RED BEECH - THE PRESS PLANT OF THE MONTH JULY 2009

In 1850, a Dutch botanist noticed beech trees in the southern hemisphere were different from northern species and named our southern hemisphere beauties Nothofagus - meaning 'false beech'.  However unfortunate the name, at Gardening Solutionz our pick of the species is Nothofagus fusca, otherwise known as Red Beech, the largest of the beech species in New Zealand.  Its red wood is compact and strong, thus a firm favourite for woodturners becasue of its colour, character and density.  Once used as mainly structural timber, especially in the Westland goldfields, today you will find its wood prized for its durability and produced into high-end products.

From forests to backyards, this evergreen broadleaf tree provides shelter, screening and structure as an ornamental tree.  Its almost leathery-looking leaves turn from green to bright red during the colder months and will enliven any winter garden.  Nothofagus fusca is best suited to a backdrop for a native garden.  An underplanting of Phormium 'Black Rage, or 'Dark Delight', the dramatic silver leafed Astelia 'Silver Spear' and popular Viburnum davidii will provide extra effect.  For height and colour in a native garden Nothofagus fusca is just the ticket.

Gardening Solutionz in association with The Press have five Nothofagus fusca plants to give away.  To enter, write you name and address on the back of an envelope and send it to Red Beech Giveaway, Press Gardening, PO Box 1005, Christchurch 8140, before noon on Wednesday 8th July 2009.

Congratulations to Ray Grigg, Renee Hadlow, C Wilson, M Gill and Moira Dodgshun who have each won a Nothofagus fusca - your plants have been couriered to you.