Plant of the Month - Rhododendron

This week we took delivery of a stunning batch of fresh Rhododendrons. They have such gorgeous blooms! Rhodo's are suited perfectly to Canberra's climate and flower over a long period in Spring. There are over 1000 species, coming from all over the world, including one from Australia.

Rhodo's like a slightly acidic and well-drained soil, which is easily achieved when adding manure or compost to the soil. One small pest to watch out for is thrip in late spring. A simple way to get rid of them if you do find them is with Pyrethrum spray.

They are surprisingly hardy so great for the non-green thumbs out there. And just because we love them so much we're taking 25% off so they're now only $22.45 each! (from $29.95)

Plant of the Month - Correa 'Canberra Bells'

Did you know Canberra had an official plant to commemorate our 100th birthday this year? Well, now you do!

Canberra Bells is a beautiful Correa which features two-tone, red and cream bell-shaped flowers that are Autumn flowering. Of course this coincides nicely with Canberra Day each year. The Correa is an Australian native and is indigenous our region. It's dry tolerant and frost hardy so will survive all seasons in the ACT. The Canberra Bells variety was developed specifically to commemorate our centenary by experienced local native plant breeders, Peter and Jennifer Ollerenshaw.

Like Canberra itself, the plant is born out of Federation: one of its parent plants is appropriately called Federation Belle, while the other is Correa Mannii. The common name Canberra Bells was the most popular choice among more than 250 suggestions received from Canberrans and gardening enthusiasts across Australia. Canberra Bells can already be found growing in excellent company, with plants set to thrive at Government House, the Australian National Botanic Gardens and the National Arboretum.

So why not plant a little piece of the Centenary in your own garden!

New Garden Furniture at BLISS!

A sweet new collection of cream metal garden furniture has arrived at Bliss this week. There's a lovely 3 piece setting and matching garden bench with delicate cut out rose detail. A perfectly stunning 3 seater bench completes the range.

3 piece bistro setting

3 seater bench

Rose Bench only $199