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and choose from a wonderful selection of very user-friendly<br />
species with a variety of trunks, leaf colour, texture, shape<br />
and novelty appeal, and as there has been no grazing by<br />
animals the result is a soft, tactile multi-layered landscape.<br />
A good example of this is the divaricate form of many<br />
small trees and shrubs, where leaves and flowers are reduced<br />
on wiry stems that grow in tight right angles to resembles the<br />
effect of an electric shock. This is a defence against wind that<br />
in other lands could be manifested in the shape of sharp spines<br />
or thorns. Instead, in some species such as Muehlenbeckia, we<br />
end up with a soft mattress that invites you to curl up and<br />
have a snooze. Another example is the habit of many trees to<br />
grow as juveniles into an adult that is a completely different<br />
look, for example in its shape, leaf and trunks. The most<br />
peculiar of these is probably Pseudopanax or lancewood,<br />
particulary P. ferox and P. crassifolius. There is a popular theory<br />
that these evolved with long narrow lance-like leaves to avoid<br />
appearing on the menu of the moa, a massive ostrich-like<br />
bird that used to roam the forests until hunted into extinction<br />
by the native <strong>Maori</strong>. However, a more likely explanation<br />
is probably the climate. New Zealand is known to have gone<br />
through extended dry periods over its 200 million years of<br />
isolation and many evergreen species adapted accordingly.<br />
CLOSE TOGETHER<br />
This unique plant palette and subsequent travels among<br />
other habitats have been the chief inspiration for me in my<br />
career in working with plants. A large number of New<br />
Zealand flora answers many design questions, particulary in<br />
urban gardens where space is at a premium. It is possible to<br />
re-create a multi-layered scheme, with non-aggressive species<br />
that grow together. Using small trees (that are not going to be<br />
anti-social in years to come) as structural planting creates<br />
privacy and vertical interest, without the later agony of<br />
dealing with bigger brutes. They can be planted close together<br />
or spread out and placed as sentinels. Under this you can<br />
have interest at mid-canopy and at ground level. In general<br />
‘Kiwiana’ is much better planted together in groups to give a<br />
verdant core among which to dot perennials, biennials and<br />
grasses to create an inspiring landscape all year round.<br />
Climate change in the Northern hemisphere and the<br />
native plant boom in New Zealand have seen a much greater<br />
variety with new hybrids available. Possibly those wishing to<br />
create a sub-tropical look without the rampant vigour of<br />
‘jungle’ plants have most to gain. Victorian immigrants, such<br />
as Cordyline, Phormium and Hebe, are now being joined by<br />
HOHERIA POPULNEA OR<br />
LACEBARK<br />
A graceful tree with initial quick growth<br />
that slows down as it matures. The tree<br />
ends up at around 5m tall, making it<br />
perfect for screening and boundary<br />
planting. It is covered in starry white<br />
flowers in mid to late summer.<br />
PITTOSPORUM OBCORDATUM<br />
A very useful columnar divaricate,<br />
which provides good contrast with<br />
other vertical planting, for example<br />
with Pseudopanax species. Young<br />
stems have an appealing tan colour.<br />
PHORMIUM COOKIANUM<br />
‘TRICOLOR’<br />
Included as a exception to the gentle<br />
community-minded, non-butch, non-<br />
variegated rule because it is a very<br />
tough cookie, which demands to be the<br />
centre of attention all on its own. It is<br />
ideal as a solitary specimen plant. With<br />
leather-like leaves that refuse to rot<br />
ASTELIA NERVOSA<br />
Similar to phormium but smaller and<br />
less aggressive and easier to grow than<br />
its more popular cousin, A. chathamica.<br />
Tolerant of shade and dry conditions, it<br />
provides architectural appeal in the<br />
understorey. Needs good drainage.<br />
Colour variation of new hybrids range<br />
from green through to red.<br />
SCHEFFLERA DIGITATA<br />
This spreading, shade lover is<br />
terrific at providing diagonal trunks<br />
among verticals from the background.<br />
Large leaves, flowers and<br />
berries are very good for the<br />
tropical look. Prefers damp and a<br />
sheltered position as leaves are<br />
prone to frost damage, although<br />
they will return the following spring.<br />
CHIONOCHLOA SP.<br />
As Kiwi grasses go I would take this<br />
genus over the more ubiquitous Carex<br />
any day of the week, especially C. rubra,<br />
C.flavicans and C. conspicua. It’s easy to<br />
grow and manageable. The tussocks are<br />
summer flowering but the panicles stay<br />
for a prolonged period. C. rubra has an<br />
attractive red hue in the winter.<br />
plant profile ● NEW ZEALAND PLANTS<br />
Pests and<br />
diseases<br />
Pests and diseases are no<br />
different from those suffered<br />
by other garden plants,<br />
although in late spring watch<br />
out for blooms of aphids,<br />
especially on Pseudopanax.<br />
The new growth is preceded<br />
by a protective jelly and this<br />
attracts the pest, distorting the<br />
leaves, which in turn are<br />
farmed by ants. While waiting<br />
for the hoverflies and ladybirds<br />
to catch up on keeping them<br />
down, it is advisable to gently<br />
wash them off.<br />
Recommended<br />
suppliers<br />
Trevena Cross Nurseries<br />
Breage, Helston, Cornwall<br />
TR13 9PS Tel 01736 763880,<br />
www.trevenacross.co.uk<br />
Hardy Exotics<br />
Gilly Lane, White Cross,<br />
Penzance, Cornwall TR20 8BZ<br />
Tel 01736 740660,<br />
www.hardyexotics.co.uk<br />
County Park Nursery<br />
Essex Gardens, Hornchurch,<br />
Essex RM11 3BH<br />
Tel 01708 445205,<br />
www.countyparknursery.co.uk<br />
Architectural Plants<br />
Nuthurst, Horsham,<br />
West Sussex RH13 6LH<br />
Tel 01403 891772, www.<br />
architecturalplants.co.uk<br />
Avant Gardener<br />
16 Winders Rd, London<br />
SW11 3HE<br />
Tel 0207 9784253, www.<br />
<strong>avant</strong><strong>gardener</strong>.co.uk<br />
36 37<br />
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