Green Living

Absolutely everything you need to know about composting, and where to get the perfect bin for your garden.

Hearty and delicious vegetables that are easy to grow.

The world of second-hand furniture is a vast maze of treasures and trinkets.

You can enjoy your own bounty of homegrown vegetables by following this easy garden guide for what to harvest, plant and sow in March

Barren spot? Hideous shed? Steep slope? Our expert Carol Bucknell diagnoses common garden problems and offers fast, easy cures.

A gardening guru gives her top tips for growing your favourite summer fruit

Keep your fresh or potted Christmas tree looking its best throughout the festive season!

The wonder over choosing and bringing home a freshly chopped tree never gets old.

Growing herbs is one of the easiest and most rewarding types of gardening, especially for beginners.

Whether it's wood, cane, fabric or leather, give your second-hand finds a sparkling new lease of life with these cleaning tips and tricks.

It may be cold and frosty in your neck of the woods but there’s still plenty to harvest, sow, prune, mulch and plant July gardening chores Above, Matariki has arisen, and all is well in the skies. Below, there might not be many signs of activity above the ground, but rest assured it is happening. […]

They call it The Can House – a compact family home built inside a ’can’ or shipping container lined with warm plywood, clever storage and ingenious ideas

Level up your laundry with this eco-friendly filtration device

The elegant potted olive tree will take your home to the Aegean Sea Our recent infatuation with Mediterranean-style interiors shows no signs of slowing down. We all want to replicate that casual, laid-back rustic vibe that is synonymous with holidays. Warm tones and white linen will get you so far, but if you truly want […]

A step-by-step guide to propagating rosemary for all your cooking needs Rosemary is an easy-to-grow, woody herb plant that, once established, will thrive on neglect. It is versatile on the plate, in a mocktail, and in the garden. Clip it into a tidy hedge for a manicured garden, or for a more cottage-style look, leave it to […]

An Auckland couple were inspired by the 'tiny house movement' and began a DIY journey to build a home on wheels.

If you’ve already got a tree or are planning on getting one soon, here’s how to keep your Christmas tree fresh for longer, from the team at Misa Christmas Tree Farms

From tying a bucket to your bottom for a highly portable weeding seat to using old bras to support melons on the vine, there are some pretty crazy gardening hacks out here. We’ve weeded out the wheat from the chaff to give you 12 of our favourites. From the seemingly absurd to the commonsense, all […]

Don’t let these poisonous plants bewitch you Iceland poppy, larkspur, lily of the valley and daphne: all so pretty, but along with dozens of other plants found in our gardens, all toxic to both people and animals. Eating daphne can cause anything from drooling, vomiting, and inflamed kidneys to arrhythmia, seizures, coma and even death. […]

Say hello to sunshine and make the most of the longer, warmer days by getting busy with November gardening Spring is a most inspiring and pleasant time in the garden. All is bursting with life and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Your November gardening guide: Plant Just about everywhere, even cold-sensitive […]

Connecting with nature is a shortcut to wellbeing, with natural light, fresh air and greenery proven to reduce stress and benefit physical and mental health It’s no wonder indoor-outdoor flow has become the ultimate home selling point, blurring the boundaries between home and garden. It encourages us to wander outside while giving us the benefits […]

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 […]

Growing your fruit, vegetables and herbs at home is good for both your nutrition and your wallet. Try these options in your garden. Growing organic produce at home rather than buying it from a market or supermarket makes financial as well as nutritional sense. Where time and space are at a premium, concentrate on growing […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn What should I do after my moth orchid has finished flowering? Once the orchid has stopped blooming, trim the flower stem down to a healthy node. Nodes are small bumps along the stem. Look for the node closest to the lowest flower on the stem and make the […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn When should I plant garlic? June is the time to plant garlic. Garlic needs six months to mature, so it is traditionally planted on the shortest day of the year, which falls on 22 June this year, and harvested on the longest day, which falls on 22 December. […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn

