In the Garden
Legionnaires' disease
Gardening is an enjoyable and healthy pastime. However each year a few gardeners contract legionnaires' disease. There are simple steps you can take to lessen the risk.
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Gardening is an enjoyable and healthy pastime. However each year a few gardeners contract legionnaires' disease. There are simple steps you can take to lessen the risk.
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Home harvest apples
From March to May apple trees are laden with ripening fruit. It's time to get planning and planting. Fruit trees arrive in garden centres in autumn and early winter.
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From March to May apple trees are laden with ripening fruit. It's time to get planning and planting. Fruit trees arrive in garden centres in autumn and early winter.
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Kids Go Gardening Autumn
It's school holiday time so get the kids creating with the latest issue of the Kids Go Gardening mini magazine.
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It's school holiday time so get the kids creating with the latest issue of the Kids Go Gardening mini magazine.
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Living walls
Beautiful hedges are key to year-round structure, dividing one garden room from the next and smartly defining the lines between lawns and garden beds.
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Beautiful hedges are key to year-round structure, dividing one garden room from the next and smartly defining the lines between lawns and garden beds.
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Through the seasons
A treasure trove for plant lovers lies in one of Taranaki's most cherished gardens. Sue Linn visits Riverlea.
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A treasure trove for plant lovers lies in one of Taranaki's most cherished gardens. Sue Linn visits Riverlea.
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Trees for urban spaces
Long lived, climate tolerant trees and shrubs are key ingredients in a resilient, hardwearing garden that looks great all year round.
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Long lived, climate tolerant trees and shrubs are key ingredients in a resilient, hardwearing garden that looks great all year round.
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A lawn to love
A long hot summer leaves most lawns looking worse for wear. It's time for some renovation that will soon have lawns looking loved again.
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A long hot summer leaves most lawns looking worse for wear. It's time for some renovation that will soon have lawns looking loved again.
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Autumn is planting time
Warm soil and cooling air spell perfect growing conditions for almost everything in the garden. Make the most of mellow Autumn weather and get planting!
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Warm soil and cooling air spell perfect growing conditions for almost everything in the garden. Make the most of mellow Autumn weather and get planting!
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Awesome Autumn
Autumn is a rewarding time in the vege garden with both harvesting and new planting to enjoy.
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Autumn is a rewarding time in the vege garden with both harvesting and new planting to enjoy.
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Changing seasons
When the calendar turns to March, autumn has officially arrived and it's the exciting beginning of a brand new planting season.
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When the calendar turns to March, autumn has officially arrived and it's the exciting beginning of a brand new planting season.
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Chewy Chocolate Zucchini Slice
If you've a problem with too many zucchinis, larger ones can be grated to make a chocolate zucchini cake. Here's the recipe for Chewy Chocolate Zucchini Slice.
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If you've a problem with too many zucchinis, larger ones can be grated to make a chocolate zucchini cake. Here's the recipe for Chewy Chocolate Zucchini Slice.
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Form and function
Autumn is planting time for the trees, shrubs and hedges that form the backbone of a garden and bring about the most comfortable and inviting of outdoor living spaces.
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Autumn is planting time for the trees, shrubs and hedges that form the backbone of a garden and bring about the most comfortable and inviting of outdoor living spaces.
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Full of flavour
Easy-care feijoa trees produce bucket loads of healthy autumn and winter fruit - year after year.
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Easy-care feijoa trees produce bucket loads of healthy autumn and winter fruit - year after year.
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Future food forest
Imagine having fruit to pick from your garden 365 days of the year. With careful planning its more than possible, even in a town sized garden.
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Imagine having fruit to pick from your garden 365 days of the year. With careful planning its more than possible, even in a town sized garden.
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Gardening with herbs
Home grown herbs provide a constantly available source of fresh culinary flavouring, which can be used with a wide variety of foods. They are also attractive plants for the garden and are easy to grow.
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Home grown herbs provide a constantly available source of fresh culinary flavouring, which can be used with a wide variety of foods. They are also attractive plants for the garden and are easy to grow.
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Go for green - autumn lawn tips
A smooth, rich green lawn can lift the look of the entire garden and is a surefire way to increase the value of your property but after a long hot summer many lawns are far from green.
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A smooth, rich green lawn can lift the look of the entire garden and is a surefire way to increase the value of your property but after a long hot summer many lawns are far from green.
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Harvest time
Autumn is the season to celebrate nature's abundance. Whether we grow our own or visit the market while prices are low, it's time to make the most of a profusion of fruit and vegetables that can sustain us through the winter months.
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Autumn is the season to celebrate nature's abundance. Whether we grow our own or visit the market while prices are low, it's time to make the most of a profusion of fruit and vegetables that can sustain us through the winter months.
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Kids Go Gardening - peas in a pod
There's nothing like eating peas straight from the garden - just pop a pod open to find the sweet green peas inside. Grow your own delicious peas to pick and eat.
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There's nothing like eating peas straight from the garden - just pop a pod open to find the sweet green peas inside. Grow your own delicious peas to pick and eat.
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Kids Go Gardening - spring flowering bulbs
Everyone loves daffodils and tulips. But if you want to have them in your garden you have to plant them in autumn.
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Everyone loves daffodils and tulips. But if you want to have them in your garden you have to plant them in autumn.
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Love your lawn this autumn
A lovely lawn gives a feeling of peace and comfort. Autumn is a great time to give your lawn the love it deserves, and the very best time to create a lovely new lawn.
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A lovely lawn gives a feeling of peace and comfort. Autumn is a great time to give your lawn the love it deserves, and the very best time to create a lovely new lawn.
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Make pesto
Don't leave all that lovely basil for Jack Frost. Turn it into pesto for the freezer so you can enjoy the flavour all through winter in soups and snacks. Parsley, rocket and coriander also make great pesto. For an easy recipe
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Don't leave all that lovely basil for Jack Frost. Turn it into pesto for the freezer so you can enjoy the flavour all through winter in soups and snacks. Parsley, rocket and coriander also make great pesto. For an easy recipe
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Nature's planting time
With cool air and warm, rain-soaked soil that's easy to dig, autumn is a great time to be outside planting.
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With cool air and warm, rain-soaked soil that's easy to dig, autumn is a great time to be outside planting.
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Nature's planting time
For anyone who enjoys the creativity inherent in gardening, autumn is the season to relish. It's the ideal time to indulge in planting just about everything.
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For anyone who enjoys the creativity inherent in gardening, autumn is the season to relish. It's the ideal time to indulge in planting just about everything.
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Planting a winter garden
Getting seedlings in the ground early, while the soil is still warm enough for active growth, is the key to a productive winter vege patch.
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Getting seedlings in the ground early, while the soil is still warm enough for active growth, is the key to a productive winter vege patch.
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Reap what you sow!
Autumn in the vege garden - Summer's end brings no time for slacking, there's plenty to keep us busy in the autumn vege patch.
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Autumn in the vege garden - Summer's end brings no time for slacking, there's plenty to keep us busy in the autumn vege patch.
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Silverbeet - the humble hero
Silverbeet is versatile and easy. Sow or plant this healthy staple regularly and you'll never be without fresh greens to eat. Sue Linn tells us how
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Silverbeet is versatile and easy. Sow or plant this healthy staple regularly and you'll never be without fresh greens to eat. Sue Linn tells us how
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Soul food
Autumn is planting time for the nutrient-dense vegetables that sustain us through winter and early spring.
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Autumn is planting time for the nutrient-dense vegetables that sustain us through winter and early spring.
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Spring bulbs A to Z
Get busy planting bulbs in autumn, so come spring, you'll have beautiful flowers to enjoy outdoors, and some more to pick.
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Get busy planting bulbs in autumn, so come spring, you'll have beautiful flowers to enjoy outdoors, and some more to pick.
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Spring in a pot
There is nothing like a flourish of flowering bulbs to celebrate the arrival of spring. Such beauty is easy to create, especially when you plant your bulbs in pots.
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There is nothing like a flourish of flowering bulbs to celebrate the arrival of spring. Such beauty is easy to create, especially when you plant your bulbs in pots.
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The sweet promise of spring
Take some little brown bulbs and plant them in some well-drained soil. In just a few months time nature's little brown parcels will morph into a magnificent bloom.
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Take some little brown bulbs and plant them in some well-drained soil. In just a few months time nature's little brown parcels will morph into a magnificent bloom.
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Top tasks for autumn
Autumn is planting time for almost everything you could want to plant, but it is the very best time to sow new lawns and to plant trees, and the only time to plant spring flowering bulbs.
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Autumn is planting time for almost everything you could want to plant, but it is the very best time to sow new lawns and to plant trees, and the only time to plant spring flowering bulbs.
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9 reasons to plant roses
Who can resist a beautiful rose? Their sheer beauty is reason enough to plant more of them. But roses are functional too with something for every purpose. It's time to plant them now.
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Who can resist a beautiful rose? Their sheer beauty is reason enough to plant more of them. But roses are functional too with something for every purpose. It's time to plant them now.
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A lemon a day
Winter is peak harvest time for citrus trees, so it's worth preserving a winter abundance for later use. Meryn Wakelin wouldn't waste a single lemon
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Winter is peak harvest time for citrus trees, so it's worth preserving a winter abundance for later use. Meryn Wakelin wouldn't waste a single lemon
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Above ground
Lifting a garden above ground level provides many benefits. From the plant's point of view, there is improved drainage and soil that warms up faster in spring. For the gardener, raised beds offer a more comfortable experience when planting, weeding and harvesting.
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Lifting a garden above ground level provides many benefits. From the plant's point of view, there is improved drainage and soil that warms up faster in spring. For the gardener, raised beds offer a more comfortable experience when planting, weeding and harvesting.
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Beat the chill
Whether you live in the subtropical north, the snowy south or somewhere in between, planting a garden with winter in mind can turn the chilly season into a time of great delight.
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Whether you live in the subtropical north, the snowy south or somewhere in between, planting a garden with winter in mind can turn the chilly season into a time of great delight.
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Bold and beautiful
Late winter is planting time for two classic summer flowers. Both are excellent for picking. Dahlia tubers and gladioli corms arrive in garden centres in July and August.
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Late winter is planting time for two classic summer flowers. Both are excellent for picking. Dahlia tubers and gladioli corms arrive in garden centres in July and August.
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Brassica recipes
For anyone turned off brassicas in childhood, overcooking has got to be the number one culprit. A minute or two is all it takes to steam a sweet crunchy side dish.
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For anyone turned off brassicas in childhood, overcooking has got to be the number one culprit. A minute or two is all it takes to steam a sweet crunchy side dish.
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Bringing nature indoors
Along with the retro revival of all things mid-century, houseplants are making a big comeback in fashionable living spaces worldwide. This all bodes well for happy, healthy homes
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Along with the retro revival of all things mid-century, houseplants are making a big comeback in fashionable living spaces worldwide. This all bodes well for happy, healthy homes
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Citrus - winter's golden glow
A citrus tree in the garden is a beautiful thing, offering not only colourful fruit but fragrant blossoms too, and attractive foliage throughout the year.
