Tim from WCC suggested on the NZ Epiphyte Network FB page that adding epiphytes into your backyard would take this local biodiversity to the 'next level'.
Well why not? We've heard a little about garden epiphytes in this post but have not yet discussed the possible methods for adding to your own arboreal vista!
In 2012 the University of Waikato set up a small trial of epiphyte reintroductions into Hamilton bush patches. Fiona, Rachel and myself planted tawhiri karo (Pittosporum cornifolium) and puka (Griselinia lucida) in a range of host trees using wire netting and sphagnum moss. The goal was to find out if they would survive and whether they would flower and fruit successfully and the methods were inspired by work of Bruce Burns & colleagues. Here are a few pictures of the process:
- Have you successfully established epiphytic species?
- How did you do it? What worked well?
- Where can we (legally and sensibly) source plants or seeds?
I look forward to your thoughts :)