Nothing focuses the mind on the important things in life more than a health hiccup. Having just recovered from a broken toe (chasing the dog down the drive ... don't ask!), I am grateful to be able to walk around and enjoy full mobility again. Now that I can get around - first thing I did was get out into my garden. Why? Because I can and I love it! It's mental as well as physical health, it's relaxing but energetic, it's beauty and order and some sense of agency - it's what I make but what the plants create too which gives me pleasure. Every garden is different for every person - there isn't a right way or a wrong way - just what suits you. Whenever I write the newsletter I know that you won't love all of it but hopefully some parts or some editions will resonate and that will be your inspiration for the future. 

We are all feeling the pain from the petrol price increase but hopefully this is a short rather than long term issue and we can all get back to normal soon. For those with vegetable and fruit gardens we are blessed with access to the ability to bypass the trip to the supermarket on occasion which is great. Recently the local branch of the Tree Crops Association held their annual conference in our area. This and other community groups are a great way to share knowledge about growing everything from apples to avocados, mandarins to macadamias. One of their members also shared a post on Facebook of a list of fruit trees to ensure all year round access to fruit either cultivated or "wild" e.g. blackberries, loquats or in fruit trees in public areas. Its true, here in New Zealand we can grow something to eat every month of the year, with a little planning...

 

 

I'm back from my trip to the South Island and just in time for the masses of new stock which is arriving daily at the nursery. We have received our fantastic new stock of Rhododendrons and Azaleas which will be basically 'it' until next year. The family of Rhododendrons contains all the plants which are known as Azaleas too. The key difference between the two, are to do with the flowers and the leaves i.e. Azaleas have less stamens and a different shaped flower, with thinner more pointed leaves. Azaleas also have fewer flowers per stem but are very prolific, so when they are in flower they are often completely covered in bloom, whereas Rhododendrons have flowers in trusses. So the way I look it is Azaleas are like the Rhododendrons cousins who are the flamboyant shorter versions who talk non stop for a while and then pass out. Or something like that!

 

 There are such a huge variety of rhodo and azalea flower colours it make you wonder how that has come about. Various sources I have read have said that there are between 28,000 and 28,000,000 rhododendron cultivars (cultivated varieties) but not all of them are named. These have come about from about 800 to 1000 species or "wild" rhododendrons. How is this possible you ask? - the answer is Rhododendron Sex. Or actually humans who make it happen. 

Rhododendron breeding - how they make new hybrids is really interesting because it is very labour intensive to create a new plant type. There's a great video here about how they do it and it involves "mechanical stimulation" i.e. shaking or tapping the flower to encourage the anthers to shed their pollen. Yes actually.  Rhododendrons and Azaleas have evolved to be insect pollinated so the buzzing and shaking of the bee which visits is enough to make pollen appear and then pollen is transferred from one flower on one plant to another flower on another plant. People mimic this process by shaking the flowers and hand transferring the pollen from one to the other. When left on the plant the pollinated pistil (female part of flower) will eventually become a seed. From these seedlings new plants are selected for their different flower colour and fragrance and their form (tall, short, bushy). You could basically plant a rainbow of rhododendrons with everything in the ROYGBIV colour range (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet) PLUS White and still have heaps of choice. The main thing to remember is that although these are woodland plants i.e. can grow under trees - they don't need full shade. In fact if you read the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) website on the matter they say avoid deep shade. When you think about it forests/woods are constantly having trees fall over as they die - big gaps for light and sun to come in. So don't be scared to plant your rhododendron or azalea in a place with plenty of light, what they love is rich organic matter so avoid sandy soils and mulch well to retain moisture in the summer. 

 

If you have ever seen a kowhai in full flower full of tui singing their hearts out you know you are in New Zealand. Such a stunning tree clothed in yellow pea shaped flowers and delicate leaflets, they are a favourite for many. There are eight species of our beloved kowhai or sophora and all are endemic to NZ, i.e. they are species that exist naturally only in one specific, restricted geographic location i.e. on these far flung islands. Native birds such as the tui, bellbird, kākā and New Zealand pigeon/kererū all benefit from kōwhai trees as they are an important seasonal nectar food source for them. Currently at the nursery we have a few special forms of kowhai which are not ready available including Cave's Weeping a hybrid form with a weeping habit, Godleyii which originates in the Rangitikei district, Longicarinata which originates from Nelson and is similar to microphylla but with darker and longer leaflets and a soft lemon flower. We also have Little Baby which is a cute hybrid with tiny leaves and an eventual height of 1.5m. Often referred to as a "Tree of Life" (Kōwhai-turanga ora), the kowhai tree has deep roots in Māori culture and tradition. It represents personal growth, and is often given as a gift to mark a special occasion.

There's plenty to choose from when it comes to colour in the garden at this time of year - from foliage to flowers, berries, fruit and stems there is colour all around us. 

Hydrangea Quercifolia are great for autumn colour in the leaves and the striking flowers give interest in summer months with their creamy panicles. These are spreading bushy plants which require little care apart from fertiliser and water in the summer. Mulch well to retain moisture in summer. 

Crabapples are a special treat for autumn giving the opportunity to see birds in the garden feasting on the brightly coloured fruit. Orange, red and yellow mini apples can also be used for jelly or jam if you are so inclined. Flowers of pink, white or red in spring followed by fresh green foliage all summer. Varieties include Golden Hornet, Gorgeous, Profusion, Jack Humm and Prairifire

 

Anemone Snow Queen: My daughter commented on these when we were out for a walk - they create a stunning affect when planted together - tall and striking when much of the garden is dying down after the summer heat. 

Thryptomenes flower from autumn to spring and are used extensively by florists because of their arching branches covered with tiny flowers and their long vase life. They make a great addition to a cottage garden or general border giving a change of foliage with their dainty leaves and pretty flowers.

 

Hold onto your hats and tie up your trees.  If the weather forecast is correct, its about to get windy. Time to stake your trees and put away your summer umbrellas. If you act now you may prevent your future self some pain and heartache of a precious plant being snapped or broken off. If the worst happens then its important to use a saw that's sharp and ideally cut close but not flush with the stem of the tree or shrub so that you preserve the tree collar allowing it to heal over. The best remedy is to avoid the situation in the first place so maybe its time to move your vulnerable pots and planters into a sheltered spot if you can.

 

What ever you are up to this weekend, I hope its a goody and that you and your loved ones stay safe. Regards Tracy