Plant files: Plants worth knowing
Discover some of the most interesting plants featured throughout Sage Vol. 1, and perhaps find some inspiration for your own garden.
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Articles—
Plants
Here you’ll find an array of botanical information. Plant profiles, origin stories, obscure facts and practical tips for growing and harvesting plants.
Rethinking roses | Simple tips for planting, growing & pruning roses
We’re here to defend the honour of the long- misunderstood rose and its high-maintenance reputation. As the team at Matthews Roses knows well, just a little love goes a long way… and keeps the blooms coming.
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The hidden kingdom that keeps our planet alive | The Secret Life of Fungi
Insight into Aotearoa’s remarkable fungi and their vital role in sustaining the planet, by author and fungi photographer Jay Lichter.
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A garden over time | Case study of a dry garden over 8 months of growth & learning
A garden with resilient structures and 'electric softness,' built to thrive in tough, dry climates – observed through an 8 month case study by Jac Semmler.
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Dianella (Tūrutu) | Bringing in the birds with this native perennial
Discover how perennial and NZ native Dianella (Tūrutu) can transform your garden into a thriving haven for Aotearoa’s native birdlife.
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Autumn seed sowing guide | Vegetables & flowers to sow in autumn
Seed sowing is one of the most important jobs in the autumn garden. It’s time to sow winter vegetables and hardy annual flowers. This autumn seed sowing guide outlines what to sow in your autumn garden and the methods you can use to guarantee successful germination.
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Freshly minted | A herb with history + mojito recipe
From Roman banquet tables to backyard mojitos, mint has long refreshed spirits and seasoned lives. In our latest piece – brought to you by Mint Realty – we trace its history, share growing notes – and include a simple mojito recipe for good measure.
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The layers of a food forest | The Urban Food Forester
Growing your own fruit, veggies and herbs can be time-consuming. But by harnessing the power of perennials, trees and shrubs, you can establish a thriving ecosystem that requires minimal upkeep – perfect for busy people.
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Foraging cherry blossoms + Forest’s cherry blossom gin fizz recipe
Chef Plabita Florence, the force behind Auckland restaurant 'Forest', reflects on foraging cherry blossoms and shares her recipe for a cherry blossom gin fizz with Eat Wild's Sophie Merkins
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The anatomy of a kōwhai flower & how it unfolds for bird pollination
Kōwhai is regarded by many as New Zealand’s unofficial national flower, providing abundant nectar for some of our most-loved native birds.
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Case Studies | A story of plant travel
Case Studies: A Story of Plant Travel is a book that, through striking photography and reflective essays, reminds us that our values and choices shape the land beneath our feet.
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Waxgills Gliophorus | A hidden world of New Zealand fungi
Waxgills Gliophorus fungi – some of the breathtaking, often overlooked New Zealand fungi.
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How to grow hydrangeas in your cut flower garden
A guide for growing and picking hydrangeas – The Floral Dream by Olivia McCord
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How to design a garden & create a planting palette for your garden
Learn how to design a thoughtful planting palette using plant forms, foliage contrast and structure to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that suits your style and climate.
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Pruning hydrangeas | When & how to cut back different varieties
A guide for how and when to prune the different types of hydrangeas.
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10 best hedges & screening plants for privacy and beauty
A hedging guide and list of the best shrubs and hedging plants for both privacy and beauty.
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Winter plant picks | What do landscape designers choose for winter planting?
We asked some New Zealand based landscape designers to share their favourite plants for winter – here are their top picks for colour, structure & seasonal beauty.
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Winter strawberry guide | Growing strawberries & propagating from your patch
The winter care guide for strawberries: How to grow, care for & propagate strawberries
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How to grow, prune & care for raspberries
A guide on growing, pruning and caring for raspberry plants.
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How to grow pansies & violas in the garden or containers
A practical and poetic guide to transplanting pansies and violas, with tips on soil prep, container growing and supporting pollinators. Excerpt from Pansies by Brenna Estrada.
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How to grow garlic | A homesteader’s guide to growing garlic
Gillian Swinton shares her tips for growing garlic as a self-sufficient crop. Words from her modern homesteading book: The Good Life.
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Plant buying guide | How to make the most of autumn plant sales
Autumn plant clearance sales are tempting, but it’s important to know which plants are a worthwhile investment, and which should be left on the shelf. Plus, learn how to transplant new plants for the best success!
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Everything you need to know about growing & caring for dahlias
Dahlia lovers, this one’s for you. A roundup of all of our top articles for growing, caring for and propagating dahlias.
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Forager’s favourites | 6 interesting edible fungi to find in Aotearoa
This article highlights six edible fungi found in Aotearoa, selected from A Naturalist’s Guide to the Fungi of Aotearoa New Zealand by ecologist Ruben Mita
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A comprehensive guide to planting & growing spring bulbs | Autumn gardening
A complete guide to which spring bulbs, and how to plant and grow them, this autumn.
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How to grow strawberries from runners
A guide on growing strawberries from runners in autumn.
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Cut & come again annual flowers to plant for autumn colour
A comprehensive guide on growing the best cut and come again flowers for autumn.
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How to grow & keep your sweet peas flowering all summer long
A guide to growing and retaining your sweet pea flowers all summer long
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