’ bears pure white
flowers with pink stamens. Growing only
Tibouchina ‘Illusion’ flowers open
about 60cm tall with an 80cm spread, it
can grow reliably in cold climates and has
excellent frost tolerance.
Tibouchina ‘Allure’ makes an impact with
profuse, lilac flowers on a neat, dome-
shaped bush, growing 1m high with a 2m
spread. Protect it from heavy frosts.
Tibouchina ‘Illusion’ grows 2.5m high and
wide. It bears flowers that open white with
a pink-blush margin and mature to deep
pink, displaying both pink and white flowers
on the bush at once. Great for screening,
protect it from heavy frosts.
Tibouchina ‘Imagine’ grows to a neat and
compact shrub (1.5m x 1.5m) and bears
Tibouchina ‘Allure’
has a low, slightly striking, purple flowers with a white eye.
spreading habit. Protect it from heavy frosts.

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 Poor soil? Bad drainage? onions
Custom-made raised
garden beds can be the
perfect solution.

n t y
Bou for the

cool season
For a long harvest throughout the cooler months, it pays to prepare
your soil and get your crop in early. Here’s how to grow some of
your favourite cool-season crops with the minimum of fuss...
Preparing the soil plenty of 5IN1™ Organic Plant Food or
Most vegetables need full sun, so select Searles Real Compost. Most vegetables
a site with at least 6 hours of sun a day. prefer a neutral or slightly alkaline soil,
Good drainage is essential, so build up so sweeten acidic soils with Searles
garden beds if the soil is heavy clay. Dig Garden Lime. Sprinkle Searles Penetraide
the soil to a depth of at least 30cm with ReWetting Granules or dig in Searles Water
Crystals. Water well, mulch and ideally,
For delicious vegetables... leave to stand for two weeks
before planting.
Planting tips
Always plant at the depth and
spacing recommended on the
packet or punnet. Harvest can
Ashley Searle
often be extended by planting a
few varieties that mature at different
times or by planting more plants at
staggered intervals.
Weeding
Keep your vegetables moist and
well-mulched. It’s far easier to be
diligent and pull out weeds as soon
as you see them; your vegetables
will eventually shade them out.
Pest and disease control
Well-nourished plants are usually
free of pests and diseases and small
outbreaks should be flicked or hosed
off. Control heavy infestations of
caterpillar and aphids with Searles
Bug Beater.

Broccoli
Broccoli loves the cold weather. It needs good
drainage and plenty of sunlight, although late maturing
varieties may prefer some shade to protect them from
sudden heat in late spring. If planting seed, draw a drill
and plant 6mm deep, about 50cm apart in groups of 3.
Thin out the two weakest seedlings later. Each seedling
should have a central bud or growing tip — discard
any without. Harvest when the heads are still green and
compact (they’re too old once they turn yellow with
flowers starting to open). To harvest, cut off the head
broccoli along with about 10cm of stalk and a few leaves. Two
10 smaller, but more tender heads will grow in its place.
 Onion
Onions tolerate poor soils and dislike fresh
fertiliser. Good drainage is essential —
raised beds in an open, airy position can
be ideal. Larger varieties need full sun and
can tolerate wind. Small varieties can be
grown in pots and can tolerate part shade.
Plant seed to the depth recommended
on the packet and tamp the soil down
gently around them. Thin the seedlings
if there is more than one in each hole.
Don’t cover maturing onions with soil if
they break through the surface — this may
rot them. Maintain even moisture levels
but don’t overwater. Stop watering when
leaves start to yellow and harvest when
leaves become limp and brown. Dig them
up and leave them to dry out in the sun.
Onions can be stored for a long time in a
dry, well-ventilated position.
cabbage
Cabbage
Unlike most vegetables, cabbages prefer a slightly
acidic and somewhat heavy (clay) soil. Alkaline
soil can be balanced by adding organic compost.
Cabbages are greedy feeders so feed them every
fortnight with SeaMax® Fish & Kelp throughout the
growing season. Cabbage can be planted as seed
or seedlings; refer to the label for depth and spacing
requirements and water immediately after planting.
Harvest when their heads feel hard. To harvest, dig
up the whole plant, sever the stalk with a sharp knife
and remove any outer leaves before storing in the
fridge. Compact cabbage varieties can be grown in
pots of Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix.
snow pea
Snow pea
Snow peas need a trellis erected at the time of planting
(unless there is an existing structure that they can climb
onto). When growing from seed, water at planting time
but don’t water again until seedlings emerge. Like other
legumes, they will create their own food (nitrogen), so add
compost to improve the soil structure if you like, but go
easy on the fertilliser. Once they start bearing pods, the
more you harvest, the more they will produce.
Easy
Vertical vegetables! project
If you’re short of space, this project is easy,
cheap and makes a beautiful feature.
1. Find an old, softwood pallet*. With the back of a hammer, pull
out the planks from the front of the pallet.
2. Lying the pallet on the ground facing down, cover the back
with landscaping hessian, pulling it taut. Staple it in place.
3. Lying the pallet with the front facing up, fill the pallet with
Searles Peat 80 Plus. Pack it in, firmly.
4. Wrap the rest of the pallet firmly in
hessian and staple it in place.
5. Replace the planks from the front
of the pallet. Nail them closer
together than they were originally
to help hold the potting mix in
place.
6. Poke small holes through the
hessian to plant the plants into
the mix. Water thoroughly.
7. Leave the pallet lying on the
ground for 1–2 weeks while
plants begin the establish.
Water regularly.
8. Erect the pallet against a sunny
wall (it must have at least
6 hours of direct sun every
day). Water every few days
and feed with SeaMax® Fish &
Kelp, fortnightly, from the top
and sides of the pallet.
*If growing edible crops, avoid pallets made from
timber that has been fumigated with pesticides. 11
 AUTUMN2013
R egional G arden D iary