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A citrus tree in the garden is a beautiful thing, offering not only colourful fruit but fragrant blossoms too, and attractive foliage throughout the year.
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Cool colour in containers
When shorter days mean less time outside it makes sense to bring nature closer, making the most of potted plants in and around the home.
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When shorter days mean less time outside it makes sense to bring nature closer, making the most of potted plants in and around the home.
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Cool weather classics
If you want something that lasts longer than a bunch of cut flowers, you can't beat a beautiful flowering cyclamen for the cooler months of the year.
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If you want something that lasts longer than a bunch of cut flowers, you can't beat a beautiful flowering cyclamen for the cooler months of the year.
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Dream flowers
The world's most romantic bloom deserves a spot in every garden. Whether you want to grow a single variety for picking, or make them your main event, there is always a way to make room for roses.
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The world's most romantic bloom deserves a spot in every garden. Whether you want to grow a single variety for picking, or make them your main event, there is always a way to make room for roses.
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Fabulously fragrant
A perfumed garden is one of the great joys of spring time. These wonderful selections bred by renowned New Zealand plantsman Mark Jury will fill your spring spaces with enchanting flowers and intoxicating fragrance.
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A perfumed garden is one of the great joys of spring time. These wonderful selections bred by renowned New Zealand plantsman Mark Jury will fill your spring spaces with enchanting flowers and intoxicating fragrance.
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Fast and fabulous
A beginners guide to hardy annuals. What costs less than a takeaway coffee but will brighten your days for six months or more? A takeaway punnet of flowering annuals!
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A beginners guide to hardy annuals. What costs less than a takeaway coffee but will brighten your days for six months or more? A takeaway punnet of flowering annuals!
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Feathered friends
Sitting quietly outdoors in a favourite spot is made extra special when wildlife comes visiting. During winter, birds usual supply of food from trees can be in short supply, so supplementary feeding is a great way to encourage them to stay around.
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Sitting quietly outdoors in a favourite spot is made extra special when wildlife comes visiting. During winter, birds usual supply of food from trees can be in short supply, so supplementary feeding is a great way to encourage them to stay around.
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Food for free
An initial investment in your garden and keeping on top of seasonal tasks can lead to many years of free food in abundance from your own back yard.
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An initial investment in your garden and keeping on top of seasonal tasks can lead to many years of free food in abundance from your own back yard.
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Go nuts!
You may only have space for one kind of nut, but the good news is that nut trees give us more than just nuts. They also provide shade, shelter and beauty.
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You may only have space for one kind of nut, but the good news is that nut trees give us more than just nuts. They also provide shade, shelter and beauty.
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How to make sauerkraut
Man has been preparing and eating fermented foods for thousands of years and around the world today many cultures understand the great and varied health benefits of including fermented foods in their daily diet.
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Man has been preparing and eating fermented foods for thousands of years and around the world today many cultures understand the great and varied health benefits of including fermented foods in their daily diet.
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Indoor styling with plants
Plants add instant style and grace to living spaces, both indoors and out. Indoor plant specialist, Miriam Manley of Welcome Bay offers some timely advice.
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Plants add instant style and grace to living spaces, both indoors and out. Indoor plant specialist, Miriam Manley of Welcome Bay offers some timely advice.
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Multi-talented camellias
They're like the roses of winter. There is no doubting the beauty of camellia flowers; their shapes, colours and perfumes. But in a world not short of spectacular blooms, camellias offer so much more
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They're like the roses of winter. There is no doubting the beauty of camellia flowers; their shapes, colours and perfumes. But in a world not short of spectacular blooms, camellias offer so much more
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Planning a backyard orchard
Fruit picked from your own backyard is the freshest and healthiest of all, saving money on groceries while providing convenient, safe and seasonal food.
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Fruit picked from your own backyard is the freshest and healthiest of all, saving money on groceries while providing convenient, safe and seasonal food.
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Precious vessels
Whether you want a colourful makeover or to grow your own food, container gardening makes sense on many levels, especially in winter.
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Whether you want a colourful makeover or to grow your own food, container gardening makes sense on many levels, especially in winter.
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Pride of the patch
Cabbages can be grown 365 days of the year, but they are particularly rewarding in winter when the cooler temperatures turn them sweeter than ever.
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Cabbages can be grown 365 days of the year, but they are particularly rewarding in winter when the cooler temperatures turn them sweeter than ever.
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Super fruit
Late autumn and winter is planting time for a wide range of fruit trees and bushes, espcecially deciduous ones which are best planted while they're dormant. If you fancy boosting your backyard harvest, now is the time to get planting.
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Late autumn and winter is planting time for a wide range of fruit trees and bushes, espcecially deciduous ones which are best planted while they're dormant. If you fancy boosting your backyard harvest, now is the time to get planting.
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Ten reasons to plant trees
On Arbor Day in June, New Zealanders are encouraged to plant and care for trees. Celebrate by getting involved in a community planting project or planting a tree of your own.
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On Arbor Day in June, New Zealanders are encouraged to plant and care for trees. Celebrate by getting involved in a community planting project or planting a tree of your own.
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The 3 P's for quick winter colour
Flowering annuals are especially valuable over the cooler months of the year, bringing cheerful colour when there are few other flowers around.
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Flowering annuals are especially valuable over the cooler months of the year, bringing cheerful colour when there are few other flowers around.
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The essential lemon tree
The trusty lemon fulfills all manner of culinary needs; from marinades to dressings, to lemonade for summer and hot soothing drinks for winter. And only lemon rivals chocolate in the most heavenly of desserts.
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The trusty lemon fulfills all manner of culinary needs; from marinades to dressings, to lemonade for summer and hot soothing drinks for winter. And only lemon rivals chocolate in the most heavenly of desserts.
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The fruitful garden
A well planned and maintained fruit garden can be a fantastic asset, saving money spent on groceries while providing convenient, safe and healthy seasonal food.
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A well planned and maintained fruit garden can be a fantastic asset, saving money spent on groceries while providing convenient, safe and healthy seasonal food.
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The Seven Dwarves
The joy of home grown fruit isn't just for big backyards thanks to today's dwarf fruit trees. When renting restricts us to gardening in moveable pots, dwarf fruit varieties tick that box too.
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The joy of home grown fruit isn't just for big backyards thanks to today's dwarf fruit trees. When renting restricts us to gardening in moveable pots, dwarf fruit varieties tick that box too.
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Winter charm
Whether it's the view from your living room or a vase filled with flowers from your garden, winter is never dull when you plant some of these beauties.
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Whether it's the view from your living room or a vase filled with flowers from your garden, winter is never dull when you plant some of these beauties.
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Winter rose care
Roses that are well cared for in winter will reward you with splendid blooms in spring and summer. Focus this season on the four 'P's, prepare, purchase, plant and prune.
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Roses that are well cared for in winter will reward you with splendid blooms in spring and summer. Focus this season on the four 'P's, prepare, purchase, plant and prune.
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10 crops for Christmas
The arrival of spring is warmly welcomed. It's the perfect time to grab a spade and start growing vegetables for the new season. However caution should be exercised
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The arrival of spring is warmly welcomed. It's the perfect time to grab a spade and start growing vegetables for the new season. However caution should be exercised
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Edibles in containers
Strawberries don't just look pretty cascading over the edge of pots, tubs and planter boxes. They thrive - because perfect drainage is essential if you want to grow strawberries successfully
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Strawberries don't just look pretty cascading over the edge of pots, tubs and planter boxes. They thrive - because perfect drainage is essential if you want to grow strawberries successfully
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For the love of colour
There's no season like spring to inspire the gardener that's in all of us. Now's the time to create a flower garden that will bring out the artist in you
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There's no season like spring to inspire the gardener that's in all of us. Now's the time to create a flower garden that will bring out the artist in you
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Growing a fresh spring crunch
After a winter of hearty comfort food, the desire for something with crunch becomes more like a craving. Here's how to grow a non-stop supply of fresh salad greens.
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After a winter of hearty comfort food, the desire for something with crunch becomes more like a craving. Here's how to grow a non-stop supply of fresh salad greens.
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Growing azaleas and rhododendrons
Azaleas and Rhododendrons are versatile shrubs with dazzling displays of flowers from late winter to early summer, and a variety of foliage and growth forms.
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Azaleas and Rhododendrons are versatile shrubs with dazzling displays of flowers from late winter to early summer, and a variety of foliage and growth forms.
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Inspired by nature - creating with flowers
Spring is all about colour. Whether it's filling pots with flowers that continue from now until next winter or planting something more permanent, getting creative with flowers is one of the great pleasures of the new season.
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Spring is all about colour. Whether it's filling pots with flowers that continue from now until next winter or planting something more permanent, getting creative with flowers is one of the great pleasures of the new season.
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Kids Go Gardening - plants that climb
Plants that climb are called vines. Some of them grow super-fast from a seed and will give you lots of fruit to eat or flowers to pick by the end of summer.
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Plants that climb are called vines. Some of them grow super-fast from a seed and will give you lots of fruit to eat or flowers to pick by the end of summer.
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Kids Go Gardening - buried treasure!
Sprinkle some tiny carrots seeds on the soil. Wait for their feathery green leaves to sprout from the earth and watch them grow into the best carrots you've ever tasted!
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Sprinkle some tiny carrots seeds on the soil. Wait for their feathery green leaves to sprout from the earth and watch them grow into the best carrots you've ever tasted!
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Kids Go Gardening - earth works!
Dig a patch of soil and count the worms. How many can you find? Lots of earthworms is a sign of healthy soil.
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Dig a patch of soil and count the worms. How many can you find? Lots of earthworms is a sign of healthy soil.
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Kids Go Gardening - grow kumara
When it's too cold for planting outside, get busy indoors. Kumara (or 'sweet potatoes') are tropical plants which only grow outside when it's warm, but you can give them a head start by starting them off in a warm sunny room indoors.
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When it's too cold for planting outside, get busy indoors. Kumara (or 'sweet potatoes') are tropical plants which only grow outside when it's warm, but you can give them a head start by starting them off in a warm sunny room indoors.
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Kids Go Gardening - happy habitats
Growing flowers and building shelters is taking care of nature!
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Growing flowers and building shelters is taking care of nature!
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Kids Go Gardening - like magic!
Grow seedlings in little pots for planting outside later. It's a great way to start summer plants like tomatoes and cucumbers which need to be kept warm until the weather is warm enough.
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Grow seedlings in little pots for planting outside later. It's a great way to start summer plants like tomatoes and cucumbers which need to be kept warm until the weather is warm enough.
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Life inside - success with houseplants
Connecting with nature doesn't just happen outside. More and more of us are discovering and rediscovering the simple joy of co-habiting with plants.
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Connecting with nature doesn't just happen outside. More and more of us are discovering and rediscovering the simple joy of co-habiting with plants.
