Episode: #3 16/09/2006
Presenter: Melissa King

The Greenery in Heidelberg was one of the standout garden centres last season and if you thought it was special in autumn just wait till you see what spring has to offer.

It doesn?t matter what season it is, the Greenery is always a blaze of colour and right now the orchids are putting on a show stopping display. The phalaenopsis is without doubt the most elegant table centrepiece and is stunning in a contemporary pot. Equally striking are the Cattelaya orchids with blooms so perfect you would think they were made of silk.

Nothing compares to those first buds of spring, from flowering bulbs to pretty blossoms and the Magnolias are simply stunning. 'Vulcan' is sensational, with showy rich wine coloured blooms. It is also worth seeking out the King of Magnolias, Magnolia denudate, for its large ivory-white flowers and sweet citrus like fragrance.

Spring also means that a whole new palette of vegetables ready to plant. Best of all it is tomato time and once you have tasted delicious garden-ripened tomatoes, you won?t be going back to the supermarket. You will find everything from the bite sized Tumbler Tomato perfect for hanging baskets to top performing grafted varieties like Apollo.

Japonica Camellias are still one of the best for drop dead gorgeous flowers and you will find a great collection of these stunning plants at Heidelberg Greenery. The most spectacular red cultivar is the Emperor of Russia, with fiery spring blooms. ?Debbie? is another classic favourite with her flamboyant bright pink flowers.

Impulse buyers beware, because nothing can match azaleas for show-stopping colour and the Greenery is jam-packed with tempting varieties. There are both sun and shade lovers. Promise them slightly acid soil, good drainage a cool, moist root zone and the will reward you with tonnes of flowers.

If you are one of those gardeners that wants the look but not all the work, then you can always turn to the Greenery?s Total Garden Care service which covers everything from landscape design to maintenance.

The Greenery is one of Victoria?s largest and best garden centres. There are two great locations in Templestowe and at Heidelberg. With loads of top quality plants, the latest new varieties and everything imaginable for spring, you could spend hours getting lost.

The Greenery Heidelberg

4 Banksia St, Heidelberg Vic 3084
Tel: 03 9459 8433
Fax: 03 9459 3017
Melway ref 32 C5
heidelberg@thegreenery.com.au

The Greenery Templestowe

107 Porter St, Templestowe Vic 3106
Tel: 03 9846 2255
Fax: 03 9846 4770
Melway ref 33 C3
templestowe@thegreenery.com.au
http://www.thegreenery.com.au/welcome.html