Cultivating a garden of flowers allows you to witness the miraculous transformation of tiny seeds into a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes.
Beyond the aesthetic joy they bring, flowers attract pollinators, supporting biodiversity and contributing to a healthier ecosystem. The act of nurturing flowers can be a therapeutic escape, providing a peaceful retreat from the demands of daily life.
Whether adorning your outdoor space or brightening your home, the presence of flowers has the power to uplift spirits and evoke positive emotions. From the meditative practice of gardening to the simple joy of gazing upon blooming petals, growing flowers is a fulfilling and life-enriching experience that connects you with the rhythms of nature, fostering a sense of peace and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.
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Believed to be native to Peru this plant can grow into a huge plant, from 90 - 250 cm high, with leaves sometimes greater than 30 cm in length. It is an annual. The fruit of the shoofly plant are poisonous, as are the leaves. Grown by gardeners as they are thought to repel white fly. Seed needs stratification either kept in the fridge for two months or sown in autumn where they will germinate in spring, but young seedlings need care against frost damaged.
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Also known as granny's bonnet this hardy perennial is an easy care wildflower that in enjoyed by the bees. Thrives in sun or partial shade and grows in any reasonable garden soil, but doesn't like extremes of wet or dry. A hardy herbaceous perennial with thick rhizomes that suits being a woodland and or meadow plant.
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Granny bonnet or Columbine Popular perennial in the cottage garden, sending out large clusters of flowers between spring bulbs and summer perennials. A great cut flower, that self-sows easily. Ideal for attracting beneficial insects to the garden. Great space filler. Cold stratification needed for germination seeds germinate easily. Seed pods contain a lot of seeds.This selection of seeds include a mixture of red and yellow, pink and yellow, dark and light purples, whites, pinks, dark red, purple and whites.
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Grows to around 1.5m tall and smells strongly of citronella and balsam. Can be made into a tea, Also grown for potpourri. Needs to be grown in sheltered location away from heavy frost, but should handle light frosts. Seed best sown late spring
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Known also as Didder, Dithering Grass, Dodder Grass, Doddering Dillies, Doddle Grass, Earthquakes, Jiggle Joggles, Jockey Grass, Lady's Hair, Maidenhair Grass, Pearl Grass, Quakers, Quakers and Shakers, Shaking Grass, Tottergrass, Wag Wantons.Briza mediais a rhizomatous, creeping, warm-season ornamental grass with a clump of erect narrow green leaves, typically growing up to around 40cm tall. Sow seed pretty much year round in warmer areas, spring to autumn in colder soils.
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Also known as African daisy, South African daisy and Cape daisy, it comes in a range of different colours. Plants prefer a warm and sunny position and rich soil, although they can tolerate poorer soils as well as drought.
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Candytuft care involves planting in well draining, alkaline soil in a sunny location as the candytuft plant wont grow in shade or overly damp soil. Acidic soil may need amendments such as lime to produce the candytuft plant. Growing candytuft is worth the effort as the delicate flowers appear in early spring through summer, often reblooming in autumn
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Double Cliff Snow Puff is a sturdy long steamed cosmos that is great as a cut flower or grown in a cottage garden or pots, they like it in full sun, plant direct late spring early summer
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Cosmos are an annual, the flower is daisy like in appearance, they like it in full sun and not fussy as far as soil type goes. Easy to grow from seed flower from summer to late autumn. Can reach to 6 foot and are a good cut flower.
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All chrysanthemum flowers are edible, but the flavour varies widely from plant to plant, from sweet to tangy to bitter or peppery. It may take some experimentation to find flavours you like. The mild flavour lends itself well to stir-fries, added to salads also
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Elacanpagne contains a large amount of prebiotic soluble fiber inulin, which supports a healthy intestinal tract, studies suggest inulin modifies the microbe balance and function in the gut. Elecampane grows best in part shade but will tolerate full sun in soils that are well drained. The plants can tolerate a range of soil types, from sand to clay, moist, semi fertile loam are ideal. If sowing seed in the garden, plant them after all danger of frost has passed.
