Benefits of a Native Garden: supports local wildlife, low maintenance, requiring less water and pest control.
Planning Your Garden: your garden's microclimates, choosing plants, and layouts.
Preparing and Planting: weeds and mulch.
Caring for Your Garden: water, monitoring for pests.
Encouraging Wildlife: bird feeders and plant nectar-rich species.
Popular Native Plants by Region: best native plants NZ.
Expert Guidance: Native Restorations offers advice on selecting plants and garden care.
Creating a native garden in New Zealand is one of the best ways to enhance biodiversity, conserve water, and create a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space that thrives naturally. Native plants are adapted to New Zealand's climate, making them ideal for reducing pests and encouraging native wildlife like birds, insects, and pollinators. In this guide by Native Restorations, we'll take you through a step-by-step process for planning and planting your very own native garden tailored to your local environment.
Benefits of Planting a Native Garden
Before we dive into the steps, let's highlight the numerous benefits that come with establishing a native garden:
Supports Local Wildlife: Native plants provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for local birds, insects, and other wildlife, helping maintain the natural ecosystem.
Low Maintenance: Once established, native plants require less watering, fewer fertilisers, and minimal pest control, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective. A win-win for Kiwis!
Water Conservation: Many native plants are drought-resistant, which helps conserve water during dry periods.
Prevents Soil Erosion: Native plants' deep root systems help stabilise soil and reduce erosion, which is especially important in areas with slopes or near water bodies.
Cultural Significance: Many native plants hold cultural and historical importance for Māori communities, making your garden a place of heritage and respect for the land.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting a Native Garden
How Do I Plan My Native Garden?
The first step to creating a thriving native garden is careful planning. Here's what to consider:
Location: Identify the different microclimates in your garden, such as sunny, shady, windy, or wet areas, and note the soil types. This will help you select the right plants for the area.
Size and Layout: Plan the size of your garden and how you want to arrange the plants. Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together to ensure they thrive.
Native Plants for Your Area: Use regional planting guides or consult the local council or nurseries to learn about the species best suited for your area. At Native Restorations, we are always here to help! Plants like Kōwhai, Harakeke, and Manuka are great examples of versatile natives for different conditions.
How Do I Choose the Right Native Plants?
Selecting the right plants is crucial to your garden's success. Understanding your local climate and what will thrive in your area is important. New Zealand has diverse climates. Choose salt-tolerant species like Pohutukawa or coastal flax (Phormium Cookianum) for coastal areas. Inland or cooler areas might prefer hardy plants like Kānuka or mountain flax.
Having your soil tested for pH levels and drainage is also a good idea. Sandy soils might require drought-resistant natives, while clay soils will benefit from plants like Carex species or cabbage trees that tolerate wet conditions. Once you understand the types of plants you want, it's a good idea to consider the growth size. Plan for the mature size of the plants. Smaller plants like Muehlenbeckia are ideal for ground cover, while trees like Rimu will need much more space to grow.
TOP TIP—Choose plants that offer year-round appeal. For example, Kōwhai blooms in spring, while Pohutukawa brings colour during the summer. This will ensure your native garden looks incredible all year round.
How Do I Prepare the Native Garden Site?
Preparation is key to ensuring your native garden gets off to a good start, allowing your new native garden to flourish and have the best start to life.
Clear Weeds: Remove any invasive plants or weeds from the area. Native plants don't like competing for resources, so clear the soil thoroughly.
Improve Soil: Native plants can thrive in poor soils, but adding compost or organic matter can improve water retention and drainage in these areas.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Mulch also enriches the soil as it breaks down, providing essential nutrients to the plants. Mulching also creates good soil and diversity meaning it will encourage the naturally occurring seeds in the soil to propagate naturally – cue the reduced cost on plants and more naturally occurring natives.
How Do I Plant My Natives?
Now that your site is perfectly prepped and prepared, it's time to get to the exciting part – planting! It's important to get the timing right with all native New Zealand plants. If you are not too sure, call some experts for advice. The best time to plant natives is during the cooler months (autumn to early winter). This gives the plants time to establish before the summer heat.
What Are The Best Planting Techniques?
Dig a hole twice the size of the plant's root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the base.
Water the plant well after planting to help settle the soil.
TOP TIP—Remember to consider spacing. You'll need to give your plants enough space to grow. Place larger trees and shrubs further apart to avoid crowding as they mature, as this could stunt their potential growth.
How Do I Correctly Care for My Native Garden?
Aftercare is essential in all gardens, and native gardens and planting are no different.
Your new native plants will need a good dose of water regularly during their first year of life, especially during dry spells. Once established, most natives are drought-resistant; however, always double-check the water needs of each of your natives. This is where choosing the right plant for the right area is imperative.
Mulching on an annual basis is also highly recommended. Reapplying mulch will help retain moisture and suppress those pesky weeds. You'll also need to consider the level of pest control you'll need. While native plants attract fewer pests, keep an eye out for any infestations or pest weeds that could be attempting to establish themselves. Use eco-friendly pest control methods like neem oil or companion planting.
You will also need to have a good annual pruning schedule to help your plants stay healthy. Prune plants to shape them and remove dead or damaged branches.
How Do I Encourage Wildlife In My Native Gardens?
One major benefit of a native garden is that it attracts local wildlife, including insects and bird species unique to New Zealand. To help attract birds and insects, Native Restorations suggests installing bird feeders and bird baths to attract Tui, Kererū, and other native birds.
You can also create insect habitats to encourage pollinators like bees and butterflies to visit your garden. And remember to plant ample nectar-rich plants. Plant species like Kōwhai and Flax look amazing and provide food for native birds and insects.
Planting a native garden is a rewarding and eco-conscious choice that benefits both your outdoor space and the environment. Whether you're aiming to create a small garden with native grasses or a lush forest-like retreat, New Zealand's native plants offer a wide variety of options that will flourish in their natural conditions. By carefully planning, choosing the right plants for your location, and maintaining your garden with eco-friendly practices, you'll create a thriving habitat for plants and wildlife to enjoy for years.
What Are The Most Popular Native Plants for Different Regions in NZ?
Auckland: Kōwhai, Pittosporum, Karaka.
Wellington: Harakeke, Kapuka, Kānuka.
Christchurch: Totara, Cabbage Trees, Coprosma
Dunedin: Mountain Flax, Māhoe, Rata
Following these steps will soon make your garden a thriving oasis of New Zealand's unique natural beauty.
Get Started Today!
At Native Restorations, we offer expert advice and guidance on establishing your native garden, from selecting the best plants to providing ongoing care tips. Visit our website for more information, and get started on your native garden journey today!
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