Cantabrian crowned young landscaper of the year
After two days of written, practical and communication challenges in Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens that tested the landscaping ability of 10 emerging professionals, Canterbury’s Connor Sullivan… was crowned 2026 Young Landscaper of the Year. The Canterra landscape architect talks to Metropol editor Nina Tucker. From Registered Master Landscapers, a national final for professionals aged […]
Discover the magic of The Rusty Acre
Just a short drive north of Christchurch in Mandeville, The Rusty Acre offers a whimsical escape blending art, nature, and retail therapy. Home to sculptor Allan O’Loughlin and his partner Andrea, this two-acre paradise has evolved from a bare paddock into an enchanting outdoor gallery featuring over 70 handcrafted steel sculptures scattered throughout […]
Meditations of a landscape architect
From the founder of design-led architecture practice Isthmus, which masterminded the Avon River regeneration, David Irwin’s first book stories the life of a landscape architect in Aotearoa. David Irwin is a landscape architect, a founding principal of Isthmus Group and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects Tuia Pito Ora. […]
From Nathan Neath the expert: What could your garden become?
By November, gardens are telling you a lot, says horticultural expert Nathan Neath from Green Giant Gardens. You can see what’s thriving, what’s getting lost, where things have become crowded, and where a space just isn’t quite earning its keep. Sometimes the answer is surprisingly small, like moving a plant, opening up a […]
From the Green Giant expert: Enjoy the garden. Forget the jobs.
Horticultural expert Nathan Neath from Green Giant Gardens says spring is when gardens in Christchurch get moving, and good maintenance is about staying one step ahead. With a hot, dry and windy summer ahead, I’ll be keeping a close eye on irrigation issues, plant stress, pruning and anything vulnerable to strong winds. Other […]
National gardening month
Grow a piece of paradise this national gardening month. Gardening is getting a little more room to grow, with New Zealand’s long-running National Gardening Week expanding into National Gardening Month this October. The month-long celebration reflects the growing role gardening plays in New Zealanders’ lives – from growing fresh food and creating havens […]
Tomatoes to try
After the final frost, tomato plants are ready to go into soil. Mix up your variety with these four favourites. Early girl Producing medium-sized, tasty red fruit, early girl tomatoes are ideal for fresh slices in sandwiches, salads, and general cooking. Roma With egg-shaped fruit, roma tomatoes are less watery and meatier, making […]
Three, two, one, grow! Terra Viva
Winter came late but it certainly came with a vengeance, writes local green thumb and garden-based business owner Peter Worsp of Terra Viva. Cold rain, record frosts, Antarctic southerlies. Winter in Christchurch makes us wonder if we’ll ever feel like venturing out into the garden again. Yet three days of sunshine plus warmer, […]
From the expert: A fresh look for spring – Nathan Neath
Your home reflects who you are. Why should your garden be any different? “Spring is a great time to look at your garden afresh – what’s working, what isn’t, and what you’d love to change,” says Nathan Neath, horticultural expert and owner of Green Giant Gardens. “After Christchurch’s hard frosts, don’t be too […]
Low-maintenance landscaping
5 ways to maintain a low-fuss, nice-looking outdoor living area and garden. Zero-fuss plants. Selecting plants that will strive in Canterbury is a simple way to make your life easier in the garden. Consider native favourites already used to New Zealand’s weather patterns. This includes hebes (compact and great for borders), Kānuka and […]
