Home gardens undergoing flowering revolution

Geraniums and petunias are leading a return to flowering plants in the home garden, says Zealandia Horticulture Managing Director Vince Wylaars.

“Flowering annuals are replacing grasses and textured plants as homeowners look to having more traditional gardens and opt for bright, colourful flowering plants.” Zealandia, the specialist wholesale plant nursery, is this year sponsoring the Ellerslie International Flower Show’s National Flower Bed Competition, growing more then 30,000 bedding plants for the seven gardens competing in the event. Ageratum, Verbena, Dianthus, Impatiens, Pansies and Cosmos are among the plants being grown in vibrant shades of blue, purple, yellow, violet and white.

Mr Wylaars says the return of the flowering home garden is a natural progression from the revival of home vegetable gardens. Broccoli, lettuce, silverbeet, tomatoes, beans and sweet corn are among the vegetables now being grown at home. “Vegetable plant sales have skyrocketed in the last few years. “Production of some veggie plants at our nurseries has grown more than 200 per cent year-on-year and still demand continues to increase.”

He says veggie gardens are such a phenomena that they have become a topical conservation point and the subject of “show and tell” when friends visit. “Veggie gardens are not difficult to maintain; all it takes is 10 minutes a night. Plant a punnet of seedlings each week to have a continuous supply throughout the season and spend a few minutes each night tending to the veggie patch. “It’s easy – park the car and instead of going straight inside spend a few minutes pulling out the weeds and watering. It really is that simple.”

Mr Wylaars says Zealandia is excited at being involved in Ellerslie this year because of the natural synergies between the two organisations. “Ellerslie is a fantastic event which only strengthens Christchurch’s reputation as the Garden City of New Zealand. This is also reflected in Christchurch buying more seedling plants per head of population than any other city or town in New Zealand. “Zealandia is looking forward to a long relationship with the flower show,” Mr Wylaars says.

Ellerslie International Flower Show is New Zealand’s premier week-long Garden Party in Christchurch’s North Hagley Park from 10 to 14 March 2010 The Show celebrates Christchurch’s Garden City heritage and the best of national and international garden design. Check out the website for further information www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz

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