Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are considered by some as the national Japanese flower. Chrysanthemums are traditionally given on Mothers Day and make a gift.
Ideal for small gardens, indoors and container grown for units and apartment living. Just keep in a well lit spot indoors and keep moist.
• Available from Late February
• PH level of around 6.0
• Provides long lasting cut flowers
• Fantastic and inexpensive Autumn colour
Forest Blooms grows Chrysanthemums from February to May and is our main Autumn crop. They are also available though out early December. We grow small compact varieties which don’t grow tall and require staking. These are known as “Garden Mums”. The varieties are naturally dwarfed and give a fantastic display for several weeks. Many new compact varieties are introduced each year. They come in a large range of colours, from pinks and reds through to yellow and bronze.
Chrysanthemums are a very hardy plant.
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Cyclamen: cyclamen persicum
 Cyclamen is a great winter flowering house plant. Looked after it can flower for 3 months for a great display as opposed to a cut flower display that only lasts for 3 days. Cyclamen is a Native to the Mediterranean islands, and makes ideal gift.
• Requires bright but indirect light. Prefer a cool environment at all times,
• (which we would consider chilly) and need high humidity.
• Cyclamens do not like to have wet foliage, but must have moist soil conditions.
• Wet foliage can produce fungal diseases such as botrytis and grey mound.
• To remove spent flowers push/twist at the same time to avoid damaging the base.
• They can have 20 blooms or more at a time.
• Great colour with silver green foliage
• Available in White, Red, Pink or bi coloured flowers.
• Cyclamens are dormant in summer.
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Lavender – Lavandula
 Lavender is one of the most popular perennial herbs grown today. Their highly perfumed flowers add an exciting fragrance to any garden. Lavender is used for traditional and medicinal purposes. There is nothing more relaxing than a lavender bath or drifting off to sleep with fresh sprigs under your pillow.
Forest Blooms nursery is one of Queensland largest growers of potted Lavender, producing over 100 thousand plants each year. Taken from our own stock plants, our two main varieties are French Dentata and Avonview. Both are suited to South East Queensland climates and produce an abundance of flowers throughout Spring and Summer.
Lavender likes:
• A high soil PH – around 6.5
• Lime
• Not to be over watered
• A well drained soil bed
• An open, sunny position
• A good trim after flowering to keep in shape and promote new growth
• Encourages bees so is helpful to plant near fruit trees or vegetable gardens for pollination.
• Can be planted with other cottage plants such as roses or annuals such as pansies.
• Makes a fantastic silver hedge display.
• Particularly suited to pots.
• Lavender Dentata comes from the shape of the leaf being tooth like.
• Can be used hung up in sprigs in wardrobes to repel moths.
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Images: Flowering lavender, Lavender Hedge, Potted lavender in.
Lemon Sent,
Cupressus Macropcarpa
 Recently released in Australia, Cupressus Macropcarpa Lemon Sent makes an ideal specimen for any patio or garden. This fantastic, fast growing evergreen tree is the ideal living Christmas tree and can be bought inside for short periods of time. The beautiful yellow foliage omits a fresh citrus aroma when crushed or cut and is a natural repellent against mosquitoes.
Lemon Sent is well suited to container growing but can also be planted directly into a garden bed provided the soil is good. As with most conifers and cypress, when planting your Lemon Sent it’s a good idea to place a small stake to help support the tree while it’s settling in to it’s new home. Regular watering is the key to growing a great specimen. Keep moist at all times, particularly in the growing season. Don’t allow the soil to dry out as the plant will die and no amount of love and care will bring it back to life. Generally, a 9ltr water can every second or third day will suffice and twice weekly throughout winter. As with all living plants, they require regular feeding to sustain good health and growth. When planting your tree, ensure the soil PH level is correct, 6 is ideal and a measure of Blood and Bone will help deliver nutrients that the tree requires. A slow release granule fertilizer should be applied on a monthly basis, or alternatively soluble fertilizer can be distributed through your water can each time you water. Lemon Sent does not like competition, so under planting your tree with annuals or groundcovers is not a good idea.
Lemon Sent suits a variety of climates, from coastal conditions to frost prone areas. If your tree needs a trim to remove any brown or dead foliage, use a clean pair of secateurs. Don’t cut branches in winter if a frost is due, just brush out with your hands.
Lemon Sent is available in 140ml pots up to 500ml containers and can be purchased at Bunnings Warehouse stores Australia wide. This Christmas, perhaps you can help the environment by having a living tree in your home!
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Rosemary – Rosmarinus
 Rosemary is the herb of rememberance. This much loved plant symbolizes loyalty and friendship. True to it’s meaning, the strong smell has shown to improve memory. Rosemary is a perennial herb with fragrant evergreen needle-like leaves. Uses: Culinary, Potential Medicinal and Traditional.
Here at Forest Blooms we produce both Culinary and traditional varieties year round.
• Like most herbs it likes a high PH level
• Well drained soil
• Being trimmed to keep in shape
• Pest free because of the natural oils it produces
• Propagation is from cuttings as seed doesn’t work very well.
Strong stems can be stripped of leaves and used as meat skewers.
Traditionally used with lamb, it can also be used in other roasting dishes such as chicken
and casseroles.
Member of the mint family. Can be grown in all gardens.
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ROSES: Miniature and Patio varieties
 Forest Blooms grows miniature and Patio Roses. These varieties are suitable for balconies and patios and they don’t grow too large for these areas.
They have smaller leaves and flowers compared to larger varieties and can go on flowering month after month.
They are ideal for gifts and lend themselves to container gardening.
Roses like a PH around 6
Roses enjoy a good prune and it’s important to have sharp secateurs so as not to tear
the stem.
Very forgiving with pruning so don’t be afraid to give a hard trim. Though a small plant they are extremely tough.
Varieties we grow have masses of delightful flowers, some are perfumed.
Autumn is the best time of year for Roses as they have a good flush of flowers. Soil preparation is important. No weeds should be present and they like mushroom compost.
Soil should be well drained and they love a sunny position.
New colours are introduced each year.
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