Autumn, nature’s time for planting: Terra Viva
Since time began, the human race has followed the urge to plant in spring. We seem to have an inbuilt clock that tells us it’s time to start pushing seeds and plants into the soil. But did you know that autumn is a brilliant time to plant, and if you look at nature […]
Working with pride and passion: Luke Gardner
Even a keen easterly wind can’t detract from Luke Gardner’s pleasure in his al fresco “office”. Upon a ridge overlooking the glorious lakes at Clearwater, Luke is found laying pavers for a large-scale remodelling of a property’s garden. “It’s a complete makeover involving everything from paving and hedging to decking and a BBQ […]
Simplifying paving for you: Dragon Stone Paving
Spending time outdoors is an easy way to get a health kick. That healthy tonic is waiting just outside your door and you’ll enjoy more of it with a beautifully paved outdoor area from Dragon Stone Paving. Choosing pavers is the obvious way to go when you think about the benefits: Flexibility – […]
Future-proof your landscaping: Luke Gardner
Versatility and creativity are two words landscaper Luke Gardner lives by. All kinds of projects have benefited from his mix of innovation, experience, skill and knowledge. “The other week we were working on a classic courtyard garden with raised beds and irrigation, pavers and intensive massed planting. Today our focus is a pre-school […]
Outdoor art gallery
Art lovers often extend their collections from inside to outside, with gorgeous one-off sculptures the leading choice. Metal, wooden and stone garden ornaments, fountains and sculptures stand proud and tall in gardens large and small. As with all art, when buying you should choose pieces that speak to you, that resonate or add […]
Food for the soul
Whether it’s a few pots on the balcony, a small patch or an extensive garden, everyone can experience the joy of gardening. The benefits of digging deep in the dirt are well documented and many Kiwis have moved back to growing not just beautiful flowers, but also their own vegetable patches. Last month’s […]
Outdoor chic
Setting the scene outdoors is just as important now as interior design, especially during the warmer months. Outdoor living adds a whole new dimension to a home and choosing the right pieces will mean both comfort and function. Here are some tips from Metropol: Function – Think about how you want each outdoor […]
Bird-pleasing plants: Lushingtons
At this time of year the birds have a little more chirp in their voices and if you’d like to make the most of this free entertainment, plant some bird-friendly plants and they’ll come flocking. The song of the bellbird and tui is something special and even though they’re native birds, you don’t […]
Productive and pretty: Terra Viva
These days, the word ‘containers’ conjures up the big steel rectangles stuck either in the Suez Canal or the wrong ports. But gardeners know that there’s another whole world of containers that can always be in the right place. Short of space or sunshine? Containers are your answer because of their flexibility; most […]
Make an entrance
The first aspect of a home many people notice is the front door. In real estate terms it is called kerb appeal, and there is nothing easier if you want to make a statement than to freshen a front door with a new coat of paint, or by installing a custom wood or […]












