Month: March 2024

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Ideas for a New Zealand Alpine Garden

A concept plan, planting plan, and plant list for a New Zealand Alpine garden using mostly native plants. This planting plan is AI generated so it is included just to provide some ideas and start a conversation about what may be useful in your alpine garden project.

Some of the plants maybe slightly frost sensitive and the list does not take into account soil and sun/shade level suitability

Key Features:

– **Elevation Variation**: Incorporate terracing or raised beds to simulate the varying elevations found in alpine regions.

– **Rock Features**: Use natural rocks and boulders to mimic the rugged landscape of New Zealand’s alpine areas.

– **Alpine Stream**: Include a small stream or waterfall to add movement and mimic the alpine water features.

– **Pathways**: Create winding pathways to guide visitors through the garden, offering different perspectives of the landscape.

Planting Zones:

1. **Lower Elevation Zone**: Featuring larger shrubs and trees.

2. **Mid-Elevation Zone**: Characterized by smaller shrubs and perennials.

3. **High-Elevation Zone**: Incorporating low-growing alpine plants and groundcovers.

Planting Plan:

Lower Elevation Zone:

– **Mountain Totara (Podocarpus hallii)**: Evergreen tree, providing structure and habitat for wildlife.

– **Southern Rata (Metrosideros umbellata)**: Ornamental tree with vibrant red flowers, attracting native birds.

– **Coprosma repens**: Low-maintenance shrub with glossy leaves, adding color and texture.

Mid-Elevation Zone:

– **Hebe buchananii**: Compact shrub with purple foliage and white flowers, attracting butterflies.

– **Olearia traversiorum**: Small shrub with daisy-like flowers, tolerant of windy conditions.

– **Phormium cookianum**: Flax species with arching green leaves, providing architectural interest.

High-Elevation Zone:

– **Hebe pinguifolia**: Low-growing shrub with small, silvery leaves and white flowers, suitable for exposed sites.

– **Celmisia semicordata**: Alpine daisy with rosettes of silver-green leaves and white flowers.

– **Leptinella squalida**: Creeping groundcover with fern-like foliage, forming dense mats.

Plant List:

1. **Trees and Shrubs:**

   – Mountain Totara (Podocarpus hallii)

   – Southern Rata (Metrosideros umbellata)

   – Coprosma repens

   – Hebe buchananii

   – Olearia traversiorum

   – Phormium cookianum

2. **Perennials and Groundcovers:**

   – Hebe pinguifolia

   – Celmisia semicordata

   – Leptinella squalida

Remember to consider the specific growing conditions of your garden site, including sunlight exposure, soil type, and drainage, when selecting and placing plants. Also, ensure to check the availability of these native plants from local nurseries or conservation organizations promoting native flora.

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Ideas for a Native New Zealand Bush Garden

A concept plan, planting plan, and plant list for a New Zealand North Island bush garden using mostly native plants. This planting plan is AI generated so it is included just to provide some ideas and start a conversation about what may be useful in your garden project.

Some of the plants maybe frost sensitive and the list does not take into account soil and sun/shade level suitability

Landscape Concept Plan:

Design Elements:

  • Entry Pathway: A meandering gravel path leading visitors into the garden.
  • Clearing: A central clearing for gatherings and relaxation.
  • Water Feature: A small natural-looking pond or stream.
  • Planting Beds: Various planting beds arranged around the clearing and along the pathway.
  • Seating Area: Rustic wooden benches or stone seating scattered throughout the garden.
  • Bird Feeders and Baths: Placed strategically to attract native birds.
  • Shade Trees: Larger native trees providing shade and habitat.
  • Rock Features: Natural rock formations or strategically placed rocks for visual interest.

Planting Plan:

Planting Beds:

  1. Understory Shrubs and Ground Covers:
  • Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides)
  • Coprosma repens (Taupata)
  • Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)
  • Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)
  • Astelia banksii (Bush Flax)
  • Carex species (Sedges)
  1. Ferns and Palms:
  • Cyathea dealbata (Silver Fern)
  • Dicksonia squarrosa (Wheki)
  • Blechnum discolor (Kiokio)
  • Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree)
  • Nikau Palm (Rhopalostylis sapida)
  1. Ground Covers and Flowering Plants:
  • Hebe species (e.g., Hebe stricta, Hebe parviflora)
  • Pimelea prostrata (Dwarf Pimelea)
  • Corokia cotoneaster (Korokio)
  • Carmichaelia species (Native Broom)
  • Libertia grandiflora (Native Iris)
  1. Climbers and Vines:
  • Parsonsia heterophylla (Kaihua)
  • Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)
  • Clematis paniculata (Puawhananga)

Plant List:

  1. Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides)
  2. Coprosma repens (Taupata)
  3. Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)
  4. Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)
  5. Astelia banksii (Bush Flax)
  6. Carex species (Sedges)
  7. Cyathea dealbata (Silver Fern)
  8. Dicksonia squarrosa (Wheki)
  9. Blechnum discolor (Kiokio)
  10. Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree)
  11. Rhopalostylis sapida (Nikau Palm)
  12. Hebe species
  13. Pimelea prostrata (Dwarf Pimelea)
  14. Corokia cotoneaster (Korokio)
  15. Carmichaelia species (Native Broom)
  16. Libertia grandiflora (Native Iris)
  17. Parsonsia heterophylla (Kaihua)
  18. Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)
  19. Clematis paniculata (Puawhananga)

This landscape concept plan aims to create a naturalistic and biodiverse bush garden using predominantly native plants, providing habitat for local wildlife and creating a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy.

