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Saturday 4th March, 2023

Hi
From the shade to the sun due to a changing situation
Have to say that Feb has been the month of projects and its been quite full on. If you have been out, you may have noticed the new dispatch shed going up which is looking like it's going to be almost complete next week. Can't wait as we need to get the old lean to down so that we open up the main path through the garden centre. It's been a bit tricky with it closed off as we all have to go around.
Then we decided that the ornamental trees need to go to a sunnier position and that needed some structure to hold them up in the wind or at least have the ability to tie them up. Luckily for us a expert fencer Bruce had the time and got them made quick smart and then Gay who likes a bit of painting got them looking chic with a bit of help from Buster and myself.
We have now almost completed the big move of all the ornamental and fruit trees from the most shaded part of the garden centre to the area that now has the most light. All of a sudden you realize how many trees there are actually here. So, what was in Bays 3 to 6 are all now in Bay 13 to Bay 16
Another big project that is on the go is a software update; a Waitlist of plants you request (including those previously on back order) show on the new Waitlist page on your web account. This should make managing your account easier and more flexible - you can add or delete items, as required.
When Waitlist items are about to arrive, we will put them into you shopping cart and advise by email and text that they are ready to be processed and paid for. This ensures requested items are promptly allocated to you when in stock.
Feel free to email with any questions and we will do our best to sort these for you.
Shade trees for is it trees for shade 
When its not been raining its seems to get really hot and we all need a shade tree to sit under. There are lots of advantages to having deciduous shade trees, many don't like that Autumn drop of leaves. I always say that its only once a year that deciduous trees lose their leaves and evergreen trees seem to constantly drop and replace themselves and often these leaves are harsh and don't break down that quickly.
Trees that lose their leaves in the Autumn let the light through in the winter and so if they are in paddock or the town lawn then the grass get light to continue to grow. Through the harsh hot summer month the shade that deciduous tree provide seem to conserve some moisture and the grass stays green for longer. Then there seems to be so much more to choose from in shape and form like umbrella in trees that lose leaves so that people and stock can sit under them for some protection from the heat.
 
I know for myself I have planted Liriodendron or Tulip trees as paddock shade trees for the stock. These are tough and hardy specimen trees which will look handsome all year round with good green foliage which will turn butter yellow in the Autumn. They are often used as street trees in cities as well the countryside in fields. The leaves are quite a distinctive shape and they do have tuilp shaped flowers hence their common name of tulip tree though these can be hard to spot being green with some orange.
Golden elms or Ulmus Lutescens are a popular tree for country gardens and or paddocks alike. Lime green spring foliage that intensifies through the summer and into the Autumn. These trees you see around alot and they are typically quite rounded, low in comparison to other trees but with quite a wide umbrella shape making them so suitable for providing shade.
Ulmus Carpinfolia variegata is another very handsome large tree that will suit being planted out in the paddocks This beauty grows into a large rounded tree with what appears to be a light and airy habit but with attractive green and cream variegated leaves. The leaves on this Elm are much smaller than the golden elm but certainly great for providing dappled light and giving some shade. We need to reduce numbers here so 10 or more for half price.
Liquidambars grow into quite a pyramidal shaped tree with their distinctive shaped leaves and most will know that they are famous for their Autumn colours. There are quite a few selected or grafted forms to choose from.
Fraxinus Green glow and there another one called Cimmzan. These make for large spreading trees which would ideal to provide shade for stock or even in a large area where shade is desirable. Ash tree is the common name, and we have a large one in the middle of the garden centre that we would be without as it provides shade in the summer for all our customers. No leaves in the winter so it lets all the sun through at the cold time of the year which is perfect for us. 
 
The trumpet flowers of the Bignonia climbers 
Bignoniaceae is a big name and probably one family that we don't have so many plants of that belong to, in the garden centre that is. There are a couple of genus that many many will know and they are Paulownia (Empress tree) and their close cousins Catalphas. I know that Paulownias have always been a childhood fav of mine as their were a couple of grand old trees on the farm where we lived as kids. I think that their flower shape is pretty classic to what the flowers of Bignonia should be like. Basically, trumpet like in form.  There are some other trees that belong to this family and all will know the Jacaranda and should know of, Radermaceria or Canton lace which is often sold as a house plant. I see these more often, though, Canton lace appearing as trees in the gardens in Hamilton and I reckon that the climate here has warmed enough for these to do their thing.
 
Now this is really a piece about climbing plants and coincidently enough there are quite a few that belong to this Bignonia family with that classic trumpet shaped or form of flower. The first that I want to share is our very own NZ native Tecomanthe speciosa which has the most stunning, tropical looking glossy evergreen foliage. Then there are the white trumpet flowers in clusters looking very pristine. One for the warmer climates as it doesn't like the frost and a plant that I desperately want to grow. One day I will find a spot and with what seems to be a lack of frost in the Winter, well maybe I will win. Those in town will have a better chance than me and one needs to give it a go.
Campsis Madame Galen or trumpet vine is quite a vigorous climber, and you see them around now. Climber is what they are but perhaps not so in the classic idea but maybe a combo climber come shrub that can be tamed. Quite unmistakable as the flowers are again that Bignonia trumpet in an attractive shade of orange. Green leaves throughout the season and deciduous in the winter.
Pyrostegia venusta or flame vine is a sight to behold when in full flower. Everyone will want this one, again one for a not so cold spot spot but a warm microclimate will do.  I say again but spectacular in flower with clusters of tubular trumpet blooms in fiery orange... Its common name of lame vine is not for nothing and again one that I would love to have in my garden. Evergreen foliage.
Pandorea have been around as long as I have been in the industry. Wonga wonga vine or Bower vine are the common names and there are a few different species and cultivars that are great must have climbers. All of these have great evergreen foliage in a good dark shade of green and then followed by followers in the spring.
The classic would have to be Pandorea pandorana. Panicles of small tubular bell shaped flowers in rich cream with spotted throats appear in spring and summer and emit a lovely fragrance. Pandorea jasminoides Rosea and also the deep pink form have the larger tubular flowers in of course pink and deep pink shades. Very pretty!
Golden showers is similar in flower form to Pandorea pandorana except these the flowers as its name suggests are a beautiful golden colour. Ruby heart is another pandorana form with panicles of tubular bell shaped flowers in rich cream with spotted throats appear in spring and summer and emit a lovely fragrance.
 
Climbing plants grow or climb to reach the sun and so they will climb on structures, fences, trees and the like to be on the top in the sun. If you want them to grow on a full sun facing wall then they probably will cover it. If the wall is shaded at the bottom then its likely that the climber will grows to  and along the top only. Most climbing plants need something like wires or a trellis to twine their way around as they have no upright or woody tissue but hey there are always exceptions in the plant world and Campsis would be an example of something a little shrubby come climber.
Its official we are in sale month!
Roses 25% off as well as Fruit trees and much more
Check out Sale Area for all of the offers 
Roses are looking amazing as we have sprayed, fed and cut these back and they are now on the brink of the third flower flush for year and all are 25 % off the marked price. This includes all bush, standards and climbers.
These are available by mail order though please help us by having some substitutes as some of the varieties may be low in numbers.
Pip and stone fruit are all also 25 % off  and this includes Apples, Pears, Apricots, Cherries, Nectarines and plums, also Hazelnuts and almonds. There are even some Peaches, Nectarines and Almonds for just $20 each but not available for mail order, collection only as these are no longer showing in stock. All fruit trees have now been shifted from bay 5 and 6 into bay 15 and 16 and still in alphabetical order.
 
It's much darker in the morning when I get up and the temps seem to be cooler in the morning and evening even though the days seem to be quite on the warm side. I'm not complaining as we have hardly had any summer, but we are decidedly on the move into the Autumn. You can see it in the leaves on the trees and it's happening now. Don't think that I have ever had a green lawn all the way through summer. Always a first, I guess.
I have planted a heap of leek and brassicas for winter, prob the first time ever that I have had them in on time though are prepared to wage war on the white butterfly. Usually, I use Derris dust but maybe this year I will give the spray Sucess a go. I'm thinking there may be a shortage of vege this year and I want a good crop of produce for the winter.
Its looking to be a nice weekend which will be great for getting out and about, perhaps spend time in the garden to keep it up to scratch or come on out and check all our specials out otherwise.
Have a great weekend!
cheers Lloyd, Tony and the Wairere team 

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Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: