Reputations aside, hawthorns have a place
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.
Garden Life
NZ natives suitable for indoor plantings
NZ natives suitable for indoor plantings
Not many indoor plants originate from temperate climates like ours, but how about giving some New Zealand natives a go in your indoor jungle?
Extend autumn colour with careful planning
Extend autumn colour with careful planning
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.
More than a passing resemblance
More than a passing resemblance
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,...
Mountain ‘Cordyline’ thrives in Dunedin
Mountain ‘Cordyline’ thrives in Dunedin
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...
Asian garden balances humankind and nature
Asian garden balances humankind and nature
The delicate and harmonious beauty of northeast Asian gardens evolved over thousands of years.
All of the grandeur without the shade
All of the grandeur without the shade
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.
Leaf look of ‘broom’ deceives onlookers
Leaf look of ‘broom’ deceives onlookers
What do you call a leaf that isn’t really a leaf? What if the apparent leaf is producing flowers and fruit from the middle of it?
A real eye catcher in a woodland setting
A real eye catcher in a woodland setting
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.
Inconspicuous berried tree worth a second look
Inconspicuous berried tree worth a second look
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.
Greening the city’s garden
Greening the city’s garden
Being in the business of growing greenery doesn’t mean Dunedin Botanic Garden is automatically "green". But we’re getting there, writes Clare Fraser.
Ground hugging phlox blooming amazing
Ground hugging phlox blooming amazing
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,...
As accents or en masse, white flowers make their mark
As accents or en masse, white flowers make their mark
Using different coloured flowers in your garden creates different moods and effects.
Cacti’s blooms and geometry on display
Cacti’s blooms and geometry on display
At Dunedin Botanic Garden, cacti in the winter garden glasshouse arid wing are bursting into life.
Rewarding peonies beautifully hardy
Rewarding peonies beautifully hardy
Peonies need a cold enough temperature to enable dormancy for about 60 days.Thank you, Dunedin.
Parrots in aviary nesting
Parrots in aviary nesting
The red-winged parrot is a medium-sized bird that is a native of Australia and New Guinea.
Dwarf rhododendron makes a giant impact when flowering
Dwarf rhododendron makes a giant impact when flowering
One of the most reliable dwarf rhododendrons for copious flowering is Rhododendron pemakoense.
Follow your nose to the garden
Follow your nose to the garden
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.
Kowhai blooms part of spring’s delights
Kowhai blooms part of spring’s delights
One of spring’s many joys is the mass golden flowering of kowhai trees around our streets, parks and gardens.
Early blossom banishing winter blues
Early blossom banishing winter blues
Early blossom lifts the jaded winter heart. Two classic main stars at this time are Prunus and Magnolia.