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A short-lived, bushy perennial to around 40cm tall with aromatic, yellow-green leaves divided into linear to wedge-shaped lobes. Single, daisy-like flower heads with yellow centers and yellow-tinged white ray florets are borne in summer
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A tall growing bell sharped apricot/pink blooms, blooms over a long time period from spring through to autumn, normally grows to approximately 80 - 120 cm tall, likes to growing from simi-shady areas to full sun.
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Perennial flowering plant. tall flower spikes followed by flowers and a lot of seed. adored by the bees. Hardy to most soil types. comes in white, pink and other hybrids. grows up to 1.8 metres tall.
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An evergreen, sprawling shrub that can spread up to 1m and get to 20cm tall that is prefers coastal locations but must be planted in a frost-free site. Grows well in both sun or part shade. Also nice grown in hanging baskets or pots, the red berries are edible, a very pretty plant
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A variegated cultavar of the standard procumbens, variegated Fuschia Procumbens is a New Zealand ground cover with a trailing habit, showing pink, white and some light yellow on its leaves, also produces beautiful unique flowers, ideal to grow in pots and hanging baskets, it's a bit slower growing than the non variegated variety.
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The immature flower is eaten as a vegetable. The medicinal properties of Globe Artichoke have been known for many years. The leaves were very popular between the 16th and 19th centuries when they were used to stimulate bile flow and for a variety of digestive disorders.
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Goldenrod are tall and slim with fluffy golden flower spikes in various shades of yellow. They're attractive when in bloom in the late summer to autumn and are a valuable food source for pollinators, particularly the Monarch butterfly.
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Hollyhock is a attractive addition to the cottage garden, these grow to approximately one and a half meters in height, a nice deep burgundy colour, easy to grow and very rewarding also attracts butterflies. Prefers full sun to partial shade.
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Prominent Stems of brightly coloured double blooms flowering from late spring through summer. Can grow up to 2 metres high. Makes a lovely border plant. The seeds, roots, stem, leaf and flower can be used medicinally.
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Lambs Ear produces tall purple spikes of flowers during spring to summer and has soft grey coloured leaves. Forms a spreading clump and a crown from which spring growth comes from. Avoid planting in damp soils or during periods of high rainfall, allow the soil to dry out before planting.
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The seeds need to go through a cold period before they'll be able to germinate so place in the fridge for 6 weeks before being sown. Larksur likes a free draining soil but don’t do well in dry and hot conditions, Can be prone to root rot in wet ground.
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Avonview is a popular small growing lavender, perfect for rockeries or patio containers. It can make a good low hedge. Thrives in open sunny positions in well drained soil. Trim after flowering in spring/summer to keep compact and to encourage new growth. Frost hardy to -5* Propagation: Sow seeds in a tray of seed raising mix in a warm sunny location, should germinate in 14-21 days.
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Dark bronze leaved variety. (specific variety unknown) Shade loving, tropical looking perennial with large dark purple/black leaves. Flowers are deep yellow, flowers late summer to autumn. Great for cutting.
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Also known as velvet flower, foxtail amaranth tassel flower and pendant amaranth. it is a short-lived frost-tender plant, popular in summer bedding displays. It's easy to grow and bears showy, tassel-like crimson flowers, contrasting with fresh, green leaves.
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Linaria purpurea (purple toadflax) is a purple-flowered plant native to Italy, part of the plantain family. Commonly found on roadsides as a weed, it has found its way into gardens as a lovely tall and striking addition. A prolific seeder and good space filler as well as great bee fodder. It is a perennial herbaceous plant growing 30 to 70 centimeters tall with linear leaves 2 to 5 centimeters in length. The flowers occupying the top of the stem.
