LOOK - STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES
Nothing beats the sight of a lush, thriving garden. Except one that doesn’t just look good, but smells good too. So, whether you’ve already got a garden underway, or are starting to think about finally doing something with that empty outdoor space, why not upgrade your spring gardening plans this year with some new plants? Jack Hobbs, one of the gardening gurus from Auckland Botanic Gardens, recommends taking a look at these beauties. Better yet, they’re all star performers for the Auckland climate.
Gardenia ‘Fragrant Star’
A small shrub with glossy green foliage and single creamy-white flowers, the ‘fragrant star’ gardenia is a stunner of a plant that makes a great addition to any garden as a feature hedge or compact potted plant. Unlike most plants, this gardenia isn’t a fan of full sun all day, so pop it in a spot with partial shade and watch it flourish. Flowering it’s beautiful blossoms in late spring, this is one you can plant right away and enjoy all summer long. Cherry pie, Heliotropium arborescens
Any plant that has the nickname ‘cherry pie’ and smells of vanilla bean is something we can get on board with. With small, rough oval leaves, the Heliotropisum arborescens has clusters of violet and white flowers in summer that don’t just look charming, but also give of a strong, sweet scent. A fan of as much sun as possible, plant this scented bush in late winter or early spring in a spot that gets as much sun as possible. Sweet pea, Lathyrus Odoratus
If you’re after a garden with a soft, classical look, Lathyrus, or sweet pea, is the perfect pick. A quick-growing plant, sweet pea plants bloom in clusters of paper-thin, pastel coloured flowers which thrive with the occasional trim. Easy to grow, with a subtle perfume, these are best planted in June, so keep them on your list for next year. Luculia grandiflora The magnificent Luculia grandiflora is a summer flowering shrub hailing from the Himalayas, where it can reach 6 metres in height. But don’t worry, the well-mannered plant will pause at half that height when potted in small gardens and pots. Similar to star jasmine, Luculia grandiflora has a Star jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides If you want a sweet-smelling, elegant plant to decorate that plain fence or empty archway, look no further than star jasmine. The best species of jasmine for Auckland’s climate, star jasmine will fill your garden with its dainty white flowers and sweet fragrance from October to December, with its scent strongest when the sun goes down, during those dinner BBQS and evening drinks. While it’s an enthusiastic climber, it won’t take over your garden like other creepers, instead slowly meandering around walls or standing alone as a bush. Rose, Rosa Gertrude Jekyll
One of the first roses to start flowering, it produces clusters of the most beautiful, large, fully double flowers in a deep pink. The scent is a classic old rose smell and will provide a great display all summer. You’ll even be able to cut a few blooms to enjoy indoors.
Want to know more about what flowers will best suit your space, or how to make sure they thrive? The experts at Auckland Botanic Gardens, part of Auckland Council, have everything you need to go from botanical beginner to plant professional.
Download their brand new complimentary gardening guides online, attend one of the free workshops or meet the team at their Manurewa location and get one-on-one advice! Auckland Botanic Gardens 102 Hill Road, Manurewa, Auckland Open daily 8am-6pm (April-september) and 8am-8pm (October-march) aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz
“Any plant that has the nickname ‘cherry pie’ and smells of vanilla bean is something we can get on board with.”