This document provides information about native plant species suitable for growing in different ecological zones in the Kapiti region. It describes the local conditions of dunelands, lowland terraces, the Nikau belt, Kamahi country and Reikorangi valley. For each zone, key environmental factors are outlined and native plant species are listed that are well-suited to the local soils and climate. The document emphasizes using native species that reflect the natural vegetation when planting to create low-maintenance, ecologically-appropriate gardens.

1. A Guide to Growing Native Plants
in KAPITI
CONTENTS Some local plants that remind us of our past . . . but also our future potential
2. Knowing Your Local Conditions Nikau thrive in moist, sheltered, frost-free sites. The
shelter they need, however, is long gone from most
4. Dunelands areas. We see old nikau in open pasture because,
being monocotyledons, they are simply very hard to kill.
For nikau to thrive and reproduce once more we must
8. Lowland Terraces restore shelter - and in doing so we encourage kereru
(NZ pigeon) to visit and spread their seed.
9. The ‘Nikau Belt’
10. ‘Kamahi Country’
11. Birds in Your Garden
Kohekohe, a dominant tree in mild-climate forests
12. Gardening which receive year-round moisture, impresses with its
winter flowering. In summer, large seed capsules
develop that by early winter have split open to reveal
14. Pests orange fleshy seeds. The luxuriant flowering illustrated
here is only possible where possums have been
15. Being Water-Wise eradicated.
References
Pingao (illustrated) and spinifex are two native species
adapted to life in the shifting foredunes where they
help create smooth dune profiles. Destabilisation of
dunes by pastoralism in the 19th century led to mass
planting of marram grass and lupin which formed new
dunes, but ones with erodable, steep profiles. To re-
establish pingao now we need to control rabbits as
well as marram.

2. Your Loc
ocal
Knowing Your Loc al Conditions
The zones shown here describe areas rainfall and readily draining soils results characteristics in wildlife communities property fits into the picture, and some of
which share similar ecological conditions. in summer drought. (and farming practices, garden styles and the local characteristics you could
They are different from their neighbouring The patterns of plant succession or valley/ even the weeds you’ll encounter). consider when you plan your planting.
zone in some way - perhaps salt is a spur vegetation will be similar within each We give a brief overview of the zones. The The following pages list plants which are
limiting factor, perhaps the area is frost- zone but will differ from a neighbouring boundaries will be blurred in reality - but suited to the local conditions and which
free or the combination of low summer zone. You can also recognise local you will be able to recognise where your reflect the natural (native) local vegetation.
PAGE 2

3. DUNELANDS (1) the duneland has huge implications for with nikau and pukatea in moist, sheltered Cold air draining into the valleys effectively
distribution of pollutants, and for effects of sites. This is the characteristic forest we still creates a mountain environment at low levels
Salt, summer drought and winter frosts
drainage and subsequent loss of swamp see in pockets today - a fresh green canopy - one with heavy frosts and even snow! For
dictate life in the dunelands. Many of the
habitat for plants, birds (especially coastal dotted with olive crowns of tawa. Because the purposes of gardening, however, we have
westerly winds are strong and dry, so without
species and water-fowl) and fish (such as eel, tawa is so sensitive to exposure, kohekohe is combined it with ‘Kamahi Country’.
rain to wash salt off plants they really can be
mudfish, inanga). As many people have often at an advantage in a regenerating forest,
killers. Watch too for the infrequent but
discovered, what we do to one property can and you will see many smooth-canopied
damaging easterly gales. affect distant neighbours. stands of pure kohekohe. Tawa will be more ‘KAMAHI COUNTRY’(6)
The youngest dunes have a specialised but conspicuous on south-facing cool and Year-round rainfall and cool temperatures on
limited variety of native plants. This is a sheltered sites. The upper limit of this zone these old weathered soils has created acidic
shrubland and grassland zone, with some LOWLAND TERRACES (2) is around 150-200 metres. conditions, but luxuriant forest growth.
taller growth possible in sheltered hollows. Like the duneland this zone also has very Large-leaved species such as rangiora,
Because frosts are light or lacking, it is habitat wineberry, five finger and lemonwood are
seasonal rainfall (dry summers) and ESCARPMENT (4) not detailed in this booklet
for a suprising array of insects. Feeding common in the second growth and the forest
experiences frosts but wind and salt have less
prospects for insect, seed and small fruit- The vegetation on these steep slopes of thin understorey, with disturbed bush particularly
of an influence. The alluvial and silty soils of
eating birds like finches, larks and silvereyes soils and mobile screes reflects both the mild,
the old river terraces are deep and fertile but rich in climbers and tree ferns.
are good. moist climate and the effect of salt-laden
drain freely, often drying out in summer. Some Forest succession starts with tauhinu and
Further inland, older stable dunes have westerlies along with extreme drainage! So
of the silts may be heavy in winter; to a plant manuka and moves on to kamahi (abundant
thin soils which drain readily and organic we find leathery leaved tree daisies, hardy
that is similar to a drought. Good drainage is enough to lend its name to this zone),
matter is rapidly leached away. They can pittosporums, ngaio and karaka along with
a mixed blessing as pollutants drain into rewarewa, five finger and tree ferns. A mature
support forest growth, but quickly lose that the more temperate species like kohekohe,
alluvial aquifers that supply many farms. forest will contain northern rata, rimu and
capacity if cleared. Scattered groups of titoki and mahoe.
Totara, titoki and, where there is shelter, white maire over a tawa canopy.
kanuka, akeake, ngaio and taupata remind
kohekohe are visually dominant native trees Properties near bush will enjoy the spillover
us of what bush could have grown. Damp,
here - they cope well with seasonally dry soils REIKORANGI (5) of forest wildlife such as ruru (morepork),
sheltered hollows allow a greater range of
and have tolerated grazing. Smaller trees and kereru (NZ pigeon), whitehead, riroriro (grey
species to grow, but they need to be frost- This extensive hill-surrounded valley system,
shrubs tend to be small-leaved species. warbler), bellbird and tui.
tolerant ones. where four rivers have down-cut into a basin
Where peat-filled swamps between dunes filled with deep, fertile, glacial gravels, has
have been drained and developed for The ‘NIKAU BELT’ (3) some unique characteristics that separate it,
housing, peat has been replaced with hardfill ecologically, from other zones in the area.
and peaty sand which creates a whole new This area has a mild, moist climate year-
round, generally frost free (especially along
ecological zone! Treat these areas the way you KEY to the following pages:
would treat dry dunes, but remember the the banks of rivers, or where rivers issue from
effect of peat on lowering the pH. the mountains and there is a constant (shaded) known to be local species, historically, and should cope with
draining of air that reduces frost). There is pata Coprosma
It is the patchwork of contrasting wet and most garden situations
enough shelter or distance from the sea for
dry areas which gives the duneland its salt winds not to be a problem. Soils are
ecological interest. Water dominates natural mostly weathered clays and stabilised screes rengarenga Ar (unshaded) not native to this area, but suited to the habitat described
duneland, for two reasons. In some places coated in loess, although this ecological zone
new dunes have blocked the flow of streams extends out across the lowlands in places
to the beach, creating swamps. In other where a mild climate counteracts the effects nuka Leptospe (underlined) good plants to use as ‘nursery crops’ and for quick shelter
places sand plains created by wind scouring of free drainage. Slopes without vegetation
expose the water-table and small lakes and cover are prone to erosion during high Note: the species listed are ones that should do well in the modern garden or bush-
swamps are created, or the compacted rainfall.
surface prevents heavy rainfall from draining edge environment. No attempt is made to list all species likely to have grown in the
away. Plant succession here progresses from
area. Our emphasis is on species native to this area, suited to our conditions - we think
tauhinu to manuka then to kohekohe and
The inter-connectedness of water through tawa over large-leaved understorey species, they give plenty of gardening scope, and a reliable framework to work within.
PAGE 3