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More colour, less fuss
Nothing says spring like a garden full of flowers. Keeping up the colour right through spring, summer and autumn is easy to achieve with so many long flowering modern hybrids at our disposal.
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Nothing says spring like a garden full of flowers. Keeping up the colour right through spring, summer and autumn is easy to achieve with so many long flowering modern hybrids at our disposal.
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Nutrition on a shoestring
The very best food for health and well-being is the sort that grows in a garden. Food picked fresh from the garden contains the most nutrients and it's super convenient, saving time with fewer trips to the supermarket.
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The very best food for health and well-being is the sort that grows in a garden. Food picked fresh from the garden contains the most nutrients and it's super convenient, saving time with fewer trips to the supermarket.
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On home ground
When you want to grow your own food but don't have a large garden, it comes down to getting the most out of the space you have.
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When you want to grow your own food but don't have a large garden, it comes down to getting the most out of the space you have.
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Pansy perfection
Pansies and their smaller viola cousins, have kept up with the times as favourites among flowers that are easy to grow and deliver premium colour on tougher and tougher plants.
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Pansies and their smaller viola cousins, have kept up with the times as favourites among flowers that are easy to grow and deliver premium colour on tougher and tougher plants.
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Playing favourites
Two flower loving horticulturists share some of the spring treasures they wouldn't want to be without in their own gardens.
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Two flower loving horticulturists share some of the spring treasures they wouldn't want to be without in their own gardens.
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Soft furnishings
The art of container gardening - as summer rolls in it's time to brighten outdoor living areas and there's no simpler way to create a welcoming alfresco sanctuary than filling some well placed pots with your favourite flowers and foliage.
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The art of container gardening - as summer rolls in it's time to brighten outdoor living areas and there's no simpler way to create a welcoming alfresco sanctuary than filling some well placed pots with your favourite flowers and foliage.
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Soil builders
Beneath the garden lies a world of its own, a complex network of mineral particles (clay, silt and sand), air and water, and life! The more we nurture the workers that live in our soil, the better our gardens will grow.
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Beneath the garden lies a world of its own, a complex network of mineral particles (clay, silt and sand), air and water, and life! The more we nurture the workers that live in our soil, the better our gardens will grow.
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Spring in the vege patch
12 timely tasks and seed sowing tips to get the best in your vege patch
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12 timely tasks and seed sowing tips to get the best in your vege patch
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Spring time is feeding time
Spring brings warmer longer days and nature literally springs into life. Sap is flowing, buds have burst and seedlings leap into growth. All this activity needs fuel to keep it going.
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Spring brings warmer longer days and nature literally springs into life. Sap is flowing, buds have burst and seedlings leap into growth. All this activity needs fuel to keep it going.
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Steps to a beautiful lawn
As cool green carpet to walk bare-foot in summer or a safe play space for kids and pets, there is nothing quite like a lawn to entice us out into the fresh air and connect with nature.
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As cool green carpet to walk bare-foot in summer or a safe play space for kids and pets, there is nothing quite like a lawn to entice us out into the fresh air and connect with nature.
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Success with Seeds
Be cautious about planting seedlings too early into cold soil, but we can prepare the soil and get seedlings started in a sunny place indoors or under the protective cover of a greenhouse.
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Be cautious about planting seedlings too early into cold soil, but we can prepare the soil and get seedlings started in a sunny place indoors or under the protective cover of a greenhouse.
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Summer from seed
November is planting time for some favourite summer crops. Sarah O'Neil speaks from experience about sowing seed outdoors.
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November is planting time for some favourite summer crops. Sarah O'Neil speaks from experience about sowing seed outdoors.
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The great garden salad
When we grow them at home, our salads are as organic and as fresh as we choose. Fresher than a shop bought 'garden salad' can ever be.
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When we grow them at home, our salads are as organic and as fresh as we choose. Fresher than a shop bought 'garden salad' can ever be.
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The joy of roses
To pick a bunch of fragrant roses from your own garden is one of summer's greatest pleasures, the reward for any effort put in over winter.
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To pick a bunch of fragrant roses from your own garden is one of summer's greatest pleasures, the reward for any effort put in over winter.
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The taste of Summer - tomatoes
As far as Sarah O'Neil is concerned, summer only means one thing - Tomatoes
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As far as Sarah O'Neil is concerned, summer only means one thing - Tomatoes
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Trees and shrubs for all seasons
Gardens are ever changing. They surprise and delight every day of the year. We need plants that look good all year round, but a garden that looks basically the same all year is a missed opportunity.
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Gardens are ever changing. They surprise and delight every day of the year. We need plants that look good all year round, but a garden that looks basically the same all year is a missed opportunity.
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Vintage flowers
Simple flowers that have graced our gardens for centuries owe their long standing popularity as much to their extraordinary functionality as their enduring beauty.
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Simple flowers that have graced our gardens for centuries owe their long standing popularity as much to their extraordinary functionality as their enduring beauty.
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A cucumber a day
Summer brings such simple pleasures - like taking a break on a hot day to munch on a fresh crunchy cucumber picked straight from the garden.
... read more
Summer brings such simple pleasures - like taking a break on a hot day to munch on a fresh crunchy cucumber picked straight from the garden.
... read more
A new lease on life!
Revive, reveamp, repurpose! When it's time to freshen up the home interior, there is great satisfaction in making the most of what we already have. Especially when stretching the budget also helps to minimise our impact on the planet.
... read more
Revive, reveamp, repurpose! When it's time to freshen up the home interior, there is great satisfaction in making the most of what we already have. Especially when stretching the budget also helps to minimise our impact on the planet.
... read more
Battling against bugs
Summer's warm humid conditions are great for plants but also for their foes, both diseases and pests in all their forms.
... read more
Summer's warm humid conditions are great for plants but also for their foes, both diseases and pests in all their forms.
... read more
Be a sun smart gardener
Gardening is a healthy pursuit in so many ways, but it is also an outdoor pursuit. Sue Linn relates how she deals with her love of gardening and being safe in the sun
... read more
Gardening is a healthy pursuit in so many ways, but it is also an outdoor pursuit. Sue Linn relates how she deals with her love of gardening and being safe in the sun
... read more
Bulb time!
Autumn is planting time for flowering bulbs which light up the garden from earliest spring. We check in with a couple of experienced bulb growers for some timely tips and inspiration.
... read more
Autumn is planting time for flowering bulbs which light up the garden from earliest spring. We check in with a couple of experienced bulb growers for some timely tips and inspiration.
... read more
Drought alert!
It's dry out there and your garden will be stressed. Here's 10 tips to help it get through.
... read more
It's dry out there and your garden will be stressed. Here's 10 tips to help it get through.
... read more
Favourite tomato recipes
Here's some tasty ways to enjoy this season's tomato crop - bruchetta, insalata caprese & and healthly homemade ketchup.
... read more
Here's some tasty ways to enjoy this season's tomato crop - bruchetta, insalata caprese & and healthly homemade ketchup.
... read more
Floriferous!
A colourful garden that peaks in high summer is a magnet for beneficial insects and provides loads of flowers for picking. These free-flowering favourites deliver maximum satisfaction for minimal effort.
... read more
A colourful garden that peaks in high summer is a magnet for beneficial insects and provides loads of flowers for picking. These free-flowering favourites deliver maximum satisfaction for minimal effort.
... read more
Fresh start
If winter has had you reaching for the comfort food, spring is the time to turn over a new leaf and plant a garden full of healthy, nutrient dense food.
... read more
If winter has had you reaching for the comfort food, spring is the time to turn over a new leaf and plant a garden full of healthy, nutrient dense food.
... read more
From the patio to the plate
Simply sow some seed in the comfort of a sheltered patio and watch them grow. In a month's time or less, you can be snipping them for dinner without even putting your gumboots on.
... read more
Simply sow some seed in the comfort of a sheltered patio and watch them grow. In a month's time or less, you can be snipping them for dinner without even putting your gumboots on.
... read more
Green screens
Whether you need to screen the neighbours or take the edge off a chilling wind, a leafy wall of native foliage is a very attractive solution.
... read more
Whether you need to screen the neighbours or take the edge off a chilling wind, a leafy wall of native foliage is a very attractive solution.
... read more
Home grown tomatoes
There is no denying the superior taste of a home grown tomato, and those who grow their own enjoy the most exciting smorgasbord of varieties.
... read more
There is no denying the superior taste of a home grown tomato, and those who grow their own enjoy the most exciting smorgasbord of varieties.
... read more
Living art
When an evergreen shrub is sculpted into an interesting or architectural shape, it takes on the role of a garden statue, a focal point or accent amid the free flow forms of grasses or perennials.
... read more
When an evergreen shrub is sculpted into an interesting or architectural shape, it takes on the role of a garden statue, a focal point or accent amid the free flow forms of grasses or perennials.
... read more
Marigolds
Generous, cheerful resilient marigolds are hardy characters who get going when the going gets tough.
... read more
Generous, cheerful resilient marigolds are hardy characters who get going when the going gets tough.
... read more
Neonicotinoid insecticides - discussion
The neonicotinoid group of insecticides have come under scrutiny recently because while not toxic to bees, they appear to cause problems with bee function.
... read more
The neonicotinoid group of insecticides have come under scrutiny recently because while not toxic to bees, they appear to cause problems with bee function.
... read more
No nonsense roses
When it comes to roses, the heart so easily rules the head. But we can all enjoy the world's most romantic flower without pain or hard labour. Sue Linn takes a pragmatic look at roses.
... read more
When it comes to roses, the heart so easily rules the head. But we can all enjoy the world's most romantic flower without pain or hard labour. Sue Linn takes a pragmatic look at roses.
... read more
Non-stop crops - the art of succession planting
For those who love to grow what they eat, the season of plenty has arrived. October is a huge month for planting a huge range of vegetable crops. Almost anything can go in the ground in spring.
... read more
For those who love to grow what they eat, the season of plenty has arrived. October is a huge month for planting a huge range of vegetable crops. Almost anything can go in the ground in spring.
... read more
Pride of the patch
It's planting time for those warm-weather vegetables that will feed the family for six months or more.
... read more
It's planting time for those warm-weather vegetables that will feed the family for six months or more.
... read more
Safer & healthier gardening
Gardening is one of the most popular leisure activities in New Zealand. It lets people enjoy nature and grow their own produce. However, despite its quiet, healthy image, there are some risks involved in gardening. This simple safety guide is designed to help you reduce these risks and get even more enjoyment from your garden.
... read more
Gardening is one of the most popular leisure activities in New Zealand. It lets people enjoy nature and grow their own produce. However, despite its quiet, healthy image, there are some risks involved in gardening. This simple safety guide is designed to help you reduce these risks and get even more enjoyment from your garden.
... read more
Salad days
A salad picked fresh from the garden tastes better and is better for you. For beginner gardeners and those with limited space, green leafy salad vegetables are the way to go!
... read more
A salad picked fresh from the garden tastes better and is better for you. For beginner gardeners and those with limited space, green leafy salad vegetables are the way to go!
