Articles

When privacy, wind protection, and year-round visual interest are non-negotiables, the right screening plant can make or break a landscape design. In New Zealand’s varied climates—from coastal to alpine—selecting resilient, low-maintenance species that also meet aesthetic and functional expectations is essential. Whether for residential boundaries, commercial developments, or public spaces, this guide explores the best […]

Landscape specifiers and designers in New Zealand are increasingly turning to Lomandra species as a robust, adaptable solution for both urban and regional projects. Originally native to Australia, selected cultivars have proven highly effective in erosion control, biodiversity support, and low-input landscaping across a wide range of New Zealand environments. Tanika™ Lomandra longifolia ‘LM300’ PVR. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/tanika-lomandra/ Why […]

While red and blue-toned Dianella cultivars often steal the spotlight, green-foliaged varieties offer a subtler, more naturalistic option for specifiers and designers seeking harmony, versatility, and foliage longevity in designed landscapes. Their vivid greens blend effortlessly with surrounding planting palettes, making them ideal for softening hardscapes, reinforcing biodiverse plantings, or delivering structure in both formal […]

Blue-toned Dianella cultivars offer a striking combination of form, function, and resilience for landscape specifiers and designers in NZ. These strappy-leaved performers don’t just add cool-toned contrast—they deliver low-maintenance structure, year-round interest, and proven adaptability across a range of soil types and urban conditions. But not all blue-toned Dianella are created equal. Which cultivars truly […]

Red foliage brings a bold, eye-catching contrast to the green-dominated palette of most planting schemes. In landscape design, red-leaved plants are used to create focal points, add seasonal interest, and signal transitions between spaces. In New Zealand, a diverse range of native and exotic species can deliver rich burgundy, copper, or crimson tones—whether through new […]

Managing erosion is a top priority for land managers, urban developers, and landscape specifiers alike. Whether it’s stabilising roadside batters, reinforcing swales, or protecting coastal and riparian edges, selecting the right plant species is crucial to long-term success. Among the most dependable options is Lomandra—a group of tough, clumping grasses native to Australia, with several […]

Creating landscapes that support pollinators is both an ecological responsibility and a design opportunity. Native NZ pollinators such as bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and even birds like tūī and korimako are always looking for nectar and pollen in urban areas, and specifiers may wish to integrate plantings that sustain them throughout the year. This article […]

Erosion is an entropic force on our urban landscapes. Unchecked, it causes our most valuable resource, our topsoil, to slowly disappear day after day, year after year. For specifiers seeking robust, low-maintenance planting solutions to stop erosion in its tracks and begin building soil health, Dianella offers a proven combination of soil-stabilising performance and aesthetic […]

When it comes to adding both beauty and functionality to a garden, Callistemon, or Bottlebrush, is a genus worth considering. These striking, hardy plants boast vibrant flower displays and adaptability, making them a popular choice for many gardeners. However, is this iconic Australian plant truly a good fit for your New Zealand garden? Below, we’ll […]