Q&A

WATERING: Michael put a pipe to the Awatere Lagoon where we have a water right, so we no longer have a problem with water, unless we have both a high sea and a high tide, when I have been known to inadvertently irrigate with pure salt water for several hours on end.

PLANTS THAT GROW WELL HERE: Ngaio is the indigenous tree of the area so it was the obvious choice for a nurse plant. Interesting introductions that do well are pohutukawa, nikau, Poor Knights lily, Chatham Island plants and puka, which seeds prolifically.

THINGS I’VE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS: Fighting nature is a losing battle with me. If something grows well and looks good – even if it’s a weed – I’ll go with it. BEST EDIBLE CROP: Silverbeet, which grows wild on the beach and never lets me down in the vege patch. I ENJOY PROPAGATING: Tecomanthe speciosa (Three Kings vine), which has masses of seed every year and requires no special skill. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: By appointment only, call 021 221 3833.