Autumn has reached its final month with a little burst of lovely, bright weather. This is the perfect time for any major planting you might have planned, as well as a great opportunity to brighten up the garden for winter.

Mother's Day is just around the corner so we've put together a little guide of things she will love. If you don't see the right thing for your mum, pop by! Our team of experts are ready to help you find the perfect gift every time.

The Oaks Cafe is taking bookings for Mother's Day Brunch, Lunch and in between so give them a call on 98907107 to secure your spot.

Mother's Day Gift Guide 

Quilted Tote Bag - $99

Our latest shipment of Indian treasures included these gorgeous quilted totes. They're made with hand block printed fabric and the colours are just stunning! Sturdy and large enough to carry whatever mum might need throughout the day.

Velvet Dressing Gown - $275

Also included in the shipment were our range of deliciously soft, velvet dressing gowns. Available in a variety of colours and patterns and fully lined with contrasting cotton, they add a little something special to the everyday.

Me Time Trio - $45

Gift mum a bit of relaxation with a self-care trio of luxury spa products. The pack includes the Calendula & Shea Butter Hydrating Body Cream, Lavender & Mandarin Hand & Cuticle Cream and the Chamomile & Rose Geranium Clay Soap. All Salus products are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and made in Australia.

Flint Rechargeable Lighter - $69

No more scrounging around for a lighter or half-empty box of matches to light a candle! The Flint Rechargeable Lighter is functional and beautiful with no waste, no mess and no refill required. Just charge it like your phone! Available in gold or gunmetal.

Tony's Tips 

May 2023 

It is late autumn and, although it has rained a lot, the temperatures are still mild. This is a great time to think about what will make you happy in the garden over the next four months. May is an ideal time to plant, and there are a lot of things that will flower over the cooler months.

Camellia sasanquas are flowering well and Camellia japonicas are about to start. As are Pieris, Azaleas, Hellebores and many cool climate annuals such as Primulas, Pansies, Poppies and Stocks. Cyclamen love the cold, love to be planted in cooling terracotta and are a great gift for Mother's Day!

We have a great selection of new season plants in this month. As the weather cools many of our showiest native shrubs are flowering madly including Grevilleas, Correas, Hardenbergias, and many more.

We also love Lavender Blueberry Ruffles, a neat compact growing bush with masses of violet purple flowers through the cooler months. With a trim and feed in early spring, it will often reflower in late spring.

Things to Do

• Feed winter-flowering plants to give them the boost they need to be at their best.
• Treat Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Viburnums for Azalea Lace Bug with Conguard, Contender or Bugkilla.
• Autumn leaves are a fantastic resource for your garden. Put them in a compost bin, hole or bag with some blood and bone and let nature do its job. You'll have rich compost in no time!
• Prune back Japanese Windflowers. Divide and replant them if needed.
• This is the last month to plant bulbs. A little bit of work now will pay off beautifully in late winter and spring!

Plant of the Month 

Protea Special Pink Ice

My feature plant this month is an oldie but goody. Protea Special Pink Ice is one of the best performing Proteas. Proteas are very drought tolerant plants from South Africa that thrive in low-maintenance gardens. It will start budding up this month and flower through winter. It also does very well as a cut flower for inside the home. Always plant in well drained situations and use a good native fertiliser.