Start with the local ecosystem
DOC's Canterbury native-plant guides and Christchurch City Council's ecosystem map divide planting suggestions by natural environment. A plant that belongs on a wetland margin may not thrive in dry coastal sand.
Coastal communities
DOC records plants such as ngaio, akeake, harakeke and native coastal coprosma. Dune restoration has its own ecological priorities, and should not be treated as routine garden landscaping.
Wetland and stream-margin planting
Pūkio, tī kōuka and harakeke are among the Canterbury wetland and stream-margin plants described by DOC. Check water levels and the mature size of plants before placing them near structures or drains.
Plains and woodland species
The plains supported a complex mosaic of grassland, shrubland, forest and river vegetation. Pūtaringamotu/Riccarton Bush is a reminder of historic kahikatea forest, not a recommendation to put a large forest tree in a small courtyard.
Choose plants that can be maintained
For home gardens, consider site drainage, existing trees, sun, eventual height and your maintenance budget. Dallas can help with garden preparation and maintenance within his agreed scope.
See the plants and places
Photographs are identified and credited individually. Plant examples may be photographed outside Christchurch and are not examples of work carried out by Dallas.
Local references and further reading
Official sources for the local history, ecology and planting guidance above. General maps do not replace an assessment of your own section.
For garden maintenance, lawn mowing, weeding, hedge trimming, green waste removal and one-off Christchurch garden tidy-ups, call Dallas on 027 340 6581 to discuss the job and request a quote.
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