Welcome Cris,We are in Ak and grow succulents as a hobby to the point of buying another property thats bigger than this one.We also have roses rhodos vireyas and just about any other plant that was ever invented.I also like to see the funny side of life.My wife Kathy and I are in our fiftys
Cheers terry

Hi Chris

We're also in Auckland, although just a little north and inland at Dairy Flat. We've been here a year now and what surprises me is that the air doesn't seem to be as humid here as it was in Auckland's East Coast Bays. It's harder to grow hibiscus for instance - and I'm sure it's the humidity not the temperature (we are quite high up and don't get much frost). So even a few kilometres can make quite a difference in what grows!

Cilla

Chris welcome it is great to see a few more gardeners to share here. I am not quite a westie. :-))
Heather

Hi, Chris and others.
We live on a life-style block (hate that name, but...) in a small elevated valley just north of Wellington. I am the main gardener here, and have a large, shambolic organic/biodynamic garden, bits of which are always in various stages of perfection, ranging from "nearly perfect" to "a proper b....y mess!" I will attempt to grow just about anything, ranging from aubergines to zinnias, with degrees of success. Main problem here are voracious possums that devour my precious ones, to the extent that many of our vegies are now grown in cages.
Great to see a forum for Kiwi gardeners!

Hi Chris, Im in the South Waikato and find the climate here pretty good for growing what I want to grow. I am mainly using perenials in shade gardens as our property has so many very large trees on it. The only edible things growing here are feijoas. We have only been here 4 years so the gardens are still being developed. Cheers Yvonne.

Greetings everyone. I am in the Waikato also - but only for another few days!!!! My wife and I are moving over to Queensland. Hervey Bay - 300 kms north of Brisbane. Looking forward to growing the tropicals that I nuture and tender with loving care here in my garden - hopefully will be able to grow lots of tropicals up there. Good luck with this forum - and hope you are not getting too much rain at the moment. The country is certainly lovely and green looking. All the best with the summer gardens. Merry Christmas everyone and try and get a break or a holiday for the lucky ones. Kiwilad.

Hi Hope everyone has a great Xmas. Cheers. yvonne.

I am a Canadian gardener, wintering in Florida in the U.S.

My youngest daughter, Grace, is preparing paperwork to return to New Zealand. She is 28. Grace has traveled the world, and decided New Zealand is the best.

Grace is a very knowledgeable gardener. Has made guest appearances on radio garden shows.

I don't know yet where exactly she is thinking to move to in New Zealand.
Grace currently manages a dental office in Toronto, Canada. Very organized, efficient, charming young lady.

I don't know if she will work in the dental field or look at something different.

Anyone have any suggestions, as to what might be good. Or in particular where it might be best to relocate to.

I am sure Grace has in mind exactly what she is going to do. I was just thinking, what could I do. It is a long way from home.

Diane

Hi, it's great to find another outlet for Kiwi gardeners, I've found this place really helpful and encouraging. I am a full time gardener in Palmerston North, working mostly with roses, they're my 'thing'. My young son and I have recently been bitten by the succulent/cacti bug in a big way too. Some of you may be interested in another gardening community, if you haven't already found it. It is...drumroll please... ooops it seems I'm not allowed to add a link so go to yahoo and search the clubs for 'newzealandgardenswap'.
We have 3 seedboxes doing the rounds with around 100 varieties in each, we are very active swappers too. We have members from all over the country and have chat sessions every Fri and Sun nights from 8pm where lots of fun is had by all. Anyway excuse the plug but just wanted to share another great gardening 'find'.
Clare

I'd just like to add my bit too! Am a Westie I suppose you could call me, although originally from Christchurch.

I like this space, gives me hope and a sense of belonging!

Must be all those nice fellow gardeners, glad I found this place.

Raine