Gardening advice with Daltons

Daltons gardening experts are here to help. Send in your gardening question and you could win a Daltons gardening prize pack! See entry details below.

How can I encourage more native butterflies into my garden? And less white butterflies would be good too!

The position of the garden is important - shelter is critical as butterflies will not be attracted to a garden in a very windy site. Butterflies prefer a sunny site with some rocks where they can warm themselves.

There are a number of native plants that are especially attractive to our native butterflies including, Hebe species, Chatham Island forget-me -nots, Pimelea species, Muenlenbeckia species and Manuka. As well there are what can be termed “butterfly favourite” non-native plants such as buddleias, that are a magnet for butterflies. There is a fascinating relationship between the native red admiral butterfly and our native nettle, Urtica ferox, Ongaonga. For some reason, this butterfly is immune to the toxic effects of Ongaonga and lays its eggs on the new growth of Ongaonga leaves! If grown in the home garden, it should be cultivated well away from paths as contact with the plant can be extremely painful.

We encourage you to visit the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust website (nzbutterflies.org.nz) which has a fantastic range of advice and information on butterflies.

Win a Daltons Premium Houseplant pack!

Daltons range of specially designed houseplant mixes and fertilisers have everything you need to grow thriving, healthy plants.

Be in to win a Premium Houseplant Pack, valued at $85, which includes a pair of Red Back gardening gloves. To enter, email your gardening question to nelsonmag@daltons.co.nz with Daltons prize pack in the subject heading. Giveaway entries must be received by 28 February 2023.

In terms of reducing white butterflies, unfortunately they will also be attracted to a garden that is “butterfly attractive!” Our website has helpful advice on tackling white butterflies in the garden at daltons.co.nz/how-to-guides.

The Veggie Guy

When it comes to versatile vegetables, it’s hard to beat sweetcorn. Glaze it, grill it, use the kernels in salads and salsas, chuck it in a chowder, or toss it on a barbecue, slather it in butter and enjoy! It can be frozen too, providing a taste of summer all year round.

Rabbit Island Coffee Co.

A fully functioning specialty coffee roastery, offering an emporium of carefully curated NZ and local artisan treats that will satisfy your senses. Located at Mapua Wharf, Tasman.

Hop Federation

Simon and the team have been brewing since 2013, creating beer that’s hopforward, fresh and well known for exceptional quality. Visit their Riwaka tasting room for beer, wine and cider yearround. Or find your nearest stockist and buy online at hopfederation.co.nz theveggieguy.co.nz rabbitislandcoffee.co.nz hopfederation.co.nz

Tasteology

Tasteology is an artisan store located in the historic Upper Moutere Village. A one stop destination for deli foods, lovely crafted gifts, local wines as well as takeaway coffee and delicious baked treats. Open seven days 9am to 4pm.

Solander Gourmet Seafood

Fresh West Coast Albacore tuna steaks, line caught and so versatile and easy for summer barbeques. The very best seafood available in Nelson and NZ, accessible to you via online order. Select from the finest seafood and other gourmet products, to ensure that your dining experiences are healthy, delicious, and incredibly well priced.

Sprig + Fern Brewing Co.

It’s not summer in Nelson Tasman unless you’ve spent time at a local Sprig + Fern Tavern enjoying a pint of craft beer or cider.

Real beer, real people, really local Sprig + Fern Milton St, Sprig + Fern Hardy St, Sprig + Fern Tahuna, Sprig + Fern Upper Queen, Sprig + Fern The Meadows, Sprig + Fern Brightwater, Sprig + Fern Mapua, Sprig + Fern Motueka

1381 Moutere Highway gourmetseafood.co.nz sprigandfern.co.nz