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Where's Gardenerd? In a Hinau tree (Elaeocarpus dentatus) at a local park.

Where’s Gardenerd: Spring in New Zealand!

Imagine our joy when we saw the first photos documenting Where’s Gardenerd popping up in New Zealand last week. Perfect timing because it’s spring in the Southern Hemisphere, and gardens are going gangbusters there.

David Scully took the challenge and ran with it. He took Gardenerd to local parks and rivers to share with us armchair travelers the flora and fauna of New Zealand. He posted his adventures on Instagram through his feed @David_Suclly. Check this out:

Our first hint that Gardenerd made it across the oceans.
Our first hint that Gardenerd made it across the oceans.

Apparently a Dragon Thai chili makes a good traveling companion. He’s still in one piece!

The adventure begins at a local park (all photos by David Scully):

Where's Gardenerd? In a Hinau tree (Elaeocarpus dentatus) at a local park.
Where’s Gardenerd? In a Hinau tree (Elaeocarpus dentatus) at a local park.
"Climbing further up the Hinau tree to admire its beautiful flowers."
“Climbing further up the Hinau tree to admire its beautiful flowers.”

Then he went to a river to see the sights with the family dog.

"Taking an stroll in a warm spring evening along the Hutt river. "
“Taking an stroll in a warm spring evening along the Hutt river. “

It runs through the southern North Island of New Zealand. A little history about Hutt River: “The river was named Hutt after Sir William Hutt, chairman of the New Zealand Company. Early Māori residents, such as Ngāi Tara, called it Te Awakairangi. Later Māori settlers named it Te Wai o Orutu after Orutu, a Ngāti Mamoe ancestor. By the time European settlers arrived, Māori called it Heretaunga.

Next stop: David’s home garden:

"At home amongst the hops. "
“At home amongst the hops. “

Hops! Such a beautiful plant with gorgeous buds. We don’t know whether David will be making beer or not, but regardless, the plant is stunning.

Gardenerd visits David's home garden to see his strawberries.
Gardenerd visits David’s home garden to see his strawberries.
It's almost time to harvest garlic in New Zealand.
It’s almost time to harvest garlic in New Zealand.

December 21st may be winter solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere, but in New Zealand and elsewhere below the equator it’s summer solstice. Time to pick garlic.

There's that chili again, along with some "swan plants" - a tropical milkweed also known as 'hairy balls'.
There’s that chili again, along with some “swan plants” – a tropical milkweed also known as ‘hairy balls’.

It’s so great to see what’s growin’ on in gardens around the world. That’s why we sent Gardenerd on his way. Here’s a quick photo we got from @yeasoIwaslike in Vermont before Where’s Gardenerd was shipped to New Zealand:

Gardenerd in with the marigolds and tomatoes this summer.
Gardenerd in with the marigolds and tomatoes this summer.

Wanna join in?

If you’d like to participate in Where’s Gardenerd read this blog post and send us your info. We’ll put you on the list for his next adventure.

This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Eugene

    Gardenerd is quite a person about town. I looking forward to the visit to me in South Louisiana.

    1. Christy

      Be sure to send us your info, Eugene, so we can add you to the list.

  2. Emma

    Love the photos. Gardenerd is quite photogenic!

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