Wildflowers of the Manawatu and Whanganui Regions

As a wildflower enthusiast and keen amateur botanist, Arthur Bennett aims to capture, and convey to a wider audience, the pleasure that can be had from observing wildflowers.

Immigrating to New Zealand almost 60 years ago, Bennett admits that, although he has put down roots and acclimatised, he will never be regarded as a native. He finds a parallel in the plants that have colonised the nooks and crannies of our urban environment. Some of these plants have been here for hundreds of years, but are often regarded as weeds. The author aims to change this attitude, and encourages the admiration of introduced plants for their resilience and adaptability, as well as an appreciation of their beauty.

The majority of wildflowers in Wildflowers of the Manawatu and Whanganui Regions were observed on walks around Palmerston North, in reserves and on the banks of the Manawatu River. A few were observed a little further afield in Ashurst, Bulls or even Foxton Beach. Observing these areas for a full year, the author has revealed the delight of seasonal flowering, particularly from some of our winter-flowering floral immigrants.

Enjoy all our wildflowers, each in its season, and you will probably enjoy them a little bit more if you know what you are looking at!