Q&A

FAVOURITE TIME IN THE GARDEN: Early on a spring morning when the world is waking up is really special. The sun is on your back, the water is twinkling, birds are diving and you can sense growth. (Bernice)

A MUCH-LOVED PLANT COMBINATION: The pōhutukawa growing on the reserve edge of the estuary, with blue hydrangea underneath, especially when the gravel path below is dusted in red. (Bernice)

BUXUS CARE TIPS: I feed them fortnightly with seaweed spray, I trim them in spring and autumn and also feed them with worm wee and sheep pellets. (Tony)

CHANGES IN GARDENING HABITS OVER THE YEARS: I am following the no-dig approach, so the soil isn’t turned over and the microbes aren’t disturbed. It’s simply a superficial treatment instead involving putting the garden fork in and twisting it to let the air in. (Tony)

FAVOURITE NEW PLANTS: I am experimenting with Ilex ‘Largo’, a superb looking hedging plant. And I am creating an oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) garden under the office window – it’s easy to propagate. (Bernice)

WE’VE ALWAYS LOVED GARDENING: When we were at university and teachers’ college we gardened as a job. Plus, I think it’s in our DNA. (Bernice)