4. Foredune
Foredunes run the entire length of Kapiti- important for the entire neighbourhood. are drying, salty and ensure constant sand- conditions. ❂ Frost should not be a
Horowhenua. South of Waikanae, The pressures of human trampling, rabbit drift inland. There are summer droughts, problem here.
however, we are gradually losing that line browse and storm events on the foredune and this is when most salt damage can Design interest: Few species, but
of dunes to the sea. The remnants are vegetation can often be overcome by the occur. ❂ The dunes are not only low in colourful & texturally interesting. They
shored up with walls and groynes. North home gardener as well as by local nutrient but without organic content, they suit massing together in informal groups
of Waikanae, although the foredunes are authorities! drain and dry rapidly. If you add organic which reflect the underlying landforms.
surviving, stabilisation is an ongoing Factors for gardeners to consider: material, you must keep on adding it, for
concern. So how people garden here is ❂ The prevailing west-to-north-westerlies it will break down quickly in these
It is not just the action of waves that causes
coastal erosion during storms - turbulent
wind increases the damage.
Foreshore gardeners should aim to get air
flowing smoothly up the beach and over the
foredune by controlling the height of
vegetation or having permeable fencing that
wind can filter through.
Solid fences, walls and shelterbelts will only
make the turbulence, and wind erosion, worse. in the lee
small leaved pohuehue Muehlenbeckia
complexa
autetaranga, sand daphne Pimelea arenaria
seaward side (spreading plants) sand coprosma Coprosma acerosa
nihinihi, shore bindweed Calystegia waiuatua, shore spurge Euphorbia glauca
soldanella taupata Coprosma repens
pingao Desmoschoenus spiralis tauhinu, cottonwood Cassinia leptophylla
spinifex Spinifex sericeus piripiri, bidibidi Acaena novae-zelandiae
To germinate spinifex seeds, first sand sedge Carex pumila (on moist sites) mingimingi Coprosma propinqua
catch your whirlygig! Feel for plump, tataraheke, sand coprosma Coprosma Eleocharis neozelandica
hard seeds in the centre and use those, acerosa ngaio Myoporum laetum
keeping the container moist. horokaka, ice plant Disphyma australe akeake Dodonaea viscosa
NZ spinach Tetragonia trigyna whau Entelea arborescens
PAGE 4