Give your environmental credentials a boost with these innovative energy-saving tips that will help reduce your energy bills. If you’ve tried all of the traditional energy-saving methods and feel as though you’re still not seeing a dent in your electricity bill, it may be time to think outside the box. To help you get off […]

Turn your kitchen window sill into a mini hydroponic patch Vegetable scrap gardening is a thing. With little effort and a dose of creativity, you can build a window-sill garden using all kinds of vegetable odds and ends that would have otherwise ended up on the compost heap. This fun project is fantastic for getting […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn How often should I water my vegetable garden? With summer in full swing, you will have to increase the amount and frequency of water application. It is better to water less often but more deeply so that the water sinks down to the roots where it is needed […]

Ensuring your cleaning process is eco-friendly should be a priority for us all.  The process of cleaning, decluttering and refreshing our homes is part of our regular home routines – usually this would mean forking out on expensive chemical-laden cleaning products to get the job done, but there are so many more eco-friendly options, that […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn My lemon tree has small white flies on it. What do I do control this pest? At this time of year white fly can be prolific and need regular spraying to keep the infestations under control. As soon as you see signs of white fly, start spraying with […]

From the experts at Kings Plant Barn How often should the soil be replaced in pots? If a plant is going to be kept in a pot long term, the soil won’t need replenishing unless the plant is going to be repotted. But the nutrients should be replenished regularly with a slow-release fertiliser, such as […]

Our homes aren’t the only things that need a spring clean. Spring is a great time to start a vegetable garden, establish new garden beds, plant just about anything, establish a new lawn, spruce up neglected area and give the gardens its once-a-year feed of fertiliser. One of the most rewarding jobs to do right […]

An architecturally designed and sustainable garden centre, complete with cafe and homewares, is a brilliant day out If you’re interested in gardening, the country’s most sustainable garden centre is a must-visit. Even if you’re not and just like going to a decent cafe with a good selection of gifts and homewares, you’ll still find plenty […]

Go green(er) Eco-friendly home design has taken a greater priority in recent years, and thankfully, this trend is showing no signs of slowing down. From installing solar panels and glazed windows to planting a thriving kitchen garden, there are many ways we can continue in those (carbon-reduced) footsteps and set the pace for a more […]

Growing produce at home instead of buying it from a supermarket is good for both your nutrition and your wallet. Growing organic produce at home rather than buying it from a market or supermarket makes financial as well as nutritional sense. Where time and space are at a premium, concentrate on growing crops that are […]

Whatever your interior design style or horticultural bent there’s an indoor plant to brighten your home. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourites 1. Palm For its second comeback the kentia has thrown off its ’60s and ’70s connotations of Queen Victoria and the Empire. Now we’re loving it for its tropical elegance. And it […]

A few simple ways to be kinder on the planet this festive season with sustainable Christmas gifting  Rethink your wrapping It’s hard not to fall for wonderful Christmas wrap, but if the mountains of glossy paper left over after the giftgiving extravaganza leaves you wincing, why not wrap your gifts in fabric this year? Either […]

Ditch the plastic and enjoy the thrill of the Christmas countdown with a DIY advent calendar that’s choc-filled with festive activities

Looking for some tips for your next vintage op-shopping adventure? Here are five things to keep in mind:   Robyn McLean’s home is filled with treasure’s she’s found on op-shopping adventures. She shares her top tips with us: When it comes to rooting out one-off pieces for your home, you need to be prepared to […]

Looking for a way to earn yourself some culinary cred? Here’s how to make every dish you serve look blooming delicious Edible flowers can bring a lovely sense of colour to baked goods, frozen treats or most things really. Imagine a crisp garden salad coloured with bright nasturtiums and a tangy vinaigrette. Or a lemony, […]

Perfect your potting skills with our step-by-step guide to repotting a plant If your fiddle leaf fig has outgrown its pot you may be wondering how to repot a pot plant without disturbing its growth. Firstly, don’t be too worried about hurting your plants; they’re stronger than you think. Secondly, if you don’t repot your […]

Happy, healthy and natural ways of improving the air quality in your home When it comes to living a healthy, natural lifestyle, one of the best ways we can start our journey is by tackling the air quality in our home. After all, we spend plenty of time indoors, and particularly as the winter season […]

Getting in the garden and using your hands is a great way to soothe your mind and keep busy. Here are some practical and creative tasks you can do while you’re self-isolating It is well known that plants can improve your health and wellbeing. By sparking a connection with nature and breathing in the fresh […]

Bring a plant parent can be hard, luckily you can use these five simple signposts to make sure you’re keeping them happy and healthy The average size of a section has shrunk by about a third over the past 30 years, signalling the end of the Kiwi quarter-acre dream. But having only a small patch, […]

Buying and storing food can generate a lot of unnecessary waste. Eleanor Ozich shares how to minimise waste and keep your fridge looking good Not so long ago, creating a waste-free fridge might have seemed a daunting task. But more recently eco-friendly living and beautiful design trends have collided, giving us all kinds of lovely […]

Eco-writer, Fi and her fellow magpies share some of the recycling centres turning trash into treasure at landfills around the country Auckland When I first moved back to Auckland after living in the South Island, I was shocked to find that there weren’t more recycling centres in the region – places I had come to […]

We scour the South Island in search of the country’s best second-hand stores, with a little help from some Your Home & Garden friends 1. Salvation Army Family Store Rangiora My all-time favourite op-shop is our local Salvation Army Family Store here in Rangiora. It is clean and well presented, the staff are really friendly […]

We asked a few op-shopping experts to name their favourite spots to find bargain homeware and furniture in the North Island  1. New Plymouth Westown Hospice Shop This popular op-shop has a high turnover and puts out new stock every day, so go often and be thorough. They save some of the best bits for […]

Fi suggests some pre-loved goods that would make ideal presents – and reveals her favourite places to go hunting for them Let’s face it, not everyone likes vintage shopping, or has the time or ability to source the good stuff, so why not put your op-shopping skills to work on behalf of friends and family, […]

It’s not too late to sow courgettes for summer, plus now’s the time to plant your annual herbs – a kitchen staple. See more garden tasks below Harvest Salad greens: For the freshest salads, pick rocket, lettuce, radicchio and mesclun in the morning when leaves are fully hydrated. Do the same for leafy greens such as […]

These essential gardening tools will have every gardener planting, potting pruning and picking in no time (green thumbs not included) Gardening can be confusing for beginners. From pruning and making compost, to tying up broad beans and deadheading roses, there’s a seemingly endless list of things to do at different times of year. Some newbie […]

By switching this for that, you can make your household tread more lightly on the earth 1. Soap bars Ditch plastic bottles in favour of solid shampoos, conditioners and dish soaps (Ethique and Ahhh Cosmetics offer good locally made options). To help these products last longer, invest in the Dunedin-made Block Dock to ensure your […]

They call it The Can House – a compact family home built inside a ’can’ or shipping container lined with warm plywood, clever storage and ingenious ideas At first glance this shipping container house across the harbour from Wellington city looks like it could be made of Lego. But up close it is a mix […]

Eleanor shares her recipes for natural cleaning products that are effective and smell heavenly Welcome spring into your home with these lovely homemade cleaners. Making the switch to all-natural cleaning might seem like a lot of fuss, but it’s really simple. The ingredients are cost-effective and easy to find at most organic/health stores (or through […]

This simple guide for what to sow, harvest and plant in the garden this September will have you well on track for a bountiful crop Harvest If you’re lucky enough to have an avocado tree in your garden you’ll most likely be picking its fruit by now. Remember you can leave them on the tree […]

