27 Jun
Fruit Gardener's Diary, Monthly Gardening Checklists

Fruit Gardener’s Diary for the Year in New Zealand

New Zealand’s diverse climate allows for a wide range of fruiting plants to be grown throughout the year. Here is a month-by-month guide to help you plan your fruit garden, including planting, caring, and harvesting activities for the most common fruiting plants grown in New Zealand. January Planting: Citrus trees, passionfruit vines. Care: Water regularly, mulch to retain moisture, and p...

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27 Jun
Flower Gardener's Diary, Monthly Gardening Checklists

Flower Gardener’s Diary for the Year in New Zealand

New Zealand’s diverse climate allows for a wide range of flowering plants to thrive throughout the year. Here is a month-by-month guide to help you plan your flower garden, including planting, caring, and enjoying the blooms of the most common flowering plants grown in New Zealand. January Planting: Summer annuals such as petunias, marigolds, zinnias, and sunflowers. Sow seeds for autumn flo...

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27 Jun
Monthly Gardening Checklists, Vegetable Gardener's Diary

Vegetable Gardener’s Diary for the Year in New Zealand

New Zealand’s temperate climate allows for a wide variety of vegetables to be grown throughout the year. Here is a month-by-month guide to help you plan your vegetable garden, including planting, caring, and harvesting activities for the most common vegetables grown in New Zealand. January Planting: Beans, cucumbers, zucchinis, corn, pumpkins, and late tomatoes. Care: Regular watering, mu...

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red and yellow flowers in the garden
27 Jun
Flower Gardener's Diary, Fruit Gardener's Diary, Monthly Gardening Checklists, Vegetable Gardener's Diary

Fruit Tree, Vegetable, and Gardening Planting Calendar – A Broad Brushstroke for our NZ climate

The Bay of Plenty region enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it ideal for growing a wide range of fruit trees, vegetables, and other garden plants. Here is a comprehensive planting calendar to help you plan your garden activities throughout the year. Fruit Tree Planting Calendar January: Harvesting summer fruits such as plums, peaches, nectarines, and early ...

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13 Feb
The Weed Files

Holly Havoc: The Invasive Charm of Ilex aquifolium & Ilex cornuta in New Zealand

Greetings, fellow garden enthusiasts and nature warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re uncovering the prickly truth about Holly – specifically, Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) and Ilex cornuta (Chinese Holly). These festive-looking plants may conjure up images of holiday cheer with their spiky leaves and bright red berries, but don’t be fooled! In New Zealand, they are more of a garden grinch than a gift. Let’s...

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20 Dec
The Weed Files

Beware the Beauty: The Invasive Charm of Bear’s Breeches in New Zealand

Hey there, nature protectors and plant aficionados! 🌿 Have you ever encountered the striking Bear's Breeches, or Acanthus mollis, in your garden or local wild spaces? This plant, with its bold foliage and towering flower spikes, might look like a garden superstar. But behind its stunning appearance lies a serious problem for New Zealand’s native ecosystems. Let's explore why Bear's Breeches, despi...

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04 Dec
The Weed Files

The Tangled Tale of Old Man’s Beard: An Invasive Invader in New Zealand

Hello, fellow nature lovers and weed warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re unraveling the story of one of New Zealand’s most notorious invasive plants: Old Man’s Beard, or Clematis vitalba. This fast-growing vine might look like a fairy tale with its fluffy, beard-like seeds, but don’t be fooled! It’s more like a villain in disguise, causing serious problems for our native ecosystems. Let’s dive into why Old M...

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07 May
The Weed Files

The Puzzling Problem of Contorta Pine: An Invader of New Zealand

Hello, nature lovers and environmental champions! 🌲 Today, we’re focusing on a tree that’s causing quite a stir in New Zealand’s landscapes: the Contorta Pine. Known botanically as Pinus contorta and commonly referred to as Lodgepole Pine or P. murrayana, this tree is part of the Pinaceae family. While its towering presence might seem majestic, the Contorta Pine has become an unwelcome guest in ou...

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25 Apr
The Weed Files

The Fluffy Foe: Battling Woolly Mullein – Verbascum thapsus in New Zealand

Hello, fellow gardeners and nature defenders! 🌿 Today, we’re turning the spotlight on a plant that might look soft and innocent but is causing big problems across New Zealand: Woolly Mullein, or Verbascum thapsus. This tall, fuzzy invader with its bright yellow flowers is more than just an unusual sight in our fields and gardens. Let’s dive into why Woolly Mullein is considered an invasive pest an...

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12 Mar
Exploring New Zealand

Experience the Bay of Plenty, NZ Like a Local

Explore the Beaches Mount Maunganui (The Mount): A local favorite for its stunning beach and hiking trails. Climb to the summit for panoramic views. Papamoa Beach: Quieter than The Mount, great for a relaxing day by the sea. Visit Local Markets Tauranga Farmers Market: Held every Saturday morning, offering fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and live music. Mount Maunganui Market: A vib...

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22 Feb
The Weed Files

The Persistent Pest: Tackling Twin Cress – Lepidium didymum in New Zealand

Hello, green thumbs and eco-warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re shedding light on a small but mighty invader that’s been creeping its way across New Zealand’s gardens and farmlands: Twin Cress, or Lepidium didymum. This tiny troublemaker may be easy to overlook, but its impact on our ecosystems is significant. Let’s explore why Twin Cress needs to be controlled and how you can help keep this invasive plant i...

