Friday 29th March, 2024
Hi
Yesterday was the day to get planting.
I planned that it was going to be Wednesday to get started on the latest big planting project and that was to get into the ground some 300 odd Kahikatea amongst other reveg plants. We have a window of Autumn (Nature takes care of the watering) to get them into the ground and before our potting season as then its all hands on deck getting all of the new seasons roses, fruit and ornamental trees into bags.
It has been a bit of a mission to get started because it's either been under water and or too wet. The next hurdle was that all of the willow weed, amongst other triffids growing there, were just huge... like shoulder height and one just couldn't see to plant. I knew that most of the weeds would go with the cool weather or frosts but we didn't have that kind of time to wait for that to happen. Luckily it was dry enough to get a tractor and mulcher in there to raze it all to the ground. A few weeks later, and on Wednesday just gone, with quite a number of the team, we have made real progress and got quite an area done. There is a heap more to do as we retired quite an area that constantly floods and its better off being back to its natural state of the very handsome white pines.
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The more plants that I can get in there to grow, the better. They will shade out the area underneath and then minimise the weeds, the kahikatea will grow through eventually and tower out over the top. Lol, not in my time frame, though hopefully I will get to see some real regeneration happen over the next few years.
Don't put off the gains that will be made with Autumn planting whether it be a largish project like the one here at the nursery or a smaller mass planting, a new garden or hedge. These plants will make huge root gains now in the Autumn and you will be pleasantly surprised at how they take off in the spring. My other point is, delay and its another year lost of growth.. so the more planting I can squeeze in this year the better.
Autumn is the season of fruits, well really the seed part of the cycle and there are some totally attractive fruits that certainly add to the colour palate of this time of year. Check out the
crab apples and there are plenty of reasons to have these as a tree in your garden.
First up is that they usually make for a smaller tree or can be kept to a manageable size. I planted one in the chook house as a small tree for shade and the bonus for the hens is they can have the fruit as it falls.
Next up is they look pretty in spring with a blaze of blossom ranging from single whites and pinks to some cultivars which have quite double blooms similar to those of a cherry blossom.
Then in the Autumn many cultivars will literally drip with masses of very colourful tiny apples which can be a sight to behold. If you are that way inclined, crab apple jelly could be on the cards to make.
Golden Hornet Pink buds open to pale pink blossom in spring. The blossom is followed by heavy crops of little golden-yellow apples that almost cover the branches in autumn-winter - highly ornamental. Upright pyramidal habit.
Profusion Well it's called 'Profusion' for a reason - starts to flower from a young age and puts on a 'profuse' display of deep wine red blossom in spring. The flowers are followed by small red Crabapples. The coppery new leaf growth which turns fresh green for summer
Snowbright A gorgeous blossom tree that has a semi weeping habit and is covered with masses of dainty white flowers in the spring. These are followed by orange-red fruits that last through the winter.
Toms gold Brilliant display of single white flowers in spring followed by fresh green foliage and a mass display of medium sized golden fruit with yellow flesh that are suitable for making jelly
Autumn Sale Come on out and check it all out .. Closed Good Friday but Open Sat, Sun and Mon 8.30 am to 5pm
Camellias All cultivars at $42.99 now just $35.00
Includes hedging Sasanquas, Japonicas and hybrids .. check out one of the smallest hybrids Little Gem which grow only to around 50 to 60 cm and could be used as a small hedge. Sweet Emily Kate is another sweetie and grows to just around one metre. For a normal sized hedge, have a gander at Early Pearly or even Setsugekka
Selected berries like raspberries Currants and Boysenberries 50 % discounted
Ornamental and fruits trees that have been taken out of stock from just $30.00.. These are not online and so you will have to call out and sort through them
What's interesting in stock
Agapanthus Blue Ice.. You cant go past them, well I cant.. The flowers are amazing, large heads with individual florets being shaded blue at the base as they fade out to white. Typical Agapanthus foliage but much wider leaves than the usual and so quite dramatic. All the hardy aspects of agapanthus and so great for full sun, poorer soils and just generally exceedingly tough.
Tibouchinas.. We probably are all familiar with the classic that has graced our gardens for years with the endless display of single purple flowers. Possibly also known by its old common name of Lassiandra. Today there are quite a few new hybrids that will flower just as well in the garden, perhaps more compact and in some very pretty shades of lilacs to purple
Tibouchina Blaze of Glory.. This one has it all! Beautifully variegated foliage on a lovely compact bush that will fit anywhere in your garden or grow it in a pot. Oodles of rich, deep purple flowers cover the bush for months. Will grow in full sun or partial shade but will want some frost protection. Trim after flowering to maintain it's size and shape. Evergreen
Tibouchina Peace Baby Peace Baby is one of the most compact forms of Tibouchina currently available. Large, clear white flowers with pink stamens throughout the year. Beautiful as a specimen in a pot or in the garden. Protected from frost it will flower all year round. Repeat flowering.
Tibouchina Blue moon Glory Bush. Beautiful dark green velvety leaves and lilac coloured flowers in summer and autumn. Frost tender and needs protection from the wind. Will grow well in a sunny spot in the garden. Evergreen
Phylica plumosa The 'Flannel Bush' has unusual, fluffy, pom pom flower bracts in shades of cream that sit proudly on top of the strong branchlets making them perfect for picking. Rounded evergreen shrub to 70cm tall. Prefers a sunny position and loose open soil that is free draining. Winter flowering
Gordonton Art and design trail is not far away now.
Gordonton art and design trail is on the weekend after Easter being the Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of April. Hours 10am to 4pm. This is a free event and trail maps will be available from the nursery and various other venues in Gordonton. Artists will have work for sale and will accept both cash sales and bank transfers. Our own Anthony Skinner will be participating.
Te Aroha RSA Quiz 2024 17th May starts 7 pm
Teams of 6 $10 per person
Dress theme Barn Dance... Word is that it may pay to have a farmer and a a gardener on your team. Bookings essential Contact the RSA 07 884 8124
Wahoo a long weekend, being the Easter 4 days. We are closed tomorrow as it is Good Friday and so a sleep in for me, otherwise the garden centre is open as per usual the other days. I am not sure that the weather line up is that good, with Monday apparently being the better day but who knows. If you are planting then the rain is good for the plants and I know for a fact that we don't melt. If you are going away, have fun with friends and family and above all take care out there on the roads.
Have a fabulous Easter weekend
Cheers from Lloyd, Tony and the Wairere team
