Fantails are very common at this time of the year, having produced young and chasing insects during the last autumn weather before winter. Winter has a devastating effect on small birds like the fantail but during the season they breed prolifically and are a common companion in the garden. You can attract small insect eating birds to your garden by planting a range of tangly shrubs like Coprosma that provide nesting habitat and food - insects.
It is seed collecting time so dont delay - come to the nursery on Friday morning for a hands on seed collecting session and look at the seed section of this website for additional information
Posted: 2 April 2011
Plant of the month for March is a very common Southland native plant. Mingimingi is a tangly coprosma shrub - often used in restoration because of its tolerance of wet soils, wind, full sun and frost. It is also very good habitat for nesting birds, insects, lizards and a very good food source at this time of year - with abundant berries - usually coloured white to dark blue. Coprosma species have male and female flowers on separate plants so make sure you plant at least three to have a better chance of getting a female with brilliant fruit! March is one of the main seed collecting months - if you miss out then you could be waiting until next year to start propagating your own native plants. However, we are busily collecting seed here so if you are interested in learning about it come along on a Friday morning.
Posted: 2 March 2011
Shore gentian - Gentianella saxosa, is a conspicuous sight in January and February on Southlands shores. The ground hugging herb is in the salt wind zone growing close to the sea amongst other coastal turf plants. One of the best places to see this plant is Waipapa Point, near the lighthouse on the Catlins Coast.
Posted: 6 February 2011
Scarlet mistletoes are at their flowering best in January. Many New Zealand mistletoes are threatened species but Southland is a national stronghold for these spectacular species. Mistletoes are semi-parasitic and Peraxilla species grow on native beech trees. Tui and bellbirds are the only birds able to twist open the flowers so the presence of native birds with their native plants is essential for pollination. Best places to see some very large mistletoes are Tuatapere, the Longwoods, Blue Mountains and Fiordland. For more information about Southland’s mistletoes see our factsheet Threatened Plants.
Posted: 18 January 2011
The Community Nursery is open every Friday morning for volunteers to grow plants for their own projects or just to help out. Bring along some morning tea and enjoy the company of others while working in a relaxed environment!
Posted: 13 January 2011
