Late bloomer bursts from the background
When not in flower, Fascicularia bicolor blends into the background. It's an unremarkable large green and spiny clump, architecturally attractive but easy to walk by. However, once flowering begins...
Garden Life
Data on species surprisingly scant
Data on species surprisingly scant
Species360 is a non-profit global organisation that works with more than 1100 zoos, aquariums, universities and research and governmental organisations to improve animal welfare and species...
More to roses than just beautiful blooms
More to roses than just beautiful blooms
Roses provide us with a long flowering season over the summer months, but there's more to enjoy than just the flowers. As we head into autumn and winter, many roses have the bonus of coloured...
No large queue, but one very large leaf
No large queue, but one very large leaf
In February 2018 when the big stinky Amorphophallus titanum or corpse flower was in bloom, it attracted such a crowd that the queue was incredible.
Shining white wizardry
Shining white wizardry
The exceptionally snow-white bark of the Himalayan birch tree is simply stunning.
Unassuming 'pit-pat' endangered
Unassuming 'pit-pat' endangered
You'd be unlikely to see a Pittosporum patulum in the wild. The unassuming endangered native hails from the eastern South Island where only the keenest trampers might spot it.
Tactile foliage on plant needing little water
Tactile foliage on plant needing little water
Many plants in the woodland garden can struggle as summer extends into autumn with little rain, but one plant that is better without too much water is Salvia leucantha.
Name suits to a T
Name suits to a T
This Australian native plant has a common name that describes the flower perfectly. Hairy buds open in late summer to reveal asymmetric flowers resembling the paw of any number of animals, but...
Mature trees grace garden
Mature trees grace garden
At times it can be easy to miss the trees and see only the flowers. But look up. The 155-year-old Dunedin Botanic Garden has a large collection of trees, many well over 100!
Majestic conifers not for the faint of heart
Majestic conifers not for the faint of heart
Sequoia sempervirens, which is more commonly known as California redwood, is not a tree for the faint of heart.
To let seed or not to seed?
To let seed or not to seed?
To seed, or not to seed: that is the question.
Apricot and orange beauties catch the eye
Apricot and orange beauties catch the eye
A favourite rose can be hard to choose as there are so many beauties.
Glasshouse ready
Glasshouse ready
If you have visited the botanic garden in the past few months, you may have noticed the winter garden glasshouse getting a major makeover.
Growing a woodland garden in your suburban plot
Growing a woodland garden in your suburban plot
Woodland gardens aren't only for large uncultivated areas, but can be created in your own backyard.
Plenty to enjoy in the upper garden
Plenty to enjoy in the upper garden
Dunedin's flat lower botanic garden is a much-loved destination. The duck pond has provided hours of fun for generations and the winter garden glasshouse has been a hit for more than 100 years. But...
Understated flowers great in any garden
Understated flowers great in any garden
The name alone - Sicilian honey garlic or Nectaroscordum siculum - attracts me to this plant, but the understated flowers make it a great choice for any garden.
Carrot family well represented in NZ
Carrot family well represented in NZ
What do coriander, parsnip, celery and hemlock have in common?
Fiery South African bloom
Fiery South African bloom
The Natal bottlebrush's long protruding stamens, like the fiery breath of dragons, supply a rich source of nectar enjoyed by tuis and waxeyes.
Hardy rock rose blooms for months on end
Hardy rock rose blooms for months on end
Is it the blooming profusion of flowers that makes rock roses so attractive? These little tenacious beauties have so much more going for them than just flowers.
‘Nepeta’ brings garden scent and colour
‘Nepeta’ brings garden scent and colour
If you’re looking for a versatile and low-maintenance perennial you can’t go past the Nepeta genus. Brightening the summer garden, they’re suitable for a wide range of growing conditions.