Now’s the time
Originally established in 1987 as a specialist producer of tree seedlings for fuelwood production and shelterbelts, Southern Woods now has an extensive nursery producing millions of trees from 500 species. From design to plant supply to aftercare advice, they can help you. Avenues catches up with its experts to get some gardening guidance.
What is good to be planting this time of year?
September is a fantastic time of year to be planting – most frosts are over, and soil moisture levels are high. Avoid planting anything that’s in full bloom or remove some flowers prior to planting, as the shock of planting while maintaining full flowering can be stressful on plants.
What would you recommend for small gardens?
Dwarf fruit trees are fantastic for small spaces. With mature heights of less than two metres, these trees have attractive blossoms, nectar-feeding birds and insects, produce scrumptious fruit, and are deciduous, so there is no issue with shading in those cooler winter months when sunlight is at a premium. We also stock Espalier fruit trees, ideal for planting along walls, fences, or in tight spaces.
What are some simple tips for keeping your garden in check?
Before planting, check out what width the plants grow to and then set them back accordingly from windows, doors, fences, gates, and paths. This helps to avoid the work involved with pruning the plants back in the future.
What species attract birds?
When it comes to natives, try flax, kōwhai, or cabbage trees. Regarding exotics (which often flower at times of year natives don’t, so are ideal for attracting bellbirds and wax eyes to your garden), try Kniphofia, tree lucerne, or Abutilon (Chinese-lanterns), which are fantastic small trees and now come in an impressive array of flower colours, not just the traditional orange.
The cost of living is biting; what edible plants thrive in Christchurch and Canterbury?
You can’t go past Feijoa. Feijoa are largely pest and disease-resistant, and birds don’t get to them before you do. Excellent as a standalone bush or trimmed into a hedge, there are now over a dozen varieties available, each with its own benefits. They also have delicate pōhutakawa-like flowers.