Owners of a very stylish tiny home on Waiheke share their hard-earnt new-build tips and what they’d never do again. Take a tour of this home below Meet + greet Willem van den Bergh, 38 (architectural designer), Kate van den Bergh, 36 (designer and mum), and Leo, 5 months, plus Alba the cat. New-build tips: […]

This month you should be harvesting your carrots, sowing the seeds for your summer veges and planting asparagus. Scroll down for the complete list of August garden tasks Harvest Deciding when to harvest carrots is a matter of how sweet you like them, with young carrots the most tender and sweet. Don’t leave it too […]

These expert tips for pantry organisation and storage will stop your food from going bad, but will also make it a more aesthetically pleasing space Matching different foods with the appropriate receptacle, such as glass, plastic, ceramic or metal, is the key to creating optimum conditions. Clear plastic containers are an excellent storage basic as […]

Having a clear out or looking to make some cash for your next purchase? Here’s what to sell, donate and recycle, and how to go about it Selling What to sell Vintage or collectable items, designer or well-known brands, recent purchases or older pieces still in good condition are sure to sell well. Don’t forget […]

From chemical-free toilet cleaners to natural oven cleaning solutions, these DIY natural cleaning home remedies will get the job done Natural cleaning solutions can save time, money, and reduce chemical exposure, so to help you keep your home cleaner and healthier for longer, here are 15 natural home remedies for cleaning. If you don’t have […]

As indoor plants take over our homes, here’s an expert guide to buying, styling and keeping them alive Before you fill your home with the best indoor plants money can buy, it’s wise to do a bit of research to find out which plants are right for your home, what you need to do to […]

This creative couple have downsized and decluttered in a bid to simplify their busy lives – and prepare for a new arrival. See more of their stylish tiny home below Kate and Willem van den Bergh were a year into their married life and knew one thing for sure: something had to give. Paying rent […]

Apart from adding a little extra sophistication to your bathroom, bar soap has a few environmental benefits too. We’ve rounded up the best bar soaps and some stylish soap dishes to pair with them. Shop the looks below Colourful, sculptural and artisanal in design, bar soap is reinventing itself and the new look is a […]

Ready to test your green thumb out on a new feature plant for your home? Here are five different varieties that are challenging the fiddle-leaf fig for indoor plant supremacy Both the fiddle-leaf fig (ficus lyrata) and the large-leafed monstera deliciosa (AKA Swiss cheese plant) have been at the forefront of the indoor plant trend […]

Here’s what you need to be planting, harvesting and sowing in your garden this month Plant Now is a good time to plant deciduous fruit trees such as apples, pears, peaches, plums and nectarines if the ground is not too wet in your area. Check if the variety is self-pollinating as some fruit trees need […]

Reupholstering a vintage chair doesn’t need to be a one-time thing, says Your Home and Garden style director Catherine Wilkinson Seven years ago, YH&G style director Catherine Wilkinson was given a chair by her mother-in-law. Originally purchased on Trade Me, it had a beautiful frame but was covered in tired fabric. Catherine had it reupholstered […]

It’s time to harvest your beetroot, sow some bok choy and plant your strawberries. These are your garden tasks for May What to harvest: When harvesting beetroots, don’t throw away the leaves, which are great in salads and stir-fries. I often leave a few beetroots in the ground after harvest for a good supply of […]

The season is changing, so here’s your complete guide to what you should be harvesting, planting and sowing in the garden this April The best vegetables to harvest  Kūmara harvesting begins this month. You’ll know when yours are ready if most of the plant has turned yellow. If frosts are likely in your area, dig […]

The tiny home trend is taking off and for this couple, living on a small scale gave them the chance to design their dream home The tiny house trend has taken off in recent years, and there are now little homes popping up all over New Zealand, alongside many others making the shift towards a […]

From roses and perennials to lawns and hedges, here’s some expert advice on what you need to do to your garden this April for optimal results Use this garden checklist this April to keep your plants happy and healthy + Some experts advise leaving a few flowers on rose plants at this time of year […]

Frothy fronds, sculptural stems and bead-like trails of foliage. Take your pick from this lust-worthy line-up of indoor plants, plus top tips on how to keep them alive 1. Bird of paradise We prize them as garden plants in warmer parts of New Zealand but bird of paradise (Stelitzia reginae) is now a rock-star house […]

Our garden expert Carol says that gardening is all about forward planning, so she’s put together this easy guide that will help your plants as the seasons change How to keep your garden happy as the seasons change to autumn + A bit of titivation is usually needed in autumn as summer flowers fade. Late-flowering […]

It’s time to harvest the last of the summer produce and start preparing for Autumn by planting and sowing new vegetables Best vegetables to harvest When harvesting summer vegetables, don’t discard those with the odd mark or two. Perfect shapes and unblemished leaves do not make your crops taste any better. Pick globe artichoke before […]

Op-shopper extraordinaire Charlotte Burt is both the brains behind online vintage store The Goods We Found and the designer of an ethical clothing range for kids It’s hard to believe it was only a year ago that Charlotte Burt started a little Instagram account called The Goods We Found – it feels like we’ve been […]

Don’t chuck away your old jam and peanut butter jars in the recycling bin, give these DIY jar projects a go Planters Jars make wonderful planters for small house plants. Simply pick a collection of jars and remove any labels and traces of glue. Pop a few small stones at the bottom for drainage, then […]

Creating a new garden doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. It’s better for the budget and the planet to work with what you have to give your garden a facelift 1. Survey your site Begin by assessing the garden thoroughly. When making over an existing garden (or, indeed, starting with bare earth), knowing your […]

It seems the world has discovered the life-changing magic of, well, many a thing – actually First, there was Marie Kondo’s book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, released in 2012. Then there was The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k (2015) by Sarah Knight targeting the overachieving […]

Living with less is something these five compact mobile homes have in common. See how these clever designs save space without compromising on style Most of us couldn’t imagine living in a home that’s 2.3 metres by 3.6 metres. In fact, that’s probably the size of most of the bedrooms we feature. But these clever homeowners […]

You might already be the proud owner of a vertical garden, an indoor jungle or bee-pleasing plants. But what new, planet-friendly trends are on the horizon in 2019? Garden goals It’s natural to make a few well-meaning resolutions when a new year dawns. Exercise more, eat better, be kinder to our loved ones, enjoy the outdoors […]

Christmas can be a wasteful time of the year, but these ideas for gifts and some sustainable shopping tips will help you achieve eco-friendly Christmas gift-giving this year Here’s how to do eco-friendly Christmas gift giving this December When shopping: Simplify the season. Buy fewer presents and less food, and opt to travel as little […]

Christmas can be a rather wasteful time of year. Use these ideas for eco-friendly decorations to make sure this Christmas is a sustainable one  Have a sustainable Christmas with these eco-friendly decoration tips  The tree: Plywood trees and wreaths are made from natural materials and can be reused year after year. Woodenspoons.co.nz makes trees and […]

This picture-perfect farm north-west of Auckland provides a cornucopia of fruit, veges and produce for its owners A landscape architect and chef create the ultimate edible garden When a landscape architect and a chef join forces to create a garden, the edible component is bound to be something special. And so it is at Violet […]

Urban gardens are typically small and underutilised. Here’s how, with a little savvy planning, you can create a number of different spaces, from outdoor dining to growing your own vegetables.  Here’s how to make the most of your small urban garden Shade  There’s a big difference in the quality of an open space like an […]

Spring is in the air. It’s time to pick new asparagus shoots and put sprouted potatoes in the ground. Here’s what to sow, plant and harvest in October The best vegetables to plant in October + If you’re lucky enough to have space for growing potatoes, it’s not too late to plant. Soil temperatures needs to […]