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This ever gray perennial flowering late spring through summer, is easy to grow, tolerant of most soils, drought tolerant, happy in full sun to part shade and self seeds readily. 45cmx45cm. Comes in white, pink and deep red.
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Marigolds are an annual flower that provide a burst of colour for about 6 months. They come in a range of yellow, orange, bronze and gold colours. Marigolds are a fantastic companion plant as they help to keep aphids away.
Propagation: Plant seeds in spring/summer in seed raising mix, cover with 5mm of fine mix and keep evenly moist .
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This hardy annual grows 30 - 50 cm tall, its petals are edible but when not eating its petals are great grown in the veggie garden, as a border plant on mass and also great for bouquets
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Great as a bean companion plant, grows stunning bright pink flowers in the mornings alongside runner beans are an incredible sight in the vege garden. Grows as a climber and so will need staking.
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Nasturtium is an annual garden plant cultivated all over the world. The stem can reach 60cm long, with small almost round veined leaves. The leaves and flowers can be used in salads with other greens. It has a slightly peppery taste reminiscent of watercress. Nasturtium is a wonderful companion plant.
Nasturtium Seeds are best sown directly where to grow in a warm sunny location, should germinate in 7-14 days.
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Nigella are hardy annuals that grow from 15 to 60 cm in height.
It is best to sow Nigalla sativa seeds once a month from just before the last frost of spring until early summer, and then once again towards the end of autumn. This will result in a prolonged blooming period
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Libertia, New Zealand Native Iris, is a small green/yellow native plant with iris like white flowers in Spring followed by orange/yellow fruit. Will grow as tall as 50cm. Handles frost but doesn't like being too dry. Propagation: Seed scarification is recommended; place seeds in a cup of warm water, leave to cool for 24hrs then sow seeds directly on to a firm bed of seed raising mix and press well in. Cover with a light layer of mix.
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Black pansies are compact plants producing lots of black velvety flowers, plants are 15 cm high like it in full to semi shade, great as a border plant or in pots or baskets
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Fast growing dense shrub to 80cm-1m x 60cm. Pink-purple flowers that bloom from Spring through to late Autumn. Looks spectacular in a massed planting or as an informal low hedge. Can be pruned after flowering to maintain shape. Full sun part shade. Most soils. Drought and frost hardy. Seed is very tiny and so surface sowing on peat or fine seed raising mix is recommended, the a light covering of no more than a mil thick, then keep it damp till germination.
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Originally native to Southern Europe, this perennial long-lived plant is best where it can remain. Perennial Sweet Peas are not noticeably fragrant. Comes in two shades of colours.
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Mixed poppies - Reds, Dark burgandy colours, Salmons, Pinks
Herbaceuos annual, biennial and sometimes perennial flowering plant. The source of edible seeds that can be used in baking.
Can grow up to 1 metre tall and produce alot of seeds. Flower from spring into early summer. Tolerant most soil types.
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These seeds are a mixture of both common and opium poppies, oriental, potentially hybridised and peony poppies in red, pink, plum, mauve, black purple and lilac collected from various places in my garden. A herbaceous flowering plant which is normally grown as an annual, dying down after flowering. Very attractive to bees producing alot of pollen. The seeds are rich in oil, calcium and protein. The foliage is blue/grey and the plants are tall. These plants produce hundreds of seeds and will thrive in most soils.
Please be aware not all poppy seeds are edible.
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A great honey bee and bumble bee attractor to the garden as well as other beneficial insects. Contains alot of nectar and pollen.
Lacy ferm-like foilage and blue/lavender flowers often grown as a annual wildflower, in borders or as green manure cover crop. Seeds readily and is a good garden filler. Hardy
Richard was fortunate to be given two bulbs from an old strain of highly fragrant Regal Lily that produces compact flower heads that all open at about the same time. All bulb production will be grown from seed and not from cloning scales or splitting up of the bulbs. He will be able to do selective breeding from the best performing plants.
