Techno Auntie keeps test kitchen busy LOL

I have been trying to organise my test kitchen (AKA dad) into trialing some more different ways of using Feijoas so that we can pass them onto you.  But he's been too busy this week as one of his sister's is out from Canada and they have been doing things.  Techno Auntie as she is affectionally (my word) known has been over for a few dinners in her stay here. Techno you may ask but how many 80 odd year olds do you know that (A) travel half way round the world and (B) pop over with the latest ipad under their arm hoping to hook into my wi fi. It's probably worth mentioning here that she is not that keen on dogs and the six that we have here are more than interested to check out the new comer to the house and dinner time is even more interesting. Especially when they think that something off her plate may be coming their way. I can assure you that this is not even slightly likely!!

Feijoas
I digress and the Feijoas are dropping like mad and there are only so many that you need bottled. The team here will probably be getting all manner of Feijoa muffins and cakes but I'm keen to turn some into relish for a change. He did make Feijoa and pear muffins last week but they were eaten before I got a photograph so will con him into making them again so watch this space.

        

Feijoas from $15.00 Click here for the full range

Last week I preserved a whole heap of passion fruit. Too easy, the hardest part was scooping all the inside out. I used jam jars that have the seal still on the inside of the lid. For every cup of pulp, I used 3/4cup of sugar and put all into a pot and brought to the boil. Simmered for approx. 5 minutes and poured into the clean and heated jars. Screwed the lids on and they all popped down when cold and are now just waiting for my Kapiti ice cream in the winter.

ROSES
As your roses start to finish, resist the temptation from now on to deadhead them or even cut them back as this will just cause them to grow again.  I know they will look scruffy but its only for a short time and we want them to set seed or rose hips. This signals to the plant that winter is here or just  around the corner and its time  to rest.  Its still early and depending on the stage that your roses are at, you could be planning to spray them with Lime sulphur to help them drop their leaves and go into winter mode. The alternative to lime sulphur is Neem oil and Copper oxychloride. Check out the organic garden page.

Rose Deal   While on the subject of roses here's a deal for those that are after some standards roses,  all are 25% off but the stds  Friesia, French lace and Diamonds forever which are normally $39,99 are just $10 each this week for those first in and first served

NEW IN THIS WEEK 

           

Camellias, the rest of these are in so if you are looking for that special one then get on out. Stunning plants as usual and all manner from hedging deals to espaliers, standards and of course plants

           

Rhododendrons Just arrived in, huge range and just awesome plants there for checking out in our newly tidied up area.

Magnolias amazing selection and plants that are just massive, all half price,

Stone fruit $20.00,  Golden ash, Medlars, Flowering Cherries all reduced.

Ornamental pears that have amazing autumn colours be great for a driveway or just as a speciman.

Oaks that have an upright form, look awesome as an avenue!!

Roses are are all 25% off.