NICHOL’S NEWSAUTUMN 2018, ISSUE #7

• Get cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli planted now, this will give them a good head start before winter

• Hydrangeas are more fashionable than ever – grown in the shade their late summer flowers are invaluable

• Pop some potted colour in the gaps to add some autumn colour

• Save any leaves, they make marvellous mulch for next summer’s dry spells

• Plant spring bulbs, the more the merrier as mass plantings always have the best impact

• Plan for no plastic bags! Bring your boxes, reusable bags and boot liners next time you visit Nichol’s.

RHYS’Pieces

SEASONAL BITS AND PIECES TO BE

DONE AROUND YOUR GARDEN, FROM

NICHOL’S GENERAL MANAGER, RHYS GIBBS.

We’re Loving Autumn

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NICHOL’S NEWS

Join Growing Rewards! Sign up today at

www.nicholsgroup.co.nz

NICHOL’S SAYS NO TO PLASTICThe title says it all really – single use plastic bags are

no-more at Nichol’s!

As of April 10th 2018, the pesky plastic bag will no longer be an option at our counters, instead we’ve

developed a range of alternative packaging options to get your purchases home – see below. Remember,

plastic plant pots and punnets can be washed out and added to your kerb side recycling too. Got any

feedback for us? Email us at info@nicholsgroup.co.nz with ‘no plastic’ in the subject line.

One of the most common questions we get asked in spring time, is “do you sell daffodil bulbs?”. Of course the answer is “yes!”, but

they’re on the shelves in autumn, not spring. To wisened gardeners this is a no-brainer – bulbs

need time in the ground to chill over winter, then burst into life at the advent of warmer weather.

But to others, the news that they can’t buy bulbs one week and have them sprouting up new

growth the next is a surprise, we’ll happily point them in the direction of potted and flowering

bulbs we have in store though and tell them to mark their calendars for next spring.

And that’s what we love about gardening – whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro,

there’s always something to learn. If you’ve learnt something new this gardening season, email us at info@nicholsgroup.co.nz with your tip and a photo if possible, pop ‘gardening tip’ in the subject line and we may well include in our next newsletter.

Happy gardening everyone, Rhys

Nichol’s Tote Bags (see overleaf):

Compostable Paper Bags:

FREE

Compostable Paper Boxes:

FREE

BYO Bags: FREE

$9.99EACH

PARMASAN & ZUCCHINI FRITTERSGot a glut of zucchini right now?

We know the feeling! Try this quick, yummy recipe soon.

READY IN 20MINS, SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS• 2eggs• 1 garlic clove• 1⁄2teaspoon salt• 3 cups zuchinni, grated • 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated• 1⁄2 cup self-raising flour, approx• oil

DIRECTIONS1. Beat the eggs. Crush the garlic

and add to the eggs with the salt. Mix again.

2. Add the firmly packed grated zuchinni and cheese then stir in enough self-raising flour to make a batter consistency.

3. Drop batter into hot oil to make small fritters. Turn over when golden brown.

4. Serve with yoghurt cucumber mint sauce or any relish, chutney or tomato sauce.

A FLORAL FAREWELL

After roughly 13 years as a Nichol’s florist, Dunedin team member Marie Driver is hanging up her

pinny. Marie’s looking forward to more time spent tripping around

and relaxing at her Pounawea crib, and when we asked what she was going to miss most about her job? The people – both customers and

team members. We’ll certainly miss you too Marie, thank you for your friendship and years of service!

NEW IN STORE:

$9.99EACH

Nichol’s Tote Bags

Stylish, durable and environmentally friendly. Get your favourite limited-

edition designs today!

NEW

A SOUTHERN EDENNichol’s Invercargill Assistant

Manager Yvonne Ostendorp let us have a sneek peak into her garden oasis in Invercargill. Her sizeable

property includes an orchard, lovely garden and two tunnel

houses that assist her to defy the Southern southerlies. In these

tunnel houses she grows bumper crops of feijoas, lemons, limes

and grapes, plus brassicas, early carrots, brussel sprouts and other vegetables over winter. Be sure

to ask her about it next time you spot her in our Invercargill store!

$32.99EACH

Ellen

2018 ROSE CATALOGUENichol’s annual rose catalogue is hot off the press,

pre-order now for June arrival in stores.

Hundreds of varieties available including;

A strong David Austin bush shrub with fragrant cupped blooms or rich apricot. 1.2m.

30 spring favourites in one colour palette to suit your garden or pot. Choose from white, blue, yellow, pink or red.

$19.99EACH

MIX ‘N’ MATCH BULBS

SUPPORTING STUDENT OF THE YEARNichol’s is proud to support the next generation of passionate gardeners, including the donation of a $500 prize awarded to Otago Polytechnic’s Sustainable Horticulture Student of the Year.

