Quince. This disease resistant Quince was developed from an old tree growing in the garden at the Brown Sugar Cafe Taihape. The aromatic fruit are a lovely lemon shade and highly ornamental. Tolerant and easy to grow in a sunny spot. Use for making cider, jams and preserves. Deciduous.

Quince have a slightly different habit from other orchard trees in that the fruit blossom is borne on the current seasons growth therefore it is best to only lightly prune. Just take out any spindly branches in order to keep the tree open. Suitable for most NZ climates.

Quince. A reliable 'cropper' that produces large, yellow, attractive fruit that are ripe in autumn. Excellent for adding fragrance and picquance to preserves and sauces. Hardy and easy to grow in a sunny spot. Self fertile. Usually crops approximately 4 years after planting. Deciduous.

Suitable for most NZ climates.

A newer variety that has compact growth with highly decorative dense blue-green leaves.Short, thick and juicy stems that are bright ruby redat the base fading to green at the top. Great for jams and crumbles. Plant in the sun in well drained soil. Winter dormant in cool areas.

Remember not to eat the leaves.

A vigorous Heritage Rhubarb with healthy, strong upright growth. The stems are broad with quite a bit of green shading on the red stalks. Good flavour and produces well. Plant in humus rich soil that does not completely dry out in summer and feed regularly with organic matter. Perennial.

Wairere Top Tip. Try cooking Rhubarb with 1 sliced apple - it balances out the acid flavour nicely.

Evergreen prostrate ground cover that has very ornamental deeply veined foliage and single white flowers. Sometimes the flowers are followed by red raspberry like fruits. Very vigorous and ideal for covering up difficult spots. Happiest in full sun.