Banksia ‘Allyn Gold’ (Banksia spinulosa

var cunninghamii) is a small native
shrub, about 2 metres tall. Its distinctive,
banksia flowers appear from autumn to
spring and provide food for native birds
and insects through the cooler months.
Adaptable to most well-drained soils, it
tolerates frost and coastal conditions.
Water during prolonged dry periods and
feed with Searles Robust Native. Prune in
spring for bushy, compact growth.

North Queensland
W et & D ry T ropics
F lowers
Sow ageratum, aster, balsam,
carnation, celosia, chrysanthemum,
cockscomb, coleus, cosmos,
dahlia, dianthus, everlasting daisy,
gaillardia, gazania, geranium,
gerbera, impatiens, kangaroo paw,
African marigold, French marigold,
nasturtium, petunia, portulaca,
rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon,
sunflower, torenia, verbena,
wallflower and zinnia.
H erbs
Plant basil, coriander, garlic, garlic
chives, marjoram, oregano, parsley,
thyme and winter tarragon.
F ruit & v egetables
Sow beans, beetroot, broccoli,
cabbage, capsicum, carrot,
cauliflower, celery, Chinese
cabbage, cucumber, eggplant,
lettuce, melons, mustard, okra,
onion, parsnip, potato, pumpkin,
radish, rosella, silver beet, squash,
sweet corn, sweet potato, tomato
and zucchini.
M ore ad v ice...
Prepare garden beds around Easter
for planting flowers and vegetables.
Fertilise regularly and mulch well.
Fer
12
South-east Qld
& Northern NSW
Subtropical areas
REGIONAL ZONES
Tropical
Subtropical
Temperate
Cold
Mediterranean
Arid
Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is a
compact, small shrub (50cm tall and
wide) whose variegated foliage is
stunning in pots. Flowers are borne
from late winter into spring. Extremely
tolerant of heat, drought and coastal
conditions, give it full sun and a well-
drained soil. Foliage takes on pink-red
colour through the cooler months.
F lowers
Sow ageratum, alyssum, candytuft,
carnation, cineraria, coreopsis,
cornflower, cyclamen, delphinium,
dianthus, everlasting daisy, Iceland
poppy, impatiens, marigold
(English), pansy, snapdragon,
sweet pea and viola.
H erbs
Plant chervil, chicory, coriander,
fennel, garlic bulbs, lavender,
marjoram, oregano, parsley,
rocket, sage, sorrel, rosemary,
thyme, winter tarragon and
yarrow.
F ruit & v egetables
Plant broad beans, broccoli,
lettuce, onion, peas, radish,
shallots, spinach, spring onion and
turnip.
M ore ad v ice...
Camellia season is upon us again.
If there were varieties you were
after last season and couldn’t
find them, your local nursery may
order them in if you ask for them,
now. If your azaleas have petal
blight, remove affected blooms
and spray with Searles Mancozeb
Plus. Later in the season, prepare
garden beds for roses by mixing in
5IN1™ Organic Plant Food.
Sydney
T e m perate areas
F lowers
Plant alyssum, calendula,
candytuft, carnation, cineraria,
cornflower, cosmos, daisy,
foxglove, lobelia, nasturtium,
nemesia, pansy, poppy, primula,
schizanthus, snapdragon, sweet
pea and viola.
H erbs
Plant coriander, garlic bulbs,
marjoram, oregano, parsley, thyme
and winter tarragon.
F ruit & v egetables
Plant broad beans, English spinach,
green beans and peas.
M ore ad v ice...
Remove spent summer annuals.
Prolong flowering on remaining
annuals by dead-heading and
applying Searles Flourish Soluble
Plant Food every fortnight.
Broccoli should be ready to start
harvesting. Grow English spinach
fast with regular watering and a
fortnightly application of SeaMax®
