Carniflores NZ

06/08/2026

A frosty Auckland morning had our Sarracenia rethinking an early wake-up call! The deck was an ice rink, as my poor husband discovered on his way to work this morning. Thankfully, both husband and plants are fine after they broke his fall. Another cold night ahead, hoping our Nepenthes don't freeze! 🥶❄️

05/08/2026

https://phys.org/news/2026-08-sticky-alpine-darwin-year-carnivorous.html

A flowering plant has been confirmed as a new carnivorous lineage, according to research published in Nature Communications. The findings show that Saxifraga candelabrum can attract, trap, digest and absorb nitrogen from insects, supporting a prediction made by Charles Darwin more than 150 years ago...

05/08/2026

This Saturday ( remember no market for us this Sunday but are open by appointment)

04/08/2026

Nepenthes ovata x ventricosa

I really like this hybrid. Neat little pitchers. Fairly compact growth and a nice easy grower.

01/08/2026

This Cymbidium orchid holds significant sentimental value for me, as it originated from my husband's grandmother, Jo. Although she is no longer with us, a cherished part of her garden continues to thrive in my care. Interestingly, we shared the same birthday, and this orchid characteristically blooms in July, coinciding with our shared birthday. The inflorescence has been open for several weeks now.

30/07/2026

This Camellia on our property is quite beautiful, though its specific varietal is unknown.

However, my preferred Camellia is typically enjoyed in a cup.

Indeed, the tea we consume originates directly from a particular species of the Camellia plant. While Camellias are widely recognized for their ornamental value as flowering garden shrubs, all traditional, caffeinated teas—including black, green, oolong, white, and pu-erh—are derived from the leaves and buds of a single species: Camellia sinensis.

27/07/2026

My daughter's living picture for her urban planning project beautifully illustrates the delicate balance between development and preserving nature. It highlights the importance of maintaining existing natural environments, with ferns representing Nikau and Ponga, Bromeliads as Harakeke and Cabbage trees, and Spanish moss depicting streams and waterfalls, while moss forms the forest floor. She emphasized how Nikau berries feed Kereru, and the forest provides habitat for birds, bats, spiders, weta, geckos, skinks and more. Her message is clear: just as people need homes and roads, animals and plants need their habitats clean air and fresh water. Everything works in balance, and so must we. 🌿🏡🌳

25/07/2026

Unfortunately we are not able to make the Titirangi Village Market tomorrow but we will be back in August. Wishing everyone a wonderful market day.

24/07/2026

Our Venus flytraps are starting to wake up, a bit early this year! 🌱 It's a reminder that plants follow their own rhythms, guided by daylight hours and temperature shifts. For happy VFTs, remember they need at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily and consistently moist, mineral-free water (rain, distilled, or RO are best). Plant them in a nutrient-free mix of sphagnum peat moss and pumice/perlite/coarse sand – no standard soil or fertilizers! They also require a 3-4 month cold winter dormancy, during which leaf browning is normal. These fascinating carnivorous plants are native to the wetlands of North and South Carolina.

Can't wait to see our snippy snappy fly traps again.

Photos from last growing season and what we are looking forward to.

22/07/2026

A year today since we lost a music legend. The music will live on. What's your favorite Ozzy or Black Sabbath track.