Gardening with Gael: Red flowers for Christmas

[Gardening with Gael]

19 Dec, 2022

At Christmas I cannot resist a red flower. It seems entirely appropriate and I think the ideal subject for the Christmas gardening issue. Previous years have been devoted to a variety of red flowers including, of course, the beautiful pohutukawa which is gracing the border of the beach as I write. We can see them from every window in the house as the flowers emerge, each tree a slightly different colour. My neighbour has some beauties outside his fence. Each year Box considers growing them for small Christmas trees, muttering about semi bonsais. Maybe it will happen one day.

Because the only shops I can stand going into are plant nurseries or bookshops, it is quite clear what everyone gets from me. The idea of shopping makes me catatonic and such is my aversion my friends never invite me. They make it clear: ‘We’re going shopping’ they say, ‘we know you don’t want to come’. Off they go happily. A trip to a nursery is another thing entirely.

Early in the year I spotted these stunning hydrangeas at Greenspace Nursery. They wintered happily and in spite of the assurances of Don and Kirstin I waited anxiously to see if they would be true to colour this season. The photo on this page shows just how true they remained. I am thrilled with this glowing hedge which can be seen from every window on the nor’ west side of the house. In full flower right now they are truly festive. At the market on Saturday, Rowie had a very similar one in a pot, flowering magnificently and I thought it could make a beautiful centre piece on Christmas day. Elevated, and with presents scattered around it I think it makes another alternative to the Christmas tree debate.

The unseasonable rain has made continual planting – unheard of in other years – possible. The local plant stallholders at the market offer weekly temptations, many of which would make great Christmas presents and do not end up in landfill. My herb garden has never looked so luscious. Mint loves this weather. I have narrow plant boxes at the back door filled with rotted grass clippings – parsley in the one that gets the most shade and then mint, coriander, thyme, basil, oregano and sage. They are thriving. I can see them from the kitchen and they are readily accessible to pop into whatever is on the menu. Fresh sage is particularly good sprinkled in baked sliced potatoes.

I’m experimenting with random tomatoes which have popped up all through the garden. It will be interesting to see what they produce. With the great success I had with eggplants last year I have planted more this year. Rather than a designated vegetable plot I have distributed vegetables throughout the garden. A sort of companion planting.

I thought hibiscus would love the regular rain but it appears by the amount of sulking happening that they, like everyone, are waiting for some regular sunshine. Hibiscus really begin to flower once the summer arrives. In the meantime there is still time to trap that moisture in the soil with whatever mulch is available.

Maybe once a year I buy a dress if I spot one by chance. Something bright for Christmas day with red flowers. There was one at the market last week covered in red hydrangeas. Who could resist?

Very best wishes everyone for a lovely Christmas and a floriferous New Year.

<<ends>>

TIPS FOR THE WEEK

1. The humid wet weather is responsible for black spot appearing on roses. It is easy to pick the leaves off, preferably before they litter the ground. Dispose of them away from the garden.

2. When planting in peat pots, tear down the top rim and make sure it is covered with soil. The wind and sun can dry this edge out and it can act like a wick.

These stunning hydrangeas wintered happily and have remained true to colour this season. In full flower right now they are truly festive. PHOTO/GAEL