Diacks of Invercargill
Wednesday 16th April 2008

16th April 2008

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?:
Still good weather in the south and still some keen gardeners making the most of the calm conditions. Spring bulbs selling well and peastraw this week, time to mulch the garden for winter. Best colour are the oak trees at the moment, their autumn colour is spectacular red. Vegetable gardens are slowing down. Time now to plant broad beans, garlic and shallots. Tunnelhouses are sue for a change. Tomatoes are nearing the end of the season, time to replace them with some lettuce and spring cabbage. Flower gardens and pots too need a change to flower over winter. Hanging baskets are always difficult now. Best choice is to put them away. Best flowering shrubs at the moment are the ericas. Best deal is our half price Rhodos out at lorneville. Our rose catalogue is out noe, time to think about new roses and what to order. Same with fruit trees, we have an excellent catalogue with everything you need to know about fruit trees. Time to start bringing in frost tender plants, put them into pots or take cuttings to ensure you dont lose them in the winter. Geraniums, daisies, fuchsias are the most at risk. Citrus trees also need to be covered with frost cloth or put in the tunnelhouse. A spray with vapourguard protects against frost also.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING?:
Preparing for winter and the prunning season by stocking up with spraying oil, lime sulphur and copper. Make sure you have a good sharp pair of secateurs, a leaf rake and an empty compost bin, can't waste the autumn leaves. Last mow of the lawn not too short and check for grass grub, the birds know where they are..

THIS WEEKS SPECIAL:
Rhodos half price with this weeks news letter only.

THIS WEEKS PRODUCT:
Canna pk 13-14.
A brilliant and simple concept.
The permanent way to maintain neat edges for lawns, drives, paths, flower and vegetable beds.

SUPER SAVE PET DEPO
Jebo fish tank, units complete with filteration and lighting.
1200mm long only $499.98
1000mm long only $399.98
750mm long only $299.98
600mm long only $249.98.
Cat flap doors from only $17.98

PLANT OF THE WEEK COMPETITION:
Take a look at the plant attached below and if you recognise it e-mail us with your answer. If you are the first to guess correctly you will win!
Last weeks answer: Calla Lilly
Last weeks winner: Jenny Blackmouth

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Blackberry Cream Pie

Pastry for 9-inch one crust pie
4 cups blackberries, fresh or frozen*
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup sugar
4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream**

* If using frozen berries, thaw and drain all juice before mixing.

** Sour cream may be substituted.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare pie pastry; line pie plate with pastry. Place blackberries in unbaked pastry shell.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla extract, and cream; pour mixture over the blackberries.

Bake for approximately 30 to 40 minutes or until the crust is nicely browned and the filling is set. Remove and oven and let cool slightly. Best served slightly warm.

JOKE OF THE WEEK:
Q: What do you call a carrot who talks back to a farmer??
A: A fresh vegetable!!