NZ Native Gardens

Creating A Stunning NZ Native Garden

Embracing the natural beauty of New Zealand's flora can transform any garden into a lush oasis. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small urban space, creating a native garden filled with NZ plants is both rewarding and environmentally friendly. This guide will walk you through the process, offering practical tips and inspiring ideas to help you design your own stunning NZ native garden.

Design Ideas for a Stunning NZ Native Garden

Now that you've started to think about your plants, it's time to design your garden layout. Here are some inspiring ideas to consider.

Native Garden Ideas

• Layered gardens: Use a mix of tall, medium, and low-growing plants to create layers and add depth. Perhaps use a Carex at the front, Hebes in the middle, and Corokia as a backdrop.
• Curved Pathways: Introduce winding paths using natural materials like stone or wood chips to guide the flow of your garden. Avoid using pavers with a curved pathway as the geometry often clashes.
• Incorporate rocks and boulders to mimic a natural landscape and provide visual interest. Pratia is a great choice to pair with rocks.
• Adding a small pond or fountain can enhance the tranquility of your garden and attract native birds.
• Consider designing a themed area, such as a coastal or alpine garden. Coprosmas and Muehlenbeckia are perfect for coastal gardens. Poa cita and Chionochloa rubra set a great scene for alpine gardens.
• Edible natives can be incorporated into a garden. Plants like kawakawa or native spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) can be included for a functional and beautiful garden.

Most Popular Plants For A NZ Native Garden

New Zealand has a rich variety of native plants, each with its unique charm. Here are some popular choices to consider for your garden.

Trees and Shrubs

• Kowhai trees are renowned for their beautiful yellow flowers and how these attract native birds like the tui.
• Pohutukawa trees, known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, features vibrant red flowers that are a show stopper during early summer.
• Kanuka and Manuka are versatile shrubs that are great for hedges and produce small, delicate flowers.

Groundcovers and Grasses

• Astelias are known for their silver foliage. They add texture and contrast to a garden.
• Carex are perfect for adding movement and softness to a planting.
• Flaxes add colour and texture to a garden. From vibrant yellows of Phormium Yellow Wave to dark purple and black with Phormium 'Purple Haze' and Phormium Black Rage.

Ferns

• Ponga (Cyathea dealbata) is the iconic silver fern and is a must-have for any NZ native garden.
• Hen and Chicken Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) is a great choice for shaded areas.

Flowers

• Hebes come in a variety of colors and forms. They are a versatile choice for bringing colour to a garden.
• The Chatham Island Forget Me Not is renowned for its striking blue flowers, it thrives in shaded areas.

Other Plant Options

• The Plant Company has a vast range of native plants with fantastic information about each. Additionally, you can use the plant finder tool which enables you to be more specific with your searching. Simply turn on the filters for NZ native, your location, and add more criteria to find the exact plants you are after.

Planning Your NZ Native Garden

Before you start planting, it's essential to plan your garden design. Consider factors such as space, sunlight, and soil type to ensure your plants will thrive.

Assess Your Space

Take a look at your garden space. Is it large or small? Do you have a sunny or shady area? Understanding your space will help you select plants that are suitable for your environment. For example, if you have limited space, consider vertical gardening or using pots to add height and dimension. For large gardens, you can create different zones, such as a fernery or a native grassland.

Sunlight and Soil Considerations

Pay attention to how much sunlight your garden receives throughout the day. Some native plants prefer full sun, while others thrive in shaded areas. Similarly, consider the soil type. Some plants will grow well on clay soils whereas others will fail. You may need to improve your soil with compost or mulch for better plant performance.

Why Choose NZ Native Plants?

Choosing native plants for your garden has numerous benefits. Not only are they adapted to the local climate, which makes them easier to care for, but they also support local biodiversity. Native plants attract and provide habitat for birds, bees, and other wildlife. Moreover, these plants require less water and fewer chemicals, making them a sustainable choice for any garden.

Caring For Your NZ Native Garden

Once your garden is planted, proper care is essential to maintain its beauty and health.

• Native plants generally require less water, but it's crucial to water them deeply during dry periods. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and size of your plants. Remove dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth.
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
• Be sure to feed them with native plant fertiliser in spring to keep them flourishing!

If you need any help, be sure to contact us for advice and any help you may need.