Fish & Kelp. Mulch to suppress
cool climate weeds which will be
starting to emerge now.
Euphorbia ‘Diam ond Frost’ is a t rie d
an d t r u e fav o u rit e f o r its clo u ds o f
w hit e flo w e rs y ear-r o u n d an d its
t o u g h-as-n ails r esp o nse t o h eat,
d r o u g h t an d co ast al co n ditio ns. Plan t
it in f ull su n o r p ar t sh ad e in a fr e e-
d rainin g soil.
Th e o f fi cial plan t o f Can b e rra’s
Ce n t e n ary, Aust ralian n ativ e
Correa ‘Canberra Bells’ is h ar d y in
b o t h fr ost y an d d ry co n ditio ns.
Wit h a sp r ead o f 1 m x 1 m , t his
lit tle b eau t y is lo n g fl o w e rin g
t h r o u g h au t u m n in f ull su n o r
p ar t sh ad e. Ke e p soil m oist w hile
in fl o w e r f o r b est displays.
Melbourne
C old & Souther n T ableland
F lowers
Plant alyssum, aurora daisy,
cineraria, cornflower, cyclamen,
English daisy, French marigold,
Iceland poppy, lobelia, lupin,
pansy, polyanthus, primula,
snapdragon, stock, strawflower,
sweet pea and viola.
H erbs
Plant chives, coriander, garlic,
lemongrass, marjoram, mint,
oregano, parsley, rosemary,
shallots, tarragon and thyme.
F ruit and v egetables
Plant broad bean, beetroot,
cabbage, carrot, cauliflower,
Chinese broccoli, Chinese
cabbage, English spinach, leek,
lettuce, onion, parsnip, potatoes,
silver beet, swede and turnip.
M ore ad v ice...
Fertilise fruit trees. Dig over and
revitalise the summer vegie patch
with 5IN1™ Organic Plant Food
Pellets. Buy maples (which are
in autumn colour, now). Harvest
remaining chilli or capsicum fruit
before the onset of frost. Plant
spring-flowering bulbs by the end
of April. Plant all citrus including
mandarines, lemons, limes,
oranges and kumquats. Plant
avocado, persimmon, loquat,
olive and feijoa trees.
Adelaide & Perth
M editerranean C li m ates
F lowers
Plant ageratum, alyssum, cineraria,
cyclamen, forget-me-not, French
marigold, Iceland poppy, lobelia,
lupin, pansy, phlox, primula, stock
and wallflower. Trim spent roses with
long stems. Deadhead flowering
annuals to keep them flowering.
H erbs
Plant chives, coriander, marjoram,
oregano, mustard and parsley.
F ruit and v egetables
Plant citrus, avocado and olive
trees by the end of March. Sow
broccoli, cabbage, broad beans,
cauliflower, celery, English spinach,
silver beet, lettuce and peas.
Giv e roses a f e e d w it h SeaMax® Fish
& Kelp t o h elp t h e m r eco v e r fr o m
t h e o nslau g h t o f su m m e r h eat.
Dry inland
A rid or O utbac k areas
F lowers
Sow chrysanthemum, cockscomb,
cosmos, dahlia, everlasting daisy,
gazania, geranium, gerbera,
impatiens, kangaroo paw,
marigold, nasturtium, petunia,
portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia,
snapdragon, sunflower, torenia,
verbena, wallflower and zinnia.
H erbs
Plant chervil, chives, chicory,
coriander, dill, fennel, garlic bulbs,
lavender, marjoram, mint, oregano,
parsley, sage, sorrel, rosemary,
thyme, winter tarragon and yarrow.
F ruit and v egetables
Plant broad beans, broccoli,
Brussels sprout, cauliflower, lettuce,
onion, peas, radish, shallot, spinach,
ach,
spring onion, tomato and turnip..
13
 Dianella ‘Kentlyn’ is a fast-growing
native grass with a slim, upright habit
Feed your whole garden (about 60cm tall). Tough and drought-
with 5IN1™ Organic Plant hardy in containers or in landscapes,
give it full sun or part shade.
Food — Pellets. Sprinkle
them over your entire
garden including lawns,
potted plants and garden
beds and water it in well.

