How to Start a Native Plant Garden in New Zealand
Aim for a low-mow or mow-free lawn., Create sandy mounds for ground cover plants., Take advantage of frost-free areas of your garden space., Maintain the garden by removing non-natives.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Aim for a low-mow or mow-free lawn.
Let the following natives take place of your usual lawn:
Mercury Bay weed (Dichondra repens)
- native to New Zealand and numerous other countries Dichondra brevifola Pratia angulata
- white flowering plant Leptinella species
- honey-scented -
Step 2: Create sandy mounds for ground cover plants.
Sandy mounds can easily be created in your garden using gravel covered with sand.
This will replicate the conditions liked by many native ground cover plants and the plants will not require much watering or weeding.
One plant suitable to grow on your mounds is Leptinella nana, a tiny cotula, which is quite endangered and would benefit greatly from you fostering it in your garden. , The narrow strip running alongside your house and fence may seem "useless" to you but in many places, it offers a frost-free haven for a couple of frost tender native tree species.
Clean the area up, add some ferns at ground level and consider planting two special deciduous natives down the side:
Aristotelia serrata, a local wineberry; and Fuschia excorticata, the tree fuchsia (see photo accompanying article) , This will allow the natives to take a stronger toehold and take over garden space previously occupied by non-native species.
A little bit of effort up front will pay dividends in reduced maintenance down the track.
Moreover, you will be contributing to the local biodiversity by creating homes and encouraging spaces for birds, lizards, butterflies and other species that make the most of native plants. -
Step 3: Take advantage of frost-free areas of your garden space.
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Step 4: Maintain the garden by removing non-natives.
Detailed Guide
Let the following natives take place of your usual lawn:
Mercury Bay weed (Dichondra repens)
- native to New Zealand and numerous other countries Dichondra brevifola Pratia angulata
- white flowering plant Leptinella species
- honey-scented
Sandy mounds can easily be created in your garden using gravel covered with sand.
This will replicate the conditions liked by many native ground cover plants and the plants will not require much watering or weeding.
One plant suitable to grow on your mounds is Leptinella nana, a tiny cotula, which is quite endangered and would benefit greatly from you fostering it in your garden. , The narrow strip running alongside your house and fence may seem "useless" to you but in many places, it offers a frost-free haven for a couple of frost tender native tree species.
Clean the area up, add some ferns at ground level and consider planting two special deciduous natives down the side:
Aristotelia serrata, a local wineberry; and Fuschia excorticata, the tree fuchsia (see photo accompanying article) , This will allow the natives to take a stronger toehold and take over garden space previously occupied by non-native species.
A little bit of effort up front will pay dividends in reduced maintenance down the track.
Moreover, you will be contributing to the local biodiversity by creating homes and encouraging spaces for birds, lizards, butterflies and other species that make the most of native plants.
About the Author
Kyle Garcia
Creates helpful guides on creative arts to inspire and educate readers.
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