The Christchurch City and Lowland Canterbury Streamside Planting Guide [PDF, 887 KB] provides information on what plant species are preferred by Council within riparian margins.
These plant species are specific to the local climate (e.g. windy or frosty) and the specific zones of the riparian margin (e.g. lower bank and upper bank).
The guide will help you know what to plant where, and how to plant and maintain your vegetation. You will be contributing to a more natural and sustainable Christchurch.
How to use the guide
- Look at the stream profile and decide which zone you want to plant (e.g. lower bank)
- Chose species from the list of suitable plants for the zone you have chosen; the profile diagrams show the plant forms and preferred positioning for planting
- Check the comments about the plant so that you get the shade, moisture and shelter conditions just right for the plants you have selected
- Follow the ten steps to planting and maintaining your riparian vegetation.
There are a number of nurseries in Canterbury that stock locally sourced plants, including the Department of Conservation's Motukarara Conservation Nursery, Southern Woods Nursery Limited, Wai-ora Forest Landscape Nursery and Trees for Canterbury.
