WARM & FRESH COLOUR Maples are look spectacular this time of year so I couldn't help but highlight my favourite again. I've add a trio of shrubs for tiered underplanting which offer long lasting flowers with a pop of colour and foliage contrast.
ACER PALMATUM 'SANGO KAKU' Coral Bark Maple is a deciduous tree with superb autumn and winter colour. This tree has attractive double serrated leaves with five to nine lobes. They are green in colour during Spring and then turn a bright yellow with an orange tinge at Autumn. The striking bark turns a brighter red in winter providing colour throughout the year. Plant in morning sun/semi-shade and protect from summer afternoon sun. Water well on hot windy days. A wonderful feature tree 5m x 5m or small if planted in large containers.
Lily of the valley plant, Pieris ‘Temple Bells’, offers a unique flower and foliage display. An elegant evergreen shrub with new growth a bronze-red colour, turning to an attractive glossy dark emerald green when older. Clusters of light buds open to gorgeous white bell shaped flowers in late winter to spring.
Ideal as a specimen plant or planted en-masse in beds and borders. Also makes an attractive container plant.
EXPERT TIP Likes a slightly acidic soil so use Azalea & Camellia Food each season. Deadhead spent flowers with a light prune after flowering. Morning Sun - Full Shade H to 1.5mx 1.5m
HYDRANGEA QUERCIFOLIA 'SNOWFLAKE' A stunning form of Oak Leaf Hydrangea that gives year round interest to a shady spot in the garden. During summer masses of white conical flower heads sit among large oak shaped leaves. Large lobed, bold green leaves turn crimson, burgundy & bronze in autumn and can be semi deciduous in frosty areas. Plant in the shade in moist with pure magic compost to enrich the soil. Morning Sun - Full Shade H 1m tall x 1m wide
A classic Kurume variety, ‘Scarlet Dragon‘ is compact in habit, adorned with a profusion of small vibrant red flowers that are on display in spring and again through autumn and winter. These charming blooms contrast beautifully against the backdrop of fine, dark green glossy foliage. Azaleas love a shady position and are ideal for underplanting shallow rooted trees like Japanese maples. Also great for pots on a shady balcony just keep them well watered through summer. Semi-Shade- Shade H 80cm x 80cm
Long Flowering & Contrasting Foliage - filled with Inspiration! - Carolyn
Tom's Indoor Combo of the Week! Monstera 'Monkey Mask' in White Orbit Planter An evergreen vine with magnificent foliage displaying holes in the middle of the closed, deep green leaves. Ideal in decorative pots with a support, allowing it to climb and grow upwards, or let it cascade in hanging baskets. Provide a warm position. Apply liquid fertiliser regularly from spring to summer. Let the soil dry between waterings and mist regularly. Prune back dead leaves.
Golden Candles is an attractive small to medium shrub which forms a good compact habit naturally. From autumn through to winter it produces a mass of striking, cylindrical, golden candle-like flower heads appearing above textural silvery foliage. Grows best in full sun with good airflow and well drained soils including clay. This plant is ideal for coastal locations where rainfall is consistent. Once established this plant will tolerate short periods of dry. This plant requires little maintenance, if desired the removal of the spent flower heads can be done annually. It is best to initially feed with a slow release low phosphorus fertiliser to help establish the plant. It is beneficial to follow up with the occasional reapplication of fertiliser and apply iron chelate should leaves yellow. Mulching around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Golden Candles is an excellent plant for creating contrasting textures within the landscape. This plant can be used as a feature plant or for border planting suitable for architectural gardens.
A modern Australian classic that is a must for any family BBQ - small, super sweet, deep red beetroots that can be served whole.
All parts of the plant are edible and the more it is picked the more it will produce. The root and foliage are high in nutrients and for maximum health benefits do not overcook. Harvest the root when the crown is about 2cm across. Prefers moist but well drained soil in a part to fun sun position.
With native plants like Grevilleas, Correas & Banksias starting to flower as we go into winter, we use and recommend: Natural Natives Organic Base Fertiliser
Specific low phosphorus formulation to suit all native plants including banksias
Suitable also for South African plants including proteas, leucospermums and leucadendrons
Contains natural growth stimulants to improve and enhance growth and flowering
Includes a wetting agent to assist moisture penetration and retention
