On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 33 I January/February 2020 | Page 26

BURBANK HOUSE & GARDEN
Summer
BY VICKEY TAYLOR
W
and autumn. Hibiscus love well-
drained fertile soils and like a
north, east or west facing fence
or wall behind them to protect
them from wind. They are a
tropical plant so require five-
hours of summer sun a day.
There are now dwarf
varieties that grow excellently
in large tubs on patios, decks
and verandahs.
ell it’s finally
summer! We have
been busy filling
up our brand new store at
Erina to the brim with lifestyle
goodies, pots and plants. Some
of our plants are selling off the
racks and going home with our
wonderful customers. We love
this time of the year when the
nursery is full of colour and our
plants want to grow!
If you can’t make it instore
to see us be sure to follow us on
Facebook, Instagram and our
website will be up shortly.
Whats new in stock:
Hydrangeas are here and ready to flower.
Hydrangeas are looking green and lush
and ready to bloom! We have deep pink,
blue and white and all are budding up
flower ready for the new year.
Hydrangeas grow well in the ground
if planted in a protected shady spot. In
our climate with hot summers, they
grow excellent in pots when planted in
a premium potting mix and feed with
a good quality fertiliser. Keep them
well watered throughout summer not
letting them dry out during a heatwave.
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O N T H E C OA S T – OVER
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Hydrangeas don’t like to be exposed to
the hot afternoon sun, so perfect under a
pergola with ambient sunlight. So plant
now and enjoy beautiful blooms for
summer.
Climbing or bush varieties of
Mandevilla offer great summer and
autumn colour in pink, white or red. They
are great in pots in sun or part shade.
There are lots of summer colour available,
Petunias, Fuchsias and calibrachoas.
Hibiscuses are in stock. They add lots
of bright colourful flowers for summer
Things to do:
Maximise water penetration
by applying Satuaride and
maximise water retention
with mulch such as sugarcane,
lucerne or fine bark.
Watch out for lawn beetle grub in your
lawn. They feed on Buffalo, Couch and
Kikuyu roots. Tell-tale signs are dead
patches or magpies digging your lawn
for grubs. We have several solutions
available.
If your Gardenias are a bit yellow keep
feeding with a gardenia feed and water
frequently.
Vickey Taylor is the owner of Burbank House &
Garden, Kincumber. Phone [phone]