Wednesday 7th September, 2016
Hi
There is more to trees than leaves
and you ask what? and if we were writing about magnolias then I would be on about their gorgeous tulip shaped flowers but no this week we are on about bark, white peeling stuff or shades of white belonging to that hardy group of trees commonly called Birches.
For those that want to know the nitty-griity on birches they belong to the genus
Betula and to their own namesake family, the Betulaceace. It seems these handsome white peeling bark trees are native to Europe and parts of Asia though some of the cousins or related species are native to specific areas.
I'm sure that you have all seen the glossy pics in the fancy gardening magazines where birches are mass planted in clusters and then under planted with lovely bright green foliage that sets off the look. This is a great example of where trees are mass planted for effect as close planting causes them to grow up and out from each other in an almost natural/wild way. Hedera or Ivy is often under planted being a relatively low maintenance, weed free scenario.
Betula jacquemonti or Betula utilis var Jacquemonti is reputed to have one of the whitest bark but here's the go, that gets most, often young plants have quite brown bark that goes ultra white as the plant matures. Ill even go as far to say that all young birches look quite similar with quite insignificant brown bark and most clients doubt that they are going to become white.
Now there are so many birches and so many differing bark looks and amounts of peeling but in general its their claim to fame and they do look cool mass planted.
Stachyurus praecox The chestnut brown branches of this unusual deciduous shrub have an open spreading habit. In very early spring they are highly decorated with a myriad of chartreuse-yellow flowers that hang like little bells. Gorgeous picked for a unique floral decoration. Easy to grow in sun or part shade.
Corylopsis spicata Winter Hazel. You'll love this unusual shrub from Japan that has highly fragrant racemes of bright yellow bell shaped flowers in early spring. Attractive bare branch structure that becomes covered with rounded grey-green heart shaped leaves in spring. Prefers semi-shade and rich acid soil.
Primula a lovely selection of primula plants to begin the early colours of spring. Some lovely colours available. These plants like a bit of shade and moist ground but not wet feet and don't forget that the slugs find them delectable too so some slug bait won't go amiss.
Pandorea. Remember the Wonga vine? This rapid and strong growing climber has handsome glossy green foliage made up of divided leaflets. Panicles of tubular bell shaped flowersappear in spring and summer and emit a lovely fragrance. Plant in a sheltered, sunny, frost free position. Evergreen.
Whats Up? Coming events that we are supporting
Huntly Wearable Arts Awards Show........ I'ts getting closer.....and tickets are now on sale. These are $25.00 and can be purchased from Allen's Fabrics, Kaizo Hair and the Huntly I-Site.
With local lad TE RADAR as MC, lots of fabulous designs, and some exciting stage performances, including our MAIPI WHANAU, DANCERS and LIQUID HIP HOP dancer MAYO,
October 1st, 8pm, at the Huntly College Hall should be a great night out for young and old.
We can't forget our sponsors, can we!!! and our darling Wairere guys, Harry and Lloyd, and Tony who are sponsoring awards.
St Josephs Garden Ramble 2016 Garden Ramble
12 wonderful gardens and Ticket Prices at $40-00 include a cut lunch.
Gardens this year are River fringe on the East side and then out west to smaller plots and beyond to Te Kowhai / Horotiu to some pretty fantastic lifestyle gardens. Some owners will be offering home propagated plants. Our two Cafe Gardens are in Woodstock and Vintage themed, with fine china and embroidered cloths. Beautiful baking with tea and coffee to accompany.
There will be a limit so the sooner people buy the better. Email address for ordering and paying for tickets is stjosgardenramble@clear.net.nz. We would love to leave tickets with you for pre-sale however, these will be not be released until 2 weeks before the event for security reasons.
Go the All Blacks vs Argentina on Saturday, wishing the best of luck to the Argentinians as they are going to need it, the AB's don't need our wishes of luck they are a well oiled machine.
Lloyd, Harry and the Wairere Team
Make it a Wairere weekend where even
GNOMES know that gardening's not a drag.
