Spring 2020
Selwyn
Gardening
guide
published by & Selwyn Times
gARdeN TOuRS | PLANTS | NuRSeRieS | LANdSCAPe deSigN | iRRigATiON | OuTdOOR SPACeS
2 |
SELWYN GARDENING GUIDE SPRING 2020
Did you know
that healthy trees can add up to 20% to the
value of your property?
You may not think about it that often – but the
trees on your property are a lifetime investment.
Carefully selected trees on your property provide
more than beauty - they increase the value of your
home. Several recent surveys have shown that
mature trees in a well-landscaped garden can
increase the value of a house by 7 percent to 19
percent.
First impressions count when buying and selling a
house. Something to reflect on is what happens
when potential buyers view a property. The first
thing they will see is your landscaping and exterior.
Experts indicate that a well-maintained garden with
mature trees can add thousands to a home’s value
and speed up a house sale too.
Respectful, experienced, and passionate tree
care that protects and enhances your home
In addition to adding significant value at the
point of sale, trees also serve very practical and
functional (as well as aesthetic) purposes for
homeowners. They frame beautiful, relaxing, and
pleasant landscapes and help keep a house cooler
and protected from destructive winds and weather.
Many tree care companies simply chop, cut, and
call the job done. However, after speaking with THE
TREE PEOPLE, it quickly became apparent that they
are different. Simply put, they know your home is
your haven and will always ensure it is treated that
way.
Started by Ra and Megan Hammer in 2004, THE
TREE PEOPLE knew early on that their ethos and
approach was going to be different. They never
simply chop and cut, and instead pride themselves
on the fact that they go against the grain of how
many other arborists operate.
They can help with any tree and pride themselves
on being able to do so. They can remove large
dangerous trees safely, look after the trees that you
care about, transplant established trees with care
and offer expert advice on all ‘things’ trees.
Speaking with passion about what he does, Chief
Tree Hugger Ra Hammer shares, “We had some
very clear goals when we started the business
that we still ‘live by’ today. It was important to
us to preserve and maintain trees sustainably, to
provide an environment that helps our customers
to enjoy harmonious relationships with their trees, to
offer excellent affordable tree care and to always
adhere to best practice. I am proud to say that, 16
years later, we still live and breathe these goals”.
If you want to add value to your property, Ra,
Megan, and the team at THE TREE PEOPLE can
support you and your trees. They are your locally
based experts and can help with any tree.
selwyn gardening guide spring 2020 | 3
Looking for
inspiration and a great day out?
Spring and summer is the perfect time to get out and
about visiting gardens, getting ideas and seeing what
grows well and where. Selwyn and the surrounding districts
have a number of beautiful gardens – be sure to add the
following garden tours and events to your garden diary:
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ANNUAL PLANT SALE Oct 11, From
12.15pm
Lincoln University Diploma of Horticulture students are once
again offering for sale plants, trees and shrubs that they’ve
grown as part of their study assignments. This annual
sale has been running for over 30 years and is a way to
reduce stock that has built up over the course of a year.
Hundreds of shrubs, trees, indoor plants, bedding plants
and vegetable seedlings will be available to the public
from the Lincoln University nursery. Access is via Gate Two
(off Ellesmere Junction Road) and right at the ‘Horticultural
Nursery’ sign.
ST JOHN GARDEN FETE, Oct 15, 10am-4pm
Take time to wander around the spectacular Rakaia
Gardens. The garden is six acres - with wide lawn paths
linking each area together with rhododendrons, camellias,
thousands of annuals, perennials and roses. An idyllic
boardwalk meanders through a huge area dedicated to
NZ natives surrounding a tranquil pond. Enjoy boutique
stalls, great lunch options, and a cooking demonstration
by 2012 MasterChef finalist Chantelle Quinn (owner of
twenty four catering) plus live music to enjoy. Tickets
available from www.eventfinda.co.nz
SELWYN WAIWERA YOUTH TRUST GARDEN TOUR, Nov 7,
10am-4pm
A self-guided tour of local gardens: including a native
sustainable garden and a Mexican style garden. All
proceeds go towards funding Youth Workers for local
Schools and to help fund developing leaders. Tickets are
$20 and can be purchased through Lincoln Hammer
Hardware and Lincoln Pharmacy or through www.
eventfinda.co.nz
TAI TAPU GARDEN TOUR, Nov 8, 10am-4pm
Seven treasured local gardens bursting with colour, texture
and diversity - from historic to modern will be offered as a
self-tour package, with the option to choose the ‘Otahuna
Garden Tour Package’. Tickets are limited for this guided
tour of the prestigious historic homestead gardens
designed for Tai Tapu’s own, Sir Heaton Rhodes. An art and
photography exhibition and a display of classic cars will
also feature at two of the gardens. There will also be some
extra attractions at some of the gardens, for those who
love art, plants, cars or all three! The Tai Tapu Garden Tour
is a biennial fundraiser for Tai Tapu Primary School with all
profits going directly into teaching resources and support
services. Visit www.taitapugardentour.nz for more details.
