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FUTURE FLOWERS Bulbs such as dahlias, begonias and lilies can be planted now in time for flowering in summer. Bulbs are a great addition to the garden as they are fairly low maintenance and not particularly susceptible to pests and disease. They are also something to look forward to when the warmer weather starts again. Plant them where they will receive a lot of sun, and in well drained soil. If the soil in your garden is prone to being quite boggy, you can plant them in raised flower beds to encourage better drainage. Before planting dig in some compost to give them the best start. It's also a good idea to give them some fertiliser once they first sprout. POTTED PLANTS Plant some flowers in containers for colourful blooms in summer. Pot plants are handy for small spaces and are an easy way of bringing colour and nature inside. They're also good for the deck area. There are a variety of creative ways you can incorporate pot plants into your home and garden. Ideas for creative containers include gumboots and old shoes, tyres, vintage labelled tins and teapots. A visit to a local garage sale or op-shop would no doubt uncover some interesting planter possibilities. Even re-painting old pot plants can give them new life - you could colour coordinate them with the flowers they contain. Drill holes in the bottom of the containers to allow for drainage. Viola, polyanthus, poppy, cornflower, forget- me not, hollyhock, delphinium, cosmos, and carnations are among some of the flowers that are ideal for pot planting in these months, once planted, some blood and bone fertiliser can help prolong their blooming. ORANGES AND LEMONS If you have citrus tees they should be ripe or ripening around now. Here are some suggestions for warm drinks on cold nights. IT'S RAINING AND POURING A rain water collection system is something to think about coming into the summer months. A collection system can provide water for your garden and even washing, reducing water costs and conserving water at a time when it is less readily available. The size or type of system you will need will depend on what you plan on using the water for. There may also be some legal requirements depending on the system, so it's best to do some online research and check with your local council. If the system is solely for the garden you can purchase a large container that will connect to the down pipe. Cover it with a screen to prevent insects or animals from getting in. It may be necessary to have signage signalling the water is not suitable for drinking. HOT TODDY Traditionally made to help with colds, it won't cure you but can be a soothing drink before bed. Mix a shot of whisky, 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tbsp of lemon juice in a mug of almost boiling water. Quantities can be adjusted according to taste. There are a variety of versions of this recipe – some ideas for additional flavours are ginger syrup, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar and black or green tea. GARLIC AND LEMON Garlic is natural antioxidant and antibiotic and lemon is a good source of vitamin C, so this drink can provide a much needed boost to your immune system during winter. If you're not partial to garlic, the lemon also helps cancel out the garlicky taste. Blend the juice of 1lemon, 1 garlic bud and 1½ cups of water. Serve. www.hermagazine.co.nz | 115