Christmas in New Zealand is summer and everywhere around the coast you will see Metrosideros excelsa, the pohutakawa, in bloom. It’s relative, M. polymorpha, is native to Hawaii and can also be seen planted around Mission Bay in San Diego.
This is my attempt at mixing it up in the vegetable garden. How many different vegetables do you see? I’ve noticed that some plants enjoy some extra shade that the understory provides. I also seem to have fewer insect pests. post from B.Bennett