Floristry Solution for Auckland’s Endangered Flowers & Plants
I had been surprised to learn recently from the number of flowers, plants and shrubs in the Auckland area that are endangered. I was even more surprised to learn how many unique plant varieties are simply in the Auckland region. For this type of small area the amount seemed too high. According to the Department of Conservation there are some 200 different flower and plant varieties which are endangered or threatened by.
Flowers
Most often this endangerment is caused by human interference with the plants natural habitat, especially urban sprawl and roading. The Auckland Council are aware of this and have strictly managed the problem of new building consents to developers, but I also think this is an excuse to limit land suitable for housing to artificially support high prices. Artificially high housing prices are only of benefit to current homeowners but first home buyers are penalised if you are too young to get taken part in the land rush around 2001.
Auckland is wedged between two natural harbours; the Waitemata harbour on the east coast and the Manukau harbour towards the west. This creates a pinched section of land, one kilometre at it’s narrowest, called an isthmus which was ideal for the early settlers main type of transport; ocean going vessels. Incidentally the Auckland Flowers Marketplace is only ten minutes walk from this narrowest point of land. Both harbours made for excellent safe mooring for ships during even the worst pacific storms.
Large tracts of land were cleared, first for farming, then recently for suburban dwellings. Thick native forest was replaced with rolling plains for farm animals and crops. Almost instantly the lush native bush, that had been home to hundreds of types of flowers, plants and birds for millennia, was erased.
There are still tiny remnants of the once beautiful habitat. A few of Auckland’s many volcanic cones still have areas of the original native forest and you will still find some native birds like the Tui. The Waitakere and Hunua ranges still wear an appliance cover of native bush similar to the recent past. On my occasional walks nearby the Hunua falls I have happened upon some beautiful native flowers and ferns that could be perfectly suited in floristry.
A number of the species would need some creative touch to incorporate in today’s florist arrangements, just like the various endangered species of mushroom and river slime! But perhaps that’s a proven way we can preserve these endangered species - by actively growing suitable species to be used in floristry. This would also help in creating a distinctively Nz style of floral arrangements. Imagine exotic ferns and foliage combined with rare and hard to spot species of Kowhai. The distinction from other countries styles makes them stand out and possibly give to us an edge over the more standard global styles seen today. Something different and unique - which would also mean more inviting and exclusive. Of course there is a lot to take into account, like growth time, durability etc. but things that can all be overcome through smart selection and science. Something to munch over perhaps?
There's one other place where many of these endangered species can still be viewed and that’s in the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manukau. Staff there have successfully grown and reproduced dozens of species to protect and preserve for our children and grandchildren. Well done to the Department of Conservation and also the Auckland Botanic Gardens for this excellent and incredibly worthwhile program.
Flowers
Flowers
Most often this endangerment is caused by human interference with the plants natural habitat, especially urban sprawl and roading. The Auckland Council are aware of this and have strictly managed the problem of new building consents to developers, but I also think this is an excuse to limit land suitable for housing to artificially support high prices. Artificially high housing prices are only of benefit to current homeowners but first home buyers are penalised if you are too young to get taken part in the land rush around 2001.
Auckland is wedged between two natural harbours; the Waitemata harbour on the east coast and the Manukau harbour towards the west. This creates a pinched section of land, one kilometre at it’s narrowest, called an isthmus which was ideal for the early settlers main type of transport; ocean going vessels. Incidentally the Auckland Flowers Marketplace is only ten minutes walk from this narrowest point of land. Both harbours made for excellent safe mooring for ships during even the worst pacific storms.
Large tracts of land were cleared, first for farming, then recently for suburban dwellings. Thick native forest was replaced with rolling plains for farm animals and crops. Almost instantly the lush native bush, that had been home to hundreds of types of flowers, plants and birds for millennia, was erased.
There are still tiny remnants of the once beautiful habitat. A few of Auckland’s many volcanic cones still have areas of the original native forest and you will still find some native birds like the Tui. The Waitakere and Hunua ranges still wear an appliance cover of native bush similar to the recent past. On my occasional walks nearby the Hunua falls I have happened upon some beautiful native flowers and ferns that could be perfectly suited in floristry.
A number of the species would need some creative touch to incorporate in today’s florist arrangements, just like the various endangered species of mushroom and river slime! But perhaps that’s a proven way we can preserve these endangered species - by actively growing suitable species to be used in floristry. This would also help in creating a distinctively Nz style of floral arrangements. Imagine exotic ferns and foliage combined with rare and hard to spot species of Kowhai. The distinction from other countries styles makes them stand out and possibly give to us an edge over the more standard global styles seen today. Something different and unique - which would also mean more inviting and exclusive. Of course there is a lot to take into account, like growth time, durability etc. but things that can all be overcome through smart selection and science. Something to munch over perhaps?
There's one other place where many of these endangered species can still be viewed and that’s in the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manukau. Staff there have successfully grown and reproduced dozens of species to protect and preserve for our children and grandchildren. Well done to the Department of Conservation and also the Auckland Botanic Gardens for this excellent and incredibly worthwhile program.
Flowers