Leafland Nursery Blog: Plant Advice & More

Welcome to the Leafland Nursery Blog — your go-to source for plant advice, tree care, and landscaping inspiration. Whether you’re planning a residential garden or a large-scale project, we’ve got practical guides and seasonal tips to help you plant with confidence.

Trees

Watering Your Plants Over Summer: Why It Matters (Especially in Their First Year)

Summer in New Zealand brings warmth, long days, and fast-growing gardens. But for plants recently planted from spring through early summer, hot, dry conditions can quickly become a challenge. Proper summer watering isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s one of the most important steps to help new trees, shrubs, and ornamentals survive and thrive through their…

Read article12 Jan 2026

Trees

Understocking Grafted Trees in Spring: Understand the Rootstock, Scion and the Need to Understock

Watch: Understocking Grafted Trees This Spring Spring is one of the most exciting times in the garden — buds are bursting, new growth is appearing, and ornamental trees are waking up. However, for grafted trees, not all new growth is equally beneficial: shoots from the rootstock below the graft can grow quickly and compete with…

Read article4 Nov 2025

Trees

Designing with Trees: How to Choose the Perfect Garden Focal Point

Every garden needs a centrepiece. That one tree that stops you in your tracks, gives structure, and defines the space. Trees aren’t just plants—they’re living architecture. They shape how we move through a garden, create layers of interest, and anchor the design. A single, well-chosen tree can transform a garden from ordinary to remarkable…

Read article19 Sep 2025

Trees

Avenue Trees: 6 Powerful Ways They Transform Landscapes

Let’s be honest – most streets are pretty boring. Asphalt, signage, the odd lamppost… and that’s about it. But line the same street with trees, and suddenly – bam! It feels like somewhere you want to be. That’s the magic of avenue trees. They don’t just look good. They work hard behind the scenes to…

Read article18 Sep 2025

Guides

Why is my Michelia Losing Leaves in Spring?

If you’ve got a Michelia in your garden, you might notice something strange this time of year: just as the flowers are putting on a show, the leaves start to fall. So this begs the question: Why is my flowering Michelia losing leaves? It can look worrying — but the good news is, this is…

Read article10 Sep 2025

Tree Selection

Winter Trees That Make Your Garden Feel Alive

Let’s face it—winter can leave gardens looking bare, tired, and a little bit sad. The lush greens of spring and the fireworks of autumn are long gone. But here’s the good news: with the right selection of winter-interest trees, your garden can be full of colour, and even fragrance—right through the colder months. Winter is…

Read article16 Jul 2025

Guides

Tree Planting Guide: Expert Tips for Long-Term Tree Success

A step-by-step tree planting guide to help your trees grow strong and healthy—learn how to plant correctly for long-term success in gardens or public spaces.

Read article12 Jun 2025