Two wonderful talks last month have made my year First was Gwen Grelet at the last All About Gardening where she talked about soil and all the soil fungi that help our plants to grow. Science has moved on rapidly with smarter microscopes, photography and analysis of soil borne organisms. It was mind boggling to … Read More
Due to a successful crowd-funding campaign which generated $60k the FRN organised the planting of fruit trees. President Alan Jolliffe demonstrated the correct planting technique, then a team of 150+ volunteers, including Mayor Lianne Dalziel (pictured above) and Regeneration Minister Hon Nicky Wagner, went about their business with relish!
A long awaited dream for Tour Manager Gail Scrivener
In July while most of you were experiencing Winter in NZ I was enjoying the warmth of Summer in the UK for the purpose to visit numerous famous castles, manors, and well-known gardens. Attending the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show in the palace grounds has been a long-awaited dream and on the 4th July, it became reality for me.
The next instalment from Kowhai Thompson Landscape Design Trends 2017 Hyperlocalism There are several key trends to be aware of in 2017, one of which is hyperlocalism. For a long time landscape architects and designers have been enjoying using NZ native plants in their designs. Natives are unique, beautiful, hardy and thrive in our soils. … Read More
Where were you born and where did you spend most of your childhood? I was born in Christchurch and spent most of my childhood in Heathcote Valley and then in Cracroft. Where do you live now? I am currently living in Cracroft with my parents and brother. I am attending Cashmere High School as a … Read More
August is the last month of Winter or the start of Spring? This is my annual quandary because it is a bit of both; cold and wet at the start then becoming milder as the first signs of growth and flowers appear. This is the time when we should complete Winter pruning and spray programmes on fruit trees and plant new fruit trees, and berry fruits.
Spring is just around the corner and so are our Spring Garden Awards. Christchurch gardeners, now is the time to plan, plant and prepare!
Entries close 27 September 2017. CLICK HERE to download an entry form.
Pansy Lemonade Everyone needs a splash of colour, especially in Winter and early Spring. Pansy Lemonade is a 2017 standout with large bright creamy-lemon blooms with a black face and golden yellow picotee edges. Excellent for pots, garden beds and borders or wherever you want impact. Available in our bedding plant range with 9 plants … Read More
The next instalment from Kowhai Thompson Permaculture – Be Prepared, the Survival Garden Trend Permaculture gardening attracts all types. City people who want to have their hands in the soil and some fresh herbs for a meal. Lifestylers who want to be more self sufficient, and survival types who want to be prepared should bad … Read More
Winter has arrived and the weather is its usual mixture of wet, cold and windy. The sunshine hours are below the average for this time of the year too, making it feel much colder and wetter than it really is. Strong winds have caused damage to the trees and other plants in the garden. Its important to repair this damage as soon as possible, do this by pruning out the broken branches to healthy wood.