Plants Brightening Council and the Planet
Green, lush, and sitting pretty, these plants are more than just nice to look at. Recently placed in MDC’s Administration foyer, the planter boxes showcase native plants locally eco-sourced in the Manawatū District and grown by MDC’s Kawakawa Nursery.
Based in Feilding, MDC’s own Kawakawa Nursey are a team dedicated to restoring native plant life across the Manawatū District. Specialised in riparian and wetland species, the nursery eco-sources seeds from the district, for the district. Eco-sourcing sees plants grown from seeds and cuttings from local areas, which are already adapted for the District’s climate, making them perfect for habitat restoration and local biodiversity. Paige Mey, MDC’s Native Plant Nursery Manager, is passionate about eco-sourcing and its benefits. “Eco-sourcing ensures the genetic makeup of the plants remains true to the local environment, preserving the unique adaptations and resilience of ecosystems that once thrived” she explained.
The new planter boxes are a mix of Taupata, Kawakawa and Tataki plants. Paige advised the plants were eco-sourced and the Tataki took 9 months to grow from seed, whereas the Taupata took 1 year and the Kawakawa took 2 years! These plants will continue their journey and make their move next winter, when they will be ready to be planted out in Manawatū District landscapes. It’s a rewarding full circle moment when the eco-sourced seed has grown into healthy plant, then planted in and simultaneously beautifying our District.
These planter boxes tell a story that is beyond what meets the eye, and MDC’s Administration foyer is fortunate to be a chapter in it.
Learn more about Kawakawa Nursery and their projects on MDC’s website: Kawakawa Nursery | Manawatū District Council
