The Open Day is a good opportunity to learn more about using native plants and how the Nursery operates.
Although the Nursery is open all year round for plant sales and advice on using local native plants in a wide range of Canterbury conditions, a special feature of the Open Day is the availability, in limited quantity, of some special native plants. This year these included alpine plants, climbers, celmisia, hebes and flowering natives. Native gardens are gaining popularity for their easy maintenance, ability to provide quick screening and attraction to wildlife. Di Lucas (local landscape architect) and Colin Meurk (Landcare Research ecologist) gave talks on native garden design. Rural use of suitable native plants is also increasing because they can be easier and less expensive to establish than exotic trees; are mostly evergreen, providing a constant screen and are attractive to wildlife. Some farmers seek advice on preserving and restoring native remnants on their land. Inges Stager (Geraldine based landscape architect) and Nigel Buttery (Canterbury Regional Council) spoke on native restoration and native shelter belts, and gave advice on designing a wetland. Demonstrations on planting techniques and native plant care and protection were given. Agenda 21's plant lists, indicating native species suitable for a range of Christchurch gardens, and the plants, are available from the Nursery, along with a Nursery catalogue and written material on using and caring for native plants.