5. Dry Duneland
Dunes increase in age as you travel inland than expected. Successful planting relies air drainage off the hills helps prevent we need to replenish soils regularly
and their soils mature accordingly. on matching the dry/damp patterns and frost. Plants listed have an asterisk if they with organic compost.
Between the dunes there are often flat using hardier species in sites exposed to are frost-tender. ❂ The entire area Design interest: Kanuka and akeake, if
sandplains and hollows created by wind- dry salty winds. experiences summer drought. Mulching left unpruned, have attractive, wind-
scouring where the soil is damp. Much of Factors for gardeners to consider: with a heavy chip (that will not blow away) shaven forms that have become key visual
our urban development occurs in this ❂ Use salt-resistant species to create will help plants establish. ❂ In these focal points in this landscape.
zone and not all the dunes have survived shelter for other plants. ❂ Frost is an sandy soils organic matter will break down
Prunable hedges:taupata, akeake, olearia
bulldozing, so soils may be less developed issue - although less to the south where rapidly. To recreate the old forest fertility
Street trees: karaka, akeake, ngaio,
mahoe, kanuka
gro es
ves tre lar
ger
d of wind r e s i s t a n t to
shr ublan lee
The copper butterfly is
Small plants & Ground Covers frost resistant species on moist flats abundant on the coast because
petako, sickle spleenwort Asplenium that’s where its native host
polyodon plant pohuehue or
Trees - on younger dunes & dry sand plains
huruhuruwhenua, shining spleenwort Muehlenbeckia grows densely.
ngaio Myoporum laetum
Asplenium oblongifolium M. complexa is a versatile plant
kanuka Kunzia ericoides - survives best
mingimingi Cyathodes fasciculatus
planted in groves - it even makes a great hedge
mingimingi Coprosma propinqua Moist sand plains & hollows - low stature . . .
akeake Dodonaea viscosa when grown along a wire
Coprosma rigida remuremu Selliera radicans
taupata Coprosma repens netting fence - and is a popular
taupata Coprosma repens shore pimpernel Samolus repens
rautini, Chatham Is.akeake Senecio huntii pot plant overseas.
coastal tree daisy Olearia solandri Gunnera arenaria
whau* Entelea arborescens
tauhinu Cassinia leptophylla sand buttercup Ranunculus acaulis
korokio Corokia cotoneaster panakenake Pratia angulata
Juncus australis (tolerates dry conditions) Trees - older dunes with soils. As above, plus:
libertia Libertia perigrinans
hibiscus Hibiscus trionum titoki* Alectryon excelsus
Carex flagellifera
rengarenga Arthropodium cirratum akiraho Olearia paniculata
sand sedge Carex pumila
ngutukaka, kakabeak Clianthus puniceus mahoe Melicytus ramiflorus
blue wheat grass Agropyron scabrum
kowhai Sophora microphylla . . . and taller species
toetoe Cortaderia toetoe
Climbers mapou Myrsine australis cabbage tree Cordyline australis
harakeke, swamp flax Phormium tenax
kaiwhiria, native jasmine Parsonsia capsularis kaikomako Pennantia corymbosa karaka Corynocarpus laevigatus
rengarenga Arthropodium cirrhatum
puataua Clematis forsteri matai Prumnopitys taxifolia kahikatea Dacrycarpus dacrydioides
shore fuchsia * Fuchsia procumbens
PAGE 5

6. Duneland Streams
Streams in the duneland are mostly courses have been straightened (which
deep, meandering channels with steep, speeds up their flow and erosional
eroded banks. Plants suited to growing energy), they are treated as drains for
on their banks will be ones which cope farm effluent and stormwater, and most
with dry, well-drained sites, not ‘wet feet’ have lost any streamside (riparian)
sites. vegetation. Our planting plans may help
❂ They act as visual corridors through restore vitality to those waterways.
the landscape but many of their natural ❂ Inanga (adult whitebait) spawn
within streamside grasses and reeds
hundreds of metres from the coast,
where salt water turns to fresh water
on the spring tide. This is another
argument for keeping stock or mowers
away from stream edges and to allow
Ideal heights for streamside planting: plants to grow which will minimise
erosion along the stream banks.
❂ Overhanging vegetation contributes
Shrubs & grasses to the shading and nutrient supply for
(1-2m) all manner of stream life. Native,
3m max. evergreen vegetation is better than
deciduous vegetation as both shading
and nutrient will be constant year-
round.
Small trees
(2-4m)
6m max.
Stream banks
. kowhai Sophora microphylla
EA
AR ngaio Myoporum laetum
ED
AD koromiko Hebe stricta
SH Large trees muakaro, scented broom Carmichaelia
(>4m) odorata
tree tutu Coriaria arborea (poisonous fruit)
12m max. toetoe Cortaderia toetoe
PAGE 6

7. Wetlands
Duneland Wetlands
Swamps and ponds created by poor water-logging. Much wetland has been lost ❂ Avoid planting raupo in ponds with
drainage will have a fluctuating water (and wildlife habitat with it) so recreating high nutrient levels - it will soon choke
level - suited to plants which tolerate swamps and ponds is a positive the pond. The flip side is raupo is good
occasional or seasonal waterlogging. Wet contribution to local ecology. for filtering grey water - as are
areas created by a high water-table Schoenoplectus validus and Baumea Swamp flax (harakeke) and
Factors for gardeners to consider: coastal flax are different species.
generally have a more stable water-level, ❂ Peaty soils, when drained, shrink and articulata ❂ Give priority to planting
You won’t find much coastal flax
and plants grow in zones around the prove difficult to manage. You could add banks above wetlands that are surrounded growing in this area as it commonly
edges according to their tolerance of topsoil or sand to condition the garden. by rural land. Plants may help filter the grows on well-drained rocky sites.
high nitrogen levels in seepage and runoff. But you will find lots of large
swamp flax (Phormium tenax)
growing where the soil is damp
year-round. Its seed pods are erect
(on coastal flax they hang down and
are twisted).
Designing a wetland?
Small gestures for local wildife
go a long way.
A stump or dead tree
overlooking the water
is a natural vantage
for shags and
kingfishers.
An island in a
Wet edges
pond can provide a
pukio Carex secta
predator-free roosting
Damp raised ground (or occasional waterlogging) Carex geminata
site for waterfowl.
manuka Leptospermum scoparium Carex lessoniana
koromiko Hebe stricta var. atkinsonii upoko tangata, giant umbrella sedge
Dabblers and swamp birds like
karamu Coprosma robusta Cyperus ustulatus
the shelter of over-
hukihuki, swamp coprosma Coprosma wiwi, sea rush Juncus maritimus
hanging pond-side
tenuicaulis Damp edges & hollows jointed wire rush, oioi Leptocarpus similis
vegetation; ducks like
Olearia virgata cabbage tree Cordyline australis raupo Typha orientalis a grassy bank for
toetoe Cortaderia toetoe harakeke, swamp flax Phormium tenax kapungawha, lake clubrush access - so
cabbage tree Cordyline australis Carex virgata Schoenoplectus validus provide both.
PAGE 7

