Before choosing what flowers to plant in your garden, you must know the answers to a few questions to ensure blooming success:

1. Is your garden in sun or shade, or a blend of the two? Some flowering plants will not grow in shade and others prefer it.
2. What are the climate conditions and limitations of where you live? Some plants require heavy winter chilling, or constant sun to bloom. Others don’t like high humidity or can’t cope with frost.
3. How much time do you have? This will help determine the size of the garden and the varieties of flowers chosen.

The Tui NZ Flower Garden book includes vital information on preparing the garden, choosing the right flowers for the right place and all the info you’ll need to have your own stunning flower garden.

Preparation

Prepare the garden beds by cultivating the soil, then blending in Tui Super Sheep Pellets and Tui Pelletised Pea Straw to build up the soil’s ability to hold onto moisture and nutrients.

Add Tui Novatec fertiliser and blend in well prior to planting. If you are planting acid-loving plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphnes or Camellias, blend in Tui Acid Food.

Protection

Flowers need protection from wind as damaged leaves and buds reduce the flowering capability of plants. They should not be solid barriers but act as filters to the wind, for example hedges, fences and screens.

Planting

At planting time dig a hole approximately twice the depth and width of the plants rootball and half fill the hole with Tui Flower Power. Tui Flower Power is a 100% weed free, bark and peat based mix with a six month controlled release fertiliser. The additions of Acadian seaweed, sulphate of potash, and Saturaid will ensure your plants reach their maximum flowering potential while developing a strong root system and healthy green foliage.

Place the plant in the hole and fill in with Tui Flower Power. Water in well and sprinkle Tui Quash around plants to prevent slugs and snails from eating seedlings.

What to plant

For information on varieties of flowers to sow/plant/pick each month see the monthly Flower Gardener's Diaries.

Fertilising

Spring is the best time to feed most plants. Apply Novatec fertiliser in spring and again in autumn if required. If your plants prefer acidic soils apply Tui Acid Food.

Bulbs require an application of Tui Bulb Food in autumn and again after flowering.

Roses thrive on Tui Rose Food in spring once the ground has warmed and again in late summer.

Maintenance

To achieve the best flowering display possible you need to keep up with a few basic chores: watering, feeding, staking, weeding, pruning or trimming, and re-planting.

Applying mulch will prevent weeds from establishing and ensure the garden looks tidy. Tui Mulch & Feed improves soil structure by adding organic matter and increasing aeration and water holding capacity. A rich soil will result in increased microbial activity and worm activity. The added nutrients are a great source of nitrogen for strong healthy plant growth.