Outdoor

Does bathing beneath a leafy canopy float your rubber duck?

Sunny days are on the horizon, so its time to give your outdoor spaces some love and attention.

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

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.

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

Spring is knocking on winter’s door so it’s time to do a bit of soil prep, pruning and veggie planting in anticipation of the warmer months Chores to consider for August gardening The last month of winter is often the most brutal but it is also when the new season is tantalisingly within our sights. […]

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 […]

Recline in comfort and style.

Spring is slowly creeping in and the change in seasons is giving us a lot to do in the garden. Here’s a handy checklist of vegetables to harvest, sow and plant, with a bonus seedling care guide.  What to harvest this September + Broad beans are a favourite winter crop. They cope with cold, wind […]

Garage overhaul with designer Hannah Feltham, Good Space Design Day 1 – Clear & Prepare Move everything out of the garage. Make three piles: throw away, give away and keep. Check the ‘throw away’ pile to make sure it can’t be used by anyone else or for anything else before it goes to landfill. We […]

Even the smallest space can bring you summer joy If you think your balcony is too small to provide a beautiful outdoor room to escape to, think again. Take a look at your tiny balcony. Does it serve as an outdoor room, or is it crowded with junk, dead pot plants, washing lines, mops and […]

Moving to a property with four glasshouses prior to last year’s lockdown turned out to be a blessing for Michael Mansvelt

Transform the look of your home from ordinary to extraordinary with ease Transforming a home doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest. In the case of Colorsteel®, this can be as easy as changing the roof. There are also many more ways this proudly New Zealand-made steel can change the […]

From ceramic to terracotta to concrete, here’s how to match your planter to your interior style and arrange your pots like a pro Pots come in many shapes and sizes, in materials such as ceramic, terracotta, aluminium, fibreglass, stone, concrete and plastic. Plants can be planted into any number of containers – you are only […]

Ready to get planting but don’t know where to begin? Use this easy guide for all the best plant combinations to try in your pots Match your plant to the location Almost any type of plant can be grown in a pot, and there are so many different effects you can achieve. Select plants based […]

Flora fanatic Dylan Norfield has transformed a gorse-covered Blueskin Bay site into a wonderland of rare and interesting plants Like many gardeners, Dylan Norfield has an addiction – an addiction to plants, that is. It’s hardly surprising, considering his parents ran a nursery and his job is managing the plant collections at Dunedin Botanic Garden. […]

These three baches defy conventional design. One thing, in particular, they have in common is no bedrooms. Scroll down to see more 1. Pic’s Not-a-house When Pic Picot engaged architect Julian Mitchell to design something for his holiday section at Mārahau, he told him straight: he didn’t want a house. No house at all. Not an […]

Every outdoor area needs a space that’s sheltered from the sun’s harsh rays. Here’s how to create the perfect shady spot Being in the garden and enjoying the sunshine is one of life’s top simple pleasures. But when the temperatures rise and the UV rays are strong, it’s a welcome relief to find a shady […]

No more mud, no more mowing. A total backyard redesign has given this family exactly what they wanted – a garden that almost takes care of itself.

These three outdoor settings take you through the day, from brekkie in the sunshine, to a lazy afternoon read-and-snooze, then dinner al fresco 1. Breakfast in the sun: Nothing really beats breakfast in the sun on a summer’s morning. Make breakfast service a breeze with a stylish bar cart laden with your favourite brekkie foods. […]

ZM Drive Show host Clint Roberts and Your Home and Garden contributor Lucy Slight share how they’re sorted for easy summer living, thanks to Cabot’s Aquadeck Nothing says ‘Kiwi summer’ like alfresco feasts with friends and family. The evenings are long, the weather is warm and those well-deserved bevvies are moreishly cold. And there’s nowhere […]

Want to take your al fresco cooking to a new level? Here’s how to create the ultimate outdoor kitchen and go from burnt sausages to haute cuisine Barbecuing has long been a part of the Kiwi summer experience, but more and more people want to take their al fresco cooking to the next level with […]

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 […]

A sunny spot next to a cornfield was exactly the rural setting this young couple were looking for. Then all they had to do was build a house… When Mille Holm Rasmussen and her partner Morten were looking for a weekend retreat, their initial thoughts turned to something that floated. Morten had been dreaming about […]

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 […]

A little digger and some clever ideas have produced a magical tropical garden with year-round colour and the cutest morning coffee spot When the scale of a landscaping project is too big to handle, it makes sense to call in the professionals. That’s what Helen Dewsnap and Geoff Watson did when they decided to revamp […]

It’s time to harvest spinach, sow your beans and plant tomatoes. Here are all your garden tasks to complete this October Harvest Spinach: As the weather warms, spinach, rocket and other leafy greens can bolt (turn to seed and stop producing leaves). To avoid this keep picking as much as possible, even the young flower stems […]

Ten years of hard work by this green-fingered gardener and her handy husband have transformed an empty Marlborough paddock into an abundant and blooming garden fit for a king – and hordes of garden-loving visitors It’s considered a great honour to have your garden selected for Garden Marlborough, a renowned garden tour that has taken […]