INSIDE OUT AKAROA HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR, Nov 28 &
29, 10am- 5pm
The Inside Out Akaroa House & Garden Tour takes place
over two days on the weekend of with 13 amazing
gardens to discover, at your own pace, on a flexible
self-drive program. For more information and ticket sales,
visit: https://akaroa.com/events/event-listing-inside-outgarden-tour
PUBLISHER
Star Media
A division of Allied Press Ltd
PO Box 1467 Christchurch 8140
AdvERtISIng
Lynette Evans - Ph 03 364 7434
email: lynette.evans@starmedia.kiwi
EdItORIAL
Fiona Maddison
Rosemary graham
Shaz davis
dESIgn
denise Crawford
Nat’s Nursery’s services:
• Plant nursery - trees, natives, and
hedging plants
• Sourcing of speciality plants and trees
(dependent on availability)
• Flexible hours with arrangement
• Landscaping consultation and support
• Gardening - Green waste
removed
• Milking shed, Lane way, and
cottage planting
• Large order discounts
• Lifestyle blocks and small
gardens.
• One on one support
• Excellent pricing
Phone Natalie
021 258 7241
ANNUAL SALE of
PLANTS
www.taitapugardentour.nz
Tickets available from Eventfinda
WE SPECIALISE IN THE CARE AND
PRESERVATION OF TREES
• Pruning
• Expert Tree Felling
• Fully Insured
• Free Quotes
• Powerline Clearing
Member of NZ Arboriculture Association
For quotes and enquiries phone 03 349 7143 | For urgent enquiries phone 027 272-6710
Email: office@arbor-tek.co.nz
• Branch Chipping
• Competitive Rates
• Orion Approved Contractor
FULLY
QUALIFIED
ARBORISTS
www.arbor–tek.co.nz
Lincoln University Nursery (Farm Road)
On Wednesday 14 th October
& Thursday 15 th October
Time from 10am
Range Shrubs, trees, indoor plants,
bedding plants and vegetable seedlings.
Directions Access via Gate Two (off
Ellesmere Junction Road) and right at
‘Horticultural Nursery’ sign
EFT-POS available
Garden Fete
Garden Fete
Thursday
Thursday 15
15
October
October
2020
2020
10am - 4pm - 4pm
Rakaia Gardens - home - home of of
Sue & Ted Rollinson
282 Awaroa School Road, Road, Dorie Dorie 11RD 11RD Rakaia Rakaia
(signposted off off SH1) SH1)
Come join us for a great day. 70+ stalls, live music,
Come join us for a great day. 70+ stalls, live musi
food & beautiful gardens to explore
food Gate & beautiful tickets on gardens the day $20 to explore
Presale Gate tickets tickets $15; Children on the day 5yrs+ $20 $5
Presale ATM and tickets EFTPOS $15; available Children onsite 5yrs+ $5
ATM Tickets and EFTPOS now available onsite
• Eventfinda website Tickets www.eventfinda.co.nz now available or
• • Eventfinda Check out our website Facebook www.eventfinda.co.nz page (St John – or
Ashburton) for physical ticket outlets or
• Check out our Facebook page (St John –
phone 3087132
Ashburton) for physical ticket outlets or
Raising funds for Mid Canterbury St John
phone 3087132
4 |
selwyn gardening guide spring 2020
Look local
for electrical needs
A garden
Locally owned and operated from
their base in Rolleston, Juice Electrical
has been looking after the needs of
Selwyn residents for 14 years.
Greg Horton and his team of four
master electricians providing a
professional and timely service
whether it is residential, commercial or
industrial, indoors or outdoors.
“We pride ourselves on going the
extra mile particularly with repair and
renovation work and we’re very strong
on maintenance,” says Greg.
Creating a special ambience
outdoors is part of the service.
Integrated LED lighting is becoming
very popular as it is a lot easier and
less expensive to install because there
is no need to dig trenches for wiring.
Outdoor options include up-lighting
trees and buildings, deck lighting and
floodlights as well as security lighting.
They advise on the best type and
where they should be placed. Greg
recommends installing sensors so the
lights come on automatically at dusk.
“We discuss the customer’s ideas
with them, show them photos of
other gardens with attractive outdoor
lighting and make suggestions on
how they can make the most of their
outdoor area with a range of LED
lighting options,” says Greg.
In fact LED lights are now the preferred
option for indoor and outdoor lighting
as well.
Juice Electrical does not have a
vehicle charge for Rolleston so look
out for the brightly coloured Juice
Electrical vans as they work hard
to look after the Selwyn district’s
electrical needs. Call Greg and the
team at 379 6644.
A three week visit to the USA that lasted 15 years was how Selwyn local
Maude Fairburn got started on her passion for everything American. Upon her
return to New Zealand, Maude set about having her new home built in the
Santa Fe style – a style she saw and fell in love with while travelling on Route
66. The Santa Fe house style, also known as pueblo architecture, is striking
for its colourful terracotta adobe walls and heavy timber doors, beams and
detailing.
Fourteen years fast forward and Maude’s passion has grown exponentially to
include a themed garden full of cacti, succulents, geraniums and lavenders.
While her garden is inspired by the gardens she saw in America, all her plants
are grown in New Zealand and many sourced locally, plus some she has grown
herself from babies.
Walking through the impressive front entrance is like walking into another world.
Maude’s house and garden cannot help but be noticed from the street by
everyone who walks or drives by and the welcoming sign over the gate that
reads ‘Mi casa es su casa’, literally translates to ‘my house is your house’.
“All the decorations, inside and out are sourced from America,” says Maude,
referring to the many Indian and Mexican features that can be seen around
the property. Adobe-style walled gardens inlaid with colourful blue and white
A passion for all things Santa Fe
brings this house and garden to life.