8. Lowland terraces
The character of remnant patches of native Even though this area is devoted to frost - or the clay-rich silts that are heavy not exposed to wind.
growth on the free-draining lowlands horticulture and grazing, native vegetation in winter and dry in summer, reduces the Design interest: Stone walls are part of
today is dominated by totara, with groves plays a dominant role in the landscape, range of plants that will do well without the alluvial lowland scenery. The remnant
of kohekohe, titoki and matai where bush giving residents a ‘framework’ on which shelter. So, firstly, concentrate on patches of native trees have rounded
has been protected from stock. The to build a visually sympathetic garden. providing shelter! Plants listed have an crowns - this is a ‘soft’ landscape.
understorey shrubs are mostly hardy, Factors for gardeners to consider: asterisk if frost-tender when young. The
Prunable hedges: kohuhu, mapou
small-leaved and divaricating species banks of larger streams will be frost-free
❂ The combination of good drainage, Street trees: titoki, totara, mahoe,
which make interesting garden plants. so tender plants like tree ferns and
drying winds and summer drought, plus kaikomako
kawakawa may do well in sites that are
No-one knows for
certain how many
years cicada pupa stay
underground but it
clearly helps if you
don’t dig around the
base of your trees!
Small plants & ground covers
koromiko Hebe stricta var. atkinsonii Big trees
toetoe Cortaderia toetoe titoki* Alectryon excelsus
muakoro, scented broom Carmichaelia kohekohe Dysoxylum spectabile
odorata totara Podocarpus totara
thin-leaved coprosma Coprosma aereolata matai Prumnopitys taxifolia
Coprosma rhamnoides
stiff stemmed coprosma Coprosma Small trees
crassifolia manuka Leptospermum scoparium
Ferns (all prefer semi-shade) poataniwha Melicope simplex
Hydrocotyle novae-zealandiae (moist, shaded
huruhuruwhenua, shining spleenwort wineberry Aristotelia serrata
ground)
Asplenium oblongifolium Climbers kaikomako Pennantia corymbosa
mikoikoi, NZ iris Libertia ixioides
manamana, hen & chicken Asplenium kaiku, NZ jasmine Parsonsia heterophylla - mapou Myrsine australis - good in dry sites
bush rock lily Arthropodium candidum
bulbiferum not P. capsularis which prefers drier habitat kowhai Sophora microphylla
raupeka Earina autumnalis (orchid)
panako, thread fern Blechnum filiforme akatea, small white rata Metrosideros kawakawa Macropiper excelsum
peka a waka Earina mucronata (orchid)
tarawera, button fern Pellaea rotundifolia perforata mahoe, whiteywood Melicytus ramiflorus
coastal astelia Astelia banksii (part shade)
hounds tongue Phymatasorus pustulatus climbing fuchsia Fuchsia perscandens wharangi Melicope ternata
Carex solandri
ponga, silver tree fern Cyathea dealbata Clematis foetida (yellow flowers) kohuhu Pittosporum tenuifolium
wind grass Anamanthele lessoniana (semi-
wheki Dicksonia squarrosa puataua Clematis forsteri
shade)
PAGE 8

