Subtropical Summer

Ginny Clark from Decor Gardenworld shows us just how easy it is to grow subtropical treats.

The best time to plant fruit trees, trees and shrubs was five years ago. The next best time is now. 

Growing your own is easier than you think and, with the subtropical summer on our doorstep, and shortages of some of our most popular of summer fruits in the shops, there is no time to waste. 

For the edible garden, we are spoiled in Tauranga, as we can grow numerous subtropical fruits that give us that tropical feel, along with many of the all-time hardy favourites. No matter what size your property is, there are plenty of options for you to grow in a sunny corner. 

Berry fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries, and loganberries spring to mind. If you are growing blueberries, choosing several different varieties will help with pollination and extend your harvest season from November until April. Raspberries are either summer fruiting or autumn fruiting types, so again the season can be extended. There’s even a cute little raspberry called “Mini Me” which is ideal to grow in pots or hanging baskets.

Passionfruit, strawberry, guavas, tamarillos, and Lady Finger bananas are subtropical fruits that are easy to grow. You could even plant a dwarf growing Cleopatra Avocado in the small home garden.

For those of us that have spent time in the tropics, you will remember the gorgeous fragrance that is quintessential to that part of the world. Plants that will remind you of that year after year include one of our all-time favourites, Gardenias. Ranging in size from the little low Radicans through to the taller Veitchii, Professor Pucci and True Love, you can’t go wrong. They work well as an under planting to Palms and glossy-leafed Pukas and all those other tropical-looking plants. Star Jasmine is another all-time favourite, and it can be grown as a ground cover or climber.

Vireya Rhodos are also a good choice. Some are fragrant, plus they will flower three to four times a year. Murraya (Orange Blossom) and Australian Frangipani also grow well here. But the piéce de résistance is the Tropical Frangipani. If you have the right spot that is super sunny and warm with a bit of space, then she would be my favourite.

Of course, we can’t ignore Hibiscus either. Although not fragrant, they will give you a fabulous show right through until late autumn.

Combine this selection, along with a Batik Bench seat, colourful Morris
and James Pot and super-efficient Zieglar and Brown BBQ and you will be well on the way to creating your own subtropical paradise. 

Decorgardenworld.co.nz

Plan, plant and pot

Ginny Clark from Decor Gardenworld says a little bit of planning now will go a long way to ensuring you have time
to sit back, relax and enjoy your garden this summer.

In an unprecedented year of lacklustre weather, spring is finally emerging. This is a wonderful time to spruce up your outdoor spaces with thoughtful gardening. 

Begin by evaluating your indoor-outdoor flow. Enhance the appeal of your outdoor living areas and don’t forget about your main entrance – this is the first area your guests will see! Simplify access to vegetable gardens and utility spaces. Replace aged trees, update planting schemes, and tend to outdoor containers.

Foliage is key, and a variety of texture forms and colours will enhance year-round interest. Contrast and repetition create visual appeal, while varied heights add depth. Grass-like textures like Lomandra, Astelias, Carex, Flaxes, and small palms, combined with easy-care shrubs such as Coprosmas, Nandinas, Hebes, Green Ball Pittosporum and Loropetalum Plum Delight offer vibrancy. Leucadendron and Grevilleas will provide lasting colour.

Nandinas

Layer your spaces with ground-covering plants to curb weeds and backbone plants with red and green foliage shrubs. Use plants to create low borders – flowering annuals, low perennials and Japanese Box or even parsley can be very effective and as long as they are trimmed occasionally.

Then turn your focus to elevating the spaces with garden art, ornamental pots, furniture, and screens. Revitalise your entryway with pots of perennials or annuals, fruit trees or a specimen plant. It is easy to change the look seasonally, and consistency in pot style will help enhance the visual impact.

Strategic placement of artistic elements like urns or bird baths adds character. Use them as a focal point that can be viewed from both indoors and outdoors. Introduce outdoor “rooms” through shade trees, pergolas, ornamental screens, or a bench seat. A New Zealand-made glasshouse extends growing seasons and doubles as a cosy place to relax. 

The options are endless, so get planning, planting and potting to make your outdoor space a home to be enjoyed for many moons to come. 

Decorgardenworld.co.nz

In season

Ginny Clark from Decor Gardenworld shows us how to grow our own groceries.

With the price of fresh produce increasing daily and shortages at the supermarkets, there has never been a better time to start growing your own groceries. Whether you have a large property or small rental, you can plan, plant and successfully harvest your own homegrown fruit and vegetables year round. 

The first thing to consider is what you like to eat. We all have our favourites. Here in the Bay we are blessed with great growing conditions. Citrus trees like lemons, limes, mandarins and oranges are a must, and if you plan well, you can be picking some form of citrus at all times of the year. Other favourites are feijoas. These are a hardy fruit and can act as both a fruit producer and a handy shelter hedge or pot plant. 

Use your existing fencelines to espalier fruit along them. That way you don't need to look at an ugly fence. If you don't have much room for your fruit, do not despair. A lot of varieties are grafted onto semi-dwarf or dwarf rootstocks, resulting in a tree that is much reduced in size. Pruning your fruit trees from a young age is a must. Many are also happy in pots or containers, which will also restrict the size of the plant. 

While most of us love the idea of growing fruit, remember we can't do this without bees, insects and birds. So make sure you plant bee-attracting and companion plants like lavender and rosemary close by. Pears and plums will sometimes need to be planted with a second tree of a different variety, which acts as the pollinator.

Consider harvest times, too. There is no point growing a plum that ripens in January if you know you always go away that month. And remember to always choose quality and tried-and-true varieties. 

TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR OWN ORCHARD

• Buy only quality plants. 

• Give them a good start with part sunlight, part shelter, and plant with planting mix and a base dressing such as Ican Slow Food.

• Plant at least two fruit trees of the same type to help cross-pollination.

• Mulch and feed with compost, blood and bone and fruit food. 

• Water regularly and thin excess fruit out through the growing season.

• Protect the crop from birds.

• Prune correctly from day one.

• Check out our website for expert advice and videos on pruning or come to our pruning session on July 24 at Decor Gardenworld. 

• Buy only quality plants. 

• Give them a good start with part sunlight, part shelter, and plant with planting mix and a base dressing such as Ican Slow Food.

• Plant at least two fruit trees of the same type to help cross-pollination.

• Mulch and feed with compost, blood and bone and fruit food. 

• Water regularly and thin excess fruit out through the growing season.

• Protect the crop from birds.

• Prune correctly from day one. Check out our website or expert advice and videos on pruning or come to our pruning session on July 24 at Decor Gardenworld. 

Decor Gardenworld in Bethlehem has been providing BOP gardeners with top-quality fruiting, flowering and fabulous plants for over 55 years. It is family owned and operated and is committed to providing friendly service and advice.

decorgardenworld.co.nz