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 […]
Articles
Dianella for Erosion Control in New Zealand
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 […]
Should I Plant Callistemon in My NZ Garden?
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 […]
Growing in Auckland- What You Need to Know About Gardening and Horticulture in This City
Auckland, nestled on New Zealand’s North Island, provides a fertile and appealing environment for gardening enthusiasts. With its temperate maritime climate and volcanic soils, the city offers plenty of potential for horticultural success. Yet, like all locations, Auckland comes with its own unique set of challenges. Understanding these is key to cultivating a flourishing garden. […]
Can I Leave Green Waste on the Ground Instead of Collecting and Removing It?
If you’ve been spending hours raking up garden clippings, bagging them, and hauling them to the compost bin or green waste collection, you might have had this thought before—can I just leave it all on the ground? The answer, quite simply, is yes! Leaving green waste where it falls, through a process called “chop and […]
Best Medium-Sized Groundcovers in NZ
Introduction Are you looking for the perfect mid-sized groundcover? Something a bit too dense to walk through, but something that won’t block the view. This article was written just for you, and will cover some of the most resilient, ornamental, and low-maintenance medium-sized strappy and shrubby groundcovers available in New Zealand. Little Jess™ Dianella for […]
Is Phormium a Grass? A Guide for New Zealand Gardeners
New Zealand flax’s long, strap-shaped leaves and clumping growth habit might have you wondering, is Phormium a grass? The short answer is no. Though its appearance can be deceiving, Phormium is not a grass. Below, we’ll explain where Phormium fits in the plant world, why it’s confused with grasses, and list a couple of short, compact varieties […]
Is Liriope a Grass?
At some point in your life, you may have come across Liriope and wondered, is Liriope a grass? Known for its clumps of strappy green leaves, it’s an easy mistake to make. However, Liriope is not a grass. Below, I’ll explain why it’s often confused with grasses, where it actually belongs in the plant world, and we’ll […]
Is Dianella a Grass?
One might wonder, is Dianella a grass? Despite its slender, grass-like leaves, Dianella is not a grass. Below, we’ll uncover where Dianella fits in the plant world, and some of the toughest varieties that just about anyone can keep alone. Little Jess™ Dianella caerulea ‘DCMP01’. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/little-jess-dianella/ Blaze™ Dianella tasmanica ‘NPW2’. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/blaze-dianella/ What is Dianella? Dianella, sometimes called “flax lily,” is a […]
Hackable Plants for Brushcutter Pruning- A Guide to Responsible Plant Maintenance
Using a brushcutter with a blade head attachment can be a powerful way to manage thick, fibrous vegetation in your garden. However, not all plants respond equally to this type of vigorous pruning. To keep your garden thriving, it’s essential to understand not only the type of plant you’re cutting back but also the specific […]
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