Darwin

N.T.
W.A. QLD Tropical
Brisbane
S.A. Subtropical
‘Sunset Jane’ is a new, non-invasive
Perth N.S.W. Temperate
gazania which bears large, fully
Sydney
Cool double, honey-coloured blooms
Adelaide Vic. from autumn until spring. Unlike other
Melbourne Mediterranean gazanias, Sunset Jane stays open in low
light conditions. Perfect for easy-care
Tas. Hobart Arid garden beds or borders, it tolerates
frost, heat and coastal conditions. Give

AUTUMN2013 it full sun or part shade.

Hints & T ips

New Guinea Impatiens ‘Jungle Jewel’

For crisp, shim mering colour in

shady areas, gro w Ne w Guinea
im patiens. Keep them m oist and
feed f ortnightly with SeaMax® Fish
& Kelp f or outstanding results.

F o r lo n g-lastin g, vib ran t colo u r in f ull su n o r p ar t sh ad e, g r o w

‘Pablo’ and ‘Pixie’
Salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’. Flo w e rin g t h r o u g h o u t t h e w ar m e r love their office
m o n t hs, it p r e f e rs a w ell-d rain e d, f e r tile soil b u t w ill g r o w w ell environment.

in m ost soils. Gr o w in g ab o u t 80c m hig h an d w id e, p r u n e it d o w n Office Mates™ is a range of indoor plants

t o o n e-t hir d af t e r fl o w e rin g t o p r o m o t e a d e nse, b ush y h abit which make plants in the home or office
an d f u r t h e r fl o w e rin g. Lo w m ain t e n an ce o n ce est ablish e d, plan t environment easy and fun. You can even
become a Facebook friend with other
i in d rif ts f o r m axi m u m i m p act. Also g r eat f o r g r o w in g in
it Office Mates enthusiasts. Their designer self-
14 co n t ain e rs. F e e d w it h Searles Robust in sp rin g. watering pots will add style to any interior.

No space for a tree fern? Blechnum
‘Silver Lady’ is an elegant fern with bright
green, arching fronds up to a metre high.
A slender trunk forms over time. Give it a
rich, well-drained soil in full shade or part
shade. SeaMax® Fish & Kelp during the
growing season can speed growth. A
great indoor plant.
Princess Lily ‘Camilla’
Princess lilies are tough and
flower for up to nine months of
the year. They have good drought
tolerance and are perfect in
pots. Their neat, mounded shape
(40cmW x 30cmH) makes them
attractive even when not in flower.
Give them a sunny or part shade
position. They tolerate light frost.
For an explosion of
fiery-coloured flowers
from spring until late
autumn, plant Gaillardia
‘Fanfare Blaze’ in pots,
borders or garden beds.
This frost and drought
tolerant, compact bush
grows about 30cm tall
and 1m wide. Related to
the sunflower, its large
flowers are uniquely
pinwheel-shaped. Give
it full sun.
Dianthus ‘Waterloo Sunset’
New Dianthus ‘Waterloo Sunset’ is a delightfully fragrant,
compact and exceptionally long-flowering dianthus,
perfect for cut flowers, containers, rockeries or
small spaces. Give it full sun or part shade, remove
dead flowers and water during prolonged dry
periods. Feed twice a year with Searles Robust.
Als
o
tr y
D
ia
nth
us ‘
Rebekah Mardi’
Alyogyne ‘Delightfully Double’
Autu m n brings a range o f orchids
into flo w er, so look f or vandas,
cattleyas, oncidiu ms, dendrobiu ms,
phalenopsis and paphiopedilu ms
at your local garden centre.
‘Delightfully Double’ is the first native
hibiscus (alyogyne) with double flowers.
Growing only 1.8m tall and wide, the
bush is compact, yet fast-growing with
masses of flowers from early summer
to late autumn. Low maintenance and
tolerant of drought, heat and humidity,
it grows well in most well-drained soils.
Feed with Searles Robust Native e
controlled release plant food.
15
 Acacia ‘Limelight’ is a compact native
Acacia ‘Limelig
shrub (60cm–1m tall) with outstanding ht’ (grafted)
lime green, pendulous foliage all year
round. Dry tolerant and hardy, it will grow
in full sun or part shade in most well-
drained soils or pots. Feed with Searles
Robust Native. Tolerates light frosts.
Also look for the grafted version (right)
for more formal applications.