9. ‘Nikau’ Belt
The ‘Nikau’ Belt
The combination of low frost frequency, environment. Today the zone is important shelter provides. Mature trees may die if Design interest: Apart from tawa and
year-round soil moisture and reasonably for the density of kohekohe in second exposed to wind, and juveniles (which titoki’s olive green crowns, the palette
nutritious soils create a mild, productive growth stands - a tree of moist, coastal make attractive garden plants) also here is a distinctive fresh green, with
growing environment. With shelter, trees areas rapidly disappearing through require a draft-free, shady site ❂ your kohekohe, mahoe, kawakawa and
like tawa and nikau find the humidity they pressures of lowland development and gardens are a vital link for birds moving hangehange the greatest contributors.
thrive in. Fragments of mature forest (seen possum browsing of the remnants. down into the lowlands from the Tararua Sizeable clusters of trees tend to nestle
near Emerald Glen or in Nikau Reserve) Factors for gardeners to consider: foothills.They’ll appreciate continuous into the landforms - this can be mimicked
remind us of the potential lushness of this ❂ Tawa needs the humidity that good plantings. on a smaller scale with low vegetation
around buildings.
Prunable hedges: Lemonwood, kohuhu,
poroporo
Street trees: Kohekohe,titoki, lacebark,
turepo
Big trees
kohekohe Dysoxylum spectabile
cabbage tree Cordyline australis
rewarewa Knightia excelsa
titoki Alectryon excelsus
tawa Beilschmedia tawa
turepo, small leaved milk tree Streblus
heterophyllus
Small trees
manuka Leptospermum scoparium
Small Plants & Ground Covers karamu Coprosma robusta
maukoro, whip broom Carmichaelia wharangi Melicope ternata
flagelliformis wineberry Aristotelia serrata
maukoro, scented broom Carmichaelia odorata lacebark Hoheria sexstylosa
koromiko Hebe stricta var. atkinsonii kawakawa Macropiper excelsum
koromiko Hebe parviflora mahoe Melicytus ramiflorus
Climbers poroporo Solanum aviculare pigeonwood Hedycarya arborea
Ferns NZ jasmine Parsonsia heterophylla hangehange Geniostoma rupestre var. kotukutuku, tree fuchsia Fuchsia excorticata
huruhuruwhenua, shining spleenwort akatea, pink rata vine Metrosideros diffusa ligustrifolium (shade) (moist sites)
Asplenium oblongifolium rata vine Metrosideros fulgens mikoikoi, NZ iris Libertia ixioides kohuhu Pittosporum tenuifolium
panako, thread fern Blechnum filiforme puawananga, bush clematis Clematis turutu, NZ blueberry Dianella nigra kanono Coprosma grandifolia
tarawera, button fern Pellaea rotundifolia paniculata panakenake Pratia angulata lemonwood Pittosporum eugenioides
hounds tongue Phymatosorus pustulatus kohia, NZ passionvine Passiflora tetrandra raupeka Earina autumnalis (orchid) nikau Rhophalostyis sapida - (shelter)
wheki Dicksonia squarrosa kiekie Freycinetia baueriana ssp banksii peka a waka Earina mucronata (orchid) rangiora Brachyglottis repanda (understorey)
PAGE 9

10. ‘Kamahi’ Country
On the foothills behind the lowlands, or particular) kamahi is a showy specimen and cool nights that mean young plants the most of flowering trees and vines.
in the Reikorangi Basin, there is plenty of tree with a rich supply of nectar for birds. in particular require good shelter. ❂ a Prunable hedges: large-leaved
year-round rainfall. As a result the soils Rata vines, passionvine, clematis and common complaint along disturbed bush coprosmas
are deeply weathered, leached and supplejack contribute colour and bird edges is the tree disease Armillaria which
Street trees: Northern rata, kamahi,
somewhat acidic. First manuka, and then food to the garden. will spread to new plantings, so remove
kaikomako
kamahi dominates the regenerating bush. Factors for gardeners to consider: infected wood where possible.
Like many other hill country trees ❂ although there is great variety of plant Design interest: flowering interest in
(rewarewa, northern rata and heketara in types and forms possible, beware of frost natives comes into its own up here - make
Big trees
rimu Dacrydium cupressinum
white maire Nestegis lanceolata
tawa Beilschmiedia tawa - needs shelter
rewarewa Knightia excelsa
northern rata Metrosideros robusta
miro Prumnopitys ferruginea
Overseas, many beetles fly to
escape animals which eat Small trees
raukaua, five finger Pseudopanax
them. Here, there were so few
Small Plants & Ground Covers anomalus
animals many beetles stopped everlasting daisy Helichrysum bellidioides Climbers kanono Coprosma grandifolia
flying. They grew big and Nertera depressa (damp ground) kaiku, NZ jasmine Parsonsia heterophylla horoeka, lancewood Pseudopanax
heavy. When humans brought Lagenifera pumila akatea, pink rata vine Metrosideros diffusa crassifolius
rats to NZ most of these giant turutu, NZ blueberry Dianella nigra rata vine Metrosideros fulgens pate Schefflera digitata
hangehange Geniostoma rupestre var. puawananga, bush clematis Clematis rangiora Brachyglottis repanda
beetles were eaten out. This
ligustrifolium paniculata mahoe, whiteywood Melicytus ramiflorus
one is the HUHU beetle. karamu Coprosma robusta kohia, NZ passionvine Passiflora tetrandra kaikomako Pennantia corymbosa
tutu Coriaria arborea Ferns putaputaweta Carpodetus serratus
Coprosma rhamnoides kiokio Blechnum novae-zelandiae pigeonwood Hedycarya arborea
koromiko Hebe stricta hounds tongue Phymatosorus pustulatus kamahi Weinmannia racemosa
hunangamoho Chionochloa conspicua (a piupiu, crown fern Blechnum discolor heketara, tree daisy Olearia rani
tussock) kotate, soft tree fern Cyathea smithii kotukutuku, tree fuchsia Fuchsia excorticata
Cortaderia fulvida (a small toetoe) mamaku Cyathea medullaris broadleaf Griselinia littoralis
mikoikoi, NZ iris Libertia ixioides ponga, silver tree fern Cyathea dealbata kawakawa Macropiper excelsum
winika Dendrobium cunninghamii (orchid) wheki Dicksonia squarrosa forest cabbage tree Cordyline banksii

