Beauty and abundance Spring blossom, dappled shade, summer fruit, autumn colour and elegant form - the trees we know as Prunus have lots to offer. ... read more
Growing azaleas and rhododendrons Azaleas and Rhododendrons are versatile shrubs with dazzling displays of flowers from late winter to early summer, and a variety of foliage and growth forms. ... read more
Trees and shrubs for all seasons Gardens are ever changing. They surprise and delight every day of the year. We need plants that look good all year round, but a garden that looks basically the same all year is a missed opportunity. ... read more
Green screens Whether you need to screen the neighbours or take the edge off a chilling wind, a leafy wall of native foliage is a very attractive solution. ... read more
Living art When an evergreen shrub is sculpted into an interesting or architectural shape, it takes on the role of a garden statue, a focal point or accent amid the free flow forms of grasses or perennials. ... read more
Form and function Autumn is planting time for the trees, shrubs and hedges that form the backbone of a garden and bring about the most comfortable and inviting of outdoor living spaces. ... read more
Nature's planting time For anyone who enjoys the creativity inherent in gardening, autumn is the season to relish. It's the ideal time to indulge in planting just about everything. ... read more
Top tasks for autumn Autumn is planting time for almost everything you could want to plant, but it is the very best time to sow new lawns and to plant trees, and the only time to plant spring flowering bulbs. ... read more
Beat the chill Whether you live in the subtropical north, the snowy south or somewhere in between, planting a garden with winter in mind can turn the chilly season into a time of great delight. ... read more
Fabulously fragrant A perfumed garden is one of the great joys of spring time. These wonderful selections bred by renowned New Zealand plantsman Mark Jury will fill your spring spaces with enchanting flowers and intoxicating fragrance. ... read more
Go nuts! You may only have space for one kind of nut, but the good news is that nut trees give us more than just nuts. They also provide shade, shelter and beauty. ... read more
Multi-talented camellias They're like the roses of winter. There is no doubting the beauty of camellia flowers; their shapes, colours and perfumes. But in a world not short of spectacular blooms, camellias offer so much more ... read more
Ten reasons to plant trees On Arbor Day in June, New Zealanders are encouraged to plant and care for trees. Celebrate by getting involved in a community planting project or planting a tree of your own. ... read more
Winter charm Whether it's the view from your living room or a vase filled with flowers from your garden, winter is never dull when you plant some of these beauties. ... read more
Absolutely fabulous foliage plants Pacific Coprosmas are extraordinary foliage plants with that rare mixture of presence, dependability and fabulous looks ... read more
Bright sparks Contrasting textures of green on green is key to creating a fantastic all season garden. And adding a splash of variegated foliage is like turning the lights on, especially on dull winter days. ... read more
Environmentally safe Agapanthus Agapanthus are often looked on as a weedy plant but there are a new generation of agapanthus available that don't spread themselves around. ... read more
Flax - Kiwi Icon For the first New Zealanders it was indispensible; used in clothing, shelter, for catching and storing food, and as medicine. These days flax endures as one of our most important plants ... read more
Pride & passion - New Zealand Christmas trees Nothing may compare to the pohutukawa or rata tree at your favourite holiday spot, but we can all enjoy a touch of that crimson splendour at home in the garden. ... read more
Princess Lavenders The very best of breeding is bringing the wow factor to outdoor living spaces and lavenders are extending the gardener's design palette with new colours and textures. ... read more
Tried and true Lavender Easy care lavenders are among life's simplest pleasures and have stood the test of time as some of the most accommodating shrubs of all. ... read more
Building a garden - layer upon layer The dramatic effects of planting in layers - how to plan and plant a garden using the layered approach ... read more
Trees for urban spaces Long lived, climate tolerant trees and shrubs are key ingredients in a resilient, hardwearing garden that looks great all year round. ... read more