Journal

New Zealand's native plants offer unmatched beauty, resilience, and ecological benefits for home gardeners. From fast-growing privacy screens to drought-resistant ground covers, indigenous species are perfectly adapted to local conditions while supporting native wildlife. Discover which natives thrive in your specific garden situation and create sustainable landscapes.

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Timing is everything in gardening. Our unique seasons and regional climate variations mean successful planting requires local knowledge. Master when to plant vegetables, bulbs, and ornamentals across different regions. From autumn tasks to spring preparation, learn monthly garden schedules that maximise plant establishment and growth success.

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Transform ordinary gardens into stunning landscapes with proven design principles. Learn professional techniques for creating year-round colour, layering plants effectively, and achieving perfect scale in small spaces. From focal points to colour combinations, discover how to balance structure with softness for gardens that complement your home beautifully.

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Every Kiwi gardener faces unique challenges, from clay soil to coastal salt spray. Find proven solutions for problem areas including steep slopes, boggy conditions, and extreme shade. Discover plants that actually thrive in difficult situations and learn practical techniques to overcome windy conditions, poor drainage, and challenging microclimates successfully.

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Create environmentally conscious gardens that support local ecosystems while reducing maintenance and water usage. Learn water-wise techniques, organic pest control, and soil-building methods suited to New Zealand conditions. From composting to wildlife habitat creation, discover sustainable practices that benefit both your garden and the environment around you.

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New Zealand's diverse climate zones each present unique growing opportunities and challenges. From Auckland's humidity to Canterbury's dry summers and Wellington's winds, regional conditions dramatically affect plant success. Master location-specific techniques, plant selections, and timing strategies that work perfectly for your particular corner of New Zealand.

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