Summer Scoop 2025 by Kings Plant Barn

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SUMMER 2025-2026 Contents

WHAT’S HAPPENING At Kings

Summer is coming in hot. The growing season has treated us well and it is time to revel in the results of our spring gardening. A new season always brings a shift in energy and you can feel it throughout our stores. Shelves are filling fast, blooms are getting brighter and gardeners are buzzing around the centre. There is a real sense of momentum, the kind that makes you want to roll up your sleeves and get growing.

We are also incredibly proud to share some exciting news. Kings has been named the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Gold Winner for the sixth year running. As plant lovers at heart, it means the world to know that the care we put into our plants is matched by the level of service you feel in store. Thank you to everyone who voted, we are honoured to be able to help so many Kiwis grow well.

You may have noticed a few of our stores looking a little brighter. Our Remuera and St Lukes locations have both enjoyed well deserved refreshes, now offering lighter, more inspiring spaces designed to elevate your gardening experience. Across all our branches you will find the vibrant colour and leafy abundance that signals the arrival of summer, along with the lively hum of gardeners gearing up for the new season.

Summer also brings the return of beloved favourites like frangipani, hibiscus and gardenia, along with exciting newcomers such as the stunning Black Tie Hydrangea, which is already turning heads. Keep an eye on our emails and social channels for the latest arrivals. There is plenty of beauty on the way and you will not want to miss it.

Inside this issue of Scoop you will find a delicious mix of inspiration, from chillies, cottage gardening and hydrangeas through to portulacas and waterlily features. We also share tips on keeping your houseplants happy throughout summer and planting for the bees. You will also discover how to craft your own whimsical herb garden, plus our favourite Kiwi Summer Salad recipe to try on a sunny day.

As the days grow warmer and the garden becomes an even better place to spend time, we hope this edition of Scoop helps to inspire your New Year gardening goals. Here is to a wonderful summer and a thriving garden, and to helping you grow to your happy place.

- The Kings team

CELEBRATING YOUR SUCCESS Gardeners’ Mail

Moth Orchid Success

I have failed many indoor house plants over the years so how excited I am to be able to share this gorgeous Orchid gifted to me when my Mum passed away nearly three years ago.

I regularly feed and nurture it and it obviously responds well to the position and light source received.

I am amazed this year at how many extra stems have developed - just stunning!

- Cathie

Stunning Roses

Hi, last year someone put a post out locally to say they'd put a bunch of rose plants on the side of the road as they didn't want them so they were free for anyone to collect.

I collected a few, planted them and looked after them.

Now they're looking great!

- Amanda

ASK THE Plant Doctor

Got a tricky plant question? Ask instore or try our online Plant Doctor at plantdoctor.co.nz

Hi Plant Doctor,

I have these little black bugs all over my citrus trees, any idea what they are or how I could get rid of them?

- Thanks, Jess

Hi Jess

You appear to have an infestation of Black Citrus Aphid (Toxoptera citricida), who seek out the growing tips of citrus trees in spring and suck the sap out, often resulting in leaf curl as the new leaves grow. They can be treated with Bugtrol, or can even be blasted off with a jet of water from your hose (but be careful not to damage the soft new leaves!).

Help me Plant Doctor!

My indoor palm is covered in this fuzzy white stuff, what should I do?

- Cheers, Thomas

Hi Thomas,

Your palm tree has some mealybug feeding off of it – these sap suckers can be tricky to eliminate due to their waxy coating and the white fuzz that covers them and makes it difficult for sprays to penetrate. Additionally, palm trees can be sensitive to and damaged by oil sprays, so the best treatment would be a non-oil based systemic insecticide like Groventive.

PASSIONATE PLANT PEOPLE Meet Our Team

The team at Kings are plant people – passionate and enthusiastic about caring for plants. Get to know a few of our team, and the story of how their love for plants came about. With their expertise and love for plants, they’re here to help you grow well.

Jamie Walker Garden Centre Assistant, Remuera

I grew up in the countryside of Christchurch with my hands always in the dirt. Both my parents are passionate green thumbs, so I spent most of my free time gardening or surrounded by houseplants. When I moved out on my own, apartment living meant losing that connection, until I brought home a single monstera. That one plant turned into fifty, and I rediscovered my love for nurturing green life.

Now I channel that passion into helping others. I’ve built strong knowledge in houseplant care and love designing with environmental awareness and intention. Plants bring a sense of calm and joy! You simply can’t stay mad when you’re living and working among them. I’m motivated every day by sharing that same energy with customers, sparking their interest in plants, and offering a friendly face that brightens their day.

Chadwynn Tohu Garden Centre Assistant, St Lukes

I grew up in Whangārei in a huge family, so being a people person is basically in my DNA. I do everything loudly, proudly, and with an appetite for joy. Positivity is my superpower, and I bring it into everything I do. With a performing arts background (to the surprise of no one), I’m a serial hobbyist and a huge fan of cats.

My love for gardening started with my mum and her beautiful garden, one of my earliest memories is her pruning a giant tibouchina. My green thumb definitely comes from her.

I’m constantly soaking up knowledge from the people around me, learning new things excites me! At home I’m always growing something, from hundreds of houseplants to outdoor pots, which means I have plenty of real-life experience to share with the lovely people who visit Kings.

The team here at Kings is full of passion for what we do, and that’s exactly what drives me. I aim to make people smile and create genuine moments of connection - and if all else fails, you’ll still see a big grin on my face. Come on in, I can’t wait to help bring your gardening dreams to life!

Head instore today and meet our team of expert staff and knowledgeable Plant Doctors. Whether you’re a beginner or a gardening pro, our team are here to help you grow well.

SUMMER PLANTS We’re Loving

Summer is such a fun time of year! The weather is heating up to those tropical temperatures and our garden centre is bursting with spectacular summer blooms. Check out some of our favourites for this season:

Bring the tropical vibes to your garden with the beauty of the Frangipani. These stunning trees bring such beauty with their stunning flowers that boast an intoxicating scent that will fill your backyard all summer long.

These South American beauties are hardy climbers that make a stunning display from spring through summer. Their large colourful flower bracts are striking and are sure to capture attention!

Michelia Figo

Michelia Figo is a summer must have, they’re perfect for hedging with their glossy pale green leaves that extend to the ground! Their small wine coloured flowers will have your garden filled with fruity fragrance throughout the summer!

Frangipani

Bougainvillea

One of the most famous tropical plants to grace our gardens! These beautiful trees will reward you with dozens of beautiful large blooms year after year! From vibrant reds to bright yellows and everything in between, it's definitely a summer must have!

These subtropical evergreen plants are perfect for Auckland gardens. Their gorgeous white flowers stand out amongst their dark glossy foliage. Gardenias are also known for their rich and intoxicating fragrance!

Vireyas are tropical rhododendrons that are well suited to the Auckland climate! These shrubs will add a stunning pop of colour to your garden this summer with their bright flowers that come in a range of sizes and colours! KingsPlantBarnNZ

Hibiscus

Vireya

Gardenia

Summer Quiz!

The best time to water your garden in summer is:

A. Midday

B. Early morning or evening

C. Late afternoon only

You should fertilise heavily during the hottest part of summer.

A. True

B. False

Hydrangea flower colour depends on:

A. The amount of sunlight

B. The soil's acidity (pH)

C. How often it's watered

When watering tomatoes, it's best to:

A. Water the leaves to cool them

B. Water the soil deeply at the base

C. Mist the fruit

How well do you know your summer garden care? Try our quiz and find out! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Manuka flowers are important because:

A. They attract bees

B. Repel insects

C. Need no sunlight

Mulching around plants in summer helps to:

A. Keep the soil cool & moist

B. Feed the plants directly

C. Stop worms & snails

Removing old flowers ...

A. Helps produce more blooms

B. Stops the plant from flowering again

C. Makes the leaves turn yellow

Lavender grows best in:

A. Shade and damp soil

B. Full sun & well-draining soil

C. Windy and wet areas

The Pohutukawa tree is called NZ's Christmas tree because:

A. It stays green all year

B. It flowers in December

C. It grows tinsel-like leaves

Which native plant is known to attract Tuis & Bellbirds?

A. Kowhai

B. Kauri

C. Rimu

FOR THE Bees

Summer offers bees an abundance of flowering food, it’s the time of year that they are at their busiest! While they’re out searching for shelter from the extreme heat they are also working tirelessly to fill their stores for winter!

Cornflower

These charming wildflowers are eyecatching with their electric blue petals. Their open petal structure offers bees the perfect landing pad and a spot of shade on their pollinating journey.

Sunflower

The epitome of a summer flower with their long stems and large blooms. Their large centres offer an abundance of protein rich pollen and surgery necta for bees.

Echinacea

These blooms are striking with their daisy-like petals and cone-like centre. Not only do they add a pop of colour to your outdoor space, their sweet nectar is a vital food source for bees!

Salvia is a must have for pollinator friendly gardens. They add a pop of colour and fragrance, and their flowers are the perfect shape for bees to collect their nectar from!

Marigold Marigolds are well-known for their vivid flowers. Their striking colours are highly visible to bees and their open flower shape make it a very inviting food source for our garden pollinators.

Verbena

A low-maintenance choice that comes in a range of colours from white to pink and purple! Their tiny clusters of flowers are a great food source for bees!

As we enjoy the colour and life these summer blooms bring, it’s worth remembering just how much we rely on bees in return. By caring for them and planting flowers that support their needs, we help ensure these hardworking pollinators can continue their vital role in keeping our gardens thriving and our ecosystems healthy. Looking after the bees is a simple act that makes a world of difference!

Salvia

SUMMER STUNNERS Hydrangeas

Few plants capture the unique charm of a cottage garden quite like the hydrangea. With their heavenly mopheads, delicate lacecaps, and elegant paniculatas, these blooms bring texture, volume, and romance to any garden space. With their long-lasting flowers they’re a favourite among many gardeners.

The PH of the soil can alter the colour of the flowers. To keep pink flowers a nice pink, liquid feed with Yates Hydrangea Pinking, and for blue flowers, feed with Yates Liquid Hydrangea Blueing from late Autumn and into early Spring!

Kings Top Tip

Prepare

Hydrangeas come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s worth picking the right one for your space from the beginning. If your garden is on the smaller size a compact variety offers beautiful blooms that won’t over crowd your garden. If you have the space and want something grand and impressive larger hydrangea varieties are the perfect choice.

Position

Hydrangeas love a warm spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, enough light to encourage their beautiful blooms, but shelter from the harsh midday rays that can burn their petals.

Planting

When planted into the ground

Hydrangeas like a free draining soil that’s rich in organic goodness.

Kings Top Tip

Right after cutting your hydrangeas, dip the stem ends into boiling water for a few seconds. This helps loosen the stem tissue so they can drink more easily. Then place them in room-temperature water to keep your blooms fresher, longer!

Before planting, mix in some Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets to give your soil a boost.

If you’re growing them in containers, plant into Kings Container Mix. This is a specialty blend that contains water storage crystals and Saturaid to help the soil maintain moisture and give your plants the best chance at growing.

Care

Once planted, hydrangeas are surprisingly easy to care for. They like to be kept moist so a deep drink once or twice a week is ideal, especially when they are in flower. When watering avoid getting their leaves wet as this can cause powdery mildew.

