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Otago Daily Times
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Otago Daily Times
Seedlings the old-fashioned way
PHOTO: KATE MOSS-MASON As a child I remember going to the local hardware store with my dad and digging out vegetable and flower seedlings from a wooden box and wrapping them in newspaper. Most seedings you buy from the garden centre have been grown as plugs or direct sown into containers in an automated system. An old but tried and true way of growing on seedlings is "pricking out", transferring the seedling from seed pot into a wooden tray. The automated systems miss this step out, saving time and materials. At the botanic garden we still grow a small number of annuals for the bedding display in the Knot Garden, about 2000 plants for each of the summer and winter displays. We stick to the old-fashioned method of pricking the seedlings out into wooden trays as we don't grow enough of the same type of plants to warrant an automated system. The upside of this is our apprentices get to learn the skill of timing a crop, pricking it out and growing on and then planting out the result. It's a rare chance to follow something from start to finish. The bedding seeds are sown in February and September for planting out in April and November. Once seeds have germinated and reached a stage at which they can be handled, they are ready for the next stage, "pricking out". Seedlings of annual plants can usually be pricked out as soon as they have two true leaves. The Friends of the Botanic Garden grow a few annual plants for the plant trolley in the information centre shop. This autumn, they have pansies available to be dug directly out of the wooden tray and wrapped in newspaper — for sale for five plants for a $1. It's a nice old-fashioned touch with no plastic pot involved. Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden. For more details contact propagation officer Alice Lloyd-Fitt.
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
Native treasures collected
Dunedin Botanic Garden apprentice Jess Freeman was part of a recent plant collection trip in Central Otago. Every day at the Dunedin Botanic Garden, staff are involved in the work of plant conservation. This includes not just threatened species, but also more common ones required for public display and education. The work also extends beyond the boundary of the garden's grounds. In one recent trip, staff ventured into the Old Man Range, in Central Otago, to find and collect seeds and cuttings to extend the treasures nurtured in Dunedin — in this case for adding to the garden's new mini-mountain display. There were strict guidelines for the work, set out in a Department of Conservation (Doc) authorisation, which, among other things, placed limits on the quantity and type of material that could be collected. The team could take a limited quantity of propagation material per species on this visit. Depending on the species it was possible to collect a maximum of 10 cuttings less than 15cm long each, five divisions less than 3cm across, and up to 20 fruit per species. Actual quantities collected, details of the trip and propagation success and conservation implications were required to be reported back to Doc. Garden apprentice Jess Freeman was part of the team on the trip and says the limits are crucial to ensure the plants can continue to regenerate and thrive in their natural habitat. "It's great to know that while we're gathering these specimens to grow, we're also being mindful of the long-term health of the ecosystem." The destination for the trip was the Kopuwai Conservation Area, near Alexandra, in the Old Man Range. On the day, cloud clung close to the hills, limiting visibility. Even still, as staff made their way up the mountain, changes in the plant habitat were immediately obvious. Having started in country dominated by tussocks swaying in the chilly morning breeze, the team ascended into a rockier landscape in which plants shrank dramatically in size. By the time the team reached the summit, the plants were much smaller, their ground-hugging strategies perfectly adapted to the harsher conditions. "The fog added an eerie, sci-fi movie vibe to the scene, especially as we passed rock tors and expanses of rocky soil. It was the kind of place you'd expect to find aliens or at least a cool plot twist," Freeman says. At the top, where the 26m rock tor Kopuwai, or the Obelisk, stands, it was time to focus on the business of locating native species. "We took our time to familiarise ourselves with the range of plants in this rocky, fog-filled wilderness. Sometimes scratching our heads, but that's part of the fun." One of the most memorable finds was Myosotis pulvinaris , she says, which was producing its little white flowers despite the challenges of the alpine environment. M pulvinaris , or "mountain forget-me-not," is known for its resilience, adapted for its niche in such rocky and windswept environments. "I love how it is a little reminder that even in the toughest conditions, nature still finds a way to thrive," Freeman says. The team's next find was Craspedia lanata , which look like something you'd expect to see at the bottom of the ocean rather than in the mountains, she says. " Craspedia lanata — also known as woollyhead — has these cute round flower heads, and spotting these in their natural environment felt like finding treasure." By the time they had exhausted the day, the botanic garden team had managed to collect a more than worthwhile haul of specimens from the area, including divisions, cuttings and seeds. There were Myosotis pulvinaris divisions, with compact, silvery-grey to grey-green, hairy cushion-forming growth habit; Raoulia grandiflora divisions, a plant with an interesting "piled-up" look to it, like nature's own little rock garden; Raoulia subsericea divisions, a plant known for its fuzzy, silvery leaves; Raoulia hectorii var. mollis seeds, a tough, low-growing species that thrives in the alpine conditions of the region; Craspedia lanata glomerules, with the little flower heads that are so iconic to the species; Celmisia viscosa seed, which shares with other Celmisia species its quite unique, leathery, silvery leaves built to survive some of the harshest conditions. Also collected were cuttings from Veronica buchananii , a small compact plant that adds a pop of colour in the alpine landscape, and Ozomanthus leptophyllus , a bit of a mouthful to say, a plant with small, narrow leaves and delicate flowers. After a