2017’s recipient was graduate Jason Smith, here’s what Jason had to say.

“The sustainable horticulture option of the National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) has been inspirational for me, not only for learning on campus, but constantly stumbling across new interests and ideas during my study that I otherwise may not have discovered. I’m seeing the world at work on a totally new level, and being aware of the world’s diverse microbial community is a very cool gift to leave with.

In the future I have goals of increased self-sufficiency and sustainability. Discovering the world of permaculture will certainly help me on my way.

I have to say a big thank you to Otago Polytechnic staff for sharing their knowledge and passion over the year. They are a great team of lovely people, who offer a diverse range of knowledge and know-how.

A big thanks to Nichol’s for this incredibly generous gift. It will certainly be put to good use!” Jason

Jason Smith (left) pictured with Lisa Burton, programme manager for horticulture and arboriculture,

Otago Polytechnic.

Keep an eye out for: WENDY THE

WATERMELONIn an attempt to dispel a myth

that we’re too far south to grow watermelons, the Nichol’s

Dunedin team optimistically planted “Wendy” amongst the

vegetables in the garden centre. She’s been growing steadily

since spring, proving that as long as some form of shelter is given,

we can all add a watermelon plant to our spring shopping lists!

STARTS MARCH 24TH, DON’T MISS IT!

www.nicholsgroup.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYSDUNEDIN Cnr Timaru & Teviot Sts, Ph: 455-1579, info@nicholsgroup.co.nz

INVERCARGILL 200 North Rd, Ph: 215-7863, northrd@nicholsgroup.co.nz

CROMWELL Junction of the Highways, Ph: 445-0150, cromwell@nicholsgroup.co.nz

facebook.com/nicholsgroup

instagram.com/nicholsgardencentres

If you love gardening as much as we do, then join Nichol’s Growing Rewards to receive instant rewards such as:• Rewards points every time you shop,

redeemable on exciting products

• Monthly newsletters and information directly to your email

• Exclusive offers and special rewards – just for you

Join in store or online today at www.nicholsgroup.co.nz - look for the Growing Rewards button on our homepage!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

SATURDAY MARCH 24TH Nichol’s autumn sale starts

SATURDAY MARCH 24TH TO THURSDAY MARCH 29TH

Southland Chrysanthemum Show, Nichol’s Invercargill

MONDAY MARCH 26THOtago Anniversary Day

All Nichol’s stores and cafés OPEN

FRIDAY MARCH 30THGood Friday All Nichol’s stores

and cafés closed, but OPEN every other day over Easter

TUESDAY APRIL 3RDSouthland Anniversary Day

All Nichol’s stores and cafés OPEN

WEDNESDAY APRIL 25TH – ANZAC DAYAll stores and cafés OPEN from 1pm

IN OUR COMMUNITYRecently we have contributed to the following causes;

• Land’s End Garden Club• Halfway Bush Kindergarten• Chatbus Dunedin• Waiau A&P Show• West Harbour Bowls Club • Invercargill A&P Show• Mosgiel Pool Fundraiser • Otautau Quilts & Flowers• Invercargill Relay For Life• Otago Girls High School Challenge Expedition• Bluff Kindergarten• Dunedin Relay For Life – Sue’s Crew Treasure

Chests• Otago Polytechnic’s Sustainable Horticulture

Student of the Year prize (see article)

REDEEM YOUR POINTS ON A WIDE RANGE OF FREE GIFTS INCLUDING:

NICHOL’S GROWING REWARDS!

Additional products also available. Offers available to Nichol’s Growing Rewards card holders only, while stocks last. Café purchases exempt from points accrual. See in

store or online at www.nicholgroup.co.nz for details.

Coffee & Cake at Nichol’s Garden CaféOne Regular Hot Drink (coffee,

tea or hot chocolate) AND One Muffin or Baked Slice

(food item to the value of $5.50).

4 Herb Herbert

Herbs of your choice

Breakfast for Two at Nichol’s Garden Café

Food and drinks to the value of $40.

200 POINTS

300 POINTS

500 POINTS

KEEP UP WITH NICHOL’S LATEST NEWS

A lot can happen between our seasonal newsletters so be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. We also email our Growing Rewards members every month with the latest products, specials and updates on events. You can sign up as a member on line (www.nicholsgroup.co.nz) or at store checkouts. Fill in the form including your email address

so we can keep you informed where ever you are.

facebook.com/nicholsgroup

instagram.com/nicholsgardencentres

HAVE YOU GOT A CAUSE YOU’RE

FUNDRAISING FOR? Submit a letter or email to your

local Nichol’s store and we’ll be sure to consider your

request.