Chinese lanterns (abutilon) flower from

autumn until late spring. Plant them in full
sun or part shade. Usually growing between
1m and 2m tall with a similar spread,
abutilion also grows easily from cuttings.

Baby’s Tears
SeaMax Fish & Kelp helps
reduce plant stress at planting
time. Mix it in a watering can
at half the recommended rate
and apply it to newly planted
plants to help them settle in.
Acacia ‘Limelight’ is
perfect for low hedging.

AUTUMN2013 ...continued from page 14

Hints & T ips ‘Baby’s Tears’ is a

moss-like, trailing
plant with tiny,
kidney-shaped leaves.
Gauras are Don’t forget to water
hardy, drought- — It needs to be kept
tolerant, yet constantly moist so
ever so pretty! could suit a damp,
Their dainty pink shady area. A dry or
flowers that sunny situation will
dance in the quickly kill it but it
breeze appear C
Cacti i are easy-care and come in some can grow fast in ideal
for most of the of the most adorable colours and forms. conditions. Growing
year. Perfect for While they need little water, they can’t it in pots can ensure
pots or sunny survive on none; so give them about a it doesn’t become
garden beds. dessert-spoon full of water once a week. invasive.

It’s true! www.aboutthegarden.com.au

Your local garden experts have a NEW website:

Handy Hints | Grow Now | Plant Guide | Plant Hospital | Little Gardeners | Recipes | Products We LOVE

16

Projects for little gardeners Handy hints & fun projects Yum! Garden to Kitchen Expert gardening advice
 Goodenia ‘Gold Cover’
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 flowers are
borne over the warmer months of
the year. Plant it in full sun. Tolerates
drought and light frost.
Dr o u g h t-t ole ran t Begonia
‘Forever Autumn’ b ears w ar m ,
au t u m n al-colo u r e d f oliag e all
y ear w it h a fl ush o f pin k fl o w e rs
in sp rin g. Plan t it in f ull sh ad e o r
d ap ple d su nlig h t an d p r o t ect it
fr o m fr ost. A g r eat in d o o r plan t.
Just drop it into your
toilet and flush. For the control of rootss
in sewer pipes in and
around your home.
AVAILABLE FROM ALL GOOD HARDWARE STORES, GARDEN CENTRES & NURSERIES
Bromeliads are great for colour
in shady areas, they’re low
maintenance and will bring a touch
of the tropics to even cool climate
gardens. Keep the ‘jar’ in the centre
of the plant full of water and feed with
a half-strength dose of SeaMax® Fish &
Kelp once a year for best results.
Potted fruit trees look delightful when
underplanted with flowering winter
annuals like pansies and violas. The
extra colour makes stone fruit blossoms
or ripening citrus especially pretty. This
is a hungry arrangement however, so
feed fortnightly with Searles Flourish
Soluble Plant Food to keep nutrients up.
If p o t plan ts ar e lo o kin g a
lit tle rag g e d af t e r su m m e r,
sp rin kle Searles Recharge
o n t o t h e p o t tin g m ix an d w at e r it in
w ell. This w ill r evit alise plan ts w it h
esse n tial n u t rie n ts an d h elp tir e d old
p o t tin g m ixes t o o n ce ag ain abso r b
an d r e t ain m oist u r e.
Cleome ‘Senorita Rosalita
’
covered in morning dew
Cleome ‘Senorita Rosalita’ will put
on a spectacular display of lavender pink
flowers almost all year round and is very
easy to grow. Hardy in heat, drought and
frost, this attractive, mounding bush
(60cm–120cm tall) is actually a sterile
annual. Plant it in full sun.
NEW!
The

