Tamarillos require sun but need a constant supply of water during the summer months . They are also shallow rooted and being that they have a soft wood they would need a resonable sheltered area or courtyard to grow in. Its Fruit are delicious, area high source of vitamin C and can be eaten raw or cooked .Keep height  to 2m high to make harvesting easier. Protect from frosts.

A huge round  purple plum with a very sweet yellow flesh. Delicious when eaten fresh. Versatile plum for cooking in pies , jams and sauces. Ripens mid March. Pollinates with Santa Rosa,and Black Amber .A great source of vitamin C ,A , B2 Potassium and Dietary fibre . Plant in a sunny well drained position and enjoy.

Laurus nobilis grows in the full sun and suits most soil types. It is best to reduce its height by shaping it into a hedge or topiary as it can grow into a very large tree . It is extremely hardy and successfully grows right on the coast! Bayleaves are a vital ingredient used to flavour sauces, soups, stews and even desserts. Its therapeutic uses include:  stimulates appetite , Promotes digestion, relieves colic and flatulence  .Externally it is great to boost hair growth !!

Apricot Goldstrike  has medium sized round fruit with slight red blushing which becomes very large when the tree is well thinned. The flesh is light orange firm and moderately juicey with lots of flavour.Cross Pollinate with Apricot Goldbar . Apricot Trevatt is an old favourite that ripens early in the season and is very popular and is self fertile. The fruit is also orange juicy and firm,  with a good flavour. These Apricots are smallish trees in height and a great addition to a home owners garden in a slightly cooler area eg Kumeu Auckland.

Large sweet dark red prolific fruit hang from these trees from early to late summer . This variety is decidious, self fertile and reach 2.5m , exhibiting much dwarfer characteristics then other Cherries .They grow in Auckland with only a minimum of  winter hours ( 200), and tolerate  low rain falls during their flowering and fruiting season.  Delicous and a must have for the home gardener.

Black Amber is a mid season fruiting Japanese plum. Black on the outside and golden on the inside . It is a high quality fruit that is juicy and very sweet , firm to pick and aromatic . It has an upright habit and is a heavy bearing plum. Great source in Vitamins C , A ,B2 ,Potassium and dietary fibre . Plant in a sunny well drained site .One of the best eating purple plums.

Attractive black glossy berries that are high in vitamin C, potassium and has anti oxidant properties 4x that of Blueberries. Tests also show that blackcurrant juice is extremely good for Arthritis and protection against Alzheimers disease. Plant in a sunny position, with regular feeding .Blackcurrants fruit on the young new canes of the previous seasons wood , in early summer. They refer a soil moiture holding soil.  Reach  2m.

A perennial climber that if planted in a warm sheltered spot and well cared for with regular feeding during spring and summer will produce good crops of purple round fruit . Delicious eaten raw or in salads.  High in vitamin C .Support the climbing vine and allow for at least 3m spread. Plant in full sun and well drained soil. Enjoy.

Red Currents are a showy shrub when in leaf and berry during the summer months . They will grow to about 2m tall. Deciduous in winter. Their attractive bright red berries are extremely good for you and like the black current have many health giving properties (see black current) Plant in full sun with good drainage , it can also tolerate some shade.

An evergreen tree. Plant (high) in welldrained soil in a sunny position and mulch around the roots.  Protect from frosts and wind when young . Water well and feed in summer .Pick off the tree when hard and ripen inside .Hass types will tolerate to -1degrees C .Avocados are an energy packed super food and are very good for us. Planted closey together in 3 varieties these  can cross pollinate producing hundreds of fruit at different times , prune to a height of 2m and keep short.

Aromatic purple berries are produced on this trailing vine. Small clusters of flowers appear in the spring which are then followed by deep maroon coloured sweet round juicy berries. All Berries are high in anti-oxidants and are very good for you. The Boysenberry is considered a cross between a Raspberry, Blackberry and Loganberry. Because of its rambling nature it is best supported during the fruiting stage as this makes harvesting easier as the berries are off the ground. Plant in full sun or part shade in a rich welldrained soil. Mulch well to retain moisture , and water well during dry periods. Protect from strong winds. After the plant has finished fruiting it can be cut back close to the ground to encourage new shoots to form which will bear fruit the following season.

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An Ancient French variety of Apple that has an unusually shaped exterior but a sort after interior. Valued by Pastry Chefs because of its  cream coloured flesh with excellent flavour and keeps its shape  when cooked. Said to be “Sweet and Sharp” This Tree is  self fertile and disease resisant . Best grown in a warm spot.

Castanea sativa ‘1005′ is  a medium sized Sweet Chestnut  along with Castanea sativa ‘ Lincoln ‘ that produces high quality nuts early to mid-season. Chestnuts are grown either for shade in a larger block of land or lifestyle block. They can look amazing in an avenue planting with their stunning candlelabra type flowers in late summer  and then producing their nuts in the Autumn. These can be used in cooking or roasted. They require average soil conditions and good drainage but will tolerate poorer soils if they  need to.