HydRoSEEdINg, INStaNt
LawNS aNd LaNdSCaPINg
• Locally owned &
operated
• Residential &
commercial lawns
• Hydroseeding
• Instant roll out lawn
• Full lawn preparations
• Site clearing
• Erosion and dust
control
• Irrigation
• Posthole boring
• Landscaping
• No job too small
‘Mi casa es su casa’ is the
welcoming sign above the impressive
entranceway.
Call us today to discuss all your lawn
and landscaping requirements
Phone 347 4000 or 027 456 7777
Email zac@canterburylawns.co.nz
www.canterburylawns.co.nz
Need A Spa Pool Installation
Or Some Outdoor Lighting?
Then you need to call us.
We are the experts when it comes
to lighting up and cooling down
your outdoor area this spring.
Call us today to discuss getting
your outdoor area sorted today.
No service fee for our Rolleston clients -
because we’re locals.
0800 277 275
selwyn gardening guide spring 2020 | 5
Protect your
to relax in
tiles, cowboy boot shaped planters, rustic bells, steer skulls, water features, spiky
succulents, towering cacti and even a small monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria
araucana) all have their place in Maude’s garden.
“My daughter, Kim, got me into gardening,’ says Maude, “and when we first
built the house, I thought we’d never fill the quarter acre section.” But fill it she
did and she has never looked back.
Time spent in the garden is a pleasure for Maude; she says she finds it “super
relaxing” when working in the garden. “I just listen to Indian music and feel like
I’m back in America.”
She loves the beginning of spring and is often excited when she sees a cactus
flower out for the first time in the season or when she wanders out in the garden
to find a plant has grown so big.
“They’re all so easy care,” she says of her plants, “with just a bit of weeding,
and watering twice a week.”
The house and garden is a reflection of Maude’s passion and dedication to the
Sante Fe style; and the warmth and friendly welcome she extends to visitors is
also a reflection of the hospitality she received in America.
outdoor space
this summer
Protecting your outdoor area from
the elements during summer, or any
time of the year, can be as simple as
giving Mark a call at locally owned
company Shadecraft.
Shadecraft specialises in custommade
shade options that are both
affordable and attractive tailored to
suit your needs. Options for protection
against the weather include shade
sails, louvres, wave shades, eclipse
canopies, umbrellas and drop blinds
with a large range of sizes and a
myriad of colours.
“We pride ourselves on our many
satisfied customers. The majority of our
business is generated through word
of mouth which is testament to our
workmanship and customer service,”
says Shadecraft owner Mark Levey,
who is usually on site during installation
to ensure things run smoothly.
The high quality Eclipse canopy
is extremely popular, protecting
an outdoor area from all weather
conditions, but still allowing for natural
light. These can also be fitted with
drop blinds to fully enclose the area.
Shade sales are another popular
choice and provide protection from
the sun during the hot Canterbury
summers while also visually enhancing
the area while you are outside
relaxing with family and friends.
Mark at Shadecraft is the person
to contact if you are considering
enhancing your outdoor area for the
warmer months or you need some
advice for what would work in your
space. His contact details are 0800
742 332, 0274 981239 or visit their
website at www.shadecraft.co.nz.
Maude Fairburn enjoys listening to
Indian music when spending time in
her garden.
See us now to
order your gates
for summer
• Driveway gates • Pedestrian gates
• Sliding gates • Swing gates
• Louvered gates • T & G gates
• Aluminium frames with timber infill
• Fencing aluminium or timber
• Full gate automation systems
• Keypads • Video intercom
Ph: 0508 4 gates (0508 442 837) 03 325 4397
E: info@townandcountrygates.co.nz
Town and Country Gates
www.townandcountrygates.nz
PATIOS – OUTDOOR AREAS – SHADE SAILS
ECLIPSE CANOPIES – LOUVRES – CAR PORTS
Shadecraft is a
locally owned company
who specialise in
shade and weather
protection products to
enhance your homes
design and use of
outdoor areas.
ShadeCraft (SI) Ltd • 0800 742 332 • Cell 0274 981 239 • www.shadecraft.co.nz
6 | selwyn gardening guide spring 2020
with intelligro
Spring is a time of growth and development, and the list
of jobs to do is endless. With the weather warming up
and daylight savings here, now is the perfect time to get
stuck into the garden.
Intelligro are trying to make small changes to help the
environment and we’re here to help you and your family
create a more sustainable future. Creating your own
veggie garden is the perfect place to start.
Growing vegetables is not only quite satisfying but very
easy too! Growing some of your own food is a key part
of a sustainable lifestyle.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Pick a sunny position for your veggie garden with
shelter from the wind.
2. If you’re using timber, untreated is best. If using
treated timber line with black plastic.
3. Having a good quality soil is key for growing a
productive veggie garden! For leafy, above the
ground produce choose Intelligro Vege Garden Mix.
For root crops, (potatoes, radishes etc) choose
Intelligro Garden Soil Mix. A soil blend is preferred
by these plants.
4. Make sure you plant quality, in-season seedling
(big is not always better).
5. For a successful veggie garden make sure you
establish a regular watering routine!
Lawns...
Spring is well known as lawn time.
Lawns can be sown or repaired
now, as long as you are sure the
last of frosts have been and gone.
