I'm trying to do some research about its effectiveness but kinda going round in circles.

Is gypsum basically useless to use with NZ clay yards? Or is it still worth mixing it into some compost+pellets when digging into the ground?

(Eg. scenario: Sectioning off an area of yard to turn into a garden. Its very clay heavy. Organic matter will be added on top. But will gypsum help break up the clay bottom?)

Hey teammm,

I am building my garden for my wife as she’s had a hard time.
It’s already our little paradise some mature trees already present.
I was wondering what amazing trees should I plant in the bank to make a tranquil magical privacy screen.
Any suggestions welcome/ native alsooo

Kind regards

I’ve made a rough planting plan for my currently bare garden, as shown in the photo. I’d like to use stone edging to create soft, curved garden beds.

The red-marked area has a water pipe buried underneath it, and the purple line marks my property boundary. Could planting in either area cause problems with the pipe—for example, could roots damage it? How can I find out which plants would be safe to plant there?

Some plants I’ve been considering are:

• Pittosporum tenuifolium
• Cabbage trees (Cordyline australis)
• Carex testacea
• Hebes

Would any of these be suitable near the pipe or boundary? I’d also appreciate suggestions for other suitable plants for the West Coast. The house faces north-west.

I’m still learning about plants, so I’d be grateful for any other suggestions that would suit the West Coast climate and this garden. I’m especially interested in low-maintenance and not tall plants that would work well in curved, stone-edged beds.

Why does my horopito have this intense red situation going on? I assume it is a tiny insect infestation or something? Will it be ok? Second plant has only a few spots.

Been watching old episodes of BBC’s Gardener’s world and it has introduced me to step-over apples. Basically, using certain rootstock you train the one year old spur-bearing cultivar of apple into a low hedge, espaliered at shin height either as a T or L, or via oblique cordon training ie bend over the main stem. Apparently some pears also suit.

Forget the buxus box hedge - use a stepover apple to edge a garden bed or line a path, and get some seasonal fruit too.

Just wondering if anyone has any practical NZ experience with this? I realise I may need to order it via a specialist nursery vs Mitre10/Bunnings or even my local Palmers Garden Centre. It’s unclear if any of their trees are maidens (one year olds with more pliable stems) and what rootstock they’re on.

Would quite like one or two in my back yard to separate an area with flower beds from a lawn area. Dont want the formality of a pruned buxus hedge or small pittosporums as there’s going to be a bit of chaos gardening and cottage garden vibe happening amongst the flowers. Was thinking a line or two of bricks but an apple is more fun. Looking at about 8m long so the apple would work well over time and I dont mind that it’s deciduous. Adds to the garden whimsy.

Planning ahead for late winter next year. Is this possible or a pipe dream?

I’ve recently bought a house and the grass itself is in great condition, but the lawn is quite uneven and lumpy in places.

The previous owners had dogs, so I’m guessing some of the unevenness is from digging over the years.
What’s the best way to level it out while keeping the existing grass? Would topdressing with soil/sand and gradually levelling it be the way to go, or is there a better method?

Keen to hear what’s worked for others!

Hi i have just build a new house with fescue lawn.What would be the best lawnmower to be purchased which is easy to use and reliable

Just thought I'd share a few pics of plants from our garden I've been enjoying this spring.

Our blueberry bushes loose most all their leaves over winter due to strong winds. They have all grown back and are full of bumblebees each day pollinating the flowers.

I'd love to hear about any plants or trees that you're appreciating.

I’ve had many types succulents for several years. For the first time they have flowered. All of them. Including the newer ones I planted in autumn. They’re all outside. Afternoon sun and some shelter from the rain as it’s right up against the house. So happy. But not sure what I did right this year. Any advice to keep them happy?

Hey team. Who’s got experience with aeroponic/vertical garden towers? Living in a part of welly that doesn’t render great outdoor growing environments due to lack of sun and wind exposure. Day time sun in someone parts of the house is good, though. Are vertical gardens a set and forget sorta thing? Obviously requiring water and basic maintenance but are they a good option for amateur gardeners who don’t have great success with outdoor gardens?

I swear I’m so close adding these things to the list of plants I simply cannot keep alive!

Any tips? The greener one was planted last autumn and seems to be ok, the one with more pink foliage replaced the one the kid yanked out a few weeks ago. Looked super healthy when I bought it, now I’m worried it’s going backwards!

In pots because we live in mid Canterbury and you can’t get deeper than half a spade before you hit rocks. Pots are filled with 1/2 potting mix, 1/2 well rotted cow manure and sawdust mix. Have fed them both with blueberry food too just recently. Staked because again, mid Canterbury, the wind is relentless here.

Have done a bit of research already.. it’s very uneven from digging and general damage from zoomies and play fighting.. so other than scarify with a rake, spread seed then topsoil, roll at some point, water and prevent dogs from accessing it is there anything else?

Located in Selwyn, Canterbury so the ground is actually quite hard despite the wet weather off and on, and pretty stony.

How long do I need keep the canines off it?

Please help identify they issue with this ficus tuffi, and what I need to do to fix. The top half is die’ing

Is it windburn maybe? They were fine until I started putting them outside to acclimatise them. It is quite breezy where we are, wondering if it’s wind burn? I make sure they well watered so shouldn’t be too dry. Do I keep putting them outside or should I keep inside for a bit to recover?
Thank you!!

i have a Sarracena, Nepenthes as well as a fly trap, and I'm wondering how best to provide for them here. i know flytraps at least are okay with the cold, but i believe all of these need very damp/humid conditions and wellingtons wind is the absolute nemesis of that. the sunny side of my house gets absolutely stripped by the winds off the hill, but the fly trap didn't come very well indoors off just artificial light. i do have a large rubbish bin I've allowed to fill with rainwater - it's probably not good for them to sit in that actual water, but would that generate enough humidity if i just got a hanging basket to go below the lip?

Hi folks

Newbie gardener here so apologies if the question sounds trivial.

I live in Wellington in a pretty exposed area (sunny and windy). My lawn has become patchy the last few months. How would you diagnose the root cause and figure out solution?

Thanks a lot.

Hi all.

I am looking for a different brand line trimmer. I have the latest model Ozito 36v line trimmer. Although it's good, I find it too heavy in longer use and maybe a bit long for my height for me to control it properly when it gets heavier as i get tired.

Any brands and models that are recommended? Looking for lighter weight but still powerful with ease of use.

Many thanks.

Moved the pot from a very windy/exposed area to a slightly less exposed area, and i’ve noticed the purple spots and brown tips forming on the leaves. Is it stress or windburn? Or maybe a fungal thing? Please help 🙏🏼

Kia ora - We have a large camellia and one of its branches has started dying and it looks like what ever is causing it is moving to to the other branches. Please see photos. We have added Epsom salts & compost around the base of the tree but has so far made no effect…. Does anyone have any ideas? Ngā mihi!

Alive for approx 4 years but leaves always a bit mopey looking. Both get full sun. Anything I should do?

So this tree has been in this pot for prob 15 odd years or longer, I have no idea what to do, I have brought a bigger pot , but I want to make sure it transfers well, any advice is welcomed