When they’re planted in the ground give them a liquid feed

every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. If they’re planted in containers feed with Kings Fast Food General Garden Food as well, this will encourage strong roots and a healthy immune system.

Hydrangeas have a way of stealing the spotlight without even trying. They fill the garden with softness, elegance, and a touch of nostalgia. So go ahead! Find a spot, dig a hole, and welcome a hydrangea (or three) into your garden. Once they bloom, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Our Top Varieties

Renate Steiniger

One of the most sought after varieties, Renate Steiniger is a mop-top style hydrangea. Their stunning blue mophead flowers create an eye-catching display, growing about 1.5m tall this hydrangea is sure to make a statement!

Snowball

An absolute classic, these stunning white blooms are the perfect addition for your garden. They give off an air of elegance in any space with their large snowball-like flower heads and deep green foliage.

Bridal Bouquet

Graceful and timeless with pure white clusters that gradually soften to delicate shades of pink. Their lush blooms and refined appearance make them a romantic favourite for garden borders, wedding arrangements, and elegant displays.

Magical Revolution

Magical Revolution hydrangeas start in shades of baby pink and pastel blue that over time deepen into a beautiful rich burgundy. They’re known for their long flowering season enchanting floral displays.

Helps improve soil structure and promotes composting of organic matter. Increased soil pH allows more nutrients to help the plant grow healthy.

Tie

Black Tie is a brand new variety in the Tuxedo range, they have the darkest foliage of any Hydrangea topped with striking red blooms. Unlike the others in this range they retain their dark colouration throughout their growing season.

Masja

Masja is a robust and compact hydrangea variety that produces masses of bright blooms, from bright red in neutral soils to deep purple in acidic soils! This variety is ideal for cut flower gardens!

A great organic fertiliser for all plants, trees and shrubs, helping to improve soil structure.

Black

Kings Hydrangea Blue Enhancer

This product boosts alkaline levels in the soil, encouraging your hydrangeas to produce a deeper, more vivid blue.

Kings Dolomite Lime

Kings Sheep Pellets 8KG

GROWING YOUR BEST SUMMER GARDEN WITH

LIVING EARTH GROWING YOUR BEST SUMMER GARDEN WITH

GROWING YOUR BEST SUMMER GARDEN WITH

LIVING EARTH

If you want a natural superfood that gives your plants a turbo boost and helps build a healthier soil long term, try out the Organic Living Earth range for your summer planting.

CREATE YOUR OWN Tropical Oasis

If you’re dreaming of escaping to a tropical island paradise, we’ve got news for you! With a little planning, your own garden can become a lush, leafy tropical paradise. Think broad banana leaves catching the sunlight, the rich scent of jasmine in the evening air and glossy greens layered in abundance transporting you straight into a tropical retreat right here at home!

Lets Set the Scene

The magic of a tropical garden starts with the texture, height and colour. Create layers with your plants, tall at the back, broad leaves and colour in the middle with ground covering foliage at the front. Choose varieties that make a statement both in size and shape. Mixing lots of lush greens with exotic blooms will give you that jungle resort feel!

Bring the Vision to Life

Bird of Paradise

A true tropical show stopper, the bird of paradise striking orange and blue flowers resemble an exotic bird in flight. With its bold, upright leaves and architectural form, it adds instant drama to patios and courtyards alike.

Bananas

Nothing screams tropical oasis quite like the beautiful paddle shaped leaves of a banana plant. Not only do they create a luxurious, jungle-like feel with their fast growing, dramatic leaves, they also bear bunches of fruit for a tasty snack!

Create the Atmosphere

Mandevilla

Its glossy green leaves and trumpet shaped blooms in vivid shades of pink, red or white. Bringing a touch of exotic romance it thrives in warmth and sunshine, rewarding you with continuous flowers throughout the summer!

Pineapple

Another tropical oasis must have! Their spiky rosette of leaves and quirky fruit make them a fun and eye-catching addition to your tropical garden. They add an instant dash of tropical charm!

Surround these tropical plants with fillers like ferns, colocasia, or canna lilies to build out the depth and density of your garden. Adding in natural materials like bamboo fencing, wooden decking, or stone ponds will help to bring the space to life!

With a little imagination and a few tropical treasures, you’ll have a garden that feels like a getaway, even if you’re only stepping out the back door!

Palms

Palms are the backbone of any tropical oasis, adding height, movement and structure. Hardy options like the native Nikau Palm provide instant height and texture. Their graceful fronds and architectural trunks create movement and shade.

Star Jasmine

The perfect finishing touch for your tropical haven is Star Jasmine, its heavenly scent will fill your garden throughout summer. This hardy climber will wind its way up and over trellises and fences producing cascades of small star-shaped blooms!

SUMMER STYLING Houseplants

With the sunshine lingering late into the evening and the windows staying open to let in that cool summer breeze it's the perfect time to restyle your indoor garden. Houseplants are more than just decor, they’re living accents that bring a lively energy and connect us to nature even when we’re indoors. With brighter days and faster growth ahead, now's the moment to rejuvenate your home with fresh greenery and thoughtful styling.

Styling Ideas

Let there be Light Summer brings with it an abundance of natural light and warm days! Move your sun loving plants like succulents and cacti closer to windows that get bright sunlight so they can soak up the rays. Plants like ferns, calatheas and philodendrons prefer filtered light so move these away from spots that have them in direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn!

Play with Layers and Textures

Combine plants of varying shapes, heights and leaf types to create visual interest. A tall plant like a

Fiddle Leaf or Bird of Paradise will anchor the room beautifully, while trailing plants like pothos or a heartleaf philodendron will soften the edges of shelves and window ledges. Round the look out with small pots of succulents or cacti!

