Native plants for northern gardens

Forest and Bird, Issue 294, 1 November 1999, Page 8

Native plants for northern gardens

Lists of native plants which should flourish in any of the warmer northern parts of New Zealand are published in a 20-page booklet published jointly by the Northern Regional Council and the Department of Conservation, Whangarei. The booklet encourages gardeners and landowners to use native species to provide natural habitat, particularly for birds. Its charts recommend easily available native trees and shrubs for various situations, including harsh coastal environments, windy, dry, shaded, and wet places.

Ferns, sedges and ground covers are also listed along with the trees. Height and growth rates are summarized; also the risk of possum damage. Two calendars suggest plantings to ensure yearround food for native pigeon, tui and silvereye. While published in Whangarei, the booklet lists plants and trees which grow generally in the region from Auckland and coastal Bay of Plenty northward. It follows a previous joint publication Environmental Weeds: Delightful but Destructive which is a useful

colour guide to the ‘garden escapes’ and weeds which threaten the natural environment of Northland. Both are excellent examples of local environmental advocacy which have applications beyond the confines of Northland. A Planter’s Handbook for Northland Natives is available free from the joint publishers, Northland Regional Council, Private Bag 9021, Whangarei, or the Department of Conservation, PO Box 842, Whangarei.