... read more
Sow, grow, eat
Apart from the wonderful sense of satisfaction and potential to save money, growing vegetables from seed offers a broad choice of exciting varieties to grow and eat.
... read more
Apart from the wonderful sense of satisfaction and potential to save money, growing vegetables from seed offers a broad choice of exciting varieties to grow and eat.
... read more
Summer colour for butterflies
Load your garden with colourful plants to ensure you have a blazing display to attract as many butterflies as possible.
... read more
Load your garden with colourful plants to ensure you have a blazing display to attract as many butterflies as possible.
... read more
Summer in bloom
These summer flowering perennials are a selection of easy care plants that fill a variety of garden situations.
... read more
These summer flowering perennials are a selection of easy care plants that fill a variety of garden situations.
... read more
Survive and thrive!
As is right and proper in the excitement of spring, planting enthusiasm reaches heady heights and summer crops are well underway in gardens all round the country.
... read more
As is right and proper in the excitement of spring, planting enthusiasm reaches heady heights and summer crops are well underway in gardens all round the country.
... read more
Surviving summer
Early summer rain and warm temperatures see vegetable crops leaping into growth, but as summer progresses there will be hotter drier weather and expanding pest populations.
... read more
Early summer rain and warm temperatures see vegetable crops leaping into growth, but as summer progresses there will be hotter drier weather and expanding pest populations.
... read more
Sweet sensation
Here comes summer and the joy of home grown tomatoes! These days there is a huge range of different varieties to try make growing tomatoes even more fun.
... read more
Here comes summer and the joy of home grown tomatoes! These days there is a huge range of different varieties to try make growing tomatoes even more fun.
... read more
Taking care of tomatoes
At planting time, sturdy young tomato plants show no sign of trouble ahead but wise gardeners are on watch.
... read more
At planting time, sturdy young tomato plants show no sign of trouble ahead but wise gardeners are on watch.
... read more
Taking care of tomatoes
Keeping up with feeding and watering over the coming months will ensure bumper crops of delicious sun-ripened fruit right through till autumn
... read more
Keeping up with feeding and watering over the coming months will ensure bumper crops of delicious sun-ripened fruit right through till autumn
... read more
Talking tomatoes
Tomatoes must be one of the most rewarding summer crops. Get the basics right and we can all grow a crop to be proud of. But it's always useful to talk to someone who's been doing it for years. Sue Linn talks to two experienced tomato enthusiasts.
... read more
Tomatoes must be one of the most rewarding summer crops. Get the basics right and we can all grow a crop to be proud of. But it's always useful to talk to someone who's been doing it for years. Sue Linn talks to two experienced tomato enthusiasts.
... read more
The benefits of beetroot
Highly nutritious beetroot is well worth growing. Naturopath Meryn Wakelin shines the light on this underrated root crop and shares a chocolate cake recipe with a twist
... read more
Highly nutritious beetroot is well worth growing. Naturopath Meryn Wakelin shines the light on this underrated root crop and shares a chocolate cake recipe with a twist
... read more
The cook's garden
Fresh herbs picked fresh from the garden while you cook have the best flavour. Few plants give so much for so little.
... read more
Fresh herbs picked fresh from the garden while you cook have the best flavour. Few plants give so much for so little.
... read more
The sweet taste of Summer
Picture your summer vege garden bursting at the seams with colour, health and vitality. Picking armloads of fresh, sweet homegrown fruit and veges to feed family and friends is one of summer's greatest joys, but there's no time to waste if we're to make the most of the warm months ahead.
... read more
Picture your summer vege garden bursting at the seams with colour, health and vitality. Picking armloads of fresh, sweet homegrown fruit and veges to feed family and friends is one of summer's greatest joys, but there's no time to waste if we're to make the most of the warm months ahead.
... read more
The taste of summer
There is something about the strange smell the tomato plant gives off, the scent of anticipation. Soon there will be tomatoes ripening within the branches
... read more
There is something about the strange smell the tomato plant gives off, the scent of anticipation. Soon there will be tomatoes ripening within the branches
... read more
The world smiles in daisies
Simple sun-loving daisies are among the most prolific summer flowers. These easy-going, easy to grow plants provide lashings of colour and bees love them too.
... read more
Simple sun-loving daisies are among the most prolific summer flowers. These easy-going, easy to grow plants provide lashings of colour and bees love them too.
... read more
Tomatoes with Sarah
Sarah O'Neil reflects on the trials and tribulations of learning how to grow tomatoes
... read more
Sarah O'Neil reflects on the trials and tribulations of learning how to grow tomatoes
... read more
Vine ripe
Growing tomatoes is a bit like fishing - everyone has a story. Talking to experienced gardeners is a great way to learn new tricks, but as all those stories indicate, there are lots of pathways to the perfect tomato.
... read more
Growing tomatoes is a bit like fishing - everyone has a story. Talking to experienced gardeners is a great way to learn new tricks, but as all those stories indicate, there are lots of pathways to the perfect tomato.
... read more
Zucchini pesto 'pasta'
If you can keep up with picking the best way to eat your zucchini is small and straight after harvest.
... read more
If you can keep up with picking the best way to eat your zucchini is small and straight after harvest.
... read more
A Daphne fit for a princess!
Daphne Perfume Princess™ is the earliest and longest flowering of all daphnes, with the largest flowers and, as a bonus, she's super easy to grow.
... read more
Daphne Perfume Princess™ is the earliest and longest flowering of all daphnes, with the largest flowers and, as a bonus, she's super easy to grow.
... read more
Absolutely fabulous foliage plants
Pacific Coprosmas are extraordinary foliage plants with that rare mixture of presence, dependability and fabulous looks
... read more
Pacific Coprosmas are extraordinary foliage plants with that rare mixture of presence, dependability and fabulous looks
... read more
Berry delight
Beautiful perennial 'Berry Delight' nemesias are another exciting feature for the spring cottage garden, hanging baskets and pots. Those magical early spring blooms are now bigger and more fragrant than ever.
... read more
Beautiful perennial 'Berry Delight' nemesias are another exciting feature for the spring cottage garden, hanging baskets and pots. Those magical early spring blooms are now bigger and more fragrant than ever.
... read more
Bite sized
We know it's good for them, but getting children excited about fresh fruit can be trying. One time-honoured approach is to think bite-sized portions for pint-sized people. These colourful mini fruits from Waimea Nurseries are child friendly, tasty and easy to grow, perfect for a family garden.
... read more
We know it's good for them, but getting children excited about fresh fruit can be trying. One time-honoured approach is to think bite-sized portions for pint-sized people. These colourful mini fruits from Waimea Nurseries are child friendly, tasty and easy to grow, perfect for a family garden.
... read more
Bright sparks
Contrasting textures of green on green is key to creating a fantastic all season garden. And adding a splash of variegated foliage is like turning the lights on, especially on dull winter days.
... read more
Contrasting textures of green on green is key to creating a fantastic all season garden. And adding a splash of variegated foliage is like turning the lights on, especially on dull winter days.
... read more
Colourful Pacific™ Coprosmas
Pacific™ Coprosmas are easy care, colourful, year-round showstoppers and make perfect edging/hedging plants.
... read more
Pacific™ Coprosmas are easy care, colourful, year-round showstoppers and make perfect edging/hedging plants.
... read more
Container culture
When your outdoor space is tiny or temporary, container gardening is a great way to grow. Even for those with dirt to dig, planting a few edibles in pots makes good sense when it's cold and wet out there
... read more
When your outdoor space is tiny or temporary, container gardening is a great way to grow. Even for those with dirt to dig, planting a few edibles in pots makes good sense when it's cold and wet out there
... read more
Cool classic
A bit like the black dress, the 'white garden' has a crisp elegance that never goes out of fashion. Its quiet simplicity comes to life in shady areas and at night when the flowers shine out in the moonlight.
... read more
A bit like the black dress, the 'white garden' has a crisp elegance that never goes out of fashion. Its quiet simplicity comes to life in shady areas and at night when the flowers shine out in the moonlight.
... read more
Creating a buzz
Rich colours, special markings,and an extra long flowering season make Cha Cha Penstemons a top choice for both gardeners and bees!
... read more
Rich colours, special markings,and an extra long flowering season make Cha Cha Penstemons a top choice for both gardeners and bees!
... read more
Dahlia Dreamy Series™
A new range of hardy dahlias on darkest foliage with lovely bronze flower buds in several vibrant colours. These are bred to stand up to the elements: The wild weather won't deter these summer beauties.
... read more
A new range of hardy dahlias on darkest foliage with lovely bronze flower buds in several vibrant colours. These are bred to stand up to the elements: The wild weather won't deter these summer beauties.
... read more
Dark & tempting Tuxedo® Hydrangeas!
Tuxedo® hydrangeas stand out from all other hydrangeas with their lovely dark purple/black flushed leaves, which make anyone do a double take.
... read more
Tuxedo® hydrangeas stand out from all other hydrangeas with their lovely dark purple/black flushed leaves, which make anyone do a double take.
... read more
Designing with flowers
If colour is your thing, or if you love to keep your vases full of flowers, modern breeding has delivered a plethora of plants that deliver bloom after bloom in the hottest months of year. Master the art of planting a garden that keeps on giving throughout summer and beyond.
... read more
If colour is your thing, or if you love to keep your vases full of flowers, modern breeding has delivered a plethora of plants that deliver bloom after bloom in the hottest months of year. Master the art of planting a garden that keeps on giving throughout summer and beyond.
... read more
Downsizing
Whether home is an apartment, retirement unit or town house, Heuchera 'Cuties' fit perfectly into a smaller garden
... read more
Whether home is an apartment, retirement unit or town house, Heuchera 'Cuties' fit perfectly into a smaller garden
... read more
Easy on the eye
Flowering perfection in a rainbow of colours. New Alstromerias perfect for pots and the garden.
... read more
Flowering perfection in a rainbow of colours. New Alstromerias perfect for pots and the garden.
... read more
Environmentally safe Agapanthus
Agapanthus are often looked on as a weedy plant but there are a new generation of agapanthus available that don't spread themselves around.
... read more
Agapanthus are often looked on as a weedy plant but there are a new generation of agapanthus available that don't spread themselves around.
... read more
Fabulous Five
Houseplants remain firmly on trend as a new generation of indoor gardeners adopt and nurture their plant pets. Expert house plant growers Gellerts tell us their top sellers, and how to keep them looking fabulous.
... read more
Houseplants remain firmly on trend as a new generation of indoor gardeners adopt and nurture their plant pets. Expert house plant growers Gellerts tell us their top sellers, and how to keep them looking fabulous.
... read more
Fabulous Flower Carpet™ Roses
Flower Carpet™ roses are easy to care for, disease resistant & drought tolerant. And these floriferous beauties are now available in 10 colours!
... read more
Flower Carpet™ roses are easy to care for, disease resistant & drought tolerant. And these floriferous beauties are now available in 10 colours!