Restyle with Seasonal Pots Summer is all about lightness. Swap heavy ceramic planters for woven baskets, terracotta, or pastel-toned pots that reflect the season’s warmth. Consider using matching trays or decorative pebbles for a cohesive display that ties multiple plants together.

Create an Indoor Garden Corner

Bring the spirit of the outdoors inside by grouping plants in a sunny nook or near a patio door. Mixing leafy tropicals with beautiful blooms adds both beauty and intrigue. Not only will this mini oasis thrive in the summer sun, but it will also bring a calming natural energy to your space.

Houseplant Care Guide

Choosing the right plant for your lifestyle makes all the difference. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just a summer hobbyist, understanding how much attention each plant needs will help your indoor garden flourish all season long! Here's our expert ranking from the easiest leafy friends to the neediest of plant babies!

Easy Care

Snake Plant

The ultimate low-maintenance choice! Snake plants are cool, calm and collected. They’re happy in low light and won’t hold a grudge over a missed watering here and there!

Moderate

Spider Plant

Cheerful and adaptable, spider plants love bright, indirect light and a nice drink when the soil starts to feel dry!

BONUS: they grow adorable little ‘sipderettes’ that are baby plants ready for potting!

ZZ Plant

Tough, glossy and effortlessly stunning. The ZZ has a relaxed attitude that makes it nearly indestructible, tolerating low light and infrequent watering. Perfect for busy plant parents or frequent travellers.

Peace Lily

Graceful and elegant, peace lilies bring a sense of calm to any space. They enjoy regular watering to keep their soil evenly moist and will reward you with beautiful white blooms!

Pothos

A fast-growing favourite with leaves that love to trail and climb. Pothos are very forgiving if they’re missed off the watering schedule and thrive in just about any light. Perfect for trailing from shelves or hanging baskets.

Rubber Plant

Bold and sculptural, the rubber plant thrives on consistency. Bright indirect light and regular watering keeps those glossy leaves shining and new growth blooming!

Fiddle Leaf Fig

A true style icon! Fiddle leafs love stability. Steady light, consistent watering and a cosy spot free from drafts. With a little care they grow into stunning statement plants!

Calathea

With vibrant, patterned leaves that move with the light, calatheas are pure drama queens (in the best way). They thrive with consistent humidity and gentle watering, once you find their rhythm they will shine!

Orchids

Delicate and dazzling, orchids love bright, filtered light and a careful watering routine. When happy, they’ll reward you with blooms that feel truly magical!

Alocasia

With bold, tropical leaves that make a statement, alocasias enjoy warmth, humidity and gentle care. They’re sensitive souls, but with attention, they’ll thrive beautifully.

Boston Fern

This lush beauty adores humidity and soft light. Keep it in a steamy bathroom or kitchen and it will flourish with fronds full of life!

Maidenhair Ferns

Feathery and elegant, maidenhair ferns bring a soft, graceful touch to any space. They prefer consistent moisture, high humidity and gentle light.

THE PERFECT SUMMER FEATURE Waterlilies

If you love the idea of a tranquil water garden but just don’t have the space for a pond in your garden, a Waterlily Bowl is the perfect summer addition! These mini water features are easy to set up, simple to care for and bring a touch of calm and colour!

What is a Waterlily Bowl?

A waterlily bowl is a shallow bowl that is often ceramic or glazed pottery, planted with waterlilies and a few complementary aquatic plants. They create a beautiful, self-contained water garden that attracts pollinators and even provides a drinking spot for birds and bees!

How to get started:

• A watertight bowl or pot, at least 60cm wide

• Aquatic Mix

Aquatic gravel to help hold the plants in place

Waterlilies of your choosing

Fill the base of the bowl with Aquatic Mix till it’s about 1/4th full.

Remove your waterlily from its nursery pot and gently loosen the roots, place it in the centre of your bowl and use aquatic gravel to anchor it down and prevent the soil from floating away.

This is the time to add any complementary plants like elodea or water lettuce.

Carefully fill the bowl with fresh water until the lily leaves are just floating on top of the surface. Leave it to settle for a day.

Place your bowl in a sunny post where it can get at least 6 hours of sun a day.

Scatter a few decorative stones and pebbles or bee friendly plants around the base of the bowl for added style!

ESSENTIALS range

Chosen by growers. Loved by gardeners.

WIDE RANGE AVAILABLE IN STORE NOW!

From our nursery to our stores

We’re super excited to introduce our specialty plant range — created in close partnership with Awa Nursery, our very own growing nursery right here in Auckland. Together, we’ve carefully curated a core collection of essential plant varieties our customers love, making sure they’re always available, consistently high quality, and offer exceptional value.

By growing these plants ourselves at our very own nursery, we're there for every step of their journey - from seedling to store - with expert care, attention, and a deep understanding of what makes plants thrive. You can shop with confidence knowing your plant has been nurtured from the ground up by us!

Look out for our Essentials Range labelled plants or ask our friendly staff instore!

HIGH QUALITY

Every plant is carefully selected to meet our high standards; healthy, vibrant, and ready to thrive.

NURSERY GROWN

Grown locally at our own nursery for Auckland conditions, each plant is nurtured with expert care from day one.

BEST VALUE, EVERY DAY

Priced for unbeatable everyday value, delivering the same Kings quality you trust at prices that stay low year-round.

Chosen by growers. Loved by gardeners.

A BLOOMING GOOD Cottage Garden

Imagine stepping into a garden where flowers tumble over fences, bees hum from bloom to bloom and every corner seems to be full of captivating beauty… that's the magic of cottage inspired gardening!

