Spring rhodo report

It has been a productive and eventful year for the ex-situ project, culminating in the completion of our final major road trips and the dissemination of our cherished taonga (cultural treasures).

In October, our rhododendron collections officer Andrew Brooker journeyed to the South Island to reconnect with our network partners and gardens across three district councils: Gore, Timaru and Ashburton. We distributed 120 endangered species rhododendrons among four gardens, making strategic use of the diverse microclimates these locations provide. This visit also offered an opportunity to share the project’s mission with an engaged group in Gore, fostering greater awareness and collaboration. 

The network now proudly includes 11 cooperating gardens, with two more gardens set to join in the coming year. Each garden plays a critical role in creating the best conditions for our plants to thrive, ensuring the preservation and propagation of these precious species. 

Looking ahead to summer, the project’s focus will shift to propagation efforts. Our goal is to generate more plant material to strengthen and expand the Pukeiti collection while bolstering the wider network. Maintenance tasks, including weeding and watering, will also be a top priority as the nursery transitions into its upkeep phase. 

This ongoing work ensures that our taonga will continue to flourish, supported by the collective efforts of our dedicated network.