... read more
Fairy Magnolias™ are magical!
Fairy Magnolias™ aren't like any other magnolia. They are bushy & evergreen. They cover themselves in a blanket of fragrant flowers in spring, and grow quickly & easily. This magical plant is available in three colours.
... read more
Fairy Magnolias™ aren't like any other magnolia. They are bushy & evergreen. They cover themselves in a blanket of fragrant flowers in spring, and grow quickly & easily. This magical plant is available in three colours.
... read more
Flax - Kiwi Icon
For the first New Zealanders it was indispensible; used in clothing, shelter, for catching and storing food, and as medicine. These days flax endures as one of our most important plants
... read more
For the first New Zealanders it was indispensible; used in clothing, shelter, for catching and storing food, and as medicine. These days flax endures as one of our most important plants
... read more
Hall of Fame
Beloved Flower Carpet® Pink rose, the original Flower Carpet rose, receives top honours from international rose community.
... read more
Beloved Flower Carpet® Pink rose, the original Flower Carpet rose, receives top honours from international rose community.
... read more
Lavender Ruffles
Fall in love with the impressive Lavender Ruffles series - fragrant, colourful and easy to grow.
... read more
Fall in love with the impressive Lavender Ruffles series - fragrant, colourful and easy to grow.
... read more
Love Me & Leave Me
Going on holiday can cause anxiety. Will plants survive without daily care? However 'Love me and Leave Me' Roses will be just fine.
... read more
Going on holiday can cause anxiety. Will plants survive without daily care? However 'Love me and Leave Me' Roses will be just fine.
... read more
Mini marvel
Stunning new release, Flower Carpet® rose Mini Cherry has petite cherry red blooms set on a low growing habit, ideal for edging pathways or flower borders.
... read more
Stunning new release, Flower Carpet® rose Mini Cherry has petite cherry red blooms set on a low growing habit, ideal for edging pathways or flower borders.
... read more
Nurturing nature
Bringing a gorgeous green baby home from the garden centre comes with certain trepidation. Initially the right amount of light, food and water will maintain that youthful vibrance. But sooner or later all container plants need repotting.
... read more
Bringing a gorgeous green baby home from the garden centre comes with certain trepidation. Initially the right amount of light, food and water will maintain that youthful vibrance. But sooner or later all container plants need repotting.
... read more
Perfectly petunia
How do you like your petunias? Big and blousy or dainty and diminutive? Spreading and tumbling or chunky and upright? Striped, starred, multi-toned or plain? Bright brazen reds, pinks and . . .
... read more
How do you like your petunias? Big and blousy or dainty and diminutive? Spreading and tumbling or chunky and upright? Striped, starred, multi-toned or plain? Bright brazen reds, pinks and . . .
... read more
Plant swan plant seeds early
This time of year is a great time to sow swan plant or milkweed seeds. There is still enough heat to encourage germination and your plants will have a chance to reach a reasonable size before the cold weather slows them down.
... read more
This time of year is a great time to sow swan plant or milkweed seeds. There is still enough heat to encourage germination and your plants will have a chance to reach a reasonable size before the cold weather slows them down.
... read more
Planting for pollinators
Flower gardens are great for the planet's little champions. If you do just one thing this spring, plant a pollinator garden.
... read more
Flower gardens are great for the planet's little champions. If you do just one thing this spring, plant a pollinator garden.
... read more
Pride & passion - New Zealand Christmas trees
Nothing may compare to the pohutukawa or rata tree at your favourite holiday spot, but we can all enjoy a touch of that crimson splendour at home in the garden.
... read more
Nothing may compare to the pohutukawa or rata tree at your favourite holiday spot, but we can all enjoy a touch of that crimson splendour at home in the garden.
... read more
Princess Lavenders
The very best of breeding is bringing the wow factor to outdoor living spaces and lavenders are extending the gardener's design palette with new colours and textures.
... read more
The very best of breeding is bringing the wow factor to outdoor living spaces and lavenders are extending the gardener's design palette with new colours and textures.
... read more
Roll out the Red Carpet, it's SHOWTIME!
The world's favourite romantic bloom really puts on a show when the curtain rises to warm summer weather. Summer is the ultimate time of year for lovers of roses.
... read more
The world's favourite romantic bloom really puts on a show when the curtain rises to warm summer weather. Summer is the ultimate time of year for lovers of roses.
... read more
Romantic AND robust roses, a winning combination!
Flower Carpet® roses and Showpiece™ roses have been specially bred to also be robust and easy-care, with superb disease resistance and drought tolerance. Roses that anyone can grow!
... read more
Flower Carpet® roses and Showpiece™ roses have been specially bred to also be robust and easy-care, with superb disease resistance and drought tolerance. Roses that anyone can grow!
... read more
Salvia Wishes
A lovely new range of uniquely coloured salvias is proof that wishes can come true
... read more
A lovely new range of uniquely coloured salvias is proof that wishes can come true
... read more
Spectacular Showpiece™ Roses!
These fragrant, disease resistant, easy care, large and floriferous Showpiece™ roses are from the renowned breeder of the famous Flower Carpet® roses.
... read more
These fragrant, disease resistant, easy care, large and floriferous Showpiece™ roses are from the renowned breeder of the famous Flower Carpet® roses.
... read more
Summer garden design solutions
Summer's a great time of year to work on some garden design solutions like how to make your garden beds look a whole lot better
... read more
Summer's a great time of year to work on some garden design solutions like how to make your garden beds look a whole lot better
... read more
Sun worshippers
Impatiens; they're a top choice for cheerful garden borders or adding bright pops of colour among shrubs and perennials. But they've always needed shade. That is, until SunPatiens came along!
... read more
Impatiens; they're a top choice for cheerful garden borders or adding bright pops of colour among shrubs and perennials. But they've always needed shade. That is, until SunPatiens came along!
... read more
Ten ways to plant roses
Inspired to plant a rose? Don't hold back. Contrary to popular belief, roses are not difficult to grow and there are beautiful easy-care varieties to suit every situation.
... read more
Inspired to plant a rose? Don't hold back. Contrary to popular belief, roses are not difficult to grow and there are beautiful easy-care varieties to suit every situation.
... read more
The power of purple
Eye-catching fruits, edible flowers and vegetables with colourful leaves come in very handy when making a garden that s as beautiful as it is productive. Plants with purple accents work especially well with greens.
... read more
Eye-catching fruits, edible flowers and vegetables with colourful leaves come in very handy when making a garden that s as beautiful as it is productive. Plants with purple accents work especially well with greens.
... read more
Tried and true Lavender
Easy care lavenders are among life's simplest pleasures and have stood the test of time as some of the most accommodating shrubs of all.
... read more
Easy care lavenders are among life's simplest pleasures and have stood the test of time as some of the most accommodating shrubs of all.
... read more
Tropicanna® Cannas are a stand-out!
Tropicanna® cannas, available in 3 colours, stand out from the rest, with their astonishingly exotic foliage and magnificent blooms.
... read more in the magazine from one of these stores
Tropicanna® cannas, available in 3 colours, stand out from the rest, with their astonishingly exotic foliage and magnificent blooms.
... read more in the magazine from one of these stores
Voodoo Magic
Floriferous Voodoo Verbenas are taking their place among summer's top flowers.
... read more
Floriferous Voodoo Verbenas are taking their place among summer's top flowers.
... read more
Winning combinations
Successfully combining flowers and foliage is an art form that takes time and experimentation, even for the most practiced gardener. But happily, we can also depend on some classic combos that always come up trumps.
... read more
Successfully combining flowers and foliage is an art form that takes time and experimentation, even for the most practiced gardener. But happily, we can also depend on some classic combos that always come up trumps.
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - air plant hanger
Sometimes it's just too wet and wintry to go outdoors, but there are lots of amazing plants we can grow indoors. How about making one of these cool AIR PLANT hangers for your room?
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Sometimes it's just too wet and wintry to go outdoors, but there are lots of amazing plants we can grow indoors. How about making one of these cool AIR PLANT hangers for your room?
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - berri-licious
Home grown strawberries always taste better and they will grow in the garden, pots, hanging baskets or to save space, a strawberry tower. Plant them now to be picking fruit in November.
... read more
Home grown strawberries always taste better and they will grow in the garden, pots, hanging baskets or to save space, a strawberry tower. Plant them now to be picking fruit in November.
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - bug hotel
Build it and they will come! A bug hotel is an ideal insect habitat! It's a home for ladybirds and other beetles, tiny hover flies, parasitic wasps, predatory mites. Create your own piece of garden architecture!
... read more
Build it and they will come! A bug hotel is an ideal insect habitat! It's a home for ladybirds and other beetles, tiny hover flies, parasitic wasps, predatory mites. Create your own piece of garden architecture!
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - containers
Gardening is for everyone, even if you don't have a place for a garden in the ground! You can plant a garden wherever you want - even in a pair of old boots!
... read more
Gardening is for everyone, even if you don't have a place for a garden in the ground! You can plant a garden wherever you want - even in a pair of old boots!
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - desert dwellers
In the desert it's a long time between rains, and only the toughest survive. Succulents are the camels of the plant world. They store their own water in their leaves and stems, so they can thrive where other plants would die.
... read more
In the desert it's a long time between rains, and only the toughest survive. Succulents are the camels of the plant world. They store their own water in their leaves and stems, so they can thrive where other plants would die.
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - edible flowers
Some flowers are edible and can be eaten straight out of the garden or used as decorations. They're easy to grow too!
... read more
Some flowers are edible and can be eaten straight out of the garden or used as decorations. They're easy to grow too!
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - flutterby butterfly
Planting a butterfly garden is easy and you'll be rewarded with the fluttering of butterflies all through the summer
... read more
Planting a butterfly garden is easy and you'll be rewarded with the fluttering of butterflies all through the summer
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - fun with flowers
Lucky for us, some flowers love winter. So wrap up warm and plant some pots with colours that will put a smile on your face every day.
... read more
Lucky for us, some flowers love winter. So wrap up warm and plant some pots with colours that will put a smile on your face every day.
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - fun with herbs!
Herbs are fun and easy to grow in pots or in the garden. Squeeze their leaves and breathe in their awesome scents.
... read more
Herbs are fun and easy to grow in pots or in the garden. Squeeze their leaves and breathe in their awesome scents.
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - garden art
Zoe Carter has perfected the art of creating beautiful mosaic stepping stones for her family's garden.
... read more
Zoe Carter has perfected the art of creating beautiful mosaic stepping stones for her family's garden.
... read more
Kids Go Gardening - gift crafts
With Christmas coming up, it's fun to make your own gifts. A gift for someone you love is all the more special if it's made by you. Here are three garden craft projects to keep you busy in the holidays.
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With Christmas coming up, it's fun to make your own gifts. A gift for someone you love is all the more special if it's made by you. Here are three garden craft projects to keep you busy in the holidays.
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Kids Go Gardening - green machines
Every kid knows green leafy vegetables are SUPER good for us. But why? Because they contain loads of good things to keep bodies healthy.
