Greetings!
The lead up to the Ellerslie International Flower Show has been intense and we are proud to be associated with this event in the capacity of site beautification. Our 18 metre by 4 metre garden outside the Corporate Village cleverly used only 4 plants whilst our other garden at the Airport Cafe demonstrated a truly structured planting theme.
Our plant of the month this month is one of our favourites - Viburnum 'davidii'. Also looking fabulous at the nursery is the ever popular Astelia 'Silver Spear' and the Loropetalum 'China Pink' with its lovely tiered look. | |
Plant Of The Month
Viburnum davidii - a versatile stunner
Although commonly misspelt, Viburnum davidii is not misplaced in today's gardens.
An early 1900's introduction from China, discovered by the great plant hunter, Ernest Wilson, it has proved the test of time. With strongly veined glossy dark green leaves, this evergreen number presents itself in a rounded compact form with flat-topped clusters of tiny white flowers. It is perfect for display as a specimen in a pot or container. For an almost hedged look, try planting Viburnum davidii at the front of a bed, to create a horizontal plane of dark leaves. Its multitude of uses include rockeries, a tall ground covering, gap filling or in a group planting as seen in the photos below.
Accommodating and adaptable in temperament, Viburnum davidii is at home in full sun, part shade. With an easy care disposition this is one plant that should not disappoint. It can reach a height of 1m by 1m over time and to encourage habit, it needs just a light hand shear. |
Out And About
Ellerslie International Flower Show 2009
Wow, what a show! In the lead up to the show our planting went to plan under the guidance of our designer from Auckland Lynn Cairney. With staff, family and friends as volunteers we managed to place over 2,000 plants in situ over the course of two days. Our Corporate Village Garden was planted with a hedging of Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' through the middle and a random placement of Astelia 'Silver Spear' and the Dahlia 'Mystic Series' with a meandering edging of Hebe 'Emerald Gem'. It did look gorgeous, so thank you Lynn!
Meanwhile; at the Airport Cafe, a more structured planting of Coprosma 'Lobster', Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise', Carex 'Dipsacea', Euphorbia 'Kea', Viburnum davidii and Phormium 'Jester' oozed with modern courtyard charm.
So after a weekend of planting in 30 degree plus heat, the show just had to kick off with a wintery blast! The crowds were certainly not deterred by the weather and for those hardy souls the wait was worth while.
The Dahlia 'Mystic' Series and Hebe 'Emerald Gems' were the stars in our garden. So much so, that we were asked by the management of the show, to place plant labels in our garden as people were asking what they were! Across the way, at the Airport Cafe, our Coprosma 'Lobster' planted as a hedge prompted a closer inspection by many and more often than not just a gentle touch to see if really was prickly (this plant is wonderfully deceptive).
Our only downside to this wonderful event, was the theft of a Dahlia 'Mystic Desire' from our garden (which left a gaping hole). Our wayward plant was last spotted trying to enter the Christchurch Cathedral for the Festival of Flowers (and of course for free). Aptly named, we wish our plant a happy life in the thiefs garden. For the rest of us honest citizens that don't sink to such levels, the Dahlia Mystic Series are available at these stores.
We would love to hear your feedback on what you thought of the first ever Ellerslie International Flower Show held at Hagley Park so please e-mail us here.
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Our Winners
Our NZ Gardener readers who each won a Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' plant last month were Avril Thornton, D Greer, Doreen O'Sullivan, Fiona Heays and Jamie Bull. The winner of the Gardening Solutionz Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' plant on our website was Julie Walkinshaw from Gore. Congratulations to all.
This month we have a Viburnum davidii plant to give away so remember to click on the competition section of this newsletter to be in with a chance. It could be you winning this month! | |
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Next time - Lophomytrus 'Red Dragon'- a new release in the Gardening Solutionz Structured range, the ins and outs of our label evolution, battening down the hatches for winter at the nursery, plus more chances to win ....
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From the team at Gardening Solutionz
www.gardeningsolutionz.co.nz
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Competition!
If you would like to win a Viburnum davidii - simply enter here to go in the draw
TO WIN
(*Terms and Conditions apply) |
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Gardening
'Solutionz'
If you have any gardening questions you would like answered - please contact us. This week's question is:
Question: Hi, I am after some Stephens Island Pittosporums for our garden to make a bordering hedge. I was able to obtain a few from a local nursery, but unfortunately due to the bush fires I am unable to get more. We are from Melbourne and were wondering if you export them to any of the nurseries here or can you give me the information of a dealer perhaps? Thanks for any help.
Melanie
Answer: Hi Melanie,
I believe Greenhills propagation nursery in Victoria should be able to help you with your sourcing of Pittosporums Stephens Island. Their contact details are attached. Hopefully they can help. If you can please let us know how you get on.
From the team at gardeningsolutionz.co.nz
And the following week we had this lovely email from Melanie:
Thankyou so much for the information regarding the Pittosporum Stephens Island. It was taking me weeks and multiple phone calls to nurseries all over Melbourne. No one seems to carry the variety let alone have heard of them. I called Greenhills straight away. They advised me to get our local nursery to get in contact with them and they would give them the name of wholesalers they distribute too. I am waiting to hear from our nursery which should be early next week. Again I appreciate the information you have given me and hopefully I will be able to obtain my treasures..
Thank you, kind regards
Melanie. |
For care of your Gardening Solutionz plants we recommend Tui garden care products. For more information click here
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