Getting Friendly with the Natives
Even I (a relatively fussy gardener) could not be more pleased with the results. What was an irritating eyesore, is now one of my favourite parts of the garden. It's a tiny secret garden, and I love to sit on my black garden bench, hidden from the world behind the bold leaves of the cabbage trees. I'll be showcasing lots of New Zealand native plants in the coming months, so let's get started with five of my favourites.
Cordyline australis
The cabbage tree, or Ti kouka, starts off as a clump of spiky green leaves, but heads quickly skyward, ending up like, well, a clump of spiky green leaves on top of a tall trunk! It's also edible. You can cook the tree's tap roots and its tender shoots, and apparently cabbage tree roots can also be also for brewing beer. But let's face it, it's not chocolate cake, is it!
Scleranthus uniflorus
I call this "pat-me-plant" because I simply can't resist giving it an affectionate pat as I walk past. It has the most wonderful texture. Scleranthus is a mossy, grass-like ground cover which
grows into a mound. Great for gravel gardens, it likes full sun.
Thanks to Oasis plants for the use of the photo.
Cyathea dealbata
The silver fern. New Zealand's national emblem, a beautiful fern whose fronds unfurl to reveal distinctive silver-white markings underneath. I've planted a clump of ferns around a tiny square pond beneath my bedroom window, so I get the benefit of the most delightful reflections. Unfortunately, I have no idea of the botanic names of most of them. It really doesn't matter though, they're all fantastic.
Metrosideros excelsa
The Pohutukawa tree is known as the New Zealand native Christmas Tree, as it bursts into flower during December. A beautiful tree with soft green furry foliage, most New Zealanders will recognise the gnarled specimens which perch precariously along many North Island coastlines. A trust called Project Crimson is working to replant thousands of these wonderful trees.
Myosotidium hortensia Chatham Island forget-me-nots must surely be one of the most beautiful perennials on the planet. Lush green leaves, and the most delicious deep blue flowers on tall thick stems. However, it's only fair I let you into a sad, shameful gardening secret of mine. I had ten of these last year, and now, I have none. This is a photo of one of them shortly
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