Sustainability is a buzzword which permeates flower shows these days – and this year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show is no exception. Waterwise planting, water recycling, intelligent use of water, low-energy gardens and restoring soil nutrients are all key international garden trends and many of these concepts will be seen in two exhibition gardens at […]
Summer Revival Having just enjoyed the most spectacular holiday weather in years, it would seem churlish to lament its effect on the garden. After all, that jaded, post-holiday look is easily remedied. We’ll have to wait a while for perfect autumn planting weather. In the meantime, watering, feeding and grooming are the big three for […]
Now is the perfect time to plant out seedlings of vegetables for harvesting in winter. Many gardeners leave the planting of winter vegetables too late in the season to obtain good mature produce during the cold winter months. The idea is to plant out seedlings now while there is ample growth through warmth and plenty […]
This month we discuss what to plant in January, how to save seeds, offer tips on saving water and tell you why you shouldn’t worry about slaters in your garden. Seedlings to plant in January Beetroot, Carrot, Celery, Climbing beans, Cucumber, Dwarf beans, Lettuce, Leeks, Kumara, Parsnip, Pepper, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Rhubarb, Silverbeet Saving seeds Seed saving is the […]
After a typically wet Christmas, summer is just beginning. It’s not too late to plant those colourful flowering plants that will sizzle their way through the hottest months, well into autumn. If you want your flowers to stand out, steer clear of too many pastel shades. Summer’s hottest oranges, yellows and reds hold their own […]
Environment Bay of Plenty is changing the way it deals with Argentine ants, one of the world’s most widespread invasive ant species, recognising that eradication is no longer feasible. “The regional council will continue to provide ant identification services and advice on Argentine ant control and will only become directly involved in control operations where […]
Some gardeners may have been lucky enough to receive a glasshouse for Christmas. If so, congratulations, you are in for a lot of fun. I have been asked several times in the past for basic information about growing in a glasshouse so now is a good time to look at the subject. If you do […]
Worms are the most efficient method of recycling household waste into high value nutrients for the garden. Having your own worm farm is a great way to turn your kitchen scraps into liquid plant food and worm casts (virmicasts) which can then be incorporated into your gardens or containers.
