 |
If you cant read this html newsletter, copy and paste this link into the adress bar of your browser.
http://www.bushmansfriend.co.nz/content.asp?PageID=12274
Hi
Kia ora and hello again.
Spring is the time of flowers. Their presence signals the arrival of longer days and warming temperatures. Kowhai's yellow blooms remind us that the fish are returning to the harbours and the riotous white garlands of clematis tell us to get into the garden and dig that soil. The flowers attract and motivate birdlife. The garden comes to life. There's nothing like a bowl of fresh fragrant flowers on the sideboard to remind us of all the best things this world has to offer.
This month's photos: Spring's Flowers
In New Zealand plants, the flowers have different ways of attracting pollinators. The large brightly coloured flowers are designed to catch the eye of birds, which come to feed on the sweet nectar. These flowers often have an architecture which specifically matches the beak shape of the pollinating bird. The smaller flowers, often white and radial symmetrical, are designed for non specific opportunistic pollinators such as flies, gnats, bees, small birds and also the wind.
Clianthus puniceus kaka beak: The splendid flower
Clianthus puniceus (Clianthus from the Greek kleos=splendour, anthos=flower, puniceus=reddish,cimson). Kaka beak, because the shape of the keel is shaped like the beak of the kaka.
Kaka beaks' continued survival is due to its successful reproductive strategy. The prominent characteristic of many large and brightly coloured flowers have made the plant a favourite ornamental since Maori times. Many early records show the plant's distribution at sites of Maori kainga. Man's nurturing of this stunnning plant has been the main factor in the plant's continued survival.
However, the plant is not long lived. The soft, palatable leaf can be attacked by slugs, snails, caterpillars and mites. To combat these pests, grow the plants in free draining mulched soil, away from other nearby shrubs or grasses, which may provide a harbour for slugs and snails.
Carmichaelia williamsii. giant flowered broom.
Known from only a few mainland sites, it is more common on northern east coast islands. A winter to early spring flowering shrub for coastal gardens.
Myrsine salicina Toro
Coral coloured flowers just about to burst. Toro is an attractive tree to about 8m. Not very common, it occurs from North Cape to Greymouth, but is absent in the east.
Phebalium nudum=Leionema nudum Mairehau
This strongly aromatic shrub can be found on forest margins from Kaitaia to Waihi. The small lanceolate leaves are mottled brown above and red below.
Whangaroa Houseboat Holidays
Whangaroa Houseboat Holidays offer a unique escape, far from the "madding crowd", in beautiful Whangaroa Harbour - the perfect environment for the relaxed holiday getaway that houseboating provides.
Whangaroa's scenery is awe-inspiring, with towering sheer bluffs and volcanic rock formations protruding through steep forested shores, its colours reflected in tranquil water. Whangaroa remains an unspoiled natural resource, ideal for rest and relaxation. Sit back in the lounge and enjoy the view, or fish, dive and swim from your doorstep! Cook your catch on the barbecue or use the spacious kitchen. Go ashore and spend some time exploring, then row back to your home on the water.
Video of Neil's Family and their Whangaroa Houseboat Holiday. This is an excellent video as it captures the very best Whangaroa has to offer. Very good production values. 10Mbytes. 3 mins long and opens with windows media player. I highly recommend youhave a look at this from here
Northland Kauri Festival September 15-30 2006
Launched last year, the Kauri Festival aims to celebrate this extraordinary tree and explain its importance, both ecologically and economically, to Northland. Well, the good news is that it's on again, with a whole range of events up and down the region. Check out the website from here
The Puketi Forest Trust, in conjunction with Omata Estate, RadioWorks and the Copthorne Hotel & Resort, is pleased to announce the Puketi Kauri Ball & Auction on Saturday, September 30, 2006 from 6:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. We invite you to participate in what is sure to be an extraordinary event with its authentic New Zealand flair and focus on the majestic kauri tree. All proceeds from this event will go toward the restoration of Puketi Kauri Forest.
Held at the beautiful beachfront Waitaha Conference Centre at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands, this exciting night will feature television personalities John Campbell and Carol Hirschfeld as guest MC's, various presentations, a 5 course meal with wine, dancing, and invaluable items up for auction—each having significance to New Zealand and the magnificent kauri. The night will also feature an evening performance by Footprints that is sure to leave a lasting impression of the spiritual significance of the kauri forest.
Priceless items up for grabs include: $5 signed by Sir Edmund Hillary, Chris Booth sculpture, Peter Jackson Signed Kong Collectible, Dinner for 4 by Chef Paul Jobin, Round of Golf from Kauri Cliffs, Product Packages from Living Nature, Kiwi Call Count Experience, Landscape Package, Auckland Zoo Ultimate Encounters, Carrington Resort Golf Weekend, $2,000 Radio Advertising Campaign, Kauri Collectibles, a Hectare of the Puketi Kauri Forest, and more.
Check it out from the Puketi Forest website
New Zealand Fine Prints
Explore New Zealand Fine Prints' Online Art Store.Through this website you can easily find and purchase, at affordable prices, all New Zealand art prints currently available. New Zealand Fine Prints Ltd has been New Zealand's specialist supplier of fine art prints since 1966. Prompt delivery throughout NZ (for $6) or around the world (for $15).
Book of the month:
Relaxing symmetrical melodies of great warmth and beauty flow from this CD providing instant peace and healing, naturally unwinding and calming the body, mind and spirit. Will fascinate, enchant and relax...
Help grow Bushmansfriend You are welcome to forward this email to a friend. They will thank you for it.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter unsubscribe here
E-mail Bushmansfriend here
Until next time,
look after yourself..... and enjoy New Zealand's natural world.
Tony Foster
Bushman's Friend
New Zealand Nature Walks
New Zealand Plants
Whangaroa Houseboat Rentals
Campbell Rd. Totara North
RD2 Kaeo 0479
Northland New Zealand
Phone: 09 4051844
tony@bushmansfriend.co.nz
info@houseboatrentals.co.nz
|
