S E C TCI HO AN T TH EE RA D E R
D wa r f apple tree Names such as these Dwarf apple trees will not grow fast and only reach about 1.5 metres, making them perfect for unobtrusive urban fruit-growing. The dwarf varieties available to plant now, come in four main types: Teacher’s Pet, Little Rascal, Mischief, and Scallywag. The names relate to the M116 dwarfing rootstock which they have been grafted onto. Let’s have a look These dwarf apple trees will grow well in a large outdoor pot. Pick a sheltered position on an apartment deck, in a courtyard, or in a sunny sheltered spot in your garden. Strawberry plants underneath around the base would help to use that valuable planting space. These varieties are loaded with delicate pink and white blossoms in spring. The fruit can then be harvested in autumn when the rose-red to dark-red fruit have reached full colour.
One M o n e y fo r M a h a r a The family of the late Avenal McKinnon (pictured, middle), noted art historian and writer, has made a substantial contribution towards funding the Mahara Gallery’s recent redevelopment at a $6.5 million cost. The Waikanae gallery is now 95% there. Construction started in November 2021 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. Avenal was well known for her long service as director of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery, and her knowledge of and interest in Frances Hodgkins. A significant selection of Hodgkins’ paintings, known as the Field Collection, will be held at the redeveloped Mahara.
Did you know? The trees need to cross-pollinate, which is the process of applying pollen from one flower to pistils of another flower on another tree. In urban areas there are often trees growing close enough for cross-pollination. Pollination usually occurs with the help of insects and wind.
Two Glass collector In early March, Wellington City Council paused their glass collection service, and it’s meant we’ve all been taking stock – of our glass, and of how many empties we actually produce. Some have opted to hoard their stash until collections resume, amassing a mountain in the garage. Wine connoisseurs have been confronted by how much Wolf Blass and Cleanskin creeps into their curated glass bin; others have called it quits and gone to the tip. “I was at the landfill on the weekend and there was a line for the glass recycling,” said one local on social media, “it’s like the new Duck Island.”
TLC Train to a single or dual leader, creating a small bush. Do not allow more than two leaders. They have good natural disease resistance which means little spraying is required and little to no pruning. Remove any suckers that grow from the rootstock. Our plant of the month comes from Katherine Beauchamp, Palmers Miramar.
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