11. BIRDS in YOUR GARDEN & BUGS !
What does your garden offer a bird? flowers are available throughout the . . . and butterflies and moths and
There is a big ecological difference year, but they eat fruits also, and tui show worms . . . one of the features of the
between gardens with numerous birds a preference for native fruits (especially New Zealand insect fauna is that so
(especially starlings, sparrows and podocarps) over exotic species. many species are dependant upon a
blackbirds) and gardens with a great The main fruit and foliage eaters (NZ particular plant for part of their life
variety of birds. The latter reflects the pigeons, starlings, silver-eyes) are useful cycle - perhaps all of it.
range of feeding opportunities the for distributing plants around, especially Having a diversity of native plants in
gardens offer, as well as safe roosting and the pigeon which can swallow the really your garden is good for this reason
nesting places. big fruits - but it works both ways. These alone. Whiteheads or popokatea are
Most of our garden birds are ones which birds also transport your garden species Over half our native bugs evolved in endemic to the North Island.
have recently immigrated from countries fruits back into the bush where we don’t forest situations but with so much These noisy birds move in
already full of predators (so the birds necessarily want them. forest cleared their options are limited. flocks, eating insects off forest
have learnt defensive behaviour). This Finches, larks, sparrows feed mostly on A small corner of your garden that is trees. They rarely fly in the
grass seeds and small insects in the open. allowed to stay dank, still and open, but may be tempted into
includes ‘natives’ like fantails and tits that
gardens along bush margins by
came from Australia long before humans, Your garden might also provide for water undisturbed is precious habitat for our
the fruits of hangehange,
but recently enough to still have birds that feed on invertebrates, fish and native insects.
putaputaweta, mahoe or rimu.
Australian traits. foliage. Swamp and pond birds like
Our endemic birds don’t have those pukeko, ducks, scaups etc. need privacy
survival skills ingrained: they can’t share and shelter. Shags, kingfishers appreciate
gardens with cats, dogs, rats and even perches beside the water.
magpies except on brief feeding visits. And don’t be in too much of a rush to
So you could reduce the number of bird- fell that old dead tree - it could become
killers for a start. home for your local morepork (as long
Most birds have a preferred diet (and a as you eradicate the possums first).
way of seeking it) although most show So you can see that every garden is a
a burst of interest in protein around potential food source for birds at any
breeding time. They might primarily time of year. What our native birds need
be insect eaters hawking on the wing is not food so much as habitat where they
(fantails), feeding in ground litter can breed and roost free from predation,
(blackbirds, thrushes, tits), feeding nest disturbance and competition from
from inside tree canopies (riroriro, aggressive immigrant species. Some of
whiteheads) or from the outer crown the shyer ones will appreciate linkages
of trees and bushes (silver-eyes, between gardens (perhaps an avenue
starlings). of street trees?) so that they need not
Nectar eaters, like tui, bellbird and fly in the open.
silver-eyes, will seek out whatever

12. GARDENING
Introduced
You Landscape
Are You a Gardener? The New Landscape species NATIVE Protecting Natural
Natural
gone wild SPECIES
(2068) (2000) Remnants
Whether you plant a shelter belt or a Where once there was 15 metres height
herbaceous border you’re deciding what of luxuriant growth producing its own
plants will do best in that location - that’s nutrients and microclimate, and What’s important?
at the heart of gardening. Add a dash of perhaps a metre of organic soil below ❂ fencing - to let palatable plants and
imagination and sensitivity to your this, now there is more likely to be
seedlings grow, and to reduce
surroundings to those practical 10cm of grass on a soil dependent on
trampling damage;
decisions and you’re on the way to being fertilisation.
a garden designer as well. Where once the wind blew across a ❂ sealing the bush edges from wind to
Although the range of native plants never tightly woven, wind-resistant coastal Introduced create the cool, humid microclimate
species
seems as broad as the selection of shrubland of uniform height, now it is that many interior forest plants need.
in gardens
exotics, your native garden can be just more likely to swirl turbulently around (16,900) Use low stature, fast growing plants
as satisfying and interesting. Plus, it’s a hedges, houses and solitary Dept.of Conservation such as taupata or manuka in coastal
haven for all those insects which prefer macrocarpas. areas; karamu or mahoe on the
or rely on native species for their welfare. Biodiversity is not simply a numbers lowlands; poroporo, karamu or
The waterways are rich in nutrient from
game: increasing the number of plant
rural run-off, most swamps are drained, species in the country does not
kohuhu in the foothills and in the hill
Elegant plantings of Carex provide good habitat
for stream life and help absorb flood waters. their peat soils shrunken or replaced necessarily improve biodiversity if it’s at country. If there are tawa in the stand,
with hardfill. the expense of the native flora. plant a taller shelter belt to minimise
So, what plants will suit these new The diagram suggests that ‘windows of wind exposure to their crowns (use
situations? Will the natives once present opportunity’ are now more likely to be salt resistant species like kohekohe
survive today? Here are some tips: filled by an imported species than by a
and kaikomako in the lowlands);
native species. So, gardening with
❂ near the coast, accept that you are in natives is rather like an insurance policy ❂ retaining the natural water table and
a shrubland zone - the only native trees for our native flora. soil moisture patterns in the vicinity.
likely to thrive there are the resilient Kahikatea is particularly vulnerable to
coastal trees ngaio, karaka, akeake,
drainage;
kohekohe or taupata which will quickly old wetlands.
resprout if damaged by salt or wind. ❂ controlling weed and animal pests.
❂ on fertile river terraces and open
Concentrate on smoothing the flow of Rats and possums prevent fruiting and
spaces (especially well drained areas)
wind (mass planting of same-age plants seedling growth. See p.16 for advice;
deep-rooted trees or tiny-leaved shrubs
helps). Avoid plants with large, soft, have the best tolerance to stresses. ❂ limiting access. Make a path, but only
non-shiny leaves. Take particular care one, especially where neighbours
❂ in inland areas once forested: see
with young plants (mulch and water share a natural remnant. You can’t
well). what grows around the edges of forest
remnants and plant those species expect great seedling growth where
❂ once a wetland plant, always a (shrubs, vines, hardy ferns), or have a kids play or everyone has a track to
wetland plant, so they should survive look at a regenerating scrub area and their favourite spot;
in the ‘new landscape’. But now they plant those species: they can withstand
have a modern role to play - purifying ❂ stock nibbling over the fence? Plant
exposure. Plant in groups, and add
water and providing shade for wildlife species they don’t like - ngaio, rangiora
‘internal’ bush remnant species later
in streams. Concentrate on riparian and poroporo for example.
when there is shelter.
planting and restoring the water to

