Sponsored: Winter Wonders: Why June is the Perfect Time to Garden

At Selmes Garden Centre, we believe winter isn’t downtime—it’s prime time for smart gardening. June offers cooler weather and moist soil, making it the best time to plant, prepare, and plan. Whether you’re starting fresh or fine-tuning a well-loved garden, there’s plenty to do—and we’re here to help. So, where should you start this winter?

Plant Trees AND Shrubs Now
Winter planting gives trees and shrubs a stress-free start. Roots grow quietly through the colder months, ready to burst into action come spring. Our top picks: natives like kānuka and coprosma, fruit trees, and tough evergreens for structure.

Add Colour with Winter Bloomers
Brighten grey days with hellebores, cyclamen, polyanthus, and calendula. These hardy heroes thrive in cool weather and add cheerful pops of colour to borders, pots, and paths.

Grow Winter Edibles
It’s not too late to plant brassicas (like kale, cabbage, and broccoli), garlic, and broad beans. Use winter to keep your garden productive and your table full of fresh, homegrown food.

Mulch and Protect
A layer of mulch keeps roots warm, suppresses weeds, and enriches your soil over time. Use pea straw, bark, or compost, especially around young trees and veg beds.

Prune for Shape and Health
Tidy deciduous trees and roses while they’re dormant. Pruning now improves airflow, encourages stronger spring growth, and helps prevent disease.

And here’s the best part…Our HUGE June Plant Sale starts this weekend! Get hundreds of plants for only $2, large trees for just $25, and heaps of bargains across natives, ornamentals, veggies, and more. It’s the perfect time to invest in your garden—without breaking the bank.

Let your friends know—there’s something for everyone, whether you’re planting your first potted herb or overhauling an entire section. Every purchase helps support the Selmes Garden Charitable Trust which helps cultivate inclusive work, skills training and a sense of belonging and empowerment for disabled people in Marlborough.

So bring a friend, grab a trolley, and make the most of winter gardening. With the right plants, a little care, and a few good bargains, your garden can thrive all year round. See you at Selmes Garden Centre this weekend—your oasis starts here.