Thanks to a growing group of savvy sellers, Instagram is becoming the best place to bag a vintage bargain. Here are eight of our favourite feeds to follow View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Boho Thrifter (@thebohothrifter) on Dec 9, 2018 at 10:07pm PST 8 Instagrammers to follow to satisfy your […]

Pot plants are all the rage but getting lush results takes a little planning. Here’s how to create a perfect potted garden 7 tips to ensure your pot plants’ survival With outdoor space at such a premium these days, many of us are gardening in containers. And why not? Pot plants are perfect for those […]

From planting annuals to topping up potting mix and sowing a new lawn, these easy spring gardening tips will give your garden a much-needed boost just in time for summer Give your garden a boost this September with our spring gardening guide + If your garden is looking a little bare after winter fill the gaps with easy-care […]

Saving the planet is easy when reusable cups look this gorgeous. Cutting back on single-use plastic and walking out of the cafe in style? It’s a win-win 10 reusable cups that will make your coffee break stylish and sustainable Is your coffee habit harming the environment? New Zealand may have recently banned the plastic bag but […]

We love vintage and New Zealand-made items, so naturally vintage locally made pieces are twice as nice! Here are some local ceramics brands to look for at secondhand shops 3 best New Zealand-made ceramic brands to look out for in a vintage store In 1964, Helen Mason, editor of The New Zealand Potter magazine, wrote […]

The Little Book of House Plants and Other Greenery author, Emma Sibley reveals simple tips to remember that will help you keep your indoor plants alive 5 reasons why your indoor plants might be dying Even those with the greenest of thumbs can wind up with a poorly plant on their hands. In fact, it’s […]

Follow our guide to making your home 100% chill-proof this winter, whether your reno budget is humble or humungous Save: Stop draughts The older your house, the more likely it is to be leaking warm air through cracks, gaps and disused or degraded fittings. Common problem areas include unused chimneys, cracks between floorboards and old or […]

July is the time to get planting for your summer bounty! Head to the garden and use this checklist to guide you on what to plant, harvest and sow this month These are the best fruits and vegetables to plant in your garden this July + A hot bed (a covered timber box filled with compost) […]

The Japanese method of wrapping plants in moss, soil and string is easy, addictive and beautiful. In this extract from Hanging Kokedama by Coraleigh Parker, we discover how to get started Use this step-by-step guide to make Japanese inspired hanging Kokedama There is something intrinsically inviting and soothing about the form of kokedama, through the […]

From attracting tuis to dealing with leaves and transplanting roses, our gardening guide will show you what to prune and plant this autumn How to use all the fallen leaves in your garden this autumn + The naturalistic look is big in gardens right now so why not give it a try by planting spring […]

Whether your motivation is your wallet, the location or the planet, there are more ways than ever to live smaller in Aotearoa. We check out the latest trends in small homes and investigate how to live well on a little footprint These 5 small home ideas will make you want to downsize Once upon a […]

When is comes to vegetables, May is all about your leafy greens. Use our quick gardening guide on what to harvest, plant and sow to make the most of this autumn season What you should harvest in May Keep picking lettuce leaves but if they start to turn bitter this means plants should be pulled […]

Be sustainable and stylish by swapping from paper to cloth napkins. Expert vintage collector Fiona Ralph shows us how to choose from linen and cotton combos Why we’re swapping from paper to cloth napkins – and why you should too As single-use items fall out of favour, there’s one sustainable switch that we’re finding easy […]

After deciding that solar power was the right fit for her busy family home, Shelley Ferguson wasted no time getting panels installed. She takes us on her journey  What is it like to have solar panels installed? Shelley Ferguson explains The day of my solar installation dawned sunny with scattered clouds and a slight chill […]

Shelley Ferguson is renovating her house and knows she wants solar panels – but she’s not sure how they work. She finds out if they’re the right fit for her home and busy family life Shelley Ferguson investigates if solar power is the right fit for a busy family I reckon home renovation is a bit […]