13. Simply You
Or Simply Gardening Where Can You Source Specialist Native Native For Getting
Tips For Getting The
Choosing to garden with natives is a
Native
Native Plants? Plant Stockists Results
Best Results
personal preference, but look at some
of the reasons why people enjoy doing One of the features of lowland Kapiti- Talisman Nursery Starting from scratch? On bare land your
it: Horowhenua is that so little natural worst enemies are the drying wind,
Ringawhata Road
vegetation remains. Without the ability weeds that appreciate your disturbance
❂ if they use species already proven & Otaki
to go out and collect seed we rely on of the soil and hungry rabbits.
suited to the locality they ’ll get
neighbours and specialist plant nurseries Dense planting is advised, to provide
optimum growth and minimum
to stock our gardens. Otaihanga Nurseries cool cover for tender roots as quickly as
maintenance
Try, where you can, to use plants bred 117 Otaihanga Road possible and to suppress weeds. You can
❂ they appreciate the character of
from local stock. Eco-sourcing is quite Paraparaumu thin growth later.
natural landscape around them - that
valid. Although people will point out A mulch will have the same effect, but
‘sense of place’
that birds carry seeds long distances, a could blow away in exposed coastal
❂ their sense of garden design overrides Gus Evans Nurseries
great number of plant species have fruits gardens unless you pin it down with
any reluctance about planting 12 Utauta Street
eaten by small birds or geckos which netting or fibrous mat.
‘common’ or ‘scrubby’ species.
don’t have big ranges, or perhaps the Waikanae ‘Nursery’ crops are a good idea for
❂ they are aware that there are specific seeds are wind distributed. The plants
large planting programmes, to provide
plant host-insect relationships which don’t get widely distributed at all.
Naturally Native quick shelter from the wind. Start with
they can nurture (and have gardens
The same goes for pollination, so some native adventives (the first plants to
full of native butterflies, cicada and 30 Gammon Mill Road
plants are relatively ‘incestuous’ and establish quickly after disturbance, such
moths) Tauranga
develop local traits that often give plants as taupata in the duneland, manuka or
❂ they want to re-create and improve tolerance to local stressful conditions. karamu elsewhere) and a year or two
habitat for wildlife (especially later interplant with other species. With
Matatoa Trees and Shrubs
important in the wetlands) time, you can thin or remove the
Many gardeners experience difficulty P.O.Box 31
❂ it gives them a buzz nurturing & ‘nursery’ plants. A useful exotic species
getting the pure species of manuka and Engles Road
protecting vulnerable and unusual to use like this is tree lucerne.
kanuka established. It is possible that the
native species Shannon
seedlings develop best with soil fungi
❂ it provides plants ideal for weaving present. Try adding Trichoderma (available
and dying, for symbolic uses and for from garden suppliers) to the planting hole, Plantwise
using in flower arrangements or a handful of soil taken from under Summit Road
❂ they know they’re contributing to New established groves of manuka, and use
Lower Hutt
Zealand’s biodiversity (and preventing locally sourced seedlings.
outsiders using windows of
opportunity to take over). Did you Taupo Native Plant Nursery
look at the pie diagram on the previous P.O.Box 437
page? Taupo

14. PESTS
Eating Your Garden
Eating Your Taking Over Your Patch
Your Pa
Rabbits are a major pest for gardeners Possum numbers are high inland of We are familiar with weeds like gorse and duneland.
especially in the sand country, and hares State Highway 1. blackberry but there are other weeds of Treatment: Roundup, Escort
are common in inland rural areas. It pays particular concern in Kapiti that
gardeners might unwittingly spread Pampas
to eradicate them before planting or Control methods include:
protect new plantings. Hares will not ❂ Bait stations using Talon 20P pellets thinking they are attractive fruiting or
take poison readily so the best option is or Pindone pellets (delayed kill flowering garden specimens.
to shoot them. Note that rabbits seem response, so pulse for cost
effectiveness). Boxthorn
partial to hebe, coprosma and aciphylla.
❂ Timms traps set near palatable trees.
Control methods include: Possum favourites include coprosma,
❂ Magtoxin tablets for fumigating tree fuchsia, five-finger, kohekohe -
burrows and they love ripening male pine
❂ Pindone cereal rabbit pellets (an cones. Bait with fruit and cinnamon
Two species of tall grass, like toetoe,
anticoagulant poison) or dates.
but they flower late in summer and
❂ Shooting is only permissible in rural ❂ Live trapping. As above - but you have
their dead leaves spiral like pencil
areas. Remember it is an offence to to dispose of the possum yourself!
shavings. Concentrated in disturbed
carry a loaded fire arm on any vehicle. ❂ Shooting (see previous notes)
Erect, thorny shrub with red fruit, active sites like dunes and along riverbeds.
It is also an offence to discharge a fire in duneland. Treatment: Spray after flowering with
arm so as to annoy or frighten anyone,
Rats and mice prevent the germination Treatment: Spray regrowth after cutting Roundup, Gallant.
so warn your neighbours before you
of seeds to a greater degree than most to ground level with diesel/Grazon
shoot near dwellings. Old Man’s Beard
of us are aware. mixture. Or rip out manually. NB
discarded branches can resprout.
Protect plants with:
Control methods include:
❂ Oxblood, in liquid form, painted onto Boneseed
❂ Bait stations using Talon 50WB pellets
foliage
(a length of drain pipe does the trick).
❂ Acrylic paint +egg powder repellent
painted onto foliage
❂ Tyres, netting or plastic sleeves placed
around young plants
❂ Exclusion fencing made of chicken
netting A smothering clematis, on lowlands
and inland areas. Leaves are arranged
in fives (native clematis have leaves in
Yellow-flowering shrub with fleshy threes). Fluffy seedheads.
leaves and black fruit, active in Treatment: Roundup, Escort.
PAGE 14

