There is something about native plants that can't be matched. They belong here and have evolved in isolation for over 80 million years untroubled by weeds and insensitive development.

The only trouble is that they are either gone or nearly gone in the wild. Their evolution is under constant threat.

One way to help reverse this trend is to insist on a native garden at your place. A haven for birds and other wildlife is the ultimate goal however there are some other important and practical advantages with this style of garden:

• They save water which is becoming a major issue in many rural and urban areas.
  
• Lower maintenance. They require far less moly coddling than exotics and usually only require some light thinning to fit into your residential landscape.
  
• The use of pesticides is virtually unnecessary meaning all the 'good little creatures' get to breathe easy ensuring a more healthy and balanced environment in your garden.

NZEarth provides the following information for your education and enjoyment.

We lay no claims to copyright and provide this information as freely as the search engine from which it originated....some of these sites also sell exotics....be aware that not all plants are equal!

The native flora of New Zealand is rich and unique having evolved in isolation for 80 million years and because of this it has a distinctive look about it. No fewer than 80% of New Zealand's native plants and trees are endemic i.e. occurring here and nowhere else. The variety of foliage colour, texture, and shape is unsurpassed.

Many of the links under the heading 'Articles' contain PHOTOS of native flora too, enjoy!

ARTICLES Species at Risk Native plants - descriptions and growing hints Puriri Trees Tree Ferns Native Grasses Native Plants in Wendy's Garden Renga renga lily Mail Order Nurseries Naturally Native LINKS Planting with New Zealand Natives A database of NZ plant photos Forest Floor - Grow more trees Tree Fern Discussion Group Native plants in Coehaven - Otaki Tree Ferns Downunder The NZ West Coast Fern Co. NZ Horticulture Online - native plants & forum Forest Fungi of New Zealand Native Forest Action Project Crimson - saving our Pohutukawas The New Zealand Garden at Ventnor Botanic Gardens, Isle of Wight, UK. New Zealand Native Trees New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

PHOTOS Fuchsia procumbens Fuchsia excorticata Tree Ferns & Ground Ferns NZ Clematis NZ Clematis and Rimu Mountain Flax Hebe Speciosa Kaka Beak 'Kaka King' Kaka Beak 'White Heron' Kowhai 'Dragon's Gold' Kumeraho Lophomyrtus 'Kathryn' Rewarewa Nikau Tree Fern Mamaku New Zealand Hibiscus Lancewood Puka

NZEarth HOME