Understanding and Managing Thrips Thrips, scientifically known as Thysanoptera, are tiny dark-coloured insects that can cause significant damage to plants. Despite their small size, about 2mm in length, thrips can wreak havoc on various plants, including rhododendrons. Here’s a concise guide on how to identify, prevent, and manage these pesky insects. Identifying Thrip Damage Thrips…
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Exploring the Charm of Yakushimanum Hybrids: The Rolls Royce of Rhododendrons Yakushimanum hybrids hold a special place in the hearts of gardening enthusiasts worldwide, renowned for their compact growth, stunning blooms, and unique foliage. These hybrids are a testament to nature’s beauty and resilience, earning them the title of the Rolls Royce of rhododendrons. Among…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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Autumn is my favourite time of year. The leaves turn into a beautiful array of colours before falling to the ground, and while some might see these leaves as a chore, I see them as a treasure. Over the years, I’ve discovered the incredible benefits of collecting autumn leaves and turning them into leaf mulch…
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