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Jiffy Joy: Thriving Cuttings Ready for Their New Home
It’s incredibly exciting to venture down to the propagation houses daily and check on our cuttings. Steve can’t resist peeking under the trays to see if the roots are sprouting. It seems like we’re in for another successful year with our propagation efforts, as the roots are already reaching the bottom of the trays, and…
Why Deciduous Azaleas?
Discover the Beauty of Deciduous Azaleas in New Zealand Gardens As we move through July, it’s the perfect time to highlight one of the most enchanting and versatile plants you can introduce to your garden: the Deciduous Azalea. These vibrant azaleas not only provide a spectacular display of colours but are also perfectly suited to…
What Are the Best Companion Plants for Rhododendrons?
People often ask me what plants I put with Rhododendrons. As rhododendrons are such shallow-rooted plants, the following work well as companion plantings. Here’s a quick list of my favourites: hellebores, hydrangeas, lilies, dahlias, hostas, Chatham Island lilies, and trilliums. These plants thrive in a mix of hot and shady spots, and I also love…
Planning that next gardening project
July is the perfect time to start planning your next gardening venture. Here’s our tried-and-true method for preparing new flower beds: Steve and I often get inspiration from other people’s gardens and browsing Pinterest. Once I gather ideas, I have to persuade Steve that another garden bed is necessary. We head outside with a hose…
Why Do Rhododendron Leaves Droop in Winter?
Rhododendrons exhibit a fascinating adaptation to cope with cold conditions. As temperatures drop, rhododendron leaves curl and hang down, creating a protective layer that reduces moisture loss. This behaviour eases the strain on the roots, which would otherwise struggle to extract moisture from frozen soil. Additionally, when snow falls, it interacts uniquely with rhododendron foliage….
Transplanting Rhododendrons:
When and How to Do It Rhododendrons are popular evergreen shrubs known for their vibrant colours that can enhance any garden during spring. However, to ensure their continuous growth and beauty, these shrubs may need to be transplanted or moved from time to time. Many customers have inquired about the best time and proper technique…
Can we plant Rhododendrons if we have Clay Soil?
Many individuals who would dearly love to grow rhododendrons have steered away from them because of their clay soil. Don’t let having clay soil stop you enjoying a rhododendron garden. If heavy clay is present then dig a small hole and run some water into it; if the water does not disappear in a few…
Do we need established shade from trees before planting?
One of the concerns we hear from customers is that they don’t have enough shade in their garden. Many customers plant trees in their gardens first and think that they will have to wait until the trees have provided shade before they can plant their rhododendrons. This is not the case – no waiting is…
If my property has late frosts can I plant fragrant varieties?
Nearly all fragrant rhododendrons are frost tender. A good rule of thumb to abide by is if the area they are going in will be affected by a -4 degree Celsius frost, then don’t plant them. Sometimes you might get bad frosts but have a very sheltered location for fragrant varieties to grow, like under…
Rooting for Success: Our Rhododendron Propagation Adventure
I am thrilled to share that we have just finished propagating our rhododendron cuttings! During February and March, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to collect cuttings from a variety of beautiful gardens across Canterbury, including several old varieties that haven’t been propagated commercially for quite some time. With over 600 different varieties now coming through, our…