Gardening

With King’s Birthday weekend behind us, Kiwis know there’s a long winter ahead before we see another public holiday and a return to spring/summer planting. For some, that means outdoor gardening is on the back burner but why not brighten the indoors with potted colour and tropical greens? Of course, like...

When hot and thirsty a nice cuppa tea seldom goes astray and these days many folk resort to using handy teabags Interestingly, while tea has been enjoyed for centuries, the tea bag wasn’t invented until 1908-ish when a New York-based merchant named Thomas Sullivan decided to send tea samples in...

When it comes to Christmas some of the most beautiful ‘decorations’ are fresh flowers and, while there are several associated with the season, bold red and white poinsettias are a favourite with many. Although they come in several colours it is the striking red and white blooms with green leaves...

Cinnamon, with its distinctive aroma, is one of the spices many cultures associate with Christmas. Whether added to Christmas baking or mulled wine, as a cappuccino topping or in a cinnamon-scented candle, its appeal is universal. Made from the inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum, cinnamon has been used...

Taranaki’s passionate gardeners had little time to sit back and smell the flowers ahead of November. Most were down on their knees, fork and towel in hand, preparing for the annual Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival. And, their hard work paid off. Gardens were in full bloom and, despite a few...

I cannot believe it is September. We have been busy both at home and at work (for which I am grateful) and it feels like time has been on fast forward.... and now Christmas is just around the corner! The good news... it is Spring!! The weekends at our home...

It’s official – spring is here even if the sun’s warmth hasn’t yet made itself felt as much as readers would like. Nevertheless, the season will have prompted gardening thoughts among those keen to raise veggies or flowers for the table. That means it’s time to feed the soil with...

It has been said roses cannot be overwatered. An overstatement perhaps, but with a La Nina (wet) weather pattern affecting the country, my garden has rewarded me with an abundance of showy blooms. The bushes, I admit, have required an occasional watering. Also, with enough moisture in the soil, there...

Gardens with passion The Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival showcases a remarkable collection of real gardens, designed to appeal to people from all walks of life. What sets this event apart is the warm and welcoming nature of the hosts, who take great joy in sharing their passion for gardening. As visitors...

Cucumbers have long been a staple ingredient of summer salads, dipping platters and pickle but perhaps best of all, they are quick and easy to grow. In general, spring is the best time to plant cucumbers in New Zealand so it pays to plan ahead to ensure we won’t...

Although it is commonly considered a weed, yarrow (achillea) can be a friend indeed by attracting beneficial insects; in fact, for many gardeners, it can be just what the doctor ordered! Named after one of mythology’s greatest heroes, Achilles, these plants have quite the legendary reputation. Greek mythology asserts yarrow...