tabebuia
Pink
by Frida Forsberg

when summers are hot and dry, a

deep soaking every two weeks —
especially when young — will keep
To


  plant


  a


  tab...
The pink tabebuia
(pronounced tab-eh-boo-ya) is a
spectacular flowering tree which
bursts into candy pink blooms in
late autumn, winter or early spring
(depending on climate and species)
and makes a stunning shade tree in
small urban gardens. Also known as
the pink trumpet tree, it is perfect in
hot, dry climates, is drought tolerant
and defies hard, dry or poor soils. It
is a popular street tree in Brisbane
and will grow in almost any Australian
climate — even dry, inland areas —
but may take longer to establish in
very cold or frosty climates. Its show-
stopping floral displays and hardiness
has made it popular in home
gardens all around Australia. Even
when not in flower, the tabebuia’s
light grey bark and smooth, dark
green leaves which spread to an
attractive, domed canopy make it
a highly desirable tree for any home
garden.
Native to Central and South
America, tabebuias are well-suited
to the tropics and subtropics and
can handle any amount of rain
and humidity through the summer.
Theyy don’t need daily, tropical-
sty
style deluges to flourish, but
18 d
during a prolong drought or
them in top condition.
Tabebuia is a genus comprising more
than one hundred species (although
only about seven of these are
available in Australia) and includes
varieties with white, lavender pink
and vibrant, golden yellow flowers.
Few look as stunning, whether in
flower or not, as the pink-flowering
variety.
In the tropics, the tabebuia usually
flowers in winter. In the subtropics, it
typically flowers in late winter or early
spring, but is also known to flower
in autumn and spot flower through
the warmer months. After the tree’s
dormancy period, flowers burst into
bloom over the bare branches.
Once the floral display has subsided,
the foliage begins to grow.
The pink tabebuia is semi-deciduous
and will lose its leaves as the tropical
dry season (winter) approaches.
Allow it to survive on natural rainfall
in winter. The less water it gets during
the winter, the more spectacular its
spring floral display will be. Because
tabebuias are deciduous, they allow
warming sunlight through in winter,
yet create shade in summer.
The pink tabebuia is easy to grow
and is affected by few pests and
diseases.
The pink tabebuia will grow happily in any
soil that is well-drained.
1. Select a sunny site where it will have
space to spread out its branches in the
coming years.*
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and
enrich the soil from the hole with plenty
of Searles Real Compost or 5IN1™
Organic Plant Food.
3. Fill the hole with water and let it drain
away. (If the water takes more than 20
minutes to drain, drainage is probably
insufficient. In such cases, it’s preferable
to build up garden beds of enriched
garden soil or Searles Garden Soil Mix
and plant into the raised beds.)
4. Place the young tree in the hole,
backfill with the enriched soil and press
it down, gently. The soil level on the tree
should sit at the same level as it did in
the pot.
5. Water the plant thoroughly and apply a
thick layer of Searles Mulch Plus.
6. Water every day for the first week
and then every few days for the next
couple of weeks. Continue to keep it
moist while it is establishing and you will
probably find that it grows fast. Feed it
with Searles Robust in spring and again
in summer.
* It is recommended that trees be planted
no less than three metres from buildings,
footpaths or underground drain pipes.
 Persimmon


  &


  
•
walnut


  salad
Ingredients:
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Method:
Place mixed garden salad
• 2 tablespoons crushed orange leaves, persimmons and
• pinch of sugar walnuts into a serving
• toasted sesame seeds bowl. In a separate bowl,
• mixed garden salad leaves mix vinegar, orange
(can use baby spinach, cos and sugar. Pour vinegar
lettuce, rocket, etc) dressing, to taste, over
• 3 firm persimmons, peeled and the salad and gently mix
sliced into wedges through. Garnish with
• 1/2 cup walnuts sesame seeds.

from

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Baby Little Finger Carrot

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Black Mustard
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Erigeron: Seaside Daisy

ANIMALS

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Seaside daisies have a low, spreading
habit. Flowers mature from white to pink
and are suitable for gardens, baskets
N KAILAAN
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19
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 Paradise ‘Jennifer Susan’

‘Hiryu’