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Every kid knows green leafy vegetables are SUPER good for us. But why? Because they contain loads of good things to keep bodies healthy.
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Kids Go Gardening - greenies
Autumn and spring are good times to sow a new lawn but any season is good to grow a quirky creature.
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Autumn and spring are good times to sow a new lawn but any season is good to grow a quirky creature.
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Kids Go Gardening - grow a summer hideaway
On a hot summer afternoon it's good to stay cool in a shady place outside. What if you could grow your own shady hideaway from just a handful of seeds?
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On a hot summer afternoon it's good to stay cool in a shady place outside. What if you could grow your own shady hideaway from just a handful of seeds?
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Kids Go Gardening - grow an avocado
Next time you crack open a delicious avocado, save it's seed and have a go at growing your own little tree. All you need is a glass of water and some toothpicks.
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Next time you crack open a delicious avocado, save it's seed and have a go at growing your own little tree. All you need is a glass of water and some toothpicks.
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Kids Go Gardening - grow garlic
Plant some little cloves in winter and you will be harvesting your very own super crop in summer.
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Plant some little cloves in winter and you will be harvesting your very own super crop in summer.
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Kids Go Gardening - grow giant pumpkins
Weird and wonderful! It is planting time for giant pumpkins - maybe the biggest pumpkin you ever grew!
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Weird and wonderful! It is planting time for giant pumpkins - maybe the biggest pumpkin you ever grew!
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Kids Go Gardening - grow swan plants for Monarchs
Gardens are full of amazing creatures, some so small we have to look closely to see them. Others are big and so beautiful we can't miss them! Like the Monarch butterflies
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Gardens are full of amazing creatures, some so small we have to look closely to see them. Others are big and so beautiful we can't miss them! Like the Monarch butterflies
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Kids Go Gardening - grow sweet corn
Sow it, grow it, eat it! Now the days are longer and the soil is warmer, grow the sweet (corn) taste of summer.
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Sow it, grow it, eat it! Now the days are longer and the soil is warmer, grow the sweet (corn) taste of summer.
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Kids Go Gardening - grow your own potatoes
The most delicious potatoes of all are the ones you dig from your own garden! No dirt to dig? No worries, potatoes are easy to grow in containers!
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The most delicious potatoes of all are the ones you dig from your own garden! No dirt to dig? No worries, potatoes are easy to grow in containers!
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Kids Go Gardening - how to grow sunflowers
Plant a little seed now and watch it grow into a beautiful sunshine flower that's taller than you!
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Plant a little seed now and watch it grow into a beautiful sunshine flower that's taller than you!
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Kids Go Gardening - how to sow your name in seed
Sow your name and eat it - in springtime it's time to get sowing and get growing! Loads of fantastic plants can be grown from seed
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Sow your name and eat it - in springtime it's time to get sowing and get growing! Loads of fantastic plants can be grown from seed
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Kids Go Gardening - hypertufa pots
Do you like making mud pies? With a bit of help from a grown up you can take it to another level and make your own fake rock "Hypertufa" pots.
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Do you like making mud pies? With a bit of help from a grown up you can take it to another level and make your own fake rock "Hypertufa" pots.
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Kids Go Gardening - Kokedama, ball of fun!
It's mucky, it's creative, it's the latest craze and it's so much fun! Try making your very own Kokedama, a Japanese hanging string garden (or moss ball).
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It's mucky, it's creative, it's the latest craze and it's so much fun! Try making your very own Kokedama, a Japanese hanging string garden (or moss ball).
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Kids Go Gardening - make a bug hotel
Do you love hunting for bugs? Creepy crawlies are fun to find and are good for your garden too. Give them somewhere to live and you'll be fascinated by what visitors come and stay.
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Do you love hunting for bugs? Creepy crawlies are fun to find and are good for your garden too. Give them somewhere to live and you'll be fascinated by what visitors come and stay.
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Kids Go Gardening - make a buzz!
You can help essential pollinators by planting a bee friendly flower garden.
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You can help essential pollinators by planting a bee friendly flower garden.
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Kids Go Gardening - make a mini Hobbit hole
If you have watched The Hobbit movie you will know that Hobbits live in underground houses called hobbit holes. You can make a mini one. It's fun and its easy.
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If you have watched The Hobbit movie you will know that Hobbits live in underground houses called hobbit holes. You can make a mini one. It's fun and its easy.
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Kids Go Gardening - painting pots
Autumn is a great time to plant flowers, herbs and veges in pots. Decorating your pot into a work of art will brighten up your garden, so go potty!
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Autumn is a great time to plant flowers, herbs and veges in pots. Decorating your pot into a work of art will brighten up your garden, so go potty!
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Kids Go Gardening - plant a bite sized treat
Here comes summer! It's time to plant tomatoes! Cherry tomatoes make a sweet colourful snack, just the right size for your lunchbox. Grow your own and taste the sunshine in them!
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Here comes summer! It's time to plant tomatoes! Cherry tomatoes make a sweet colourful snack, just the right size for your lunchbox. Grow your own and taste the sunshine in them!
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Kids Go Gardening - seed magic!
A little tree grows up and one day it starts flowering. Along come the bees to pollinate the beautiful scented flowers and then those flowers grow into fruit. Inside the fruit are seeds which, if they get lucky, get to grow into trees.
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A little tree grows up and one day it starts flowering. Along come the bees to pollinate the beautiful scented flowers and then those flowers grow into fruit. Inside the fruit are seeds which, if they get lucky, get to grow into trees.
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Kids Go Gardening - seed sowing
Autumn is nature's time for seeds. When flowers finish blooming they leave behind their treasure.
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Autumn is nature's time for seeds. When flowers finish blooming they leave behind their treasure.
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Kids Go Gardening - sow seeds in pots
In spring the soil is damp after winter rain, the weather is getting warmer and we have months of long warm days to come. That makes spring the perfect time for seeds to burst into life!
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In spring the soil is damp after winter rain, the weather is getting warmer and we have months of long warm days to come. That makes spring the perfect time for seeds to burst into life!
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Kids Go Gardening - space food!
Imagine if you went to Mars or the Moon in a spaceship. What would you eat to stay healthy? Astronauts are discovering all sorts of ways to grow food so they don't have to go without fresh leafy greens in outer space.
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Imagine if you went to Mars or the Moon in a spaceship. What would you eat to stay healthy? Astronauts are discovering all sorts of ways to grow food so they don't have to go without fresh leafy greens in outer space.
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Kids Go Gardening - terrariums
When the days are shorter there's less time to play outdoors winter is a good time to bring a bit of nature indoors! Grow your own houseplants or take it a step further create a magical terrarium!
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When the days are shorter there's less time to play outdoors winter is a good time to bring a bit of nature indoors! Grow your own houseplants or take it a step further create a magical terrarium!
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Kids Go Gardening - wildflowers
Nature works in so many wonderful ways, but sometimes she needs a helping hand, yours will do!
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Nature works in so many wonderful ways, but sometimes she needs a helping hand, yours will do!
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Kids Go Gardening - wind chimes
How about adding some music to your garden with hanging wind chimes? Get creative and design your own!
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How about adding some music to your garden with hanging wind chimes? Get creative and design your own!
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A family affair
When Jenny Hamill and her partner William became parents, they decided it was time they had a garden
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When Jenny Hamill and her partner William became parents, they decided it was time they had a garden
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A healthy obsession
Sue Linn visits self-confessed gardening junkie, Liz Clark in her thriving city garden.
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Sue Linn visits self-confessed gardening junkie, Liz Clark in her thriving city garden.
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A life in plants
Landscape designer, florist and gardener Jules Moore chats with Sarah Thornton about her love of all things botanical.
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Landscape designer, florist and gardener Jules Moore chats with Sarah Thornton about her love of all things botanical.
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A man of all seasons
Liz Light talks to international florist J. Barry Ferguson about the joys of gardening in two very different places - Northland New Zealand and Long Island New York.
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Liz Light talks to international florist J. Barry Ferguson about the joys of gardening in two very different places - Northland New Zealand and Long Island New York.
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A place to learn
At Dawson Primary school there is a classroom dedicated to science and nature. Here, every child from new entrants to Year 6 spends an hour each week with specialist Science and Environment teacher Debbie Davies.
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At Dawson Primary school there is a classroom dedicated to science and nature. Here, every child from new entrants to Year 6 spends an hour each week with specialist Science and Environment teacher Debbie Davies.
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A Taranaki treasure
Cleo Wood meets industrious Taranaki gardener Mary Dickson, as she prepares to open her garden to thousands of festival visitors for the twenty fifth time!
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Cleo Wood meets industrious Taranaki gardener Mary Dickson, as she prepares to open her garden to thousands of festival visitors for the twenty fifth time!
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Alison's flower farm
When eco-florist Alison Watts needed a reliable supply of fresh seasonal flowers, she decided to grow her own. Sue Linn meets a green-fingered mum growing her love of nature into a flourishing backyard business.
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When eco-florist Alison Watts needed a reliable supply of fresh seasonal flowers, she decided to grow her own. Sue Linn meets a green-fingered mum growing her love of nature into a flourishing backyard business.
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Bringing the outdoors in
Adrienne Lorimer has cultivated a number of different gardens over the years, some of them quite large. But when she and husband Duncan moved from Christchurch to sunny Nelson, their vision was clear.
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Adrienne Lorimer has cultivated a number of different gardens over the years, some of them quite large. But when she and husband Duncan moved from Christchurch to sunny Nelson, their vision was clear.
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Common ground
Sarah Thornton discovers that multiple benefits can arise from collaborating with your neighbours.
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Sarah Thornton discovers that multiple benefits can arise from collaborating with your neighbours.
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Community spirit
Neither lack of space nor advancing age need curtail the enjoyment that comes from gardening. Sue Linn visits Copper Crest Village and finds quite the reverse can be true.
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Neither lack of space nor advancing age need curtail the enjoyment that comes from gardening. Sue Linn visits Copper Crest Village and finds quite the reverse can be true.
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Creating spaces
Val Puxty says it's important to be guided by instinct, not necessarily by logic or what a textbook tells you. The Auckland designer, came to garden design via her life-long love of plants.
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Val Puxty says it's important to be guided by instinct, not necessarily by logic or what a textbook tells you. The Auckland designer, came to garden design via her life-long love of plants.
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Cultivating healthy families
As far as Jade Temepara is concerned, feeding ourselves sustainably is a priority. The young mother of five is committed to helping others learn the basic gardening skills she fears have become lost to a generation of New Zealanders.
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As far as Jade Temepara is concerned, feeding ourselves sustainably is a priority. The young mother of five is committed to helping others learn the basic gardening skills she fears have become lost to a generation of New Zealanders.
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Dream house
What could be better, on a wintery day, than a warm light-filled space to go and hang out with your plants? Sue Linn finds a greenhouse with the x-factor.
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What could be better, on a wintery day, than a warm light-filled space to go and hang out with your plants? Sue Linn finds a greenhouse with the x-factor.
