(Bottom left): Carex testacea is a lovely grass which is greenish at the base with bronze tips. It is a very useful landscape plant which requires very little attention. It tolerates a range of soils from wet to dry.

(Top left): Hebes are an extremely diverse group of native shrubs. They range in size from ground cover to small trees but most are around 1m or shorter. All are prolific flowerers – many will flower again after their main flowering seaon. Most are easy-care plants although the more vigorous varieties benefit from a light prune after flowering.

(Top right): Blechnum minus. Ferns form a conspicuous part of the NZ flora and should be included in every garden. This blechnum is a hardy species which will grow equally well in the sun or shade and tolerates some frost. They are particularly effective when mass planted.