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Saturday 30th November, 2024

Hi

It's all about pots 
Growing plants in Pots is another completely different way to garden and the first key point here is that there is no buffer or wriggle room. If the pot runs out of water or food there is no slack to be had, and you will see the result in the foliage and the plant's performance. Of course the same can be said for a plant in the ground but generally, they don't die, they just don't perhaps perform to their full potential. 
There are a few rules for plants in containers and my number one is to use quality potting mix, and only potting mix, as it is manufactured to be the perfect growing media. We use Dalton's premium mix for our annual potting of Roses and Trees. It's a recipe that was designed for us, and we have planned to have 9 months of available food. We always have amazing results and our roses have looked spectacular. On our next dead head we will cut our roses back and top dress with a fertiliser designed specifically for pots so that we don't get a lag as the original feed runs out. When containers run out of food the plant foliage becomes a lighter green which indicates nitrogen deficiency. I try to avoid this by feeding ahead.

 
Watering is another biggie and one that you have to keep you eye on as it's all up to you. I say that it's really about understanding how plants grow and being observant because their water-requirements will differ according to stage of growth, time of year and even down to the type of plant. Some quick examples are a deciduous plant in a new pot in the winter won't need much water after its initial water-in compared to the same plant in the height of the growing season when it will have a higher water demand. Roses are a good example here.  A newly potted plant in a large pot also won't need excessive water compared to a similar plant that has been in the same pots for years. 
Picea Glauca Conica or Dwarf Alberta Spruce, which is a true dwarf, growing very slowly in a perfect cone shape up to an eventual height of about two metres. These are quite small and would make the most brilliant table-top Christmas decorations. The one in the foreground is an example of this particular Picea in my collection of trees in pots at home. The Maple in the background is Wilson early pink and the pot on the left is a Golden larch that I found years ago. The one on the right is the Japanese umbrella pine that we stock from time to time.
Then there are plants that don't like to be over watered and those of the conifer family fit nicely here as they love full sun and are tolerant of being on the drier side (and that doesn't mean without any water lol) and really suit pot culture.  On that segue there are some pretty cool Conifers that look fab in pots with their all-year-around and structural form and these can double as your Christmas tree. Just remember that if you are bringing them inside then it will need to be for a shorter time as the light levels inside are not adequate, although a bright position near a window or sky-light will help, and don't forget that they still may need watering. If your potted spruce starts dropping needles then it's time to take it outside again.

 
I do like Conifers and other trees in pots and they can look very cool all year round when set as a group of differing heights and pot sizes. Of course when they outgrow the pot then you can either choose to pot to a larger size or plant out in the garden. As usual, Ang has bought in a few of the more well-known conifers suitable for Christmas trees and positioned them at the shop. 
Cedrus Deodara Indian Cedar  This Conifer will grow into a handsome majestic tree if allowed the space to mature.  Upright and pyramidal in shape it has evenly spaced branches draped with blue-grey needles of foliage. The branches are slightly pendulous at the tips. Lovely as a potted Xmas tree.
Picea abies is a fav with me. Also known as Norway spruce, this is a species of spruce native to Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. It has branchlets that typically hang downwards, and the largest cones of any spruce, 9–17 cm.
Picea Sitchensis  Sitka or Alaska Spruce. A slow growing elegant Conifer that always has a well groomed appearance. Sharp pointed needles of grey-green foliage decorate  ascending branches that have graceful pendulous tips.
The Colour just keeps coming in 
Peruvian Lily, Princess Lily or many know as Alstroemeria 
In today's world Alstroemerias come in heaps of different cultivars and colours to tempt you. To add to that they are pretty hardy and easy to grow and many will know that they have a long vase life. They prefer rich, well drained soils, lol as is with most plants, and while tolerant of some shade they will flower better in full sun.
There is a fab selection at the nursery right now plus some newbies that Angela pointed out to me the other day. Check the whole range out by following the link, but here are a few new ones from the Inca series and a couple of ones that are looking particularly pretty right now.

 
Alstroemeria Holland (Inca) Adorable, showy deep orange blooms with a yellow throat appear from summer to autumn. The Inca range are bred to remain compact and well behaved in the garden and for maximum flower power. 
Alstroemeria Husky (Inca) Adorable, showy white to apricot/coral blooms appear from summer to autumn. Looking just like a beautiful sunset. 
Alstroemeria Flamingo beautiful creamy white, pink flushed flowers. Alstroemeria Magic have a striking contrast of white and mauve.  Alstroemeria Ocean has lilac flowers with striking white throats and distinctive dark purple nectar guides. Alstroemeria Rio is a stunning bright yellow and will make a wonderful display in the garden.