Create Your Dream Cottage Garden

Mix It Up

Don’t be afraid to combine flowers, herbs, and edibles. Lavender next to Roses? Absolutely!

Think Vertical

Use trellises, fences, and walls to create layers and dimensions.

Invite Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, and birds love cottage gardens. Choose pollinator-friendly plants and watch your garden come alive.

Embrace Imperfections

A slightly untamed look is what gives cottage gardens their charm. Let plants self-seed, tumble and grow naturally.

Expert Tip: Layer your plants! Combine tall varieties, with medium fillers and low growers to create depth and balance.

A style that's all about abundance, charm and a touch of joyful chaos. Cottage gardens aren't about perfection, they're about personality! Don’t be afraid to mix herbs, flowers and even vegetables together in a riot of textures and colours. Think of it as your garden telling its own story one petal at a time! Right now the trend is for this romantic storytelling style so we’ve put together a list of our top 6 plants that will help your garden bloom with classic cottage charm.

Roses

The heart and soul of a cottage garden. Choose fragrant, repeat flowering varieties like Emily Bronte, a new release David Austin variety, or a Blackberry Nip climbing rose. Train climbers over arches, fences or pergolas to add height and romance.

Why we love them: Long flowering, beautifully scented, the ultimate statement of romance in a garden.

Cosmos

Airy, light and endlessly cheerful. Cosmos bloom from the early summer right through to autumn. They’re perfect for filling gaps and adding a soft, romantic flow to the garden.

Why we love them: Long lasting colour, low effort, and irresistible to butterflies. They’re also incredibly easy to grow from seed!

Lavender

A must have for its scent, structure and pollinator appeal. Lavender thrives in a sunny, well-draining spot and pairs beautifully with roses. It adds a calming hue and fragrance that lingers in the air long after you’ve passed by!

Why we love them: Hardy, low maintenance, and loved by bees!

Petunias

Perfect for all areas of the garden from containers, hanging baskets, garden beds or borders. Petunias come in every colour imaginable and flower for months on end. Mix upright and trailing varieties for a cascading wave of colour all summer!

Why we love them: Vibrant, versatile, and incredibly generous bloomers.

Foxglove

These tall, elegant blooms add instant drama and height. Their bell shaped flowers come in shades of pink, cream and purple. Plant them towards the back of borders or beds to create a layered look.

Why we love them: They add height, movement and a touch of woodland fairy magic!

Alyssum

The unsung hero of the cottage garden. This low-growing ground cover produces clouds of tiny white or purple flowers perfuming your garden in a gentle honey scent. Perfect for edging borders or spilling over paths!

Why we love it: Fast growing, fragrant and a fantastic bee attractor.

PRETTY Portulaca

When other stunning plants can't handle the heat, portulaca steps boldly into the spotlight! With its vivid blooms, succulent foliage and sun loving spirit, this hardy little plant is a must-have for gardeners who crave low-maintenance colour all season long!

Native to South America, Portulaca thrives in hot, dry conditions that would cause most to wilt. Its silky, rose-like flowers open wide in the morning sun carpeting large garden beds, rock walls and containers in shades of pink, orange, yellow, red and white. Some modern hybrid varieties also feature

Quick Care Guide

Position

bicoloured or double petaled blooms that look like works of art!

Why We Love Them:

Few summer annuals deliver such rewarding displays of colour for such little effort. Once planted, portulaca practically take care of themselves. Its succulent leaves store water,

making it exceptionally drought tolerant, meaning it will forgive you for a forgotten watering (or three!) without a worry. Portulaca is the perfect choice for rock gardens, borders or those tricky spots in the garden where nothing seems to thrive!

Portulaca are a tropical plant that thrives in the sunniest parts of your garden. Plant them in a position where they are exposed to the sun's rays all day long in order to get the best show of flowers.

Planting

To give these beauties the best start, plant them into a free-draining soil that’s rich in organic goodness. Before planting, loosen the soil and mix in some Kings Compost and Kings Sheep pellets, this will increase the organic content of your soil!

If you’re growing in containers, plant into Kings Container Mix. It’s specially formulated with Saturaid to help lock in moisture so your plants stay happy and hydrated throughout the scorching summer days!

Care

These hardy little treasures are champions of resilience and can handle dry spells with ease! However, for the most dazzling display of blooms, give them a deep watering a couple of times a week during the hotter months. Just be careful to not overwater as this can make them collapse!

When planted in the ground feed them monthly from Spring through to Autumn with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. This will invigorate root growth and boost microbial life in your soil, creating a rich ecosystem beneath the surface.

Container plants like a slightly different diet, feed regularly with Kings Fast Food General Garden Food and supplement with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.

And, don’t forget to sprinkle a little of Tui Quash around the base of the plants as slugs and snails love Portulaca as much as we do!

Our Top Varieties

Jumbo Yellow

Brilliant golden-yellow blooms that radiate sunshine all season long. Perfect for brightening garden beds, pots or hanging baskets.

Tangerine

Bright orange blooms with a tropical flare. This eye-catching variety brings warmth and energy wherever it's planted!

Red Glow

Glowing scarlet-red flowers that bring a bold energy to any sunny spot. A striking choice with blooms that stun all day long.

Mega Pink Twist

Vivid pink blooms that make a stunning statement. Ideal for adding a splash of colour to mixed beds or as a solo statement in pots or planters.

Kings Compost

Mix into your garden soil for organic nutrients, as well as helping to improve drainage.

Aquaticus Garden Booster

An all-purpose natural and organic fertiliser that feeds plants, helps increase and promote healthy soil biology, and creates healthy soils.

Deep Pink

Vivid pink blooms that make a stunning statement. Ideal for adding a splash of colour to mixed beds or as a solo statement in pots or planters.

Red Twist

Vivid pink blooms that make a stunning statement. Ideal for adding a splash of colour to mixed beds or as a solo statement in pots or planters.

Easy to apply slug and snail pellets which are safer to use around children, pets and wildlife than most other baits.

Tui Quash

TURN UP THE TEMPERATURE WITH

Chillies

There is something about summer that calls for a little extra heat, and not just from the sun… In many summer gardens Chillies are a staple plant, whether you’re a mild-mannered grower or a true heatseeker, chillies bring colour, flavour and a touch of adventure to any garden!

These sun-loving plants thrive in warm and bright conditions! Whether you’ve got a sunny windowsill or a sheltered spot on your patio, there’s a chilli variety to suit your space. From the sweet, peppery bite of the milder varieties to the tongue-tingling thrill of the hottest, growing chillies is as much about experimenting with flavour as it is about cultivating heat. So before you decide which varieties to plant, let’s explore how they all measure up on the Scoville scale and which ones might just set your summer alight.

How hot is too hot? Your guide to choosing chillies:

From mild and fruity to mind-blowingly hot, there’s a chilli to suit every palate. When deciding what to grow, there’s much to consider, and lots of varieties to choose from. Chillies range widely in spiciness, and flavour can vary based on growing conditions and ripeness

Variety

Bell Pepper

Banana Pepper

Jalapeno

Hungarian Wax Pepper

Manzano

Tabasco

Cayenne

Chilli Fire

Rocoto

Bird's Eye

Jalwa

Scotch Bonnet

Bhut Jolokia

Trinidad Scorpion Carolina Reaper

Heat

Scoville 0

100 - 1,000

3,500 - 10,000

12,000 - 50,000

30,000 - 50,000

30,000 - 70,000

30,000 - 100,000

50,000 - 100,000

100,000 - 350,000

855,000 - 1.1 million 1.2 million 1.7 million

As the Scoville rating isn’t available for all the chilli varieties we stock at kings the below quick guide might be helpful when deciding which chillies you are going to plant this season!

Medium

Banana Pepper

Hungarian Wax

Anaheim

Drying Chillies

Once your plants are rewarding you with a bountiful harvest of chillies, drying is a simple and satisfying way to preserve those flavours for months to come! You can air dry chillies by hanging them on string in a warm, wellventilated spot; a sunny windowsill or kitchen bench works well! Alternatively, using a dehydrator or oven on a low setting is a fast alternative to gently remove the moisture while keeping the colour and heat intact.

How to tell when they’re dried to perfection: Fully dried chillies should feel paper and brittle to the touch, snapping cleanly when bent. If they’re still leathery or flexible, give them a little more time as any remaining moisture can cause mould during storage.

Once crisp and completely dry, store your chillies in airtight jars or tins, ready to crumble into stews, sauces, and spice blends all year round. A little summer heat, bottled for winter warmth.

Medium Hot Manzano Rocoto Apache Jalapeno Chilli Fire Hot

Tabasco Cayenne Serrano Black Olive

Very Hot

Carolina Reaper

Trinidad Scorpion

Bhut Jolokia Habanero

CREATE A WHIMSICAL Herb Garden

Herb gardens don’t have to be your typical rows of basil and parsley. With the right selection, you can create a garden that's a feat for your senses. Here's how to create a whimsical herb garden and ideas on how to use each herb.

Pineapple Sage

Its vibrant red flowers and fruity pineapple scent makes this herb both ornamental and edible! Use its leaves in teas or cocktails, and its flowers to garnish desserts and salads.

Lemon Balm

Its intense lemon aroma makes it fantastic for teas, syrups or baked treats. Crush a leaf in your hands to release a burst of fragrance!

Borage

With its star-shaped blue flowers and cucumber-flavoured leaves this herb is the perfect addition to summer salads, iced drinks or frozen into ice cubes for cocktails.

Hyssop

Their licorice-flavoured leaves and purple spikes make this the perfect herb for your whimsical garden. This herb makes tea with soothing qualities perfect for recovering from a cold and flu.

Cat Mint

This fragrant silver-green foliage with purple flowers, not only will your furry friends have a delightful time frolicing around this plant, humans can also enjoy its aromatic flavours in teas or herbal sachets.

Chocolate Mint

With sweet cocoa undertones this mint is a surprise addition to your herb garden. It’s perfect for topping desserts, or when added to a hot chocolate or mojito!

Think of your herb garden as a playground for the senses. Choose herbs that surprise and delight, and let your creativity guide you! With colour, scent and playful flavours, you can grow a garden that is both functional and fun!

GARDEN TO PLATE Kiwi Summer Salad

Kiwi Summer Salad

Bursting with fresh garden produce, this vibrant summer salad combines crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, tender courgettes and fragrant herbs, topped with a zesty lemon dressing for a refreshing taste of summer!

What You'll Need (serves 1-2 people)

∙ 2 handfuls of mixed salad leaves of your choice

∙ 1 small cucumber, sliced into ribbons

∙ 12 cherry tomatoes, halved

∙ ½ red onion, diced small

∙ 4 radishes, thinly sliced

∙ A handful of herbs: basil, parsley, mint , chives, etc

∙ 100g feta, crumbled

∙ Edible flowers for garnish

For the Lemon Dressing

∙ 3 tbsp olive oil

∙ 1 tbsp lemon juice

∙ 1 tsp manuka honey

∙ 1 tsp Dijon mustard

∙ 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs; chives, parsley, dill

∙ Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Pick your freshest greens and herbs in the morning when they’re crisp. Rinse gently and pat dry.

Arrange the salad leaves in a large serving bowl or platter. Layer over cucumber ribbons, courgette, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

Sprinkle over feta cheese and fresh herbs.

In a small jar, shake together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, and herbs. Season to taste.

Drizzle over the salad just before serving and toss lightly. Garnish with edible flowers for a garden-fresh touch.

Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple and a mint sprig.

Little Growers Corner

What you'll need:

• 3x Terracotta pots (1 small, 1 medium and 1 large)

• Green, red and yellow paint

• Pencils, scissors and paint brushes

• Cardboard

• Newspaper and cellotape

• Small bamboo stick

Pots

Email a photo of your finished Christmas Tree Pots to scoop@ kings.co.nz before 8th March 2026 and go in the draw to win a $50 Little Growers prize pack!*

Cover your workspace with newspaper, it's about to get colourful! Paint all your terracotta pots green, including the base of the small one. Leave them to dry in the sun.

Draw a star shape on cardboard with your pencil, then cut it out to make the star for your tree.

Once the pots are dry, paint the rims yellow and let them dry again. Now paint your star yellow too. When everything is dry, decorate your pots with colourful dots - just like ornaments on a real tree!

Stack them upside down, with the large pot at the bottom and the smallest on top. Tape your star to one end of the bamboo stick and slide it through the drainage holes. Ta-da! Your Pot Christmas Tree is ready to shine!

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Summer has arrived! The days are heating up and the holiday chaos is ensuing. Take a step back from the demands of the Christmas holidays with a spot of mindful gardening.

YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO-DO LIST

Flowers And Perennials

We’ve got a great range of instant colour for any home, whether you’re tidying up in the garden or planting hanging baskets on the balcony. There are loads to choose from, including asters, alyssum, petunias, dianthus, dahlias, salvia, zinnias, snapdragons and verbenas.

Check out some of our long-lasting flowering perennials, including nemesia, petunias, geraniums, alstroemeria, calibrachoa, lavender, verbena and bacopa. Great in mass plantings or as part of a cottage garden. Annual chrysanthemums and feverfew will selfseed, add these to flower beds and enjoy them as they come to life each year.

December

Fruit

Plant citrus right through-out summer, making sure you keep them well watered. It’s also a great time to plant subtropical fruit, such as natal plums, pawpaws, guavas and tamarillos. Passionfruit is a must! Choose a warm sunny fence to plant up against. As it grows, prune it occasionally to increase airflow and reduce the chance of disease.

Protect developing fruit from birds by carefully netting your trees and plants. Deeply water newly planted trees (regularly) every 1–2 weeks and mulch them generously with Living Earth More Than Mulch. Sprinkle Kings Slow-Release Citrus Food around the base of your potted fruit trees.

Veggies

Plant large-grade tomatoes, capsicums, chillies and eggplants in pots and in the garden now for an instant, delicious and productive harvest.

Get summer seedlings in the ground this month for a delicious late-summer harvest, making sure to stagger your planting so you can harvest for longer!

Feed your plants regularly with Kings Fast Food

General Garden Food or Aquaticus Garden

Booster to keep them happy and healthy. Tomatoes especially LOVE their food, feed them every 2 weeks with Kings Fast Food Tomato Food! Water, feed, mulch and stay on top of the weeds before they take over. When watering tomatoes, courgettes and cucumbers, avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the chance of disease.

General Tasks

Tackle those pesky weeds before they seed and spread throughout the garden! Pull out small ones by hand, or spray with organic weed killer if they are still young. December is berry time! Harvest succulent strawberries, tangy red and black currants, raspberries, blueberries and early blackberries. It’s also harvest time for Maori potatoes, tea leaves, eggplants and early tomatoes.

Trees And Shrubs

Roses are now in bloom and looking stunning. Keep them well watered, especially while they are getting established after planting. Watering deeply less often is more effective than a light watering daily. Feed while they are in bloom. Craft your own tropical oasis. Choose a semishaded spot for bromeliads, ferns, palms, ligularia, and gardenia. Plant hydrangeas into partly shaded areas in your garden, under trees or on the south side of a fence or structure.

Indoor Plants

Encourage new growth from hibernating nodes with cloning paste. Use on monsteras, philodendrons, hoyas, epipremnum and other vining and climbing plants. With rising temperatures, your houseplants will need more water. Test the soil’s moisture with your finger to see if it needs a deep drink or a light trickle. If the soil feels dry a few centimetres below the surface, it's time for a deep watering.

Living Earth More Than Mulch Contains bark which creates a barrier between the sun and earth, keeping plants hydrated for longer.

Kings Compost Mix into your original garden soil for organic nutrients, as well as helping to improve drainage.

Kings Fast Food Tomato Food Great for chillies, capsicum, eggplant, and other fruiting veggies. Liquid feed once every two to four weeks.

Grow well with

DECEMBER

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New year, new garden goals?

Start the year right by getting into the garden and setting yourself up for a successful year of growing!

Flowers And Perennials

Fill gaps in the garden or outdoor pots with stunning summer flowers such as petunias, gazanias, marigolds, and tropical impatiens.

Struggling to keep on top of watering? Plant drought-resistant perennials such as portulaca pizzaz, ice plants, osteospermums and kangaroo paws to ensure you have a garden full of colourful, hardy flowers.

YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO-DO LIST

January

Fruit

Don’t miss out on planting citrus and subtropical fruit, including feijoas, cherimoyas, pawpaws, and natal plums! Make sure that you keep plants well-watered during these warm months. Once blueberry bushes are established, they produce masses of delicious fruit. For best results, plant two different varieties in slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter such as peat and compost. Mulch and deeply water fruit trees to ensure they stay happy and healthy. Feed when needed with Kings

Slow Release Citrus Food or, for an organic option that improves soil health, use Aquaticus Garden Booster.

