Gosh, wasn't it a windy week last week though have to say that the roadside planting combinations that we have done kept 80 % of the nursery standing which is all good. Our rustic looking pergola wasn't so lucky and has been standing in the garden centre for approx. the last 20 years until those winds last week. It was quite amazing but although it was windy there was only really one big gust that pushed it over and surprisingly no damage was made. We dismantled all the pieces and I have to say the area looks really good and way more open without it.

It's timely to remind all about using trees and hedges as effective wind breaks especially as they are quite cost effective compared to other structures. Trees will filter and reduce the wind speed and hedges tend to be more of a barrier and will cut the wind directly on their lee side and both used in conjunction with each other looks damn good but are effective at dropping the wind too.

Many plants can be used for effective hedges but there are a few points that are worth remembering. Quite often the quicker grown hedges have a shorter life span and due to their quick growing nature may need trimming more often. Slower growing plants on contrast are often there for the longer haul. I have to say here that there is a place for both types of plantings. Quick growing wind break hedges commonly include plants like Pittosporums, Griselinias, Corokias etc. Slower but very long term choices include Totaras, Camellias, Hollies hornbeams and beeches.

Another point worth noting is that some plants are grown from seed and these tend to be cheaper choices though. Other hedging plants are grown from cuttings and I think that these hedges look the best as all the material is genetically the same.  Don't discount deciduous hedges as you really can't see clearly through them and they make for quite a classic look, are really tough and look absolutely gorgeous in spring. Some of my favourite hedge plants would have to be Hornbeams and beeches, Camellias look stunning as do Hollies... it`s all a matter of the look that you like!

Bearded Irises other than their name are just gorgeous. I got to thinking about the name Iris (as you do) and thought now this is one girl who could have an identity crisis. Named after the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow but often described as having a ‘beard'. Well I don't know about you but I don't often imagine a Goddess with a beard. Of course the ‘beard' is actually the little fuzzy strip of growth at the top of lower petals (called falls) and this beard is actually quite clever as it is designed to guide the bees into the flower and trap pollen. The top petals of the Iris are called standards B.T.W. The Iris has been revered since ancient times and the rhizomes (orris root) were sought after for medicinal remedies. The Iris has also been used as a symbol in heraldry for centuries and is known as the ‘Fleur de lis' which literally translated means Flower of the Lily! There are many and varied theories how this came about however the ‘Fleur de lis' is actually a stylized form of Iris pseudacorus not a Lily at all. There is also form of Iris pseudacorus called ‘Bastardii' which I'm guessing was probably named by a lover of Lilies!

        

Now these beauties like surprisingly rich soil but they like their rhizomes to be in the sun and for them to  bake, ( well dont we all LOL) and good drainage. Now if I remember correctly to all those years ago that I studied Hort, that these little beauties have contractile roots which are special roots that help them position themselves in the soil so they sit at the right depth but however you plant these make sure that the rhizome is exposed to the sun. These plants can be divided after flowering and then replanted.

Not only are plants themselves fascinating but some of the history that surrounds their names is as well. I googled Judas tree and found a whole raft of  information appeared so then I took the lazy approach and asked my colleague to sort out the good bits for me so that I could share them in this week's email. I'm sure that she enjoys these little projects as we both find more out about the plants that we deal with other than the norm

She writes "Aren't plant names fascinating?"
"According to urban legend from early Jerusalem Judas Iscariot hung himself on a Cercis silquastrum tree in a fit of remorse after betraying Jesus to the Sanhedrin priests for 30 pieces of Silver. Jesus and his disciples one of which was Judas had gathered in the garden of Gethsemane - a place Jesus liked to go for prayer and reflection. Judas identified Jesus to the priests by kissing him on the cheek. This led to the arrest of Jesus and his subsequent crucifixion. Another theory is that Judas is a corruption of the word Judea the area where these trees were common.
The Cercis or Judas tree was introduced to Europe in 1596. The word Cercis is Greek for ‘Weaver's Shuttle' which is what the seed pods of this tree are meant to look like.

In a strange twist from ‘The News of the Weird' a Brazilian actor hung himself accidentally in April of this year when re-enacting the hanging of Judas in an Easter Passion Play.

Cercis trees are really cool the way flowers appear directly on their stems. I have always been of the opinion that they need a little direction about shaping them into a small tree. There are few species usually available being canadensis, silaquatrum and Chinensis. White pink and ceris typifies the flower colour and normally they have largish kidney shaped leaves. A popular one these days would have to be Forest Pansy renown for its burgundy coloured foliage and it also has cerise pink flowers directly on the branches.

      

Lavender or Lavandula........

NEW IN THIS WEEK:  Lavender Fovaux Storm. The smaller growing English lavender with deep purple flowers on stems

Everyone loves Lavender and its this time of the year that this classic plant comes into its own. Now Lavender is a sun only plant and the more sun it gets, the better and it also likes good drainage . There are a few types of lavender and the Stoechus ones are those that have what I call the rabbit ears out of the top. Then there is the English which are the ones that have fragrant flower on stems and are suitable for drying and making essential oils etc
There is a bit of a deal going on with Lavs at the moment and Ang has bought in  a selection of lavender that are 3.99 each and then if you grab 10 for $30.00 These are a smaller grade plant but great specimens

Ilams or deciduous azaleas are just stunning. They are just coming into their own in flower right now so if you want to check them out then now is the time to get out into the nursery '

          

Labour weekend is here and we are open all of it, normal hours of 8.30 to 5pm inclusive. Mail orders will still be disptached next week even though its a short week though the South island and upper and lower north island have to be dispatched on Tuesday and the rest of the North island will leave Wednesday. 

Events... we have updated  to the  Garden events tab and here there is a list of the societies and their contacts for those that are keen on attending any of these.

Its the long weekend before Xmas and that will be coming up fast now. If we dont see you out at the Nursery, have a good one.

Cheers, Lloyd and Harry and the team

Make it a Wairere weekend where gardening's not a drag