patios, gardening, shades, awnings

The summer sunshine has started to dry out the ground and the garden is starting to come to life. The Magnolias are blooming and new leaves are starting to emerge from bare branches. It's not to late to get those deciduous fruit trees in. Peaches, Plums, Nectarines, Pears and so many more....

Now's the perfect time to start preparing the soil and planting those new spring vege and flower seedlings.

In Your Vege Garden
Seeds to start sowing now: Basil, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, cauliflower, cucumbers, lettuce, melons, parsnip, peas, radish, shallots, silverbeet, spinach and zucchini.
Sow seeds, in covered propagator trays or undercover as planting directly into cold and wet soil can rot the new seeds before they have a chance to sprout.
prepare the Vege garden with plenty of compost, sheep pellets and organic vegetable fertiliser. Make sure that they are well blended with the existing soil so you will be ready for planting.
Just a reminder! If you are planting young and tender seedling or growing seeds remember to apply a quality slug and snail control like Quash - Slug and Snail Stoppa. Safe to use near kids, pets and wildlife.
New seasons Tomatoes are now available and come as seeds or a range of grafted tomatoes. Grafted Tomatoes will give you a stronger plant and larger crops. Just protect against the early morning frosts if your garden is in a cold area.
Now's a great time to get another crop of potatoes in the ground. Prepare the soil with plenty of compost and a potato fertiliser. If you are short for space why not plant them in a potato tub. So easy to grow and there is nothing better than the taste of a home grown spud.

In Your Flower Garden
There is a great range of Dahlia bulbs around. Plant in groups of one colour and enjoy a mass display this summer!
With Summer on the doorstep its a great time to start planting the new seasons flowering annuals: alyssum, anthirrihinum, begonia, californian poppy, cornflower, lobelia, marigolds, petunia,sweet peas and so many more. Remember to water in the plants with a fast food once planted.
Its still a great time to plant mini Cyclamen. Perfect in pots or parts of the garden that are semi-shaded.
Gladioli bulbs will be available soon, so prepare the soil and position your bamboo stakes ready for planting. Remember for planting success we recommend an application of Bulb food. Look out for Tuberous Begonias which are due at the same time.


In Your Garden
What better time to buy a Magnolia than when they are in bloom.
The best smell in spring would have to be the sweet scent of a Daphne bush. You can buy these in both pink and white.... the perfect plant for any semi shaded position in the garden.
Do you like the taste of a juicy, delicious Nectarines or Peaches? Why not grow you own! There is a great selection of all your favorite fruit trees including dwarf peaches and nectarines. Perfect for those smaller gardens or containers.

In Your Garden Shed
Look out for the new look Living Earth mixes. New packaging but the usual professional quality mixes. One new addition to the range is the New Organic Potting Mix. This combined with the Organic Veggie Mix and Organic Compost offer you a complete Organic solution.