Exotic beast amongst the locals . An effective green wall spotted in AKL a few weeks back. This plant combination emulates lush coastal habitats of northern Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and provides an expanse of cool calm (and possibly insect/bird habitat) on a difficult site in a busy urban shopping area. . Here we have NZ natives: Fuchsia procumbens (soft groundcover); Arthropodium bifurcatum (hanging swords); Coprosma repens 'Poor Knights' (prostrate shrub) and Parablechnum novae-zelandiae (arching fern, formerly named Blechnum n-z). . An interesting inclusion is exotic broadleaf Fatsia japonica. While it does provide a bounty of lush foliage in very difficult conditions - a big plus for highly constructed gardens - it is an aggressively invasive species (a suckering beast!) beyond the garden gate. . Only grow Fatsia if - like the green wall pictured - its roots are contained and maintenance can be carefully managed (rooftop gardens, pots, containers indoor/outdoor come to mind). . Remove Fatsia flower-heads as some folks find this plant aggravates allergies. Dispose of cuttings sensibly to prevent spread beyond your project.