Cherimoya or custard apple although is a native to Peru and although considered  a sub-tropical  tree it can take down to -3 degrees once established. Protect when younger from wind and frosts and plant in a warm sunny spot . If space is an issue they are stunning espaliered or even grown in a container.  Generally speaking , rule of thumb , you can grow a Cherimoya anywhere you grow lemons. The fruit ripens in September to November and  are considered on of the most exquisite fruits in the world! Simply put they just melt in your mouth, the creamy , white , soft , sweet and juicy flesh is a cross between a passionfruit, papaya , banana and pineapple. Absolutely delicious!

A Cherry tree with masses of  large , firm , dark red sweet cherries that have an  excellent flavour,  hang down  from its branches around Christmas time . Its fruit is not prone to splitting , ripening late season into the summer . Self – fertile .Widely adaptable to handle different types of soil , referring full sun. Practical fruit tree for home orchards. Once established , they require little maintenance and are reliable producers making them a popular Cherry for Lifestyle blocks , especially as an avenue tree.

Elderberry flower cordial or wine are two favourites from this shrub that flowers in the spring and fruits in the summer.The ripe berries grow in clusters and  are harvested in January and contain potassium very high levels of anti oxidents and vitamin C. It is reknowned for its health giving properties. It si a hardy plant tolerating moist to dry soils semi shade to sun .Best to keep plant around 1.5 for ease of harvesting.

This medium sized shrub is not affected by many pests and diseases. They are high in fibre and vey good for us . They can be used as a hegde/shelter reaching up to 2.5 -3m in height. The fruit ripens in late summer / Autumn and can be eaten raw , bottled ,utilized  in chutneys and sauses and has found its way into sparkling wines and juices of late . Plant in a sunny position , can take a moister soil. Frost hardy.

The Walnut is a slow growing medium sized tree for a bigger property or lifestyle block. It has a characteristically rounded head and makes an attractive ornamental tree . Walnuts require regular feeding but have been known to tolerate poorer soils , a full sunny position and most importantly a well drained soil. They are prized for their nuts , this variety have been selected from a Banks Peninsula tree and have larger nuts that are produced in volumes .  The nuts can be eaten raw or pickled in their green cases and are delicious with cheese and crackers!

The Mulberry tree is a fast growing large tree. It is wind resistant , but also pollinated by wind. It can tolerate moist soils and is generally free of pests and diseases. The fruit are like elongated blackberries and they have a sweet flavour. They are eaten raw or blend well with other fruit in pies and cooking.  Will also bring the birds .Ideal on a life style block or larger section.

A very sweet pear with green skin, that ripens quite early in late January. Its Country of origin is Belgium and it is a very old variety that has a high yield of fruit. It is self pollinating and on a dwarf root stock (2.5m) Ideal for espaliering  and a smaller garden space as one variety only, is required. Pear Belle du Jumet  fruit have pale gold skin and white flesh that just melts in your mouth. Extremely juicy and deliciously sweet. This pear offers a natural source of energy due largely to high amounts of fructose and glucose , Vitamin ‘C’ and Potassium and is high in Anti-oxidants.

Delicious eaten off the vine or in jellies / jams / and desserts. Protect from wind and plant in full sun and well drained soils. Fertilise in the spring. ’ Iona’ is an early fruiting grape with prolific clear, pinkish white fruit tinged with green and almost pip free. Excellent cropping and good flavour. Hardy.

A very old Plum dating back to the early 1600’s from Western Europe. It has a green skin turning yellow when ripe and is yellow inside. The plum has a rich sweet flavour and is a delight to eat. Self fertile and highly prized . Plant in a sunny position , with a well drained soil and enjoy.

An older heritage variety with very sweet golden-green fruit that can be eaten straight off the bush. A prolific cropper. Compact growth of 1m. Fruit matures in December. Plant in full sun and in a well drained soil . Delicious and hardy.  Gooseberries have been known to require at least 200 hours of cooler winter temperatures to fruit more prolifically, however they have been known to be fooled with ice cubes on top of the soil periodically though the winter periods

Relatively new on the scene,  this pear has become very popular on the world markets. It ripens later in the season (late February to March ) and has being described as having a Sensational Flavour, being super rich,  tender juicy,and with a delicate sweet taste. It is a medium sized fruit almost round with a short neck and cinnamon coloured. It is presumed to have come from a sport of the Comice Pear, so a more sheltered position is preferred .

Delicious eaten off the vine or in jellies / jams / desserts or home made wine . Grapes vines can make a great alternative as a climber over a structure as they double as a food source. Plant in a sunny , sheltered position in well drained soil.and fertilize in the Spring. The Grape Albany Surprise fruits in March and is a delicious sweet tasting grape. Allow for a 10m support or trim accordingly.