Chelsea Van Rijn

Growing the beautiful

Camellia sasanqua
Autumn is a glorious time of year because one of my favourite
Paradise ‘Exquisite’
plants starts to flower — the camellia. These pretty shrubs are easy
to grow and will reward you year after year with their elegant
form and lovely flowers.
Don Burke said it best way back in 2002 much of the shrub being covered with
‘Camellias are amongst the world’s their striking, coloured flowers.
best flowering plants. They are hardy Sasanqua flowers are mostly singles
and disease resistant, most varieties or semi-doubles and range in colour
have attractive, glossy green foliage, from white through to deep pinks and
and they put on their fabulous flower reds. All the flowers have brilliant yellow
display in the cooler months of the year stamens that Australian native bees
when the rest of the garden often looks find delicious! Some sasanquas even
dull and bare’. have a gentle fragrance. To promote a
Originally from China, camellias have profusion of flowers and good growth,
taken well to their Australian home. I fertilising with Searles Azalea, Camellia
have four favourite types of camellias & Gardenia Plant Food should be done
— sasanquas, japonicas, reticulatas at least twice a year, in spring before
and hybrids.
Sasanquas though, are my special love
‘Lucinda’ in the autumn garden. They seem to
burst into life, brightening up sun and
shade spots alike with their elegant, Preparing the soil
sometimes fragrant blooms. Of course Camellias need excellent
these plants are handsome at other
times of the year with their deep
drainage, so if your soil is
green, glossy leaves and graceful heavy clay, build up the soil
habit. Sasanquas are a versatile shrub in mounds with Searles
with a variety of uses. They are great
as a hedge, look fantastic espaliered
Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia
against a fence, are perfect as a Specialty Mix rather than
statement in a pot or garden bed and digging down into existing
can even be used as bonsai.
soil. Always mulch well after
Camellia sasanqua flowers in
abundance from March through to
planting and reapply mulch
once or twice every year.
20 August (depending on the variety) with
 To grow lovely camellias...
‘Yuletide’

subtropical areas. This can

Potted camellias
Camellias are excellent
for growing in pots.
Use pots at least
40cm wide and fill
with Searles Azalea,
Camellia & Gardenia
Specialty Mix.
bud formation begins and
again, just after flowering.
Sasanquas have a distinct
advantage over other
camellias — they tolerate
both full sun and partial
shade. These are the
perfect plant for your south
facing garden or patio. As
long as they are planted
into good quality potting
mix or garden soil and
are mulched correctly,
sasanquas are one of
the most robust, drought
tolerant plants around.
Camellias can be slow
growing in tropical and
make them an excellent
hedge; with little effort they
can easily be trained to
grow thick and neat — and
they really only need to be
pruned once a year, after
flowering.
There are over 1000 named
varieties of Camellia
sasanqua, so this diverse
group of flowering shrubs
should fulfil a range of
needs and colour schemes
in everyone’s garden.
Give your shady or sunny
garden spots some TLC this
weekend with the hardy
Camellia sasanqua.
TIP: Mulching is highly
recommended when
growing camellias as a
good mulch will help stop
the soil from drying out, it
will keep the roots cool in
summer and will eventually
break down to improve the
structure of the soil. Lucerne,
sugar cane mulch and
Searles Mulch Plus are all
excellent mulches. Water
well before mulching and
lay mulch up to 12cm thick,
keeping clear of the stem.

The right pH
Camellias are famous for being ‘acid-loving’ plants, which
means they dislike soils with a pH higher than 7. In
most parts of Australia, soils tend to be naturally acidic
which means correcting the soil is not usually necessary.
(Exceptions would be gardens in Adelaide or Perth,
which have naturally alkaline soils. In these regions, it
can be simplest to grow camellias
in pots.) Using Searles Flourish
Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia at the
recommended rate will help maintain
the ideal level of soil acidity for
camellias, as well as providing all the
nutrients needed for excellent growth,
vigour and flowering.
 The red and white flowering ‘Capricorn’ and orange flowering
‘Eager Beaver’ make a stunning flowering duo in early winter.

a year. Unlike agaves, the dominant

plant does not die after flowering, but

Fabulous
continues to flower, year after year.
Their flowering performance also
improves as they age, usually flowering
better in their second, third and

aloes
subsequent years.