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Renga Renga Lily also known as the New Zealand Rock Lily, is a great replacement for the invasive agapanthus and an alternative to bromeliads. Renga Renga lilies are clump forming perennials about 75 cm tall with soft grey green arching strappy leaves. They cope well with dry coastal areas but do best in dappled shade and when mass planted they are an impressive sight in spring and summer when they send up tall spikes that produce clouds of white flowers that are followed by fruits and seeds that are attractive to birds. Propagation: Seed scarification is recommended, place seeds in a cup of warm water, leave to cool for 24hrs then sow seeds directly on to a firm bed of seed raising mix and press well in. Cover with a light layer of mix.
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Little Goldstar is a knee-high perennial plant that produces star-shaped golden yellow flowers. Flowers are produced over dark green foliage over the long period of summer. Needs good drainage to thrive.
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Safflower was once used as less expensive replacement for Saffron, from which the name of this herbaceous annual is derived. More commonly, the seeds are pressed into oil that is used much like sunflower oil. The tender shoots also have use in salads and raw dishes, while the seeds may be consumed raw or roasted and added to cooked dishes.
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The bright crimson stigma called threads, are collected and dried for use as a seasoning as well as adding colour to dishes. Contains 30 near full sized corms plus a few extra smaller corms. Hit the watch tab that way you will be sent an email informing bulbs are now available, which is normally mid summer. Due to a poor growing season remaining stock will be left in the ground till 2025
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Salvia is a tall big leaf salvia has soft fluffy leaves frost tender so requires some coverage and some protection from wind, Produces lots of flowers and grows quickly
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Flowers normally from late spring/early summer until the first frost. Unlike the annual type, their foliage remains green year-round and will return each year.
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Metrosideros fulgens is a native vine also known as climbing rata or scarlet rata vine. The vine can be found in lowland forest in the North Island, on the West Coast of the South Island and on the Three Kings Islands. It's bright red flowers resemble the Pohutukawa, it flowers between autumn and spring and prefers a warm moist habitat.
Propagation: For best results germinate seeds on top of moist seed raising mix, cover once germination starts as the seed needs light to germinate.
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Alsoknown as honesty, money plant, silver dollar, moonwort, but typically known as lunaria or silver dollar
It grows to around a metre and prefers a well drained soil that's in full sun to partial shade, does do best if kept consistently moist. has iridescent "leaves" that are actually the seed pods coming after the dainty light purple flowers. Lunaria plants is a biennial which will establish a clump in its first year and the flowers and seed pods follow in the second year. These seeds or "silver dollars" are papery to the touch flat and oblong, with a short, needle-like projection that hangs down from the bottom of each seed
pod. Prefers moist neutral soils and full or part sun. In the brassica family.
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Spilanthes is also known as toothache plant, buzz buttons or electric daisy because of its antiseptic properties. Eating a fresh young flower head from this daisy is a truly amazing taste bud sensation. It makes your mouth tingle and has a sialagogic effect, which means it encourages salivary flow. Given it is an annual native to the tropics care is needed against frost. Flowers from Dec through to winter.
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St Mary’s Thistle is a highly regarded liver protectant that also restores the liver’s ability to detoxify harmful substances. Can be grown as a decorative plant but can be regarded as a pest,
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These flowers are in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. While they look like daisies, the petals and stiff and papery. Strawflowers make excellent cut flowers or dried for arrangements, produce a lot or seed and are very hardy. Can handle dry or poor soil and come in a wide range of colours.
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Tender annual - irresistible to butterflies, particularly monarchs. Makes a fantastic companion for the garden. Is in the daisy (Asteracae) family. Can grow very tall and produce a large amount of flowers. Flowers are daisy like, bright orange with a yellow center.