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December - Flower Gardener's Diary for the Bay of Plenty
01 Dec
Flower Gardener's Diary

December – Flower Gardener’s Diary for New New Zealand

December is the height of summer in New Zealand, and your flower garden will be bursting with color and activity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage your flower garden during this vibrant month. Planting Summer Annuals: Continue planting summer annuals such as marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, petunias, and impatiens for vibrant color. Perennials: Plant perennials like dahl...

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22 Nov
Landscaping & Lawns

Transforming Your Kiwi Backyard: Landscaping Trends in New Zealand

Ready to give your Kiwi backyard a fresh, modern makeover? New Zealand is embracing some fantastic landscaping trends that blend style, sustainability, and functionality. Whether you're looking to create a peaceful retreat or an entertainment hotspot, these ideas will help you transform your outdoor space into a true paradise. Let's explore the hottest landscaping trends in New Zealand! 1. Native...

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11 Aug
The Weed Files

Dock the Invader: The Trouble with Rumex in New Zealand

Hey there, nature enthusiasts and garden guardians! 🌿 Have you ever come across those pesky plants with broad, paddle-like leaves in your backyard or paddock? Meet Dock – specifically, Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock), Rumex pulcher (Fiddle Dock), and Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock). These green invaders are more than just a minor nuisance; they’re causing big problems in New Zealand’s ...

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01 Dec
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for December in New Zealand

December is a busy month in the garden as the weather warms up and plants thrive. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you stay on top of your gardening tasks and ensure your garden flourishes throughout the summer season. General Garden Maintenance Watering: Ensure all plants receive adequate water, especially during hot, dry periods. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to...

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26 Nov
The Weed Files

Wild Ginger: The Beautiful but Invasive Invader of New Zealand

Hello, nature guardians and green enthusiasts! 🌿 Today, we’re taking a closer look at a pair of plants that are as captivating as they are problematic: Wild Ginger, specifically Hedychium gardnerianum (Kahili Ginger) and Hedychium flavescens (Yellow Ginger). These exotic beauties, while stunning, pose a significant threat to New Zealand’s native ecosystems. Let’s delve into why these plants, despi...

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01 Nov
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for November in New Zealand

November is late spring in New Zealand, and it's a bustling time in the garden as the weather warms up and plants enter a vigorous growth phase. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you make the most of your gardening activities this month. General Garden Maintenance Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Mulch garden beds...

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01 Oct
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for October in New Zealand

October marks the middle of spring in New Zealand, and it's a busy time in the garden as plants begin to grow vigorously. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you stay on top of your gardening tasks this month. General Garden Maintenance Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to conse...

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01 Sep
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for September in New Zealand

September marks the beginning of spring in New Zealand, and it’s a vibrant time for gardeners as the weather warms up and plants begin to flourish. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you manage your garden tasks in September. General Garden Maintenance Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Mulching: Apply mulch aroun...

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01 Aug
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for August in New Zealand

August is the tail end of winter in New Zealand, and it's a crucial time to start preparing your garden for the upcoming spring. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you get your garden ready for the new growing season. General Garden Maintenance Weeding: Keep on top of weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Mulching: Apply mulch around plants t...

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01 Jul
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for July in New Zealand

July is mid-winter in New Zealand, and while the weather can be cold and wet, there are still plenty of gardening tasks to keep you busy. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you maintain and prepare your garden during the winter months. General Garden Maintenance Weeding: Keep on top of weeds to prevent them from taking over and competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Mul...

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01 Jun
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for June in New Zealand

June marks the beginning of winter in New Zealand, and it's a time to protect your garden from the cold while preparing for the upcoming spring season. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you manage your garden tasks in June. General Garden Maintenance Weeding: Keep on top of weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Mulching: Apply a thick la...

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01 May
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for May in New Zealand

May marks the beginning of late autumn in New Zealand, and it's time to prepare your garden for the upcoming winter months. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you keep your garden in top shape during May. General Garden Maintenance Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around pl...

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01 Apr
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for April in New Zealand

April marks the middle of autumn in New Zealand, and it’s a crucial time to prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you maintain your garden and get it ready for winter. General Garden Maintenance Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to ...

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01 Mar
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for March in New Zealand

March marks the beginning of autumn in New Zealand, and it’s a time to start transitioning your garden from the summer heat to cooler autumn weather. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you maintain and prepare your garden during March. General Garden Maintenance Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Mulching: Apply a...

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01 Feb
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for February in New Zealand

February is the last full month of summer in New Zealand, and it’s an important time to keep your garden thriving and start preparing for the cooler months ahead. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you manage your garden tasks in February. General Garden Maintenance Watering: Ensure your garden is well-watered, especially during hot, dry periods. Water early in the morning or late in t...

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01 Jan
Monthly Gardening Checklists

Gardening Checklist for January in New Zealand

January is the height of summer in New Zealand, and it's a busy time in the garden. The warmer weather and longer days mean plants are growing vigorously. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you manage your garden tasks in January. General Garden Maintenance Watering: Ensure your garden is well-watered, especially during hot, dry periods. Water early in the morning or late in the evenin...

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