The genus Crataegus contains hundreds of species, all from the northern hemisphere, but has developed a bad name due to the invasive European or better-known common hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna.
When we think of autumn from a gardener’s point of view we may admire the beautiful autumn foliage of the trees. A gardener’s grim focus, though, can be that it’s time to get out the rake and add leaves to compost.
Plants with common physical attributes are classified into families. Named after one of its members, a plant family generally ends in the Latin suffix "aceae" — meaning "resembling". For example,...
Dunedin's local topography and weather patterns mean we can see plants near the city that normally grow at much higher altitudes. The misty rain that often covers the city’s northern hills creates...
It is possible to grow a 30m tree without creating a large area of shade, if you chose Knightia excelsa. You will also enjoy extraordinary flowers that support native biodiversity.
Visitors’ eyes are often caught by the blue Himalayan poppy - its gently nodding, sky blue flowers centred by a cluster of golden anthers have an arresting perfection that stands out in any border.
This evergreen tree with its dark glossy foliage can appear to disappear in most landscapes. It is not until you look closer that its attributes abound.
There is always something blooming in the rock garden at Dunedin Botanic Garden, if you have the time to browse. The most dazzling months are October and November when plants such as Aquilegia,...
Many of us have a favourite time of year in the garden, be it spring, summer, autumn or even winter. However, it’s hard to underestimate the power of spring.