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

Plant of the month - Beautiful Dianthus

You may know this months Plant of the Month as its more common name - the carnation. So pretty and so easy to grow too! They're super hardy, love the sun and are drought AND frost resistant. Perfect for old Canberra town.

A great weed suppressor and very low maintenance, they require no special pruning or spraying. You can literally forget about them, just like the one in my garden! Best thing is they don't become a pesky weed themselves, unlike many other perennials can.

But mostly, they are just BEAUTIFUL. We've got some stunning deep red ones available at Bliss right now as well as pretty Candy Floss pink.

Del Sol Recycled Glassware

Hi, our name is Bliss Garden & Giftware and it's been 6 month since our last blog post....

But we're back!

And we've got goodies. Today's post is all about our latest range of glassware from one of our fave brands Ecology.

The Del Sol range is made from 100% recycled glass - maintaining the Ecology philosophy of reducing the environmental impact of products and packaging wherever possible in daily life.

The beautiful chunky tumblers come in tall and short for $7.95 and $6.95 respectively. Also in the range are the stunning serving bowls ($39.95) and round platters ($49.95). 

Can one ever have too many handbags?

Ah, the age old question... Well we don't have a definitive answer but we do have some pretty lovely new handbags for your perusal. They'll most likely have you drooling all over your keyboard so get a napkin ready asap.





The latest collection from Melbourne designers b.sirius have dropped and have been SO popular we have already ordered a second delivery. The new range features lush greens, warm winter browns, deep reds and the ever classic black in designs to suit all uses. Big totes, clutches, wallets, over shoulder handbags and even a very spiffy organiser that also doubles as an iPad cover.

Also new in are some fab new pieces from NZ design house Citta that include some pretty rad cosmetic bags (starting at $14.95) and yummy Coin Purses ($29.95). The 'Eva' Yellow Handbag is to die for ($99.95) and the super lush Kenmei Apple Tote ($94.95) is just plain NICE! Drool away folks.

Visit us at Pialligo to see for yourself or check out our online store for these and other goodies.

Heavenly Wood Block Stamps

One of our exciting discoveries late last year were these beautiful wood block stamps hand carved by artisans in India. They are designed and imported to Australia by Dhruva from Heavenly Abode in Byron Bay. Our first lot of stamps sold out very quickly and we have now restocked with more beauties. Come and discover them too!

They are perfect for stamping on paper, card and fabric. Or maybe you're a potter? They work a treat embossing pottery.

Starting at just $4.95 for these teeny weeny ones (below), they are available in several assorted designs like birdies and flowers.

How about these ones? They're around 4-6cm in size and just $9.95 each.

Or maybe you just want to hang this one on your wall?

Asheef and Kumar are some of the masters that carve Heavenly Abode's block stamps.