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Propagating Rhododendrons: Preserving the Past, Growing for the Future
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity as I’ve been frantically selecting scion material for our rhododendron cuttings. February and March have kept me on my toes, with the unpredictable summer weather making things particularly tricky. Some cutting material hasn’t hardened off properly, while others have done so too early—meaning we’ve had…
The Journey of Your Plants – Exciting Changes for 2025!
Over the past couple of months, we’ve faced some challenges in freighting plants across the country, but I want to take you behind the scenes and share the exciting changes we’re making to improve the process. First, let me say how much I appreciate the incredible patience many of you have shown while we worked…
Powdery Mildew on Plants: Spot It, Stop It, Prevent It!”
Powdery mildew has become a growing concern for many gardeners in recent years, especially on certain plant varieties. It’s a sneaky little fungus that starts small but can cause big problems if left unchecked. Let’s check out what it is, how to spot it, and, most importantly, how to manage and prevent it. What is…
If It’s Got A Fluffy Bum Thrips Don’t Come!
Indumentum: The Secret Weapon on Rhododendron Leaves 🌿 Ever flipped over a rhododendron leaf and noticed a soft, fluffy layer underneath? That’s called indumentum – and it’s a real garden superpower. Indumentum refers to the soft, woolly or velvety hairs found on the underside of rhododendron leaves. Depending on the variety, it can look silvery-white,…
Plan A becomes Plan B
Oh, how plans love to change! Steve and I originally had this grand idea to plant popular oaks to helpbreak the wind and shield our shiny new propagation house from that relentless Canterburynor’wester and the harsh western sun. All was going well—earthworks done, smiles allaround—until our lovely contractor piped up: “Knowing you, you’ll want a…
Wrap Up Of The Year!
What a Year It’s Been! Wow, what a year! After hitting the road for a New Zealand-wide rhodo road trip, it quickly showed important it is to start doing more of our own propagating. So, we sharpened our secateurs and got to work, beginning to collect material in February. Selecting cuttings was the quick part;…
Getting Into the Christmas Spirit
Each year, I’ve had grand plans to add some Christmas decorations to the nursery, and this year, I’m finally on to it! The Thuja trees, which protect our plants from the afternoon sun in the shade house, make the perfect Christmas trees. With a little inspiration from Pinterest, I’ve turned some wooden pallets into fun…
Floral Arrangements with Anne Gane
Over the past month, we’ve had the pleasure of working with Anne Gane, a talented florist you can see at the upcoming Rakaia Fete. Anne has been helping us bring our beautiful rhododendrons into unique table settings. While rhododendrons aren’t often used in floral design, their vibrant colours, unique textures, and striking blooms make them…
Discovering the Hidden Beauty of Rhododendron Blotches and Eyes
Have you ever noticed the striking markings inside certain rhododendron flowers? Known as blotches or sometimes the eye, these unique colour patches sit on the upper petal lobes or deep within the flower. Far from just a pretty detail, each blotch is a work of art, adding charm and depth to the rhododendron’s appeal. They…
Bud Blast
Bud Blast in Rhododendrons Bud blast is a common fungal disease in rhododendrons that primarily targets the flower buds, preventing them from blooming. The disease is caused by the fungus Seifertia azaleae, which results in the death of developing buds. Affected buds may turn brown, black, or silvery grey, depending on the variety, and will…