Mitre 10 offers every product landscapers might need – from plants to water features and everything in between
Garden
New Zealand’s diverse climate, ranging from coastal to inland regions, can sometimes bring periods of prolonged dry weather, making drought-tolerant plants a valuable addition to any garden. These plants are adapted to thrive with minimal water once established, offering both beauty and practicality. Here are some popular drought-tolerant plants well-suited to New Zealand gardens.
Popular natives to consider include Manuka (Leptospermum), renowned for its fragrant flowers and medicinal properties, and Acacia Limelight, with its lime-coloured foliage. Another popular choice is Coprosma, a native shrub well-known for its tough, glossy leaves and wide range of colours. It’s a great choice for hedging or as a hardy ornamental plant.
Cordyline and Phormium are striking evergreen plants known for their dramatic foliage. Cordyline's colourful leaves and Phormium's tall, spiky form make them ideal for creating eye-catching focal points in dry areas.
Lomandra, with its fine, grass-like leaves, is another resilient choice. This versatile plant tolerates both dry conditions and salt exposure, making it perfect for coastal gardens.
Carex species, like Carex comans and Carex testacea, are low-maintenance and adaptable, often used for ground cover or ornamental grasses. They thrive in a variety of soil types, while requiring little water.
In the herb and perennial category, rosemary, lavender, sage, and oregano are not only drought-tolerant but also provide aromatic leaves for cooking and landscaping. Echinacea, Osteospermum, Dianthus, and Salvia offer vibrant colour, while thriving with little water.
Succulents and Sedum are exceptional for low-water gardens. Grevillea is another easy-to-grow, evergreen shrub with a great flower colour range.
These hardy plants bring resilience and beauty to New Zealand gardens, making them ideal for sustainable, low-maintenance landscaping. It is important to choose plants that suit your clients’ soil, whether it be sandy coastal soil or sturdy clay, where summer watering is difficult.
Available at your local Mitre 10 store.
Water features
Water features add a tranquil and calming feeling to any space. Creating water features in drought conditions can be challenging but, with thoughtful planning, you can enjoy the beauty of water without wasting resources.
Use recirculating systems
Use a recirculating pump to reuse water.
Opt for small, minimalist features
Choose smaller features, like a simple birdbath, small recirculating fountains, or a minimalist koi pond that requires less water.
Monitor water levels
Keep a close eye on water levels to ensure the system is working efficiently and not causing waste through leaks or evaporation.
With these tips, you can create the aesthetic of a water feature, while respecting the environmental limitations of drought conditions.
For all featured products and more, visit your local Mitre 10 store or go to mitre10.co.nz