We have a handy lawn guide on
our website and our team would
be happy to talk through any
issues you may have, and point you
in the right direction. It’s also a good time to fertilise
your existing lawns, and repair any patches or holes.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for up-coming
workshops & gardening advice and videos.
Intelligro’s Top Spring Products
Vegepods
Vegepods are a great way to grow a garden all year
round. With the benefits of a raised garden bed,
these pods are at the perfect height for working
while standing up, and out of reach of pests.
Vegepods are available in Small, Medium and Large
and start from $209.
Order online at www.igro.co.nz or pop in to see us
at 261 Manion Road, Weedons 7677.
Vege Garden Mix
35L Bag
Our Vege Garden Mix
has been designed to
provide your plants with
the nutrients they need
for healthy growth and
development.
Certified Organic Compost 35L Bag
Our Certified Organic Compost is blended from
sustainable, natural and carefully selected products.
Dig compost through your soil to boost the nutrients
and condition your area before planting. We have had
fantastic reviews from customers who just love our
compost, and it is one of our best sellers all-year-round!
Some of what we have in stock
• Certified Organic Compost • Vege Garden Mix • Potting Mixes
• Lawn Mixes • House Plant Mix • Seed Raising Mix • Bark
• Mulch • Stones • Chips • Pebbles • Sands • Fertilisers • Pavers
• Raised Gardens • Seeds • Seedlings • Tools
and so much more!
Spring & Summer Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Sunday and Public Holidays: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Local, family owned and operated
261 Manion Road, Weedons 7677
P: 03 347 9012 | E: info@igro.co.nz | www.igro.co.nz
/igro.co.nz
/intelligro_nz
Creating
living indoor art
SELWYN GARDENING GUIDE SPRING 2020 | 7
Amy Albon loves
the organic,
sculptural effect of
kokedama.
Kokedama is a
Japanese plant art form
that literally translates
to ‘moss ball’.
When Amy Albon’s mother wanted to try a new
hobby, Amy joined her at an evening class to learn
how to make a kokedama, a Japanese garden art
form.
What Amy discovered was a whole new way of
displaying indoor plants, and not just a hobby
for her mum but also a small business for herself.
Kokedama, literally meaning ‘moss ball’, originates
in Japan, and is fast becoming popular in New
Zealand.
‘It’s a natural, organic way to display house
plants, combining moss around the roots to create
beautiful, self-contained pots instead of the usual
manmade pots,’ says Amy. The class wasn’t quite
what she’d expected so she did some online
research and discovered a number of different
techniques to create the moss balls.
She says it took a lot of trial and error to perfect
her technique but it was fun and new, and soon
she was being asked to create moss ball plants for
family and friends. Amy now sells her kokedamas
from her facebook page and at local markets.
Technique is everything when it comes to creating
a kokedama and a strong, steady hand is needed.
Soil is added to the roots, then covered with
sphagnum moss and finally wrapped with string to
create the ball.
“I’ve learnt my own technique on how to mold the
roots with moss, the tighter and more consistent
the better, and how to lay the string to create
beautiful lines and symmetry, which gives the plant
its spectacular pot,’ says Amy. ‘Kokedama provides
a sculptural focal point in any room and looks
amazing on coffee tables.’
Most houseplants are suitable to be turned into
kokedama but Amy says she found succulents
and ferns to be popular, with succulents being the
easiest to care for. How often to water depends on
the plant but when the kokedama is dry, it can be
put into a bowl of water or a bath and left to soak
for 20 minutes before being drained and put back
on display.
Amy suggests displaying kokedamas on wooden
chopping boards, bamboo tripods, shallow plates
(so the air can get through) or by hanging the balls
- several hanging plants can make an eye-catching
display.
To find out more about Amy and kokedama, visit
her facebook page: mossandme.kokedama or
phone: 022 631 4551.
Making your great outdoors greater
VEgE MIx
$30
NOW
PER SCOOP
Buy 5 scoops
get 1 FREE!
OR buy 6 scoops
and get
FREE DELIVERY!
Check out our all new website
www.mainscapegardensupplies.co.nz
Contact Us
1543 Springs Road, Lincoln 021 241 7908 sales@mainscape.co.nz
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 3:00pm
8 |
selwyn gardening guide spring 2020
Perfect time for creating
your dream pool
A new swimming pool will make a splash this summer
and you will find your friends and family will love your
pool as much as you do. With summer on its way, now
is the perfect time to organise the installation of your
pool with local company Lagoon Pools
Owners Julie and Warren Hastings installs pools sized
from five metres to 12 metres in length to suit both
large and small sections, with a huge variety of widths,
colours and shapes.
“There really is a pool for every site,” says Julie.
Lagoon Pools is also the Leisure Pools dealer for most
of the South Island featuring 100% composite fibreglass
and, with patented innovations, every swimming pool
is supported by their lifetime structural warranty and
a lifetime osmosis warranty – this makes them the
strongest pool available on the market.
Pool automation is becoming popular with equipment
monitoring and settings right at your fingertips from
any location. Additional features including pool
lighting, fountains and spa jets can enhance the pool
area, transforming it into an extended living space
where family and friends can relax in the outdoors,
Julie says.
It takes around five days to install a pool and the
finishing touches can take from four weeks depending
upon the design.
Contact Lagoon Pools by phoning Julie or Warren
0800 927 282 or 03 349 2160. You can also visit their
website www.lagoonpools.co.nz to find out more about
their range of pools and other services they offer.
www.lagoonpools.co.nz
03 349 2160 or 0800 92 72 82
SELWYN GARDENING GUIDE SPRING 2020 | 9
Landscaping
supplies
Organic bins
Spring is the perfect time to get back
into the garden and start filling up your
organics bin again.
The Selwyn District Council’s green
organics bins can be utilised for
garden prunings, weeds, leaves and
grass clippings.
Food items such as bread, dairy
products, fruit, vegetables fish, meat,
bones, coffee grinds, as well as foodsoiled
cardboard containers and
paper towels can also be placed in
the green bin.
Here are some useful tips to ensure
your bin is fully emptied every week:
• Keep the bin weight under 60kg. If
you find it difficult to move the bin,
then you may find it exceeds the truck
lifting limits.
• Keep the bin contents loose. Don’t
compact your material by standing on
it (it may not come out when tipped
by the truck).
• Place weeds, branches or
newspaper at the bottom of the bin
before filling with grass clippings. This
reduces the likelihood of the grass
clippings getting stuck.
• Organics only! No plastic bags
(including those labelled as
compostable, degradable or
biodegradable), metals, timber,
sawdust, glass, rocks, stones or bricks
as these cause considerable damage
to the organics shredder.
• Flax and cabbage leaves need to
go in your red rubbish bin (as these
get caught up in the shredder).
• Make sure your bin is not overflowing
– the lid needs to close.
For townships with organic collection;
why not swap your 240 litre red bin for
a 240 litre green bin and an 80 litre
red bin? You’ll save money and the
environment.
Unsure about an item? Check out
selwyn.govt.nz/organics
Gardenmakers Landscape Supplies
is owned and operated by local
families, who
pride themselves on their large
range of products available from
their yard for all your landscaping
projects. Products include sand
and base courses, compost and soil
conditioners, decorative stones and
boulders, barks and mulches, bagged
cements, and pavers including
Westland schist, plus macrocarpa and
railway sleepers.
While you’re there, check out
their Mike Cairns Timber on-site for
residential fencing and structural
requirements, plus the range of stakes,
pegs, decking, and hardware on
offer. They also make planter boxes
and timber gardening edging plus
they have a range of gardening
products and tools available.
“We welcome you to come and
look at our products and discuss your
landscaping project with our friendly,
helpful staff. All our products are
bagged, so come on in for a bag, a
scoop or cubic metres of product. We
also have hire trailers available.”
Gardenmakers Landscape Supplies
offer an excellent delivery service to
all suburbs and surrounding towns,
and is located at 4 Parkhouse Road,
Sockburn, where their yard has plenty
of parking, is easy to drive around and
is open seven days at 4 Parkhouse
Road, Sockburn. Ph: 03-341 5688 or
visit: www.gardenmakers.co.nz.
Your organics bin is only
for the following items...
Garden prunings,
clippings and leaves
Fruit and vegetables
Bread, pastries
and dairy products
Meat, bones
and fish
Landscape
& firewood
supplies
we supply & deliver
Coffee grinds
Food soiled cardboard
containers and paper towels
Tips to ensure your bin is fully emptied:
· Keep items loose.
· Keep the bin weight reasonable.
· Place weeds, branches or newspaper
at the bottom of the bin before filling
with grass clippings (to avoid contents
getting stuck).
selwyn.govt.nz/organics
· No plastic bags (including compostable
or biodegradable), metals, glass, rocks,
stones, bricks or rubbish.
· Flax and cabbage tree leaves should go
in the red bin.
· Make sure the lid closes.
Open 7 days Mon-Sat 7am-5pm Sun 8am-4pm
4 Parkhouse Rd, Sockburn, Phone: 03 341 5688
www.gardenmakers.co.nz
10 |
selwyn gardening guide spring 2020
EvErything you nEEd for your yard
CoBBLES
trELLiS
PavErS
PLantEr BoXES
MUSGROVES LTD
Buyers and sellers of
recycled and new building
materials and joinery
Less waste,
more purpose.
3 Musgrove Close
(off Wigram Road)
P: 03 322 7922
E: sales@musgroves.co.nz
www.musgroves.co.nz
Hot, dry summer
expected
THINKING ABOUT BUILDING
A DECK?
WE ARE YOUR LOCAL DECKING & TIMBER EXPERTS
See us for all your timber and hardware needs.
Canterbury
Timber & Hardware
Call in today for your free quote!
167 Manion Road, Rolleston
P 03 347 7465 E sales@cthl.co.nz
www.cthl.co.nz
Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm Sat: 8am-12pm
73 Hire Rolleston is gearing up for
a busy spring and summer where
farmers, life-stylers, contractors and
homeowners alike can choose
from their extensive range of hire
equipment to keep their properties in
check. With NIWA predicting a dry,
hot summer with a below average
rainfall and irrigators going flat out
already, now is a good time to get
those paddocks and lawns under
control. 73 Hire has suitable machinery
available for hire from tractors and
excavators to equipment for the
garden and paddock maintenance
including mowers, weeders and
hedge trimmers.
Labour Weekend Hire Special
Labour Weekend is the perfect time
to get stuck into projects and 73
Hire Rolleston offer a selection of
equipment and plant for all your
project needs – big or small. With a
three day weekend, 73 Hire is offering
a 2 4 1 special where equipment can
be collected on Saturday evening
and returned the following Tuesday
morning and you pay for just one
day hire. Bookings are essential and
conditions do apply.
