A cool change!

Summer’s gone – so, too, has the relentless heat and humidity. Three cheers for cooler weather and the relief it brings! We can now enjoy more gentle and kind conditions, not only for ourselves, but also for our plants. The harsh sunlight has softened and the shadows have lengthened making this an ideal time to plant flower seedlings that enjoy the cooler weather.

The meaning of annual

The majority of the most popular flower seedlings available in punnets are broadly known as annuals meaning that after planting, the seedlings mature and flower before going to seed and, thus have a life cycle of one season within one year. It is when these plants have finished their flowering cycle, usually before they set seed, that they are removed from the garden. Then the fun of choosing and planting a fresh lot of seedlings can begin all over again.

Bite the bullet

If you’ve still got summer flowering annuals in your garden, you’ve probably been thinking that it’s time to do something different. Flowers like vinca, dahlia, cosmos, aster, portulaca and zinnia will be looking pretty shabby right now. Bite the bullet and yank them all out. Recharge your garden soil using a spade or fork to dig in any or all of the following soil conditioners - compost, animal manure, complete fertiliser, dolomite, blood and bone. Water in well and leave alone for at least a week. If your soil is too hard to dig, you and your garden need HELP. Ask one of the Horticultural Advisors at Hawkins what soil conditioning treatment would best suit your conditions. Even bring a sample of soil (they only need a small amount) to help them with their assessment.

Pots can be emptied and re-filled with fresh potting mix or revitalised with Searles Recharge.

A Visit to Hawkins

It’s tough – but someone has got to do it! You’ll need to spend time browsing the vast array of seedlings at Hawkins Home & Garden Centres. Their display pots of flowering annuals will inspire you while the huge range of seedlings available will amaze you. Pansy, viola, panola, poppy, cineraria, stock, calendula, delphinium, hollyhock, larkspur and primula are all there. As well, you will still find old favourites like petunia, marigold, dianthus, alyssum, lobelia and begonia. These delightful annuals are so versatile, they can be planted all year round, including winter.

You will be comforted by the fact that every seedling, shrub and tree is covered by the Hawkins Complete Satisfaction Guarantee. Take confidence from the knowledge that their seedling range changes with the season and you will be choosing from a range that is entirely suitable for planting right now. The labels show clearly the colour, height and ideal growing conditions. If you are still unsure, Horticultural Advisors are always happy to help.

No burping required

It is important to remember that the seedlings are really only babies and similar treatment is required. Do not let them dehydrate, either in their punnets before planting or even when they are in your garden or pots. To encourage growth, feed them regularly with a fertiliser that dissolves when added to water. Protect them from pets and older children. Once they have matured a little, this extra care is not so critical.

It’s time to enjoy

Pure enjoyment is what flowers are all about. Plant them, take care of them, and enjoy. Happy gardening!