S E C TCI HO AN T TH EE RA D E R
H o l l y wo o d Pa lm Names such as these Its home is a tiny speck of land in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and New Zealand, called Lord Howe Island, which is reputed to be the most beautiful island in the world. Kentia palms were exported as early as the 1870s. Queen Victoria coveted them and had large collections. Its modern name, Hollywood Palm, came about as it hit film sets and the movie world. It has arching, dark green leaves. In their natural environment they can soar to 15 metres in height but outdoors here, 10 metres may be more realistic. Indoors some control may be exerted by the size of the container used.
One Serious tour Oscar winner, comedian, and one half of Flight of the Conchords Bret McKenzie embarks on a three-country 46-centre tour soon. His new album Songs Without Jokes will be released in August, with a tour following in September. With a seven-piece band behind him he delves into a different side of his song writing – a more serious side.
TLC It will shine in warmth and well lit spaces. Direct sunlight will result in scorch marks on the fronds. A sheltered spot in your garden that receives indirect morning sunshine may give it enough sunlight. Tuck it into a corner of a courtyard or at the back of a garden bed where it can spread out and command attention. Liquid fertilizer applied during the warmer months will keep the fronds dark green and encourage new growth.
Two R e c o r d b r e a ke r Bustastrophe 2018 move over, 2022 has you beat! Wellington bus and train cancellations have reached a new high, due to Covid-19-related absences and ongoing driver shortages. During the network overhaul of 2018/2019, there were around 1,500 cancellations per month, compared with the period between 1–22 May this year, when a total of 2,653 trips were cancelled. Many commuters simply wish there was better communication about the cancellations from the network so they could make other arrangements. Others have given up and resorted to walking. Bet there’s been a rise in the sale of Gore-tex rain pants and jackets.
To thrive If you are tempted to repot it, think twice – it likes an established environment. Repot only when it has outgrown its container, and in the warmth of late spring or summer. For refreshment on a bright, calm day pop it outside for a wash down with the hose. Don’t leave it out in the midday sun. Our plant of the month comes from Margaret Davies, Palmers Miramar.
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