The heroes of urban gardens
Think about when the plant is in flower, suggests White. Look for a plant that blossoms when there’s nothing much else happening in your garden.
‘‘A garden does not need to have everything performing all the time but it should have something special happening at most times. This gives us moments to look forward to and a measure of time.’’
Countless climbers
New Zealand has a wide and varied choice of climbers, including natives such as Three Kings vine (Tecomanthe speciosa), clematis, native jasmine and rata, as well as what White calls ‘‘well-behaved exotics’’, including star jasmine, roses and hardenbergia.
Climbers including ivy, potato vine, wisteria and jasmine must be kept in check.
‘‘These can be kept under control especially in cooler climates but they will take over should you turn your back,’’ White says.
‘‘Wisteria is an all-time favourite but you have to watch it around houses. It will run anywhere if left to its own devices.’’
Xanthe’s climbers for every occasion Star jasmine:
A black jacket of climbers, it’s neat, tidy and resilient. Like a pair of jeans, it goes with anything.
An any-day frock, a great green, crazy flowers and gorgeous fruit.
The Sunday lunch frock, shortlived but memorable. Evening wear, fleeting but so beautiful and elegant at the same time.
Tecomanthe: Passionfruit: Rose: Clematis: