Growing Up Green

Words by Clarissa van Emmenes

Photography by ilk

Kat Knight has been hard at work creating a space for plant lovers to shop, explore and be inspired.

Kat is the visionary behind Bay Botanics, a Tauranga-based business that sells affordable, locally grown indoor plants that have been adding colour and joy to Bay of Plenty homes since 2020.

Recently, Kat spread her wings by acquiring her parents’ much-loved nursery, Kereru Gardens, which is also at the headquarters for Bay Botanics, and has been operating since 2002. “Mum and Dad built Kereru Gardens with great love and passion. Taking over their business was a way for them to be able to slow down, but they will still be involved in certain aspects that they’re passionate about, while I’ll be focusing on the hands-on work that I really love,” says Kat.

Her love of plants and nature has been at the heart of Kat’s life. She spent her childhood learning first-hand from her parents, often helping them grow plants at Heritage House, their Katikati nursery. “Being around plants all my life has really cultivated a deep appreciation for the art of growing and nurturing plants,” says Kat.

After school, she went to England on her OE and ended up working at a nursery that focused on perennials and wholesale plants. Upon returning to New Zealand, Kat completed her degree in landscape architecture and gained valuable industry experience before deciding to shift

Caring for indoor plants

Light Most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Place near windows or in filtered sunlight. Intense, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of some plants. With darker areas, choose plants that are tolerant of low light, eg snake plants.

Water Each plant has specific watering requirements. Before watering, check moisture levels of the soil by inserting your finger about an inch deep. Water thoroughly when the top inch feels dry to the touch — overwatering can lead to root rot.

Humidity Some plants, such as tropical species, benefit from increased humidity levels. Create this by misting leaves with water, placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.

Fertiliser Houseplants generally benefit from regular fertilisation during the growing season. Use a water-soluble fertiliser and follow the packet instructions to avoid fertiliser burn and other damage.

Maintenance Regularly inspect your plants for any yellowing leaves, signs of pests or diseases. Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain the plant’s health and appearance. Pruning scan also help shape the plant and promote new growth. Always check your plant instructions for specific guidance.

her focus back to propagation and growing. “I loved being able to work with and incorporate different plants into a space, but I soon found myself spending more time behind a computer screen than in nature, and definitely felt the pull back to the hands-on, outdoor work.”

Kereru Gardens offers hobbyist gardeners, plant enthusiasts and first-time plant owners alike access to a vast array of plants, especially hardy shrubs, to enrich their gardens. But customers are also able to tap into to the family’s broad knowledge about propagation and horticulture.

As every plant is meticulously cared for, customers can be sure they’ll take them home in the healthiest, most vibrant condition. “It’s so much more than a nursery,” says Kat. “We’re a family of plant experts who have been working in the industry for five generations and we have a genuine passion for helping people bring plants into their homes and gardens and ensuring they thrive.

↑ Left to right: Kat at work in the nursery — her family’s broad knowledge ensures customers get the healthiest plants; in the weekends, customers are welcome to visit the idyllic setting . Opener: Kat learnt to grow and nurture plants from a young age.

“The outdoor plants we grow at Kereru Gardens are all in beautiful condition and affordable at only $6 each, which makes it a great place to shop if you’re doing a home landscaping project and want to add lush greenery without the hefty price tag,” says Kat. “We propagate and grow a large variety of trees and shrubs, camellias for hedging, plants for screens, ground covers for banks and lots of flowering shrubs.

“My goal is to encourage Kiwis, especially in the Bay, to embrace plants and be confident enough to grow different varieties.”

Visit Kereru Gardens & Bay Botanics, Friday to Sunday, 10am–2pm, 341 Ōropi Rd, Tauranga.

Explore the plant collections online: kererugardens.com baybotanics.com

4 great houseplants

• Monstera deliciosa Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, this is a popular choice due to its large, unique leaves with distinct holes and splits.

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) An easy to grow, low maintenance plant featuring cascading vines with heart-shaped leaves. Perfect for beginners.

• Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) Renowned for its air purifying properties and resilience. Has long, upright leaves in shades of green and yellow.

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Known for its arching, variegated leaves that have a cascading effect. Produces small offshoots called ‘spiderettes’ that can be propagated to grow new plants.