I am so in love with ferns. The plants I transferred from the pine forest a few years ago are really taking off, now, in the frost free areas near the water. We have been experimenting with sizes of ponga, and whether to trim all fronds off, or just cut off the tips. Some success with both methods, but I do think if you are moving a ponga with a TRUNK , then trimming all fronds off and just leaving the koru is the best technique. Haven't been brave enough yet to CUT the entire trunk, leaving behind the roots! Just can't bear to think it might kill the whole plant. Anyone done that? I have seen ponga logs sprouting after they have been installed, but seems very hit and miss.
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| Existing Kowhai and young Titoki protect the young ponga from sun and frost. |
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| Two recently moved Ponga are loving their new spot by the main pond, in the shade and frost protection of cabbage trees. |
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| This seemed harsh at the time, but trimming off all fronds and just leaving the koru seems to have worked for this ponga with a 1.5m tall trunk. Fingers crossed anyway. |
