Garden project steps

I started with a plan for what I needed to do to achieve my goals for the garden. Did most of it. Wrote another plan. Have failed to follow it.

New barrel pond with NZ natives

I make a barrel pond with New Zealand native pond plants and there are already visitors!

Wildlife

Nov 1, 20256 min read

Updated project plan

Updating the actions on the project plan for the year ahead. The ultimate garden to-do list.

Garden project steps

Sep 24, 20253 min read

Planting the butterfly garden

Flowering plants are going into the flower beds and borders, ready for spring. I also take a road trip to see a very special nursery.

Butterfly gardening

Aug 30, 20254 min read

New beds for the butterfly garden

After a month of work we have new garden beds and cleared borders. Bring on spring!

Butterfly gardening

Jul 27, 20254 min read

Battling the mudbath

Why winter gardening is not recommended. The heavy work to expand the butterfly garden means getting muddy.

Butterfly gardening

Jun 22, 20254 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 8, 20253 min read

Planting trees for the kids

We finally plant trees in the garden - one each for our children - but with no placentas to plant underneath, we improvise.

Garden project steps

May 25, 20253 min read

Autumn brings a lot of work

The lomandra is finally gone, but there is plenty still to dig up.

Garden project steps

May 4, 20253 min read

What's the big deal about wasps?

Wasps. Why they are a big deal and what we can do, if anything, to get rid of the evil things.

Butterfly gardening

Apr 17, 20256 min read

Flower bed at Auckland Domain Wintergardens

English garden inspiration

English style flower gardens around Auckland to get inspiration from for my butterfly garden

Butterfly gardening

Mar 15, 20253 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 8, 20257 min read

Water for wildlife

Every wildlife garden needs water, but its going to take a lot more work until I get it right.

Butterfly gardening

Mar 1, 20253 min read

The pilot butterfly garden emerges

I fail to grow flowers from seed so I go plant shopping! Then I need to plant everything.

Butterfly gardening

Dec 21, 20245 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 14, 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 7, 20245 min read

The site for the butterfly garden

Lomandra defeats all the planning and clearing the site for the butterfly garden stalls

Garden project steps

Nov 29, 20244 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 28, 20243 min read

Moths: Night dancers and environmental indicators

Step 2 of the project plan is to monitor moths and butterflies. Each month I trap moths to see what's nearby.

Amazing moths

Nov 23, 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 17, 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