life-saving coffee break in the Old Man Range's blistering cold, the team moved back down the mountain, experiencing the same noticeable shift in habitat, but in reverse. The tussock returned, accompanied by the other plants of the lower slopes. That being the case, there were more finds to be made. There were seeds from Melycitus alpinus , a native shrub with small clustered flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. "I found one growing in between two slate rocks on the ground and about 6cm tall instead of its bushy form. Almost growing like moss would in a gap. Very resilient!" Freeman says. Had the team not collected Acaena saccatipula seeds, the plant may well have helped collect itself. The plants have prickly seedheads that can stick to clothing — their secret weapon for spreading around. Another Celmisia species joined the day's collection, this time Celmisia argentea seeds. Its silver leaves make it stand out, like something straight from a frosty wonderland. Argentea means "silvery", so it is well named. Finally, and very carefully, the garden team harvested some seeds from Aciphylla aurea [commonly known as golden spaniard or speargrass]. "A stunning alpine plant with sharp, spiky leaves and golden flower heads," Freeman says. "It is like nature's own version of a defence system. Wouldn't want to fall into one!" Each collection was placed in a labelled bag for safe keeping. Clean tools were used during collection as a general precaution against spreading disease in the environment. Back at the botanic garden, the team prepared a free-draining potting mix similar to what would be used with growing succulent plants in the garden's care. The mix consists of four parts of the garden's standard pine bark mix, one part sand, one part perlite and one part gravel. The seeds were gently sown on top of the mix in seedling pots and lightly covered with a thin layer of gravel to protect them. The cuttings and divisions were potted into terracotta pots and placed deep into the garden's outside sand bed, which regulates temperature in a similar way to their natural environment, while the porous terracotta allows water to escape. The softer and more vulnerable cuttings were planted into tubes, in the same mix, and placed in a propagation house close to the misting bench. They will be potted up when they get established.
Otago Daily Times
15-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Plant sale takes year-round preparation
Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden prepare for Saturday's plant sale. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Every year in May, the Friends of the Botanic Garden group holds its annual autumn plant sale. Work for the next sale begins again as soon as one sale is finished. Members start by assessing what is left over. Is the plant worth holding on to? Can it be revitalised with a repot and prune? Or is it time for this plant to be composted and the pot recycled? Seeds and cuttings of trees, shrubs and native plants that were propagated a few years ago have been grown on. Throughout the year the group of volunteers regularly meets to propagate, prune and repot plants for their shop and sales. Plants grown from seed of Piper excelsum, kawakawa, sown last year, hardwood cuttings of hydrangea taken last winter and seedlings of kauri and totara, donated a few years ago are now all looking great. The month before the sale is the busy one, deciding what plants are ready for sale. Weeding and tidying is an ongoing job while labelling and pricing takes a couple of days. The Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden sale is generously supported by donations from local nurseries such as Blueskin Nurseries, Ribbonwood Nurseries and Blue Mountain Nurseries. Collecting these plants and preparing them for the sale means a busy few days. An autumn plant sale means many of the plants are no longer in flower and may be dying down for winter. Unlike a garden centre, every sale plant won't have an informative description label with a coloured photo. The upside of this is less plastic. There are always knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions. The sale is on tomorrow at the Dunedin Botanic Garden propagation facility in Lovelock Ave, from 9am-noon. Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden. For more details, contact Alice Lloyd-Fitt
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Thousands of plants on offer at autumn sale
Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden vice-president Jocelyn Livesey (left) and committee member Sue Lambie, are looking forward to the plant sale. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD Keen gardeners will be flocking to the Dunedin Botanic Garden on Saturday in search of bargains and special plants among the thousands on offer at the annual May Plant Sale. Organised by the Friends of Dunedin Botanic Garden (DBG) as a fundraising sale for supporting future projects at the garden, the sale will be held from 9am-noon at the garden propagation facility in Lovelock Ave. Friends of DBG committee member Sue Lambie said the plants, which would include native trees and shrubs, bedding plants and indoor plants, had been mostly raised by propagation nursery volunteers. Commercial nurseries across the region also contributed by donating plants, including Blue Mountain Nursery, Blueskin Nursery, Ribbonwood Nursery, Wakelin Robin Nursery and Bunnings. "The result is we have a fantastic selection of plants available at the sale for bargain prices, and some of them are quite unusual," Ms Lambie said. The Friends of Dunedin Botanic Garden has organised two plant sales each year, in spring and autumn, for several decades. "We have been able to raise funds for some great projects in the garden, including contributing to the new playground, which has been a great success," she said. Other projects have included building a platform at the duck pond, providing scholarships to garden staff to assist with attending conferences and the recent installation of a wheelchair-friendly picnic table near the playground. Friends DBG vice-president Jocelyn Livesey said the group worked closely with Dunedin Botanic Garden management to support a broad range of projects, and also provided a roster of volunteers to staff the information centre and gift shop in the lower garden. With the imminent departure of Friends DBG president Sam Moncur, Ms Livesey will be taking on the acting president role until the group's annual meeting in September.