Come and check out 73 Hire Rolleston
on the corner of Jones and Hoskyns
Road – entry is one way from 790
Jones Road exiting to Hoskyns Road.
Bookings for equipment are essential.
Locally owned and operated, the
friendly, experienced staff can help
you with advice for your next project.
Call in to check out their range of
plant and equipment or phone: 03 347
0450 or visit: www.73hire.co.nz.
LABOUR WEEKEND
HIRE SPECIAL
Hire for two days
pay for one day!
Collect Saturday 5pm, return Tuesday 8am
Conditions apply
73 Hire rolleston - 790 Jones Road, Rolleston
(opp Drummond and Etheridge & the John Deere tractors)
Phone 03 347 0450
73 Hire - Rolleston | www.73hire.co.nz
plant and
equipment Hire
open Monday to Saturday, 7.30aM-5pM
selwyn gardening guide spring 2020 | 11
Green Finger finds
Kokedama, hand crafted with
love from www.facebook.com/
mossandme.kokedama
NZ artist Flox products featuring native
birds, ferns and owers from
www.industria.co.nz
We’ve got
you watered
Stunning, self-watering porcelain
planter from
www.anyexcuse.co.nz
EmGuards environmentally friendly
bio-degradable plant guards from
www.southernwoods.co.nz
Best Water Solutions
P: 0274 676 183 E: bws2011@xtra.co.nz
www.bestwatersolutions.co.nz
General engineering and outdoor power equipment
Sales and service to Canterbury and Selwyn areas
Doyleston Engineering Works
has been selling and servicing
outdoor power equipment in the
Selwyn district for over 50 years.
We pride ourselves on selling
and servicing top brands at very
competitive pricing.
So why not shop local for all your
outdoor power products.
Open Mon - Friday 8am – 5pm
Cnr Drain Road & Queen Street, Doyleston, Canterbury
Ph/Fax: 03 3243 940 | Mob: 022 038 2839 | Email: dewl@xtra.co.nz
12 |
selwyn gardening guide spring 2020
The art of hunting truffles
An exciting find: a freshly
dug organic truffle
Quick to learn: Samantha rewards Bess
with a treat for successfully finding a truffle.
A truffle hunt: Lisa digs for a
truffle after Bess points it out.
Tresillian Truffles in West Melton was the second
truffle orchard, or truffiere, in New Zealand. The
property was planted with 1500 trees inoculated for
bianchetto or white truffles about 18 years ago, with
a mix of oak, pinenut and hazelnut trees.
When Lisa and Stephen Williams bought the
property three years ago they had no idea if the
truffiere was productive. In fact, they had never
seen a truffle before. But it didn’t take long for the
couple to get up to speed.
The first step was to hire a truffle dog to sniff around
to find truffles - or not, since not all inoculated trees
are productive - and truffles were found!
“It’s expensive to hire a truffle dog; about $200 an
hour. And it’s not performance-based. You pay
whether the dog finds truffles or not. So, we decided
to see if we could train our dog, Bess – and she took
to it quickly,” says Lisa. “After three short training
sessions Bess was able to find 1.5kgs of truffles in 30
minutes. She loves finding them, and quite likes the
taste too.”
Truffle hunting with Bess is a lot of fun. She’s excited
to be out in the truffiere and her enthusiasm is
infectious. At the command: “Find me a truffle,
Bess” she goes off sniffing. When she smells a truffle,
she taps the ground with her paw to indicate where
to dig.
Her handler asks her to sit and digs at the spot, and
there’s usually a truffle to be found. Lisa says she’s
99% accurate.
Over the last two years Bess has become more
scent-specific and she will now only tap for truffles
that are ripe and ready for harvest. Bess also has
an apprentice - one of her offspring - so she won’t
have to work quite so hard next year.
Truffles have a symbiotic relationship with the trees
in the truffiere helping the tree to grow. A stressed
tree produces more truffles, as the micronization
increases to support the growing tree. The truffles
are linked to the roots of the tree by a small thread,
when this connection is broken the truffles start to
deteriorate. The truffles can be found on the soil’s
surface down to a foot or more underground. They
are a pale yellow to reddish brown colour and are
either smooth like skin or like a fine suede to touch.
The Bianchetto truffles range from as small as one’s
little fingernail in size, up to about egg-size – which
would be a large find.
“They have a strong earthy scent with a hint of
garlic and mushroom that permeates everything.
But the taste is nothing like the smell. Bianchetto
white truffles are generally used as a finishing
product – grated raw on risotto, meat, or soup – or
even into ice cream.”
The Bianchetto truffle should not be heated over 60
degrees hence and is used as a finishing product,
whereas the Perigold Black truffle can be heated.
“We recently had a food critic rate our truffles
as being more aromatic and tasty than those
produced in Italy, which I put down to the climate
and soils – a bit like wine. We are also the only
organic spray-free truffiere in New Zealand, using
ducks for pest control,” says Lisa.
Considered a rare delicacy, truffles of all types
sell for around $3.50 per gram. In season (May to
September) Tresillian Truffles offers truffle hunts and
meal to taste truffles catering for various price
ranges from budget to gourmet.
To go on a truffle hunt or buy truffles, contact Lisa
on tresilliantruffles@gmail.com or phone: 021 083
11993.
