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Pratia angulata, also known as Panakenake, is a native ground cover plant which grows as a low-growing, mat-forming perennial that thrives in a variety of conditions.

Appearance: It has small, rounded green leaves about 1-2 cm in diameter and produces masses of small white flowers from spring to autumn. These flowers are followed by red-purple berries in autumn

Growth: It typically grows to about 5-10 cm tall and can spread up to 2 meters wide. The creeping stems help it form a dense mat, making it ideal for ground cover.

Habitat: Pratia angulata is endemic to New Zealand and can be found in damp, sheltered areas up to 1,500 meters.
It prefers partial to full sun and well-draining soil.

Care: It’s relatively low-maintenance and hardy. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, and occasional trimming to control growth are recommended

Uses: This versatile plant is great for filling gaps between taller plants, adding color and texture to rock gardens, or creating a dense carpet of foliage in areas that receive full sun to partial shade.
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Creating a lush and vibrant retaining wall or stone wall in your garden can be both beautiful and functional. Here are some excellent plant choices, including native New Zealand plants, that thrive in these conditions:

1. Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)

Creeping Thyme is a low-growing perennial that forms a dense mat of tiny leaves, spreading quickly over and down retaining walls. It thrives in full sun and is easy to grow, making it a popular choice for adding a splash of color with its tiny flowers. Suits the northern part of New Zealand. We often have thyme for sale.

2. Trailing Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)

Known for its stunning display of tiny star-shaped flowers, Trailing Lobelia is perfect for covering retaining walls. It loves warmth and can be grown as an annual in cooler climates. A native form of lobelia ia available, it comes in various forms with white and blue flowers Pratia angulata. pānakenake

3. Prostrate Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Prostratus’)

This aromatic plant is ideal for Mediterranean-style gardens. It has dark-green leaves and soft-blue flowers that attract pollinators. Prostrate Rosemary thrives in well-drained soil and full sun and can often be seen hanging down retaining walls around Aucklands..

4. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums are easy to grow and produce a cascade of bold orange flowers from midsummer into fall. They are perfect for adding vibrant color to your garden walls.

5. Pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia complexa)

This native vine is perfect for covering walls with its dense, wiry stems and small, dark green leaves. It is hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions. It is a vigourous plant so in small gardens with a warm climate and fertile soil it needs pruning to maintain its size. Often used in coastal areas as a ground cover. Will trail down walls quite happily. Comes in a few different species and forms.

6. New Zealand Iris (Libertia ixioides)

This plant features striking yellow or white flowers and sword-like leaves. It is well-suited to rock gardens and retaining walls, adding both texture and color. Other attractive libertia are available including the orange coloured libertia perigrinans.

By incorporating these plants, you can transform your retaining or stone wall into a stunning garden feature that adds color, texture, and interest to your outdoor space. Happy gardening!

Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’ is a popular choice for hedging due to its beautiful, large white flowers with ruffled petals and golden stamens. It wll create a dense formal hedge.

Planting and Growing Conditions

• Location: Camellia Setsugekka thrives in semi-shaded to full sun locations. It prefers a spot that is sheltered from cold, dry winds to protect its buds and flowers.
• Soil: This camellia variety prefers slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
• Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during the first year after planting. Deep watering helps the roots establish well. During hot, dry periods, make sure the soil remains moist.

Care and Maintenance

• Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plant with organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets. This helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in the spring and summer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain the desired shape and size. Remove any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy.
• Pest Control: Watch out for common pests like aphids and scale insects. Regular inspection and appropriate treatment can keep these pests at bay.

Benefits of Camellia Setsugekka as a Hedge

• Aesthetic Appeal: The large, white flowers with golden stamens add a touch of elegance to any garden. The dense foliage provides year-round greenery.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Camellia Setsugekka requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
• Versatility: This camellia can be used as a formal hedge, a topiary subject, or even in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms.

Camellia sasanqua, a versatile and attractive plant, particularly as a hedging option. With its evergreen foliage and impressive blooms ranging from whites, pinks through to dark red, this species offers both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits as a boundary or privacy screen.

Why Choose Camellia Sasanqua?

Camellia sasanqua is well-suited to New Zealand’s varied climate, thriving in both coastal and inland areas. This plant is known for its adaptability, withstanding a range of soil types and conditions while maintaining its lush appearance. Its ability to grow in part shade makes it a valuable addition to gardens where full sun is limited.

