Re: New Zealand and Austrlia in November

Richard Starkeson wrote:
> 
> Am contemplating a visit to New Zealand and the Sydney area of Australia
> in early November.  To those of you from that part of the world (I'm
> from San Francisco), I was wondering what gardens mught look like that
> time of year, and what weather I might expect.  I have'nt noticed anyone
> on here from New Zelanad, but was hopeful.
> 
> I heard rhododendrons (obviously not medierranean) bloomed in October in
> NZ, so I am guessing it is rather springlike.
> 
> Speaking of whether, northern Claifornia is having one of the coldest
> springs on record.  We have yet to see anyreally warm weather (there
> were a FEW days . . .).

Hi Richard

I can only tell you about New Zealand.

November here is mid-late spring and if you come here early in the
month, though this would be a bit late for the peak of the North Island
Rhododendron season, there would still be plenty to see. The pick of
this island for Rhodos is the Taranaki province in the extreme west
where the Pukeiti garden (the world's second most important collection)
lies just outside new Plymouth on a small hill (the meaning of
Puke-iti), which is actually an ancient eroded cone of Mt Taranaki
(Egmont), the large and beautiful volcanic cone which graces the skyline
of the city. Besides this outstanding site, Rhododendrons are common in
most of the southern part of the island, both in public and private
gardens.

However, while you would be a bit late for the best of the northern peak
our southern seasons  are of course somewhat later (approximately a
month behind) and the Rhododendrons in the Dunedin Public Gardens will
be approaching their perfect best. This is display which, though not so
extensive as Pukeiti, is really first-class also and well worth a visit.

I have only mentioned the Rhodos, but they are a marker and of course
and you can expect them to be accompanied by their usual companions in
the way of flowering trees shrubs, perennials and bulbs.

The extreme north of the country is actually  warm temperate to almost
sub-tropical and 
not especially interesting in early November, though towards the end of
the month there will be the first flush of roses in Auckland and the
chance to visit a major flower show (the Ellerslie show held at a ground
just outside the Auckland Botanic Gardens).

Do ask me if you want any further details.

Moira

-- 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, 
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
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