Oh my goodness, I don’t think any of us need any tips on growing weeds this year! It has been, without a doubt, the worst 12 months for keeping on top of those unwanted plants that just seem to pop up everywhere. As our daughter Samantha wisely said, “Mum, you realise that if you leave…
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We’re always testing combinations, tweaking layouts, and looking for that magic mix of beauty and resilience. One of the parts I enjoy most about running RhodoDirect is helping customers work through their planting plans. Many of you come in with sketches, photos, or even just a rough idea in your heads, and together we nut…
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When it comes to creating a functional and beautiful garden, rhododendrons are a fantastic choice for hedging and screening. Their dense evergreen foliage makes them ideal for blocking out undesirable views, masking an entrance, or simply dividing one part of the garden from another. Whether you’re aiming for privacy, a sound barrier, or just a…
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Here at RhodoDirect, all our plants are grown in pots, enabling you to plant them at any time of the year. But if you have a choice, autumn is the best season. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root development, but the plant’s water demands are lower than in summer. This gives your…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Watering your garden is both a science and an art. Knowing when and how to water can make a significant difference in the health and vitality of your plants. Here are some must-know tips to ensure your garden thrives, even during dry, hot summer days. By understanding your plants’ needs and practicing efficient watering techniques,…
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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;…
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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…
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