Popular Varieties for Hedging

1. Early Pearly: This variety stands out for its delicate, light pink flowers that appear in early spring. The profusion of blooms creates a soft, appealing look, ideal for a more subtle and refined hedge. The foliage is dense and glossy, providing excellent privacy and wind protection.
2. Yuletide: Known for its vibrant red flowers and bright yellow stamens, Yuletide brings a festive touch to hedges, especially around the holiday season. This variety has a compact growth habit, making it suitable for formal hedges and smaller garden spaces. Its rich green leaves contrast beautifully with the striking blossoms.
3. Setsugekka: Setsugekka, with its stunning pure white flowers, offers a classic and elegant look. The blooms are large and semi-double, providing a striking contrast against the dark green foliage. This variety is particularly valued for its long blooming period and the way it adds a touch of sophistication to any garden setting.
4. Other popular varieites include Camellia Yuletide and Jennifer Susan

Planting and Maintenance

When planting Camellia sasanqua as a hedge, consider spacing plants about 1 to 1.5 meters apart to allow for their mature size. With regular pruning they can be maintained to a regular height. These camellias prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods. Pruning is essential to maintain the desired shape and encourage dense growth. The best time to prune is after flowering, ensuring the plant has ample time to recover and produce new growth.

Camellia sasanqua is relatively low-maintenance, but regular checks for pests and diseases can help keep the plants healthy. Applying a balanced fertiliser in early spring can promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Conclusion

Camellia sasanqua is an excellent choice for creating beautiful, functional hedges in New Zealand gardens. With varieties like Early Pearly, Yuletide, and Setsugekka, gardeners can select the perfect type to match their aesthetic preferences and garden conditions. Whether you’re aiming for a vibrant, festive hedge or a subtle, elegant border, Camellia sasanqua provides a long-lasting and visually appealing solution.

Introduction: Lemons and limes are not only delightful additions to various culinary dishes and beverages but also versatile plants that can thrive in pots, bringing a touch of freshness and vibrancy to any space. Cultivating these citrus gems in containers offers the flexibility to enjoy their fruits even in limited garden areas or indoor settings. T

Choosing the Right Container: Selecting the appropriate container is crucial for the optimal growth of lemon and lime trees. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the root system and allows for proper drainage. A container with drainage holes prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Additionally, opt for a sturdy, durable pot that can withstand the weight of the growing plant and withstand weather conditions if placed outdoors.

Recommended Varieties for Pot Growth:

1. Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri): Renowned for its sweeter, less acidic flavor compared to traditional lemons, the Meyer lemon is an excellent choice for pot cultivation. It thrives in containers and produces abundant, thin-skinned fruits that are perfect for cooking, baking, and beverages.
2. Tahitian Lime (Citrus × latifolia): Also known as Persian lime, the Tahitian lime is prized for its juicy, seedless fruits and aromatic zest. This variety adapts well to container gardening and yields an abundance of flavorful limes ideal for adding zest to dishes or crafting refreshing cocktails.
3. Key Lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia): Key limes are beloved for their small, round fruits and distinctive tart flavor, essential for making the classic key lime pie. These compact trees are well-suited for pot cultivation, offering a steady supply of juicy limes for culinary delights.

Pruning Advice:

1. Regular Maintenance Pruning: Perform regular maintenance pruning to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, promoting overall plant health and vigor. Use sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts and prevent the spread of infections.
2. Shape and Size Control: Prune lemon and lime trees to maintain a compact, manageable size that fits within the confines of the pot. Encourage a balanced canopy by selectively removing overcrowded or crossing branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration.
3. Fruit Thinning: Thin out excessive fruit clusters to prevent overcrowding and promote larger, healthier fruits. Remove smaller, misshapen, or damaged fruits to redirect the tree’s energy towards producing quality yields.
4. Renewal Pruning: Periodically rejuvenate older lemon and lime trees through renewal pruning, which involves selectively removing older wood to stimulate new growth and improve fruit production. Focus on removing one-third of the oldest branches each year to encourage vigorous regrowth.
5. Timing: Prune lemon and lime trees during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, to minimize stress and maximize recovery. Avoid pruning during periods of active growth, as it may interfere with fruit development and sap the tree’s energy reserves.

Soil and Sunlight Requirements: Lemons and limes thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. A high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for citrus plants provides the necessary nutrients and aeration for healthy growth. Place the container in a location that receives ample sunlight, ideally six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, position the pots near a south-facing window to maximize sunlight exposure.

Planting and Watering: When planting lemon or lime trees in pots, ensure the root ball is level with the soil surface and gently pat down the soil to remove air pockets. Water the newly planted tree thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture levels, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot, while underwatering may result in stunted growth and reduced fruit production.

