Bees buzzword in gardening
‘‘For those garden beds, we want to create a kaleidoscope of colour throughout the summer. When I say the old classics, I’m thinking of verbenas, zinnias, salvias, delphiniums and begonias,’’ Flower said. The council’s plants are supplied by a nursery lo
As temperatures warm and the evenings get longer, Kiwi gardeners are writing their todo lists.
At the top of many is deciding what plants to buy for summer. For those who like to follow gardening trends, then think colour – and bees.
Pollinator gardens are proving popular with garden designers, says Kate Hillier, event director of the New Zealand Flower & Garden Show.
The Auckland-based show opens on November 28 and Hillier said designers’ concept plans give an insight into emerging trends.
‘‘For a lot of designers, it’s all about pollination and attracting bees into the garden,’’ Hillier said.
‘‘So there’s lots of colours, lots of flowers. I think the message is really getting through now about how we rely on bees.’’
Another emerging trend is the use of subtropical plants in formal settings.
‘‘Traditionally, subtropicals have been used in quite rustic gardens, but now we’re seeing designers who are focusing on a more modern, formal use of subtropicals.’’
Hamilton Gardens operations manager Gus Flower said staff would start planting the summer beddings in late October.
Labour Weekend is seen as a key date, as evening temperatures are typically warmer and the threat of frosts had passed.
Flower said ‘‘tried-and-tested plants’’ were often used in public gardens due to their ability to produce colourful displays throughout summer. About 4000 plants would go into the Indian Char Bagh Garden at Hamilton Gardens. form, but there are a lot of people that want to add some colour back. I can only assume that’s why we sell so many roses and colourful things.’’
Avocado trees continue to be demand, as are fruit trees such as apples, oranges, easy-peel mandarins and stone fruits.
Houghton said Kiwis still like to have a lemon tree on their section.
Cara Piny, manager of The Plant Depot in Te Rapa, Hamilton, expects small fruits such as blueberries and guavas to be popular with gardeners who have limited space. For low-maintenance gardens, lomandra varieties are a favourite.
And as for those keen to have a summer vegetable garden, one plant is always in hot demand, Piny said.
‘‘Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes – as always.’’