Mary Lovell-Smith

Looking for a low-maintenance way to add colour, texture, movement and structure to a garden?

Step into the picture-book whimsy of a English woodland-inspired garden in Christchurch

Your late summer gardening is a great time to plant seeds for the months ahead, as it's traditionally the hottest time of the year.

Encourage your children to run, play and dig into the joy of being outside, then nurture a love of gardening.

It’s time to plant new fruit trees, pop in some leafy green seedlings and plan spring crops Chores for your early winter gardening Winter has come. Activity in the garden is slowing. In cooler parts of the country, growth has all but stopped. With the plants needing less attention, more time can be paid to […]

This May gardening to-do list is packed full of the best winter blooms, tips for Mother’s Day, and how to protect your plants in frosty temps Autumn bliss: The gardening chores to tackle in May There is a certain urgency in the air. As the last month of Autumn, May signals your last chance to […]

Known for being minimal, considered and serene, bring the soft, lush elements of Japanese style to your urban haven When we think of a Japanese garden, tranquil visions of raked shingle, bonsai, mossy rocks and lone pines float past. While there are many such beautiful and serene gardens to be found, usually around temples and […]

As summer flowers and veggies fade, and even though there’s still much to harvest, it’s time to prep your garden for autumn Red rowan berries are often too bitter for people to eat raw, but they make a beautiful Rowan berry jam.  Chores to prepare your garden for autumn And just like that, autumn is […]

As the days grow longer and the soil warms up, spend some time on a little flower tending and appreciation. What to plant in October October gardening is all about planting and anticipation. And, of course, enjoying all the beauty abounding. The month is the peak rhododendron flowering time. Make a note to visit a […]

Smooth the transition from summer into autumn with prudent nips and tucks, and harvest and store the last of the summer bounty

A century-old Californian-style bungalow in New Brighton, which fell into disrepair after the quakes, is restored to perfection