Lyndale NewsBrief - February 2012

Ingredients

We keep a low profile in the potting mix world. But lately we have been asked a question or two as to how we came to have an independent specialist potting mix manufacturing operation.

The history is simple. Lyndale Nurseries has always valued the ability to make fresh potting mix at will, and the spin off accrued knowledge that this type of operation requires.

Hence we invested in machinery, which was adequate for our own supply.

However, some ten years ago we started supplying specialist potting mixes to other like-minded nurseries. This led to the development and investment into substantially bigger equipment, which could more economically and reliably supply the quantities of mix that was required.

We chose the name Lyndale Custom Mix Ltd to retain the Lyndale association, while noting our emphasis on suppling mixes, which are custom blended to order for each individual customer.

Our recipes are a collaborative effort between ourselves, the grower customer and sometimes a specialist technical advisor. It is fair to say that no two customers require exactly the same combinations of raw products (Peat, coco fibre, CAN bark ,pumice, etc) and fertilisers.

This reflects the variations in plant products that we individually grow and the different physical nursery situations that we all have.

In a nut shell, that is the reason Lyndale Custom Mix Ltd exists. It is to provide specialist mixes tailored to your requirements at a competitive price.

As we all know a great potting mix and a healthy young plant are the essential starting ingredients of a fantastic finished product.

I guess that explains our interest in getting the starter ingredients right.

Rare Things

Sunshine has been an extraordinary rarity in the northern part of NZ over the Christmas and holiday period. It has been good for those keen to avoid overexposure to the sun but not so good for kids and others on holiday.

Another rarity is on our Availability List this month. It is a relatively rare plant and certainly one that we do not get the opportunity to grow every day.

Coastal Maire or Nestegis apetala, is indigenous to Norfolk Island and the North Island of NZ including offshore islands from the Three Kings south to Hauturu Island near Whangamata.

Strictly coastal, inhabiting coastal forest, often along the exposed margins cliff faces, talus slopes and exposed ridge lines.

Get the picture? It is a survivor that has no trouble surviving in areas where others struggle.

The tree is uncommon in cultivation, however it is seen in the occasional park and plant collections across the North Island.

It is a strikingly handsome small tree that is very worth having.

Another Rarity

Another rarity we will have available in limited numbers next month is a real favourite of mine, Elingamita johnsonii.

Endemic to the Three Kings Island where it is known to occur only on the West Island and two nearby rocky outcrop islands in the Pricess group.

While currently not threatened, it is vulnerable as the entire wild population (in the world) is located in a rather small area on one rocky island and two very small adjacent rock islets.

While these limited habitats are rodent free currently, the species remains vulnerable to events such as fire.

Elingamita johnsonii was named after the steamer Elingamite which ran into the middle Island of the Three Kings Group after it had left Sydney bound for Auckland in 1902.

The steamer carrying 136 passengers and 58 crew was also loaded with a cargo of Gold Bullion. (Later salvaged by diver Kelly Tarlton).

A court of enquiry found that the captain was guilty of negligence in his navigation, and that he made an error of judgement after the wreck when he let one of the lifeboats leave with only half the number it could carry.

The master's certificate was suspended for one year, and he was ordered to pay costs of 50 pounds.

All very grim, but in 1910 an investigation found that the Three Kings Islands position had been wrongly charted.

There was a re-inquiry into the wreck of the Elingamite and the captain was cleared of any blame.

Interesting things to consider especially in the days of GPS which we trust so totally to navigate safely around the coast. Note to self: "It is hard to beat a good lookout in conjunction with a GPS."

Elingamita johnsonii is not on our list this month, but will be available in four weeks.

Order them from Cath today to have a small piece of NZ history.

Kind regards
Malcolm & The Lyndale Team

New Echeverias Available Now!

Echeveria x imbricata

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Life Around The Nursery

Malcolm reliving his childhood

Bros on bikes

Baxter gave Santa a kiss while Lily just wants her present!

Lyndale Nurseries