EvErgrEEN & DEciDuous TrEEs | shrubs | FlaxEs | grassEs | FruiT TrEEs
EvErgrEEN DEciDuous TrEEs shrubs FlaxEs grassEs FruiT TrEEs
EvErgrEEN & DEciDuous TrEEs | shrubs | FlaxEs | grassEs | FruiT TrEEs
Kiwiflora Nurseries propagate and grow quality shrubs and trees
Kiwiflora Nurseries propagate and grow quality shrubs and trees
Kiwiflora Nurseries for retail propagate and wholesale and grow customers. quality shrubs and trees
for retail and wholesale customers.
for retail and wholesale customers.
Plants are grown and hardened on site to tolerate harsh Canterbury growing conditions.
Plants are grown and hardened on site to tolerate harsh Canterbury growing conditions.
Plants are grown and hardened on site to tolerate harsh Canterbury growing conditions.
851 Waterholes Road, Templeton
851 Open Waterholes Monday to Road, Friday Templeton 8am-4.30pm and
Open
851 Waterholes
Monday to
Road,
Friday
Templeton
8am-4.30pm and
Saturday
Open
Saturday
Monday
9am-1pm |
9am-12pm
to Friday
Phone
| Phone
8am-4.30pm
03 349 4582
03 349 4582
and
Saturday 9am-12pm | Phone 03 349 4582
www.kiwiflora.co.nz
www.kiwiflora.co.nz
www.kiwiflora.co.nz
selwyn gardening guide spring 2020 | 13
Enhance
your garden
Blooming
marvellous
Prebbleton-based Parva Plants,
owned by former garden landscapers
Greg and Jenny Tod, is an online
plant nursery specialising in rare and
hard-to-find plants. The business has
been supplying mail order and, more
recently, online plant orders
throughout New Zealand for
more than 50 years.
“Parva Plants is all
about sourcing and
selling unusual
plants - ones that
you won’t find at
other nurseries -
at competitive
prices. About
80 percent of
our plants are
grown on-site from
seed or tissue culture
or sourced from local
growers, but we also source
plants globally.
We’ve got a unique packaging
system developed by the previous
owner of Parva that ensures the plants
are sent upright and arrive at our
customers in good condition,” says
Jenny.
Parva Plants increased their standard
pot size to 1L a year or so ago. This
means they ship larger grade plants
with a bigger root system, and these
will have a better survival rate when
planting out. A lot of the plants are
also garden-tested to ensure they
thrive when planted.
The extensive product range includes
everything from old-fashioned
plants that are hard to
source, to new releases,
and includes a range
of perennials and
succulents through
to native plants
and exotic blubs.
In addition
to a very
comprehensive
website, Greg and
Jenny produce
a free printed
catalogue every six
months with at least 500
different items listed, along with
planting advice.
Go to www.parvaplants.co.nz to
browse their online nursery or request
the latest catalogue or check out the
garden gallery section for inspiration
for your garden. The knowledgeable
team at Parva Plants would also
be happy to assist with advice and
recommend plants that will work well
together.
RhodoDirect, a specialist
rhododendron nursery with a focus
on large-grade plants, is becoming a
leading rhododendron supplier in New
Zealand.
Lisa and Stephen Williams, both
keen gardeners with experience in
horticulture, purchased the business
and relocated it to West Melton in
March this year. It was an unplanned
adventure! A road trip to buy a
handful of rhododendrons from the
Hanmer Springs area ended up in a
purchase of 4500 plants and a new
business venture to complement their
truffiere.
RhodoDirect is a family-owned
business, keenly supported by the
Williams’ two teenage daughters
who share the passion for nature and
gardening.
Their new venture has been both
successful and a steep learning curve.
“Customers love the value we add by
applying our horticultural knowledge
to gardening and helping people
choose plants that suit their climate
and soil conditions,” says Lisa.
RhodoDirect currently has 6000
versatile and hardy evergreen
rhododendron plants in stock, with a
range of around 500 different varieties,
which they plan to expand with an
in-house propagation unit that will
start in October. They will also cultivate
specific thrips-resistant varieties.
“We cater for all budgets with smaller
plants starting from $25 to more
mature 10-year-old plants for the
instant fill-in effect. We’re excited to
share our knowledge and encourage
people to visit before the end of
November to view the plants in flower
and make a shopping list,” says Lisa.
They sell online to customers from
as far afield as Waiheke Island to
Stewart Island. They are also open to
the public from now until the end of
November from 10am to 3pm, and
by appointment between December
and August.
Find RhodoDirect at 377 Halkett Road,
West Melton or visit www.rhododirect.
co.nz.
NZ’s leading mail-order plant Catalogue
PARVA plants
New Spring/Summer Catalogue 2020 is Online NOW
Perennials
Irises
Shrubs
Pet Products
Garden Accessories
The World’s Plants to Your Door
PARVA PLANTS
www.parvaplants.co.nz
Ph: 03 349 4918
Colour your
garden with
beauty and
fragrance
Over 450 varieties
of rhododendrons,
including unique
and rare cultivars
Rhodo Direct
finest rhododendrons from our place to yours
3/377 halkett road, west melton
Call: 021 746 368 Visit: rhododirect.co.nz
Recently relocated to West Melton
14 | selwyn gardening guide spring 2020
Consultations
Experienced, knowledgeable staff will
give information and advice via email,
phone or in person at Allwood Trees.
