Want to create a garden that’s not only beautiful but also supports Wellington’s unique ecosystem? Look no further than New Zealand’s incredible native flora! Incorporating native plants into your garden offers a wealth of benefits, from attracting local wildlife to thriving in Wellington’s specific conditions.

Why Choose Native Plants?

• Biodiversity Boost: Native plants provide essential food and habitat for native birds, insects, and lizards, contributing to a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard.
• Low Maintenance: Many native plants are well-suited to Wellington’s climate and soil, requiring less watering and fertiliser once established.
• Unique Beauty: New Zealand boasts a diverse range of stunning native plants, from the iconic pōhutukawa with its vibrant red flowers to the elegant kōwhai with its golden blooms.
• Water Conservation: Many natives are drought-tolerant, helping you conserve water and reduce your environmental impact.
• Pest Resistance: Native plants have natural defences against local pests, reducing the need for harmful pesticides.

Design Ideas for a Native Oasis:

• Layered Planting: Create a sense of depth and visual interest by layering plants of different heights and textures. Use taller trees like kānuka or mānuka as a backdrop, with mid-sized shrubs like hebes and flax in the middle ground, and groundcovers like rengarenga or native violets at the front.
• Habitat Zones: Attract a variety of wildlife by creating different habitat zones. Include a water feature for birds, a rock pile for lizards, and a variety of flowering plants to attract insects.
• Embrace Natural Forms: Let the natural shapes and forms of native plants guide your design. Create a relaxed and informal look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Popular Native Plants for Wellington:

• Trees: Pōhutukawa, kōwhai, mānuka, kānuka, nikau palm
• Shrubs: Hebe, flax (harakeke), cabbage tree (tī kōuka), corokia
• Groundcovers: Rengarenga lily, native violet, coprosma

Where to Find Native Plants:

• Local nurseries: Many Wellington nurseries stock a range native plants.
• Community plant sales: Check for local plant sales organised by community groups or environmental organisations.
• Grow from seed: Collect seeds from local native plants (with permission) and try growing your own.

Need help creating your native oasis?

Urban Trees & Landscapes can help you design and install a beautiful and sustainable native garden in Wellington. Our expert team has in-depth knowledge of native plants and can create a thriving ecosystem in your backyard.

Contact us today for a free consultation!