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Grows to 120 -150 cm tall, sow in spring or early summer, flower petals are a light pale yellow with dark centers, multi branching habit, bees love the sunflowers especially bumblebees,
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Can grow to 2.5m with large seed heads.The selection work that's carried out on this line of sunflowers is plants that produce side shoots are discarded. Then once the plants reach maturity Richard looks for those that have wide stumps which have shown to handle wind better, and seed heads that face vertically down thus making it harder for birds to hang up side down and get at the seeds. Sow in spring in colder areas, year round in warmer locations
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The swan plant is the food source for monarch butterfly as well as other species. Seedlings take about four months to grow to size may need protection to get them that size before butterflies find them to have a bigger food source, they can smell them up to 2 kms away, trees can grow up to two meters in height
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Belongs to the celery family. Sweet cicely is a tall herbaceous perennial growing up to 2 m tall. The fern like leaves are finely divided, could be mistaken for hemlock, with the difference being the strong aniseed smell it omits. The flowers are umbel shaped with dainty creamy white with very large seeds. Grows well in fertile soils easily from seed. The leaves can be used sometimes as a herb, cooked or raw and have a strong aniseed flavour. The roots and seeds are edible.
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Old Spice has a wonderful colour mixture of white, pink and purple, and is heavily perfumed. Sweatpea is best sown in mid summer to late autumn, this heirloom variety will flower in 12-14 weeks.
Propagation: Soak the seeds in warm water for up to 24hrs, then sow in a tray of seed raising mix in a warm sunny position.
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Also known as Bearded pink or London pride. Sweet william is a strong scented
biennial or short lived perennial with densely packed clusters of small flowers coming through in late spring/early summer. Coming in a wide range of colours, this selection includes, light and dark pink, red, white, pink/white, red/white and various other
shades. Likes full sun and rich soil, great in containers or beds and borders. Propagate by seed, cutting or division. Seeds will not breed true but you’ll still get a nice mix of colours. An old fashioned favourite, has flowers with shades of pinks all summer. Great as a vege companion.
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Teasel - spiky flower heads were used for carding wool in the old days, also regarded as having some of the best bee attractant flowers. Finches love to eat the seeds.
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Thalictrum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial growing to 60-90cm tall. It grows well in rich, medium moisture soils in full sun or part shade. Grows easily from seed or can be divided in spring. Flowers in late spring early summer, with lacy pinky purple flowers and aquilegia type foliage that is greener in colour and slightly finer than
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Coreopsis is an easily grown upright perennial, it has yellow flowers with brown centers. It flowers from early summer through to autumn. Providing colour that is attractive for bees.
Propagation: Seeds germinate readily so can be sown directly into flower beds in spring or earlier undercover in seed raising trays.
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This old strain of tobacco is supposedly a Virginian strain. It had been grown by a man who lived near Kaiapoi. This is a pink flowered variety that can grow to close on 2m and flowers from Dec till late autumn. It attracts bumble bees big time. The second year after the plants have died they become quite useful for growing peas as the stems remain sturdy in the ground. Tobacco is very good as a carbon crop given its extensive root systems
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Purple-top vervain, cluster-top vervain or tall verbena is a purple herbaceous perennial. It has very tall, slender stems, irresistible to butterflies. The flowers are an airy lavender to rose-purple in tight clusters on long stems up to 1m high, which bloom from mid-summer until autumn. Self seeds readily and is easy to grow from semi-hardwood cuttings.
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This little violet is a solid black in colour produced a lot of flowers, happy to grow in semi shade to full sun at the beginning of spring thru summer, great in baskets, pots or a cottage garden.
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The Blue Violet is much like the black violet which is a compact plant producing lots of blue velvety flowers, plants are 15 cm high like it in full to semi shade, great as a border plant or in pots or baskets
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Tall, spindly, straight-stemmed almost hairless annual or short-lived perennial herb up to 1.8 m tall, with small pale purple flowers produced on a many-branched flower stalk. An amazing bee magnet in autumn. Seed originally given to Richard from a hobby grower in the US.