Send us your landscape plan and we
can advise on plant selection.
Soft Landscape Plans
This is a plan with detailed specifications
related to your property. Showing both
botanical and common names of trees
and shrubs, as well as quantites and
other relevant comments (eg spacing).
Delivery & Planting
We can deliver and plant trees
purchased from Allwood Trees. We do
everything from digging the hole to
staking the tree and adding slow release
fertiliser.
Allwood Trees, 913 Shands Road,
Prebbleton 7676
Quotations/Soft Landscaping
Send us your plant list and we will quote as quickly as possible. We are able to provide
different tree and shrub size options and suggest alternatives if particular trees or
shrubs are not available. In conjunction with Readylawn, Allwood can construct and
plant your new garden and lawns.
Phone: (03) 349 9240
allwood.co.nz
Allwood-Trees-Limited
allwoodtrees
selwyn gardening guide spring 2020 | 15
HB
SERVICES
& GARDEN MAINTENANCE
Whether your tree needs pruned,
thinned or something more extensive,
locally owned HB Tree Services can
help.
Owner Matt Harley is a skilled arborist
with over ten years’ experience in
arboriculture, gardening, landscaping
and operating heavy machinery. He is
always keen to climb up the tree and
get to work. Matt is passionate about
tree care and removal, and enjoys
sharing his industry knowledge.
“I love to discuss and share my
knowledge with clients for the ongoing
benefit of the tree,”says Matt,
who is based in Rolleston. “As well
as making sure the work we do is
aesthetically pleasing to our clients,
we strive to leave the trees we prune
healthy and safe to be around.”
Tree care
that matters
Pruning trees can benefit the whole
tree and removing dead, damaged
and diseased branches helps prevent
insect and decay organisms from
entering the tree. Thinning a dense
canopy on a tree increases air and
sunlight, resulting in fewer disease
problems.
HB Tree Services was established to
give people the best possible service
for an affordable rate including an
entire garden maintenance schedule.
Matt believes in fair pricing and not
over quoting. He also gives back to
the local community donating fire
wood to families in need.
To contact Matt at HB Tree Services,
phone: 022 4700137, email: matt@
hbtreeservices.com or visit: www.
hbtreeservice.com
Professional Arborist &
Garden Maintenance Services
Contact us for a free quote today - available during
weekdays or weekends to find a time convenient to you
- Tree work
- Tre Removals
- Pruning
- Garden Maintenance
- Hedge Trimming
- Planting
- Lawns
- Weeding
www.hbtreeservices.com
find us on facebook.com/hbtreeservice
YOUR
LOCAL TREE
& PLANT
SPECIALISTS
ContaCt us today for
all your plant needs
ph: 03 347 8207
515 Maddisons road,
Weedons
www.greenlinC.co.nz
16 | selwyn gardening guide spring 2020
Your local
spring planting
specialists.
Proudly part of the Selwyn Community for over a
gernration.
Southern Woods Nursery, located near Lincoln,
Prebbleton, West Melton and Rolleston, has become
a local hub for all things plants.
Selwyn home owners are lucky to virtually have
everything they need to beautify and extend their
gardens right on their doorstep and a visit to
Southern Woods can provide plenty of inspiration -
and expert advice.
“Many of our staff live nearby which means that
have an understanding of which plants suit your
property’s location, soil type and aspect,” says
Business Development Manager Rico Mannall.
“We really appreciate the support from all our
customers and our ‘local’ commitment extends
sourcing from Selwyn suppliers and businesses.”
The purpose-built retail store is filled with a huge
range of options for ground cover, hedging,
deciduous trees, bushes and grasses, along with
spots of colour to add focus.
The majority of plants are grown on site and looked
after by the team of 45 dedicated staff who are on
hand to help, provide free advice based on their
many years in the business.
If you are unsure exactly what you are looking for a
landscape architect and designer are also on-site
to make your selection even easier. Another option
is to take in your plans and they can help with
deciding on which plants to use.
Southern Woods stocks everything you will need to
refresh your garden, including premium tools, bark,
fertiliser, compost, disease control products and
potting mix.
Delivery can be arranged across New Zealand and
is a popular option for many customers.
Visit the Southern Woods website at
southernwoods.co.nz or give the friendly team a
call on 0800 800 352.
Or, even better, pop in for a visit at 1002 Robinsons
Road for some inspiration and new ideas for your
next planting project,
Visit our
Great Plant Centre
Spring Planting Tips
Spring is the one of the best planting seasons, this
time of year is a ideal time to plant most species of
landscaping plants.
Preparation is everything
Remember to prepare your soil before planting. Apply
compost and gypsum now for best results.
A great time to fertilise
Apply fertilisers to get the best colour out of your
garden. We recommend Grotabs slow release fertiliser
and Yates Thrive Seaweed.
Protect from pests and diseases
Pests and diseases thrive as your garden grows.
Use Neem granules and oil to help ward off any nasties.
It’s the perfect time to mulch
Keeps the moisture in and the weeds out.
Need help?
See our expert team for free quotes, plant sourcing
landscape design, consultations and much more.
Child and Dog friendly
Open 7 days
Open 7 Days - 1002 Robinsons Road, Between Templeton & Rolleston - Phone 0800 800 352 - Order Online New Zealand Wide southernwoods.co.nz
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