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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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
May 25, 20253 min read
Autumn brings a lot of work
The lomandra is finally gone, but there is plenty still to dig up.
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.
Apr 17, 20256 min read
English garden inspiration
English style flower gardens around Auckland to get inspiration from for my butterfly garden
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Nov 17, 20243 min read
Creating a haven for Auckland's wildlife
Introduction to the garden & planned projects for butterflies & wildlife. Start reading here.
Nov 11, 20243 min read
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