Fertilization and Maintenance: Fertilize lemon and lime trees regularly during the growing season with a balanced citrus fertilizer to promote healthy foliage and fruit development. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates, typically every four to six weeks from spring to fall. Prune the trees as needed to remove dead or diseased branches and encourage proper airflow within the canopy. Inspect the plants regularly for pests such as aphids or scale insects, treating infestations promptly to prevent damage.

Harvesting Fresh Citrus: Patience is key when waiting for lemons and limes to ripen on the tree. Depending on the variety, it may take several months for the fruits to reach maturity. Lemons typically turn yellow when ripe, while limes may remain green even when fully mature. Harvest fruits by gently twisting them from the stem or using pruning shears to cut them from the tree. Freshly picked lemons and limes can be used immediately in culinary recipes or stored in the refrigerator for later use.

Conclusion: Growing lemons and limes in pots is a rewarding endeavor that allows individuals to enjoy the beauty and bounty of citrus trees in various settings. By providing the right container, soil, sunlight, and care, gardeners can cultivate healthy, productive lemon and lime trees, yielding flavorful fruits for culinary delights year-round. Whether grown on a sunny patio, balcony, or indoor space, these citrus gems add zest and freshness to any environment. So, roll up your sleeves, grab a pot, and embark on a journey to grow your own citrus oasis!

1. Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu): This evergreen shrub has small glossy leaves and can be easily trimmed into a dense hedge. It grows well in a range of conditions and is salt tolerant, making it suitable for coastal areas. It is better for it to be pruned regularly rather than being cut back hard into old wood which it may not regrow from.
2. Corokia : Corokia is a versatile native shrub with distinctive tangled branches and small, shiny leaves. It can be pruned into a formal hedge or left to grow more informally, adding texture to the landscape. There are various popular varieties available/
3. Griselinia littoralis (Kapuka): Kapuka is a popular choice for coastal hedging due to its tolerance of wind and salt spray. It has leathery, bright green leaves and can be trimmed to form a dense, tidy hedge. Does not like heavy wet soil.
4. Coprosma repens (Taupata): Taupata is a hardy coastal shrub with glossy green leaves that can withstand salt spray and coastal winds. It responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a compact hedge.
5. Hebe: Hebes are diverse shrubs with a range of leaf shapes and colors. They produce spikes of flowers in summer and can be pruned to maintain a neat hedge.
6. Leptospermum (Manuka): Manuka is a hardy shrub known for its medicinal honey, but it also makes an excellent hedge plant. It has small, aromatic leaves and produces delicate flowers in spring. Prune little and often, after flowering to maintain shape
7. Olearia: Olearia species, commonly known as daisy trees or tree daisies, are native to New Zealand and offer attractive foliage and small daisy-like flowers. They can be pruned to form a dense hedge and are particularly suitable for coastal gardens. Frost hardy.
8. Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax): While often grown for its architectural foliage, New Zealand flax can also be used to create informal hedges. It has long, sword-like leaves that can be trimmed to maintain shape.
9. Astelia: Astelias are distinctive native plants with long, arching leaves that form a clump. They can be used to create an informal hedge, adding texture and interest to the garden. similar to flax above
10. Muehlenbeckia (Pohuehue): Muehlenbeckia is a hardy, fast-growing vine native to New Zealand. It can be trained onto a support structure to form a living fence or hedge, providing privacy and habitat for wildlife.

When selecting plants for a hedge, consider factors such as the desired height and width of the hedge, the site conditions, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve to ensure they are suitable for your location and purpose.

1. Ecosystem Adaptation:

• Native plants have evolved over time to adapt to the specific conditions of New Zealand’s ecosystems. They are better suited to the local climate, soil, and pests, promoting ecosystem resilience.

2. Wildlife Habitat:

• Native plants provide essential habitats and food sources for indigenous wildlife. They support a diverse range of insects, birds, and other fauna, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area.

3. Conservation of Endemic Species:

• Many New Zealand native plants are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. Using these plants contributes to the conservation of unique and threatened species.

4. Cultural and Aesthetic Value:

• Native plants often have cultural significance to the indigenous Māori people. Incorporating them into your landscape not only enhances biodiversity but also honors the cultural heritage of New Zealand.

5. Reduced Invasive Species Risk:

• Native plants are less likely to become invasive and outcompete local flora compared to non-native species. This helps prevent the displacement of native biodiversity by invasive plants.

6. Enhanced Soil Health:

• Native plants have symbiotic relationships with local soil microbes and fungi. Their presence contributes to the overall health and fertility of the soil.

7. Climate Change Resilience:

• Native plants are adapted to local climate conditions and can play a role in building resilience against the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.