Papa Ridge Nursery. A growing business.

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 529, 29 March 1994, Page 15

Papa Ridge Nursery. A growing business.

Raetihi 's driveway-side nursery has expanded into a much larger purpose-built area which allows Craig and Leigh Ryland much better presentation of their plants. "It' s much easier for people to walk around and see what's here now," said Leigh. Their nursery is on Ameku Road, up on a ridge which looks out over the papa hill country towards Pipiriki. Solidly constructed windbreak and shade screens do their job to give the plants better protection, though they are still readytoughened for whatever Waimarino weather they are likely to have to cope with later. Craig explains that their plants, which are raised mostly in high country nurseries in T aranaki and T aupo,

are much more likely to cope with the conditions here than those brought in from the major centres. The extra area has allowed them to increase the range and quantity of stock available. And if it isn't there they will do their utmost to get it for you - and that includes even many very rare plants such as some of Craig' s favourite rhododendrons. Craig is really keen on rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, which suits the local market as they are popular with almost everyone, he says. The Ryland' s garden now boasts over 1000 shrubs and trees, with more than 350 rhododendrons of various kinds alone. "They love it here and they will cope with anything," Craig points to a

small leathery leafed shrub. "You could plant that on top of Ruapehu and it would grow." From April onwards is the best time to plant according to Craig. "The plant tends to sulk for a couple of months, so planting them now gives them time to settle in and harden up so in spring they can get stuck into growing." Shrubs and trees made up most of the stock before, but now a wide range of perennials and annuals are on show. The Rylands aim to offer plants suitable for the local garden at reasonable prices. "People are surprised at how inexpensi ve our plants are compared with some (of the big chain garden shops). We only buy what we can pay for at the time, so al-

though we're small, our suppliers really look after us. We get pretty good dis-

counts which we can pass on to the customer." The nursery is open

weekends and public holidays, while Craig works on his landscaping business

and Leigh teaches at Ruapehu College midweek.