Growing a passion

It’s obvious he is a consummate plantsman down to the very tips of his fingers. Managing Director of Kiwiflora Nurseries, near Templeton, Nalin Gooneratne grew up in Sri Lanka on his grandparents’ tea, coffee and pepper plantation. That heritage and link to the earth and the environment led Nalin to his career […]

Get your gardening on

What’s flourishing in the gardening world in 2020? From supersized houseplants to 80s flower inspiration, we give you the rundown on some of the coolest gardening developments expected to blossom over the coming year. Super-sized species 2020 – the year of the houseplant? It’s no surprise that these indoor beauties are top […]

Up your gardening game

As summer fades, garden sheds resound with activity as tools are sharpened, wheelbarrow tyres are pumped, yard carts are laden with gardening implements, seed packets are sorted and gardening gloves are inspected for holes. The dewy mornings and sunny days of autumn make for idyllic weather to connect with the soil and […]

Easy summer success with roses

Wanting six months of colour, great picking and good scent? Terra Viva Owner Peter Worsp tells us why you should look no further than roses.     Don’t be fooled by the rose ‘experts’ who tell you that roses are ‘needy’ when it comes to care and attention – they’re actually very […]

Unique approach to home design: Designer Homes

Designer Homes (DH) Senior Executive, Ajit Kumar, says it’s been interesting to follow the evolution of architectural designs over the last decade. Prior to then, New Zealand homes tended to be of one architectural influence – such as Victorian, English cottage, Greek Neoclassical, Cape Cod, Ranch and Spanish – but a far […]

On the out

In the warmer months it seems we spend as much time outdoors as we do in. So why not open up those patio doors and make the most of outside life by creating a haven for alfresco living?     First things first – it’s important to prioritise investing in quality outdoor […]