The Native Farm

21/10/2026

Don’t these seeds look like something well suited to Halloween?

Alectryon excelsus (titoki) seeds when released from their capsule are partially imbedded in a bright red berry-like aril, and it’s a challenge to get them before the birds do! Case in point, just after I collected these seeds a kererū and tui were fighting over the remaining seeds high up in the tree. Look closely and you will see the red arils amongst the leaves.

19/10/2026

If you like bush walking I encourage you to stop and look at the plant species around you. On a recent walk I came across a mass of elegant flowers climbing through the branches. What a treat!

Clematis paniculata (puawananga) is found throughout the country and flowers in spring. In the home garden it can be trained to cover walls and fences. It is fairly hardy, frost tolerant, and while it can handle full sun prefers partial shade and damp soil.

I’m thinking this could be a good addition to The Native Farm in the coming years. Let me know your thoughts.

15/10/2026

There’s something about freshly pricked out seedlings. Linear. Delicate. Hopeful.
Amazingly, these babies will be ready to plant in Autumn/winter.

13/10/2026

The first kowhai flowers on the nursery driveway 🥳 This young Sophora microphylla tree has brought a pop of colour to the entry.

Sophora microphylla available now in PB3 grade (1.7ltr) for only $6.

09/10/2026

I'm clearing space for the new season plants and they've gotta go!

01/10/2026

Soaking up the sun - Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) seedlings.

26/09/2026

And so pricking out begins….
This week the new season’s soil arrived.
I like to support local business where I can, so I use a local carrier to transport my growing media. Thanks so much Bulk Lines Ltd for always providing excellent service.

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

The afternoon before I ship plants I bring them under cover and water them lightly. Leaving them exposed to overnight rain is risky, and we all know the weather man doesn’t always get the forecast right.
Controlling the moisture level in the trays is important- too wet and the shipping box disintegrates, too dry and the plants arrive to their destination stressed. It’s a delicate balancing act.

13/09/2026

Exciting news in the nursery 🥳

This year I tried a new cutting propagation technique…. And to say I’m wrapped with the results is an understatement!

A new species to The Native Farm this is Coprosma acerosa (Hāwera) - a tough, low-growing shrub, great for w**d suppression as it forms a ‘mat’, ideal for planting on banks and areas requiring erosion control.

Watch this space for when they’re available.