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Dream job
Keeping the fantasy alive at one of our most popular tourist attractions involves a team of dedicated horticulturists. Sue Linn meets the gardeners at Hobbiton Movie Set.
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Keeping the fantasy alive at one of our most popular tourist attractions involves a team of dedicated horticulturists. Sue Linn meets the gardeners at Hobbiton Movie Set.
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Essential ingredients
When fresh fruit and veges are the order of the day, it makes sense to grow your own. Sue Linn talks to a gardener driven by her desire for top quality food.
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When fresh fruit and veges are the order of the day, it makes sense to grow your own. Sue Linn talks to a gardener driven by her desire for top quality food.
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Evolution of a gardener
As we adapt our gardening to a changing climate, our plants may be our greatest teachers. In North Canterbury Jenny Cooper has been rethinking some long-held conventions, with stunning results.
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As we adapt our gardening to a changing climate, our plants may be our greatest teachers. In North Canterbury Jenny Cooper has been rethinking some long-held conventions, with stunning results.
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For goodness sake
Like many of her generation, Laura Faire came to gardening via her passion for great food and healthy living. For this professional chef, food writer and television presenter, the garden and kitchen are as one
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Like many of her generation, Laura Faire came to gardening via her passion for great food and healthy living. For this professional chef, food writer and television presenter, the garden and kitchen are as one
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Force of nature
Fortitude and vision are traits that come in handy when landscaping on exposed coastal sites. Sue Linn meets the creator of a dynamic seaside garden.
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Fortitude and vision are traits that come in handy when landscaping on exposed coastal sites. Sue Linn meets the creator of a dynamic seaside garden.
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French connection
International garden designer, Pascal Garbe, lives in an idyllic vineyard village in northeast France. Whether he's at home or away, his life revolves around gardening.
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International garden designer, Pascal Garbe, lives in an idyllic vineyard village in northeast France. Whether he's at home or away, his life revolves around gardening.
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Full circle
Sue Linn meets three generations of gardeners for whom growing veges is simply a way of life.
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Sue Linn meets three generations of gardeners for whom growing veges is simply a way of life.
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Gardens of Eden
What drives today's young gardeners? Sue Linn chats to millennial gardener, Eden Saccente over a cup of homemade herbal tea in her plant-filled Wellington flat.
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What drives today's young gardeners? Sue Linn chats to millennial gardener, Eden Saccente over a cup of homemade herbal tea in her plant-filled Wellington flat.
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His and hers
Taranaki couple, Steve and Jo Linn, had no trouble finding the perfect venue for their recent wedding. Their own garden was the obvious choice.
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Taranaki couple, Steve and Jo Linn, had no trouble finding the perfect venue for their recent wedding. Their own garden was the obvious choice.
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Joining forces
Sue Linn finds out what happens when a gifted garden designer marries a nurseryman
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Sue Linn finds out what happens when a gifted garden designer marries a nurseryman
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Labour of love
When this young family went shopping for a new home it was all about the garden. Sue Linn visits a tranquil outdoors lovingly created for family life.
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When this young family went shopping for a new home it was all about the garden. Sue Linn visits a tranquil outdoors lovingly created for family life.
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Living the dream
Sue Linn visits passionate food grower and garden blogger, Sarah O'Neil, in her impressive vegetable garden.
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Sue Linn visits passionate food grower and garden blogger, Sarah O'Neil, in her impressive vegetable garden.
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Living well by design
Deliberately designing her lifestyle to reduce her carbon footprint has been a hugely rewarding experience for Auckland gardener Jenny Marshall.
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Deliberately designing her lifestyle to reduce her carbon footprint has been a hugely rewarding experience for Auckland gardener Jenny Marshall.
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On the menu
In the Covid vege patch it's time to be rather grateful for the foresight of autumn planting and to plan for what you'll want to eat in November and December. In Debbie's rural Auckland garden, 'epic fails' lead to solutions.
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In the Covid vege patch it's time to be rather grateful for the foresight of autumn planting and to plan for what you'll want to eat in November and December. In Debbie's rural Auckland garden, 'epic fails' lead to solutions.
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Pure passion
Sally Brown of Otago is spreading the love of flowers. Sue Linn talks to one of New Zealand's most inspirational young gardeners.
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Sally Brown of Otago is spreading the love of flowers. Sue Linn talks to one of New Zealand's most inspirational young gardeners.
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Raw delight
Naturopath Meryn Wakelin explains how eating raw plant food has remarkable consequences to our health and wellbeing
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Naturopath Meryn Wakelin explains how eating raw plant food has remarkable consequences to our health and wellbeing
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Shades of green
When Bron chooses plants for her garden, flowers are the last thing on her mind. Her colour palette is restricted to shades of green. For this budding garden designer, its all about shape.
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When Bron chooses plants for her garden, flowers are the last thing on her mind. Her colour palette is restricted to shades of green. For this budding garden designer, its all about shape.
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Southern charm
Sue Linn visits Dunedin's Larnach Castle on the windswept Otago Peninsular, and talks to head gardener Fiona Eadie.
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Sue Linn visits Dunedin's Larnach Castle on the windswept Otago Peninsular, and talks to head gardener Fiona Eadie.
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Sunday gardener
It's often said that the busier we are, the more we can accomplish. Sue Linn finds out how Clevedon gardener, Diana Gallagher, finds time for the things that matter most.
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It's often said that the busier we are, the more we can accomplish. Sue Linn finds out how Clevedon gardener, Diana Gallagher, finds time for the things that matter most.
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The birds & the bees
Cherie and Brendan Vale confess that when they purchased their lifestyle block in Te Aute a decade ago, they had no idea what shape their garden would take.
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Cherie and Brendan Vale confess that when they purchased their lifestyle block in Te Aute a decade ago, they had no idea what shape their garden would take.
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The plantsman
Making a career out of what we love to do is something many of us wonder about but never quite get around to. Sue Linn meets a gardener who made the mid career leap and has never looked back.
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Making a career out of what we love to do is something many of us wonder about but never quite get around to. Sue Linn meets a gardener who made the mid career leap and has never looked back.
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The power of two
A garden is all the more rewarding when it's a passion shared. Sue Linn visits a dedicated team of two in their astonishing Tauranga haven.
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A garden is all the more rewarding when it's a passion shared. Sue Linn visits a dedicated team of two in their astonishing Tauranga haven.
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Tilling the hearts of a community
Gardens are created for a number of reasons; some to simply marvel at for their beauty, some to relax in, some to shade and feed us. But there's a garden in the Hastings suburb of Flaxmere that has been created to fulfil a different need; the healing of a community.
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Gardens are created for a number of reasons; some to simply marvel at for their beauty, some to relax in, some to shade and feed us. But there's a garden in the Hastings suburb of Flaxmere that has been created to fulfil a different need; the healing of a community.
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Tomorrow's gardeners
Sue Linn visits the Kapiti Coast for a peek behind the scenes of one of the Ellerslie International Flower Show's most popular gardens
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Sue Linn visits the Kapiti Coast for a peek behind the scenes of one of the Ellerslie International Flower Show's most popular gardens
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Traditional values
Jade Temepara has been feeding her family from her own garden for well over a decade, but her passion for good food and healthy living has taken her way beyond her own backyard.
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Jade Temepara has been feeding her family from her own garden for well over a decade, but her passion for good food and healthy living has taken her way beyond her own backyard.
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What a gardener wants for Christmas
I hate to seem greedy, but if anyone is wondering what to get me for Christmas, here's what's on this gardener's wish list.
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I hate to seem greedy, but if anyone is wondering what to get me for Christmas, here's what's on this gardener's wish list.
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Whimsical wonderland
Sue Linn visits a colourful funfilled garden that is enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
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Sue Linn visits a colourful funfilled garden that is enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
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Within limits
So often in gardening, as with other art forms, constraint begets creativity. Add a good measure of horticultural prowess and the results can be astounding, as Sue Linn finds in a beautiful Central Otago garden.
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So often in gardening, as with other art forms, constraint begets creativity. Add a good measure of horticultural prowess and the results can be astounding, as Sue Linn finds in a beautiful Central Otago garden.
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Working with nature
Build a garden for birds and they will come. Sue Linn visits a Taupo garden designed for all senses.
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Build a garden for birds and they will come. Sue Linn visits a Taupo garden designed for all senses.
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Good, green giving
A garden centre is just the place to escape the stress of Christmas shopping with a healthy refreshing environment that calms frazzled minds, and where there is a gift for just about anyone.
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A garden centre is just the place to escape the stress of Christmas shopping with a healthy refreshing environment that calms frazzled minds, and where there is a gift for just about anyone.
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Jewels for the Christmas feast
Meryn Wakelin celebrates the best of Christmas fare - freshly harvested vegetables from the early summer garden.
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Meryn Wakelin celebrates the best of Christmas fare - freshly harvested vegetables from the early summer garden.
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12 time savers for gardeners
A garden is a place to relax and unwind. If yours sometimes feels more like a chore, here are twelve ways you can make your garden less time consuming.
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A garden is a place to relax and unwind. If yours sometimes feels more like a chore, here are twelve ways you can make your garden less time consuming.
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A tale of two city gardens
Sarah Thornton talks to two of Auckland's leading designers about making the most of limited outdoor space.
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Sarah Thornton talks to two of Auckland's leading designers about making the most of limited outdoor space.
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Book - Garden Pest & Disease Control
With fewer options on the garden centre shelves for controlling pests and diseases, this book provides solutions for the home gardener by focusing on 'integrated control' using all the tools available.
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With fewer options on the garden centre shelves for controlling pests and diseases, this book provides solutions for the home gardener by focusing on 'integrated control' using all the tools available.
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Building a garden - layer upon layer
The dramatic effects of planting in layers - how to plan and plant a garden using the layered approach
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The dramatic effects of planting in layers - how to plan and plant a garden using the layered approach
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Designing with plants
Steve Goslin, a shrub and perennial expert, enjoys helping gardeners with their landscape planting decisions. He shares some of his favourite plants and landscaping ideas.
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Steve Goslin, a shrub and perennial expert, enjoys helping gardeners with their landscape planting decisions. He shares some of his favourite plants and landscaping ideas.
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Good for you carbs
The high energy foods we can grow in our gardens are by far the best kind of carbs. Meryn Wakelin explains why.
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The high energy foods we can grow in our gardens are by far the best kind of carbs. Meryn Wakelin explains why.
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Growing the next generation
It seems like we lost a generation of gardeners somewhere along the line. But thankfully children all over New Zealand are turning back to a love for the outdoors. One initiative empowering our kids to go gardening via their schools is the Yates 'Kids Go Gardening' School Buddies initiative.
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It seems like we lost a generation of gardeners somewhere along the line. But thankfully children all over New Zealand are turning back to a love for the outdoors. One initiative empowering our kids to go gardening via their schools is the Yates 'Kids Go Gardening' School Buddies initiative.