flowering
Most of the new aloe hybrids need full
sun to flower well, with the exception
of a few which prefer part shade.
Aloes grown in pots can suffer sunburn
(browning of the leaves) if suddenly
moved into full sun from a shady
position. In such cases however, plants
will usually adapt and recover quickly.
Aloes are not fussy about soil but need
excellent drainage. A light, free-
New hybrid flowering aloes bear spectacular, long-lived flowers draining soil is ideal. In heavier soils, a
between February and November, creating a cheerful display position on a slope or a raised garden
bed can create the right drainage.
when the rest of your garden can often look dull and unwelcoming. Searles Cacti & Succulent Specialty Mix
A closer look at flowering aloes will show you why they are perfect is the ideal growing medium, either in
for beautiful, sustainable and low-maintenance gardens. pots or garden beds.
Mulches can be beneficial, but organic
Flowering aloes give gardens an flower through the cooler times of
mulches can sometimes absorb
injection of hot, vibrant colour year when the majority of other plants
throughout the cooler seasons like are dormant. Laden with nectar, their
few other flowering plants can. New flowers provide a useful food source for
hybrid aloes have been bred to flower native birds and insects at a time when Aloes can survive for more than
longer and more profusely than their other food sources are scarce.
parents, and also will start flowering a month with their roots out of
New hybrid aloes can be small, dainty
earlier in their life. Perfect for the perennials or large, tree-like plants, and the ground let their roots dry
Australian climate, these aloes allow have a range of different foliage forms.
you to fill your garden with reliable Some aloes form a trunk-like stem over
out before replanting as dry roots
colour without increasing your water time, much like an agave. Others form can form new shoots but wet
requirements. And while they are clumps and need to be divided every
perfectly suited to arid-style gardens, few years like a perennial. Flowers
roots cannot. Don’t overwater
they’re just as at home in a cottage
garden or mixed with lush foliage plants
are borne above the plant, either on aloes when newly planted, as their
numerous spikes or on a single spike
for a bold, tropical look. that branches out to form many flower roots will be most susceptible to
Flowering
Flo aloes have different heads. Hybrid aloes are fast-growing rotting in these early stages.
22 flowering times, but they mostly and can reach mature height within
 Aloe ‘Capricorn’ Aloe ‘Saturn’ A mixed planting of aloes in jovial colours

It may not surprise you that the new

The roots of aloes are relatively
soft and don’t increase in girth with
age which means they can be safely
planted near buildings, used as
‘green roofs’ or as container plants.
hybrid aloes perform well in heat and Did you know?
drought, but they also power through
humidity and wet periods. Their fleshy Aloes are long lived plants. Wild
stems will absorb water and nutrients in aloes have been known to live for
wet conditions and store it as reserves to
help them through dry times. over 200 years.
New aloe hybrids

Home delivery!
are more frost
tolerant than
traditional aloes
rainwater without letting it through (different varieties
to the soil. Inorganic mulches like have more
pebbles or gravel can be better as resistance than
they allow water to flow straight to
the roots.
others). They will Subscribe and have the About the
resist frost damage Garden Magazine delivered to your door!
If grown in containers, aloes don’t best if kept dry
need a large pot and usually prefer and planted in a
their roots to be snug — a pot half the protected position. Name: .....................................................................................
width of their height can be ideal. When exposed to
Age: 25–35 36–45 46–55 55+
Aloes in pots will need to be watered severe frost, the
more often than those grown in the leaves will die back Address: ..................................................................................
ground, but don’t overwater them from the tips, but
City: ............................... State: .............. P/code: ...................
— most varieties will prefer it if the will usually grow
growing medium is allowed to dry out back once warmer Phone: ...................................... Fax: ......................................
in between waterings. conditions return. Email: .......................................................................................
Enclosed is a cheque for:
1 year ($18.00) 2 years ($30.00)
OR charge this to my:
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Card no:
Card holder’s name:........................... Expiry date: ..................

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

Please send this form to: Phone: (07) 5422 3090

About the Garden Fax: (07) 5497 2287
Aloe ‘Fairy Pink’ prefers semi shade or a protected P.O. Box 70 Kilcoy Q. 4515 Email: atg@aboutthegarden.com.au
m.au
position. Perfect for pots, it grows in small clumps and
bears dainty white flowers, sometimes flushed with pink
from late summer to autumn. Protect it from frost.
www.aboutthegarden.com.au 23
Autumn 2013
 MAKE YOUR GARDEN

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with premium ingredients to maximise your
plants performance rapidly. Simply – more
flowers, fruit, vegies and foliage.

my aza
leas

Garden Products
Available from ATG Garden Centres www.searles.com.au
ASK FOR THIS GREAT SEARLES PRODUCT AT YOUR NEAREST GARDENING OUTLET. PH: 07 5422 3000