As we head into summer and towards Christmas, a lot of the important work at the nursery happens quietly behind the scenes. While the plants may not be in full flower right now, this is one of the most critical times of the year for setting rhododendrons up for healthy growth in the seasons ahead.…
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What a wild ride the last 6 weeks have been! We’ve just wrapped up a massive construction blitz — and the results are seriously exciting. We’ve installed 10 kilometres of slats on the roof of our brand-new lathe house (yes, we measured!), rammed in 112 posts, and clocked up some serious muscle. Let’s just say…
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How to Hedge Rhododendrons in NZ — Creating a Living Wall That Blooms If you’re dreaming of a hedge that’s more than just green leaves and a trim job every few weeks, rhododendrons might just be the showstopper you’re after. With their lush growth and vibrant blooms, they make a stunning alternative to the usual…
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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…
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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…
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What is indumentum in rhododendrons? Indumentum refers to the soft, woolly or velvety layer of hairs found on the underside of rhododendron leaves. It can vary in colour from silvery-white to reddish-brown and serves to protect the plant from harsh weather and moisture loss. What is tomentum in rhododendrons? Tomentum is a dense layer of…
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Spring has officially sprung at our nursery, and we’re in full spring-cleaning mode—just call me Marie Kondo! This season of renewal is the perfect time to refresh, reorganise, and make way for new growth, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here. One of the first things you’ll notice on your next visit is our brand-new…
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