15. BEING WATER-WISE
Kapiti District does not store water. Its
supply relies on rainfall maintaining river
Banana Passionfruit Some garden and farm trees become
levels and on bore water. As we know,
problems when their original
summers usually stretch demand for
circumstances change. Macrocarpa
water beyond supply!
seedlings will proliferate in open
ground if grazing stock are removed. This guide should help you plant
Sycamore can establish in native bush species adapted to the climate of your
and shade out other plants. It is a neighbourhood and its stresses, but
particular problem around Reikorangi. there are other common-sense
Crack willow, once popular for precautions to take to minimise water-
streamside planting, will resprout from useage when supplies are low:
Vigorous climber with green/pink branches moved downstream during Two coastal gardens which have solved the water
flower and yellow pulpy fruit. Most Soak, don’t sprinkle crisis by using naturally resilient seaside species:
floods.
active in frost-free ‘Nikau Belt’ and Water the roots, not the leaves (above) prostrate ngaio and pingao, (below) a
silvery combination of spinifex with the northern
riverbeds. hibiscus and, in the centre, the milky leaves of the
For a full list of pest plants in the Wellington Water late in the evening to shore spurge Euphorbia glauca.
Treatment: Roundup. Cut back in
area refer to the detailed literature provided minimise evaporation
winter/spring and spray regrowth.
by Wellington Regional Council. Their Pest
Wild Ginger Plant Section in Upper Hutt can be Add water-retaining crystals to pots
contacted on 04-5264133.
Install a rain-
water tank to
Using Herbicides
collect garden
At all times be as specific as possible, water off your roof
targetting only the problem plants. Do
not use herbicides where there is a risk
Use timers, moisture meters, directional
of seepage into waterways.
sprinklers and hose triggers as ways of
controlling water wastage
(Both Kahili and Yellow Ginger)
“Tropical’ leaves, yellow flower spires
Put your washing machine rinse
and dense rhizomatour root system.
water to good use!
Treatment: Dig up and dispose of all
rhizomes and tubers. And after you’ve watered . . . mulch
Nearly one third of Kapiti’s water supply
is directed at gardens. Wise use and wise
planting can reduce this substantially.
PAGE 15

16. (left) This colourful dune garden uses local
ingredients: pingao, coastal flax and ngaio;
(centre) the shore spurge Euphorbia glauca
grows best on coarse sand or fine shingle;
(right) the rengarenga lily and Tecomanthe, a
vine from the Three Kings Islands, are
perfectly suited to that difficult, shady south
side of coastal houses.
PAGE 16

17. Clockwise: Bush-edge gardens can be show-cases for our flowering
vines, in this case Metrosideros fulgens; Carex flagellifera graces a
deck where the background colour is
provided by kamahi seedheads; toetoe
are ideal grasses for difficult spots and a
great food source for finches; this bush-
edge garden is designed to evoke a
naturalistic grassy clearing, using silver
tussock (Poa cita), Chionochloa
flavicans (flowering) and juvenile
putaputaweta (Carpodetus serratus); the
large-leaved coprosmas such as karamu
and taupata are sometimes treated with
scorn as a garden plant because they
‘grow everywhere’, yet this ability to
tolerate a wide range of conditions makes
them ideal nursery plants or gap fillers.
Try them espalliered against a sunny wall
or as a bird-friendly hedge.
PAGE 17

18. References
The Native Garden: Design Themes
B O F FA from Wild New Zealand Isobel
MISKELL Gabites & Rob Lucas 1998; Godwit.
planning design ecology
Gardening with New Zealand
P.O.Box 11 442 Plants, Shrubs and Trees Muriel E.
3rd Floor, 111 Dixon Street
Wellington, New Zealand Fisher, E. Satchell, Janet M. Watkins
Tel: 64 4 385 9315 1970; Collins.
Fax: 64 4 384 3089
The Cultivation of New Zealand
Plants Lawrie Metcalfe 1993; Godwit.
Native Forest Restoration; A
Practical Guide for Landowners
Tim Porteous 1993. Queen Elizabeth
the Second National Trust.
The QuickFind Guide to Growing
Native Plants Andrew Crowe. Viking.
Boffa Miskell encourages design and restoration projects which reflect the spirit of our natural places.
We are pleased to support this guide and help Kapiti put these principles into practice. The Wellington Regional Plant
Guide Wellington Regional Council.
Nga Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae
has native plants labelled in their
natural habitat.