 
A couple of taller varieties of Alstoemerias for picking: Summer Red features strong upright stems of red blooms that will last well in a vase, Summer Sky features upright stems of white blooms that will also last well when cut. The flowers and foliage of both are robust and erect. 
Hibiscus...A selection of colours so follow the link to see these 
Hibiscus reek of the summer with their plentiful and generous flowers. These are again a plant that enjoys the sun and in some cooler climates may do better with a little winter protection such as being planted against the house or some brick walling. They do give that look of the tropics, particularly if they are used in combination with other foliage plants like Tractor seat (Ligularia). In the right spot they are easy enough to grow.
 
 
Hibiscus Molly Cummings is a Hawaiian Hibiscus. This sun lover has enormous, crinkled, single blooms of dark velvet red that appear in the warmer months. Must be in a well drained, sunny spot with protection from frost to do well. Appreciates deep watering in summer if it is really dry.
Hibiscus Gold Sovereign is a Fijian Hibiscus. With cool, shaggy double yellow flowers and a reddish base, this is a vigorous grower that will put on a real show. Plant in a warm sheltered position free from frost. Can be grown in the garden or a decent sized pot or container.
Hibiscus Suva Queen is another Fijian Hibiscus. It grows vigorously and loves a warm sunny position that is well drained. With its double, clear pink flowers late Spring through Summer it will look stunning in the garden at home, or at the beach.
Thinking Xmas pressies for yourself ...  or perhaps a gardening mate? Have a gander at our garden supports, pruning tools, pots, plants, or even vouchers.
Just new in, and I think they are pretty cool, a selection of Heritage garden supports like obelisks or spires, trumpets and peony supports. All of these are made of solid steel and are ideal as support for holding perennials up in a stylish way. Try growing the likes of Clematis or Roses through a trumpet or obelisk. Don't forget about using these as a support in the vege garden and grow your cucumbers or tomatoes vertically in a very upmarket way.
Peony supports are perfect for the support of its namesake though will contain any perennial that could flop like geraniums, penstemons etc. (I am sure you get the gist).
Trumpets were designed with the team at the Christchurch botanic gardens  for Dahlias  but again, are suitable for many things, and also available in more than one size.

 
Spires are taller again and I imagine would suit Roses such as Ballerina that benefit from arching out from within a frame. There are many David Austin roses that would also benefit from such a structure.
Classic round arch handcrafted from solid steel rod, these arches are strong and durable and provide a space to walk through and grow something against.
Ars garden tools are a range of really good tools and would make for a great practical present for a gardening friend. We use these at the nursery and can vouch for them. The secateurs some in a couple of sizes, as do the loppers. The pruning saws are just brilliant and there are also scissors and snips in the range.


Pots and plants always make for a great gift 
A nice pot, a great plant and some potting mix will always make for a great gift whether it be a Succulent, Daisy or pretty Rose. Well you can pretty much grow anything in a pot, but if unsure, ask one of the team. Of course you may just want a pot for your new Christmas tree. 
Currently there is a whole range of the Antiqued terra cotta pots in a selection of pot styles from Cubes to Cylinders to the more Classic swag planters which are very nice. In the same antique finish there are also traditional Urns which can planted or just used as a feature. 

 
Vouchers are available online or here at the garden centre and can be purchased in any amount. These are valid for a year from purchase but can also be re-issued for another prior to expiry. An easy gift for any keen gardener
Follow this link for other gift ideas.
Mail orders and what you need to know
As November draws to a close it is timely for us to suggest that if you need plants by mail order, then please get those orders in. We need to get our plants delivered promptly, and within the week that they are boxed, and as we get closer to Christmas the courier service will begin to max out.
South island last days for delivery will be Monday the 9th December and North island Tuesday the 17th of December. We hope that by finishing up with deliveries on these dates we will avoid our plants getting caught up in the Christmas delivery rush... we don't want anything stuck undelivered. Electronic gift vouchers (e-vouchers) are always available and there is no cut-off date for ordering these.
Order ahead if you want something specific
Most plants take a period of time to grow to be ready for sale and this can vary widely from 2 years for roses, fruit and ornamental trees (not counting the period of time to grow the root stock) to 4-6 years in the case of perhaps Camellias and Rhododendrons, and everything in between. Each year there is a finite amount of stock available between all the garden centres and stores as we all clamour for what we think we will need. We will soon be putting together our lists of plants/pots etc. that we want for 2025, which is not that far away now. My point is, if you are after some specific plant, or larger numbers for a particular project, then it's worth letting us know now so that we can potentially make it available for you.

 
I don't think anyone could miss the fact that today is Black Friday, though its felt like an entire month this year. Add to that the fact that tomorrow is the last day of November and you have to admit that we are really on the count-down to Christmas, summer and holidays. Have a great weekend.
Cheers Lloyd, Tony and the Wairere team.

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Last 25 Newsletters...

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Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: