Bagged roses are still available in nurseries and plant centres, some at reduced prices, so grab a bargain or two for the garden.
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If you have always wanted to create a rose garden now would be the time to do it.
A mulch of pine needles is beneficial for acidic loving plants such as azaleas, ericas, rhododendrons, blueberries, strawberries and camellias.
Camellia care
Check camellias and lemons for scale insects on the undersides of the older leaves and branches.
If present spray with white oil.
Camellias respond well if drastic pruning is necessary especially in reducing the size of the plant.
Prune after flowering.
Tasty cousin
Broccolette bears clusters of buds, similar to broccoli florets, on long, thin stems.
Seeds of this cross between broccoli and gai lan, a Chinese cabbage, can be sown in September and October.
A real pearler
A small bushy shrub that would make an ideal hedging plant is Osmanthus delarayi 'Pearly Gates' growing to 1.5m high with a spread of one metre.
This sweetly fragrant plant has masses of tubular white flowers in winter to early spring and grows in full sun in well-drained soil. Once established it is drought- and frost-tolerant.
Feeling chillie
Chillies belong to the nightshade family, Solanaceae and originate from the Americas where they have been grown for nearly 6000 years.
They are used in many cuisines as a spice to add heat to dishes.
The hottest part of the chilli is the white, pithy strip the seeds are attached to.
The general rule is the smaller the fruit the hotter it is with the red ones being the hottest.
Habenero is for those that like chillies extremely hot.
To relieve the burning sensation of ingested chillies drink cold milk.
Always wear gloves when handling chillies and do not rub your eyes.
Spud specials
With many varieties of potatoes to choose from, select early, mid- and late varieties for a continuous supply.
Some of the better known varieties include King Edward, Bismark, Brownell, Tasman and Kennebec which are good, all-purpose performers.
Kipfler, Banana, Pink Fir Apple, Red Norland and Nicola are great for potato salads.
Bintji has waxy yellow flesh, is low in sugar and keeps well.
Dutch Cream has an exceptionally rich, buttery flesh and Ruby Lou has dark pink skin and white flesh.
There is usually a chart at the point of sale with descriptions of the different varieties and their culinary uses so you can choose the type that best suits your needs.