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Improving the root zone
Whether you have poor sandy soil, heavy clay or a lifeless patch of compacted over-cultivated ground, there is plenty you can do to improve it over time.
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Whether you have poor sandy soil, heavy clay or a lifeless patch of compacted over-cultivated ground, there is plenty you can do to improve it over time.
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Nature's way to a better world
Coming up with a workable composting system that fits your lifestyle will greatly reduce food waste and build better soil.
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Coming up with a workable composting system that fits your lifestyle will greatly reduce food waste and build better soil.
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Pest watch
Slugs and snails must the most despicable garden pests. Sarah O'Neil considers her options.
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Slugs and snails must the most despicable garden pests. Sarah O'Neil considers her options.
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Save our bees
Bees play a vital role of pollination in New Zealand agriculture and horticulture industries and in our home gardens
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Bees play a vital role of pollination in New Zealand agriculture and horticulture industries and in our home gardens
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The good bugs
Gardeners are increasingly looking for ways to grow healthy productive gardens while taking care of nature. Sue Linn gets up close and personal with bugs.
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Gardeners are increasingly looking for ways to grow healthy productive gardens while taking care of nature. Sue Linn gets up close and personal with bugs.
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The room outside
A space to relax and refuel with the ones we love, the room outdoors is a valuable extension of home.
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A space to relax and refuel with the ones we love, the room outdoors is a valuable extension of home.
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Up close with aphids
If you grow vegetables, roses, dahlias, citrus, or other fruit trees you will have aphids in your garden. As soon as the weather warms and your plants flush into succulent spring growth, aphids are ready.
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If you grow vegetables, roses, dahlias, citrus, or other fruit trees you will have aphids in your garden. As soon as the weather warms and your plants flush into succulent spring growth, aphids are ready.
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Wild bird wellness
As winter sets in, trees and shrubs go dormant for the season, biding their time until spring arrives. That means a reduction of food sources like nectar, berries and insects for our wild bird friends.
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As winter sets in, trees and shrubs go dormant for the season, biding their time until spring arrives. That means a reduction of food sources like nectar, berries and insects for our wild bird friends.
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Beat the heat!
As each summer seems to sizzle hotter and drier than the last, gardeners are feeling the effects of climate change, and the need to make adjustments in the garden.
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As each summer seems to sizzle hotter and drier than the last, gardeners are feeling the effects of climate change, and the need to make adjustments in the garden.
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Beauty and the beasts
Despite being banned from sale for decades now, our most noxious weeds, once gardeners' treasures, remain rampant in nature and in our gardens.
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Despite being banned from sale for decades now, our most noxious weeds, once gardeners' treasures, remain rampant in nature and in our gardens.
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Celebrate Arbour Day & World Environment Day
Arbor Day marks the beginning of the planting season and a time to celebrate the unique biodiversity of our country. Arbor Day is about inspiring people to plant and celebrate trees.
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Arbor Day marks the beginning of the planting season and a time to celebrate the unique biodiversity of our country. Arbor Day is about inspiring people to plant and celebrate trees.
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Cool cities are green cities
Around the globe cities are getting more crowded, noisier and hotter. Climate change is adding to that heat, placing pressure on human health, urban amenity spaces, productivity and infrastructure.
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Around the globe cities are getting more crowded, noisier and hotter. Climate change is adding to that heat, placing pressure on human health, urban amenity spaces, productivity and infrastructure.
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Every precious drop
Water scarcity over summer seems ever more challenging for gardeners. In a changing climate, the need to save water is increasingly front of mind.
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Water scarcity over summer seems ever more challenging for gardeners. In a changing climate, the need to save water is increasingly front of mind.
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Food space
Greenlife matters because plants are what we eat to survive; green space matters because we need it to grow crops
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Greenlife matters because plants are what we eat to survive; green space matters because we need it to grow crops
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Forget air con - plant more trees!
As spring heats up and we head into summer more and more air conditioners will be turned on, sucking through electricity. But are we missing an obvious leafy solution? Plants and trees provide shade and act as natural air conditioners.
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As spring heats up and we head into summer more and more air conditioners will be turned on, sucking through electricity. But are we missing an obvious leafy solution? Plants and trees provide shade and act as natural air conditioners.
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Friend or foe?
Beautifying fences and walls, creating shade and privacy, or carpeting the ground around trees and shrubs - plants that clamber and crawl are some of our most useful and attractive. Sadly, they also count among our most invasive environmental weeds.
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Beautifying fences and walls, creating shade and privacy, or carpeting the ground around trees and shrubs - plants that clamber and crawl are some of our most useful and attractive. Sadly, they also count among our most invasive environmental weeds.
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Gardening for mental health
For people with mental health issues darkness and cold can be triggers for depression, but they need not be.
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For people with mental health issues darkness and cold can be triggers for depression, but they need not be.
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Gardening for physical health
It's common knowledge that gardening is good for you, and not just because of the obvious fresher, better tasting fruits and vegetables to eat. In terms of physical activity, gardening is a winner too!
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It's common knowledge that gardening is good for you, and not just because of the obvious fresher, better tasting fruits and vegetables to eat. In terms of physical activity, gardening is a winner too!
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Gardens in the sky
Green roofs provide a host of advantages for city living and are becoming increasingly popular across the world.
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Green roofs provide a host of advantages for city living and are becoming increasingly popular across the world.
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Greener giving
As Christmas shopping time rolls round again, concern for planet Earth is to the fore. Do we really want contribute to landfill with unwanted gifts? Most of us will have been guilty of imprudent, impulse purchasing in the mad dash before the big day, but even last minute gift giving doesn't have to be bad for the planet.
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As Christmas shopping time rolls round again, concern for planet Earth is to the fore. Do we really want contribute to landfill with unwanted gifts? Most of us will have been guilty of imprudent, impulse purchasing in the mad dash before the big day, but even last minute gift giving doesn't have to be bad for the planet.
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Hamilton Gardens - pride of place
On the banks of the Waikato River a world-renowned garden has proudly etched a place for its city on the international tourist map. Sue Linn takes a peek behind the scenes at Hamilton Gardens.
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On the banks of the Waikato River a world-renowned garden has proudly etched a place for its city on the international tourist map. Sue Linn takes a peek behind the scenes at Hamilton Gardens.
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How to start a community garden
We all know gardening is good for us and we need more green spaces. There are numerous benefits afforded by community gardens, including fresh food and social enhancement. Here's some advice on how to start one.
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We all know gardening is good for us and we need more green spaces. There are numerous benefits afforded by community gardens, including fresh food and social enhancement. Here's some advice on how to start one.
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How tree planting prevents erosion
Plants and trees need land to grow on and the constantly changing climate is providing a number of challenges including erosion.
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Plants and trees need land to grow on and the constantly changing climate is providing a number of challenges including erosion.
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How's your plant/life balance?
Billions of dollars are spent each year searching for instant miracle cures to our environmental problems. So what can we do to help?
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Billions of dollars are spent each year searching for instant miracle cures to our environmental problems. So what can we do to help?
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Let the children play - OUTSIDE!
Nature Deficit Disorder is affecting our children. Research shows that a lack of playing outside in parks and green spaces is contributing to various physical and mental health issues!
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Nature Deficit Disorder is affecting our children. Research shows that a lack of playing outside in parks and green spaces is contributing to various physical and mental health issues!
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Make room for trees
An aerial view of our cities reveals a sad trend in the way the suburbs are developing without the enhancement of trees and green spaces
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An aerial view of our cities reveals a sad trend in the way the suburbs are developing without the enhancement of trees and green spaces
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Precious urban trees
Think twice! It doesn't take long to chop down a tree, but it takes decades to replace it.
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Think twice! It doesn't take long to chop down a tree, but it takes decades to replace it.
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Reduce your footprint - plant your backyard
We often hear about the need to reduce our carbon footprint and be green. But how can we, as individuals, do our part to help? Thinking about your plant selection and surrounding habitat, recycling, composting and conserving water all help.
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We often hear about the need to reduce our carbon footprint and be green. But how can we, as individuals, do our part to help? Thinking about your plant selection and surrounding habitat, recycling, composting and conserving water all help.
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Riparian planting saving our streams
The classic Kiwi holiday often involves swimming in streams, a spot of fishing and enjoying the beautiful outlook of streams shaded by native plants and seemingly endless green landscapes. But our streams, as we know them, are at threat, so it's time to get planting
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The classic Kiwi holiday often involves swimming in streams, a spot of fishing and enjoying the beautiful outlook of streams shaded by native plants and seemingly endless green landscapes. But our streams, as we know them, are at threat, so it's time to get planting
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Storm water mitigation
Floods are more commonplace than they once were for a number of reasons, but there are steps we can take to minimise the damage
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Floods are more commonplace than they once were for a number of reasons, but there are steps we can take to minimise the damage
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Street trees - why we need more!
Why should you care about whether there are trees on your street, or on the streets nearby? Well, besides the obvious - that they make a street look more attractive - street trees are proven to provide numerous benefits to residents in terms of property values & more
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Why should you care about whether there are trees on your street, or on the streets nearby? Well, besides the obvious - that they make a street look more attractive - street trees are proven to provide numerous benefits to residents in terms of property values & more
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The Garden Effect
Yes its official, all the time and effort involved in keeping your garden looking good pays dividends! Simply put, houses with good gardens sell quicker, for a better price. The estimated effect on price being +16%, with three times payback on money invested!
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Yes its official, all the time and effort involved in keeping your garden looking good pays dividends! Simply put, houses with good gardens sell quicker, for a better price. The estimated effect on price being +16%, with three times payback on money invested!
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The nature garden
Plant trees and shrubs that provide food and lodgings for birds so you can enjoy them in your garden.
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Plant trees and shrubs that provide food and lodgings for birds so you can enjoy them in your garden.
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The power of sharing
During the first lockdown in March 2020, a new community-led project took root in the Bay of Plenty. A year and a half down the track, the Grow On Katikati project is gathering momentum, unexpectedly spurred on by another lockdown.
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During the first lockdown in March 2020, a new community-led project took root in the Bay of Plenty. A year and a half down the track, the Grow On Katikati project is gathering momentum, unexpectedly spurred on by another lockdown.
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The value of trees for shelter and shade
Protection from the extremes of weather is a primary need for humans and for animals and plants. Constant exposure to strong wind and sun is detrimental to the health and well-being of people, stock and crops.
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Protection from the extremes of weather is a primary need for humans and for animals and plants. Constant exposure to strong wind and sun is detrimental to the health and well-being of people, stock and crops.
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Up the wall
Vertical gardens add to the beauty of our urban areas. And the equipment and knowledge of how to make them is available be they multi-storey vertical gardens or smaller domestic green walls. Liz Light talks to the experts.
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Vertical gardens add to the beauty of our urban areas. And the equipment and knowledge of how to make them is available be they multi-storey vertical gardens or smaller domestic green walls. Liz Light talks to the experts.
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27-Apr-2024
In the Garden
