News & tips RSS

The meteorologists don’t seem to be able to tell us exactly what sort of summer we are going to have. Yes, it is meant to be dry but just when that dry period is about to start is anyone’s guess and there will also be downpours and the possibility of some intense tropical storms. So be prepared for the unexpected.

It has been a while since you have heard from us here at Newton's. Like everybody in Auckland (and other parts of the country) we have been focused on getting through what seems like a never-ending winter. While the temperature has climbed slightly, the wind and the rain are showing no sign of bidding farewell yet.

Having recently experienced the scorching European heat, I find myself a little relieved to return to a more temperate, albeit wet climate. And to see the first tips of daffodils that were planted before we left poke their noses through the ground, was a lovely reminder that spring is not too far off.

I thought that given the inordinate amount of rain we have had in the first half of this year we needed to talk about gardening when it rains 5 days out of 7! Water is generally essential for growing anything and yet a surfeit of water makes it difficult to grow anything.

I am very, very excited, spring bulbs have arrived at Newtons! I have been waiting for the arrival of these little nuggets of joy for the longest of times and now they are finally here. We have four varieties available - Tulips, Hyacinths, Narcissi (Daffodils) and Muscari.