Veggies

The window to plant large summer veggies in the garden is quickly closing, so don’t miss out on homegrown produce including tomatoes, courgettes, basil and beans.

Large-grade chillies and peppers will be available this month –stores will be filled with unusual, tasty and sometimes dangerously hot varieties!

Grow the makings of delicious summer salads by planting rocket, beetroot, silverbeet, sorrel and nasturtiums. Make sure to stagger your planting to spread out your harvest. Make sure you keep on top of watering and weeds in the veggie garden and ensure plants are fed.

Indoor Plants

Keep a close eye on the watering needs of your indoor plants. Drooping leaves can be a signal that they need watering. Prune back any long trailing plants to encourage bushier new growth.

General Tasks

There will be a lot to harvest from January onwards. Loganberry, blueberry, boysenberry, strawberry and raspberry are all on the menu. Don’t forget to harvest your tomatoes, lettuce, okra, eggplant, cucumber, watermelon and avocado (Reed/ Hass).

Trees And Shrubs

Enjoy a tropical getaway in your own backyard. You can still buy and plant tropical and subtropical plants, including canna lilies, mandevilla, bromeliads, hibiscus, vireya, palms and gardenia.

Add a dash of colour with stunning foliage that lasts all year round. We’ve got a range of hardy, drought-resistant grasses like lomandra limetuff, tropical cordylines or shrubs such as nandina or loropetalum. Add a dash of colour with stunning foliage that lasts all year round. We’ve got a range of hardy, drought-resistant grasses like lomandra tanika, tropical cordylines or shrubs such as nandina or loropetalum. Keep your hedges well-hydrated throughout the summer season. Pittosporums and griselinias are hardy but can succumb to dieback when thirsty and planted in clay soil. Bubbled and curled new leaves on your eugenias? This could be eugenia psyllids. Cut back most of the affected new growth and spray with GroVentive Garden and Bioneem.

Grow well with

Kings Slow Release

Citrus Food Feeds citrus when they need it, promoting healthy growth and fruiting.

Living Earth Mulch and Feed Contains bark which creates a barrier between the sun and earth, keeping plants hydrated for longer.

Grosafe Groventive Garden A two-way systemic spray that doesn’t affect bees. Deals with sap-sucking insects, including mealybug, aphids and scale. JANUARY

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Enjoy the last month of the summer heat by spending some time in the garden and checking off our February checklist!

Flowers And Perennials

Add a delightful dash of colour by planting some of our annual flowers, including dianthus, penstemon, marigolds and gazanias. Alstroemeria, penstemons, gazanias, geraniums and petunias will be in bloom, and they look fantastic when planted in pots or en masse against fences.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly with bypass secateurs to keep your plants flowering for longer.

Fertilise your summer flowering plants with Kings Fast Food General Garden Food.

YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO-DO LIST February

Fruit

Plant citrus plants such as lemons and limes in welldraining soil. Enhance your soil by mixing in Kings Compost. If your soil is clay-based, consider adding ClayBreaker Gypsum to the mix. Plant passionfruit in fertile, free-draining soil rich in organic matter. Plant in a spot with good airflow and ensure that you avoid wetting the foliage when watering. For best results with feijoas, plant two different varieties to ensure good pollination. Plant an earlier season and a later season variety to extend your harvest. Deeply water fruit trees once a week and net trees before fruit starts to ripen to ensure the birds don’t get it all.

Veggies

Large-grade chillies are available in stores now. This month, why not try growing a different variety?

Plant herbs and leafy vegetables such as basil, lettuce, coriander, parsley and spinach but make sure you keep them well watered. Start planning and planting some of your winter crops toward the end of the month including broccoli, cauliflower and silverbeet. Keep your veggie garden well fed and watered this summer to help plants stay healthy and productive, as well as being less likely to fall victim to pest insects. Spray for caterpillars and whitefly with Bugtrol.

Indoor Plants

Use Kings Slow-Release House Plant Food on larger plants such as ficus, dracaena, and monstera. If your peace lilies are wilting faster than usual, it may be time to repot them into slightly larger pots.

Maintain a regular watering schedule. To gauge if a plant needs watering, lift the pot and assess how light it feels.

Trees And Shrubs

General Tasks

Use a grubber to get rid of medium-sized weeds in the garden, ensuring you remove all the roots as well. If you don’t already compost, now is a great time to get started. If you have a smaller area, try a worm farm. Worms will dispose of your food and garden waste, as well as providing your garden with natural and organic nutrients with worm tea or composted matter. You can still harvest your Reed and Hass avocados, as well as delicious cape gooseberries, passionfruit, capsicum, chillies, melons, sweetcorn, tomatoes, beans and berries. Harvest late summer fruit as they ripen on the tree, or pick slightly early and share them with friends and family. Once the main crop has finished fruiting, give your trees a light prune.

Grow a sensationally scented garden by planting some evergreen star jasmine, gardenias or the tropical climber stephanotis. You can still bring the tropics home by planting mandevilla, frangipani, bird of paradise, and hibiscus in well-draining soil and in full sun. If you have clay soil, mix in Kings Compost, creating a slight mound or raised bed for increased drainage for the plant’s roots. Make sure anything planted now is kept well watered to keep plants happy and healthy.

Ensure your trees and shrubs are mulched well with Living Earth More Than Mulch and water deeply once a week.

Grow well with

Gypsum ClayBreaker

A great means to break up clay-based soil over time, helping plants thrive.

Aquaticus Bugtrol Organic protection against common garden pests and fungal disease. Safe for edibles and ornamentals.

Kings Fast Food General Garden Food The ideal liquid fertiliser for all outdoor plants including trees, shrubs and flowering plants. FEBRUARY

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