Otago Daily Times
01-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
A taste of ‘Brasil'
Dunedin Botanic Garden's plant sale is a great opportunity to green your indoor spaces, writes Alisha Sherriff. Philodendron species have long held a special place in the hearts of house plant enthusiasts. With their forgiving nature, broad green leaves, and ability to adapt to a variety of indoor conditions, they are often considered "fail-proof" for both novices and seasoned plant parents. Among the many beautiful varieties, one stands out for its vibrant charm — the Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'. This eye-catching plant is a variegated form of the classic Heartleaf Philodendron, instantly recognisable by its striking green and lime-yellow streaked leaves. Named 'Brasil' for its resemblance to the Brazilian flag, this cultivar brings a tropical burst of colour into homes. While some Philodendron varieties thrive easily indoors across New Zealand, the 'Brasil' can pose a slight challenge in cooler climates such as Dunedin. However, with a little attention to its specific needs, growing it successfully is far from impossible. The 'Brasil' prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid colouring, though it will tolerate lower light conditions at the cost of some of its variegation. Like most Philodendrons, it appreciates a warm, humid environment, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and a well-draining potting mix. It's best kept away from draughts or cold windowsills, particularly during Dunedin's colder months. An occasional wipe of its leaves not only keeps it looking lush but also helps the plant photosynthesise more easily. Given the right care, Philodendron 'Brasil' is a stunning indoor plant that adds a tropical vibe to any space. For those keen to add this beauty to their collection, the Dunedin Botanic Garden May plant sale offers an excellent opportunity. Taking place on Saturday, May 17, 9am until noon, the annual event has been a highlight on the city's horticultural calendar for decades. Organised by the Friends of the Dunedin Botanic Garden, the May plant sale is not just a fundraiser — it's a fun community gathering that celebrates the shared passion for plants. The Friends of the Garden, a dedicated volunteer group, have lovingly propagated 0 'Brasil' for the past two years in preparation for this year's sale. Thanks to their care and expertise, visitors will be able to buy the plants potted in hanging baskets — perfect for displaying their trailing vines in style. The plant sale has a long history of offering plants that have deep connections to the garden's impressive collections. Plants available on the day originate from the extensive borders and themed gardens that weave through the botanic garden's landscape, including rare and unusual varieties not commonly found in retail nurseries. All funds raised through the sale go directly into supporting projects and initiatives at the garden, helping to maintain and enhance this community treasure. Pro tips: bring cash on the day to avoid queues for the eftpos machine and arrive early so you don't miss out on the plant you want. Another much-loved indoor favourite that will feature at the plant sale is Hoya Apocynaceae . Commonly called "waxplants" or "waxflowers" because of their thick, leathery leaves and star-shaped flower clusters arranged in umbels, Hoya are perfect for anyone who loves a low-maintenance houseplant that can put on a good show. The classic Hoya carnosa is one of the most common and reliable species to grow indoors. It's a trailing vine that thrives in bright direct or indirect light and doesn't mind being root-bound — in fact, it prefers it. This makes it ideal for hanging pots, shelves, or trailing down from a high spot. When it's happy, it will reward you with beautiful clusters of starry flowers that smell incredible, especially in the evening. What's interesting about Hoya flowers is how they bloom. The plant produces them from little umbels on the peduncle. These are permanent structures that the plant will flower from again and again. So, if your Hoya has finished blooming, don't remove these — they're not dead stems, they're flower factories in waiting! The longer or bigger the peduncle, the older (and usually more impressive) the plant. When the flowers open, they ooze a sticky, sugary nectar — not something to worry about, but maybe don't hang your plant directly above the TV or couch. The scent can be sweet or even pungent depending on the species, especially at night. This is likely the plant's way of attracting night-time pollinators. Alongside Hoya carnosa , the plant sale will have a range of other Hoya species available: Hoya obovata : This one has big, round leaves that are often splashed with silvery spots. It's a bit of a slow starter but really takes off once it settles in. Hoya pubicalyx : A fast-growing variety with long, narrow leaves and gorgeous dark purple to deep red flowers. It has a strong fragrance that can fill a room in the evening. Hoya serpens : A tiny gem with small, fuzzy leaves and light green flowers with red centres. It comes from the Himalayas, so can handle cooler indoor temps. I have struggled with this one for years but love it so much I keep trying to grow it. Hoya krinkle 8 : A twist on the classic carnosa, this one has wrinkly, crinkled leaves and trails beautifully. Not seen much these days. Hoyas are such a classic indoor plant — a good indoor plant collection isn't complete without at least one example. In New Zealand we have a limited number of species available, so it is always exciting when an unusual species turns up at the local garden centre. I am always on the hunt.