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Uncommon Hebes worth looking at…

Hebe topiara

In addition to cultivars, there are several less commonly seen Hebe species that can bring a distinctive touch to New Zealand gardens:

  1. Hebe salicifolia (Willow-leaved Hebe): This species is native to New Zealand and features narrow, willow-like leaves that give it an elegant appearance. It produces spikes of white flowers in summer, attracting pollinators. It’s well-suited to coastal gardens and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
  2. Hebe speciosa (Showy Hebe): Native to the North Island of New Zealand, Hebe speciosa is known for its large, glossy green leaves and clusters of pink or purple flowers that bloom from late spring to summer. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil.
  3. Hebe stricta (Upstanding Hebe): This species is characterized by its erect growth habit and narrow, spear-shaped leaves. It produces spikes of white or pale lilac flowers in summer, creating a striking vertical accent in the garden. It’s adaptable to various soil types and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
  4. Hebe armstrongii (Armstrong’s Hebe): Found in alpine and subalpine regions of New Zealand, Hebe armstrongii is a low-growing species with small, rounded leaves and clusters of pink or purple flowers in summer. It’s well-suited to rockeries, borders, or as a ground cover in well-drained soil.
  5. Hebe traversii : This native New Zealand species is known for its leathery, dark green leaves and upright growth habit. It produces spikes of white flowers with purple stamens in summer, followed by small purple berries. It prefers a sheltered spot with moist, well-draining soil.
  6. Hebe ochracea (Ochre Hebe): Native to New Zealand’s South Island, Hebe ochracea is characterized by its narrow, yellow-green leaves and spikes of white or pale lilac flowers in summer. It’s well-suited to sunny or partially shaded locations with well-draining soil.
  7. Hebe pimeleoides (Mountain Hebe): This species is native to alpine and subalpine regions of New Zealand and is known for its compact growth habit and small, glossy green leaves. It produces spikes of white or pale lilac flowers in summer, attracting bees and butterflies. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny location.

These obscure Hebe species can add diversity and a sense of native charm to New Zealand gardens, offering unique foliage textures, flower colours, and growth habits for gardeners to enjoy.

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Auckland Coastal Garden Design: some ideas.

Designing a coastal garden in Auckland requires careful consideration of the local climate, soil conditions, and the proximity to the ocean. Here are some ideas for creating a beautiful and resilient coastal garden in Auckland:

1. Native Plant Selection:

  • Coastal Natives: Choose native plants that are well-suited to coastal conditions. Consider plants like Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), Flax (Phormium tenax), and Coprosma species.

2. Drought-Tolerant Plants:

  • Succulents and Grasses: Integrate drought-tolerant plants like succulents (e.g., Agave, Aloe) and ornamental grasses. They can withstand the sun and thrive in well-draining soil.

3. Wind-Resistant Hedges:

  • Windbreak Hedges: Plant wind-resistant hedges, such as Griselinia littoralis or Corokia cotoneaster, to protect more delicate plants from strong coastal winds.

4. Rock and Gravel Features:

  • Rock Gardens: Incorporate rocks and boulders to create visually appealing rock gardens. These not only add aesthetic value but also help with soil erosion control.

5. Salt-Tolerant Plants:

  • Saltbush (Atriplex spp.): Choose salt-tolerant plants like saltbush, which can handle the salt-laden winds near the coast.

6. Coastal Edible Garden:

  • Edible Plants: Include coastal-friendly edible plants such as samphire, a coastal succulent, or coastal herbs like sea parsley (Apium prostratum).

7. Dune Planting:

  • Sand Dune Planting: If applicable, mimic natural dune ecosystems by incorporating native dune plants. These may include Spinifex sericeus and other indigenous dune vegetation.

8. Mulching and Soil Amendments:

  • Organic Mulch: Use organic mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil.
  • Well-Draining Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining by incorporating sand or gravel, which is especially important in coastal areas with sandy soils.

9. Outdoor Seating Areas:

  • Windbreak Structures: Design outdoor seating areas with windbreak structures like pergolas, screens, or trellises to create sheltered spaces for relaxation.

10. Drip Irrigation System:

  • Efficient Irrigation: Install a drip irrigation system to ensure efficient water delivery while minimizing water runoff.

11. Coastal-themed Decor:

  • Nautical Elements: Enhance the coastal theme with nautical elements such as driftwood sculptures, shells, and maritime-inspired decor.

12. Wildlife-Friendly Features:

  • Bird-Friendly Plants: Choose plants that attract native birds, providing them with food and habitat.
  • Water Features: Incorporate a birdbath or small pond to attract wildlife to your coastal garden.

13. Seaside Pathways:

  • Pathway Design: Create meandering pathways using materials like gravel, shells, or stepping stones to enhance the coastal feel.

14. Outdoor Lighting:

  • Subtle Lighting: Install subtle outdoor lighting to illuminate key features of the garden during the evening, creating an inviting atmosphere.

15. Container Gardens:

  • Coastal Containers: Use containers with coastal-themed designs and plant salt-tolerant species in them for a movable and versatile garden feature.

Adjust the plant selection and design based on the specific microclimate of your coastal location in Auckland.