A large sized fruit that is coloured red over a yellow background.The flesh is yellow, firm and smooth with an excellent flavour. A productive cropper , reaching 3m in height and has a mid season harvest. Plant in a moist but well drained soil in full sun  with some protection from the strong winds around the time of spring blossum . Suitable for espaliering.

Carters Navel Oranges are a popular choice amongst home owners. The tree has a roundish canopy and can be keep to about 2.5m in height. It fruits in late winter and early spring with fruit that are succulent and juicy sweet, if not all picked these can stay on the tree beyond maturity.(thus staggering the yield) Plant in full sun , in well drained soils.

Smaller tree ideal for home owners for garnishing drinks and cooking . Reaches 2m but can be trimmed to a smaller size if necessary. Plant in a sunny area with well drained soil.. The fruit are green coloured  and smooth skinned and high in vitamin C .Fertilize in the spring to aid the production of  summer fruit.

A small hardy  tree that is a popular choice, as once established fruits nearly all year round. Originally from China, then improved, this lemon produces heavy crops of juicy yellow fruit. Suitable as a container plant and even spotted growing in some coastal conditions (but not in salty soils). Full sun or partially sunny , will tolerate frosts (zone 9) A must have in every garden.

Kaffir limes are a slow growing small shrub that is ideal in a container as it grows to about 1.5 m and it tolerate it drier from time to time. It has unusal lobed leaves which are a favourite in Thai or Malaysian cooking  and producers bumpy skinned fruit, the zest of which can also be used .It has a good rating on being pest and disease resistant but will need protection from a serve frost.

Goji Berries are amazing little fruit packed full of so many health promoting properties. They have  5 x more anti-oxidants than any other food. A full range of fatty acids , anti-aging proteries, vitamins and minerals, muscle boosting / energy recovery properties .They are also reported to help with diabetes and heart disease. Ultimately the unique polysaccharides which are not  found in any other foods and all the other benefits this berry has , is labeling  the Goji as having many anti-cancer compounds. A truely remarkable berry ! Plant in a sunny well-drained position and feed well , prune to accommodate the size for a smaller area if need be. Protect from slugs . The Goji produces berries in its 2nd year and is fully productive by year 5. It produces loads of little berries through Summer and Autumn.

An older heritage variety with very sweet golden-green fruit that can be eaten straight off the bush. A prolific cropper. Compact growth of 1m. Fruit matures in December. Plant in full sun and in a well drained soil . Delicious and hardy.  Gooseberries have been known to require at least 200 hours of cooler winter temperatures to fruit more prolifically, however they have been known to be fooled with ice cubes on top of the soil periodically though the winter periods.

Strawberries provide a delicious summer fruit, requiring a cultivated or slightly raised bed and cover with a mulch of straw to protect the fruit from having contact with the soil and rotting.They require good moisture and regular feeding during the summer months. Camerosa has a prolific crop of fruit and the size is larger than the average strawberry. It is sweet in taste and very delicious.

Mandarin Satsuma are amongst the most cold hardy and relatively drought tolerant citrus varieties. Reaching 1.5m in height it also is a popular choice for home owners and looks good in containers. With its easy peel and seedless qualities and delicious sweet and juicy fruit , its clear to see why this is a must. Fruits in May, June and July adding much needed Winter colour. Plant in full sun and in well drained soils.

Raspberries and blackberries are something we picked along the side of the road long ago . . . Now they come thornless and disease resistant in this variety. Ripening in late summer these wonderful medium sized berries are delicious and  ideal for the home gardener .Plant in a sunny position in a well drained area.

A larger plum which has a bluish skin and yellow flesh. .The flesh is firm and very sweet with a freestone. Described as a luscious Plum.  An old time favourite that fruits later in the season .  Different from other plums in the fact that it is dried and turned into prunes . Pollinates with Greenage.

NZ Cranberry or Chilean Guava is a charming berry producing small shrub.Its round red and aromatic berries fruit in March and are delicious picked and eaten straight off the bush. Contain high levels of anti oxidents and very good for Womens Health.The shrub grows much better when trimmed  lower  than its usual height of 1.5m. In fact it is used as a good small hedge alternative. NZ Cranberries can also be planted in high water table areas. Water well over the summer and enjoy

Olive El Greco grows to a the most compact of olive trees and produces masses of small olives which can been pressed or bottled for eating. They can be cut right back to keep the plant smaller for easier picking.

Plant in a courtyard type of environment in a sheltered position in full sun.  This Olive has a excellent oil content and is one of the more popular Olives on the market.

A heavy fruiting variety that is readily picked during the summer months off the bush or used in jellies ,jams, pies or even made into wine. This self fertile bramble may need some support when fruiting as it will grown to 1.5m tall . Once finished fruiting the old canes can thinned out  so air can circulate through the bush. Blackberries are sweet and delicious and contain many health promoting properties (high in anti oxidants).

Plant in sun or semi shade,  they can tolerate drier or moister soils and are frost tolerant too.

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