I've often wondered if I added up the number of hours I spend watering the garden each summer, what the exact total would come to? I'm sure the answer would surprise me. Imagine what else I could be doing with that time? Enjoying a well-earned drink on the deck springs to mind.That's why I like plants and flowers that tend to look after themselves. Like the colourful gazania, for example. This Southern-African native prefers conditions that are hot, dry, windy and sunny - the perfect plant for a long New Zealand summer.

Because of this, it's best to position them in a free draining area -along the side of your house, near your letterbox or, if you're lucky enough, outside your beach house.

Gazania will add a splash of summer colour, producing flowers in hot shades of orange, red, yellow and cream - colours that also look stunning in pots. In fact, they're perfect for the deck as you can leave them to go about the business of flowering, without the need for watering.

Sound like the perfect plant for you? Grab some Awapuni gazania seedlings from your local supermarket or Bunnings. Look out for the fiery Kiss Orange Flame and Kiss Rose, as well as our mixed variety. Alternatively, head to our online store and get them delivered straight to your door.

When planting, choose an area with soil that is well drained, rather than hard and wet. Dig a hole and pop in your seedling. Plant your seedlings quite close together - about 200mm apart - as they don't tend to spread too far outwards when they grow. It's also the perfect distance for covering any gaps should any of the plants fail to prosper.

In around six to eight weeks you should be enjoying a flurry of hot, summer colour that will last the whole season. Best admired on the patio with a drink.