Bush restoration

The work to improve the woodland area of the garden and the native New Zealand plants within. Visits to the local reserves to discover the plants living there.

Planting natives for wildlife habitats

The planting of native shrubs and trees has taken months, but they help the garden become a better wildlife haven.

Bush restoration

Sep 84 min read

Butterfly predators: Praying mantis

All praying mantis eat butterflies, but South African mantis also eat New Zealand mantis. This means war.

Wildlife

Aug 243 min read

Possums in the garden!

Turns out there is lots going on at night in the garden. Possums are sauntering around.

Bush restoration

Aug 103 min read

What's going on at night?

A new trail camera helps me uncover the answers to the garden's great mysteries

Bush restoration

Aug 32 min read

Chew cards underline rat problem

I put chew cards out to test for predators. The rats let me know just how many of them were still in the garden.

Bush restoration

Jul 203 min read

Dead hedge and (tiny) nettle bed

Our not quite Insta-worthy dead hedge and definitely not butterfly worthy nettle bed is constructed

Garden project steps

Jun 83 min read

Planting for bush restoration and erosion prevention

I want to choose native plants that belong in this habitat, but I need to plant for erosion as well. Why I'm a native plant hypocrite.

Bush restoration

Mar 97 min read

Bed of Nettles

New Zealand has a range of native nettles, which admiral butterflies need for food and which I'm incapable of growing.

Butterfly gardening

Dec 15, 20244 min read

You dirty rat!

How I found out what introduced predators are in my garden and why they are a problem.

Bush restoration

Dec 8, 20245 min read

What grows up, must come down

The garden is filled with pest plants and we needed help. I also manage to talk butterflies, 'cos that's how I roll.

Garden project steps

Nov 29, 20243 min read

First steps in creating a wildlife garden

I write a project plan and bioblitz the garden. I rave about iNaturalist.

Bush restoration

Nov 18, 20243 min read

Creating a haven for Auckland's wildlife

Introduction to the garden & planned projects for butterflies & wildlife. Start reading here.

Butterfly gardening

Nov 11, 20243 min read