Garden editor, Carol Bucknell, tells us about her own garden and shares her top five plants every beginner gardener should consider YH&G gardens editor Carol Bucknell has been with us since 1994, when ruched blinds, bullnose benchtops and coloured windows were all the rage. We asked her how she became a gardening guru and how […]

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 […]

Get the garden ready for winter with outdoor storage solutions that keep everything safe, dry and out of sight but still within easy reach 1. Make a plan When planning a new garden or remodelling an existing one, look out for areas that can’t be seen but are still relatively accessible, such as a narrow […]

Make your outdoor space feel bigger by improving its connections to both indoor areas and the wider environment When your garden is small or simply consists of a balcony, deck or courtyard, increasing its sense of space even a little can make a huge difference. With a few clever touches you can turn these areas […]

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 […]

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 […]

This U-shaped courtyard home in a densely packed part of Wellington has been blessed with a natural-looking garden that carefully edits the view Building their own home was always a dream for Wellingtonians Jess and Kris Sowersby. When the young couple found a flat, sunny section on Miramar Peninsula, in the capital’s southeast, their dream […]

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 […]

The vibrant hues of the Mediterranean inspired this clever homeowner to embrace bright colours in the most creative way in the back garden of her Auckland home Meet + Greet Erina Emery, 46 (interior designer), Matthew Emery, 49 (lawyer), Mason, 16, Zoe, 13, and Oliver, 11, plus Roxy the dog. Spanish steps After a year […]

Whether you’re after something deep and meaningful or just want to dip your toe in, here’s how to bring water into your outdoor space with water features In the heat of summer, there’s nothing quite like relaxing in the garden beside a swimming pool or a gently trickling fountain. Although swimming pools are not in […]

Whether it’s for during the day or for an after-sun set-up, Alex Walls shows us how to turn a sparse patio into a summer entertaining spot There’s no need to trek for miles to find a tranquil spot at the beach or park when you can create a cosy and comfortable picnic possie in your […]

Everything you need to know from inspiration, style and permits, to budget, preparation and maintenance. Here’s your go-to guide to building a new deck Is there anything more Kiwi than a bloody good deck? We love our outdoor living here in New Zealand and a deck represents the ultimate in indoor-outdoor flow that so many […]

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 […]

A spacious living area beneath soaring white beams has been the runaway hit of this beautifully reimagined garden in Auckland’s Grey Lynn Under the pergola Most people start with the house first when doing up a property. Not Dianne Ensor and Geoff Cawthorn. Dianne, who is co-owner of The Makeup School and the Makeup Collective […]

Feeling the summer heat? Cool off with five of the best pools to feature on Homes to Love this year 1. Dreamy Waikato new build  Kent and Olivia Fife’s outdoor area is the kind of place where you want to plonk yourself down on a hot summer’s day and stay there until sundown. Kent and […]

Style Director Catherine Wilkinson shows us how to embrace the zen vibes of Bali to create the perfect little outdoor escape How to use Bali-inspired style to always feel relaxed in your garden Evening sundowners, social gatherings and basking in balmy temperatures mean summer has arrived – and the beauty of natural light at this time […]

By the time summer knocks on our door, we’re all going to want an outdoor living area worthy of welcoming it with open arms. Here’s how PlaceMakers can help make it happen 4 essential ways to give your outdoors a facelift for summer There’s nothing more Kiwi than firing up the barbie on a summer […]

Sunshine hours are about to get their glow on, ready for the season of all things outdoors. Create a look you’ll love this summer with stunning outdoor living spaces and beautiful, functional furnishings, inspired by the new summer collection from The Warehouse This is the most affordable and stylish outdoor furniture to buy this season […]

After 15 years in the swimming pool business, this couple finally designed and built the pool area – and tropical garden – of their dreams This tropical inspired pool has the ultimate diving platform When you own a swimming pool maintenance and renovation business, it’s a no-brainer that your own pool should be something pretty […]

Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to get your outdoors ready. Here are some suggestions for giving your garden an update, whether you want to spend big or small Save or splurge on these 8 stylish outdoor updates Spend a lot, or spend a little. The choice is yours with these practical […]

Contemporary gardens are all about comfort, style and clean, minimal finishes. Think a stylish pool for parties and playtime How to create a contemporary garden at your place Cabana cues Poolside fun in contemporary gardens is all about keeping things simple and organised. As their pool area is not on the same level as the […]

Some overzealous tenants meant this green-fingered couple had to start their cottage garden from scratch, but the result is bloomin’ beautiful  Here’s how a florist and a builder created a blooming cottage garden  Creating a cottage garden to suit their old Tauranga homestead involved no brain strain at all for Meg and Brian Claxton. Meg […]

These eight tips for selecting and buying outdoor furniture are all you need to know before you set out on your next shopping trip 7 things to remember when buying outdoor furniture 1. Remember to measure up Planning and measuring is key. Choosing your outdoor furniture can be a big investment so it’s important to have an idea […]

Enjoying the outdoors in summer is all about keeping cool, which means finding the ideal style of shade protection for your garden These are your best outdoor shade options for summer Some like it hot, but most of us prefer to be cool when the sun is beating down. These days we’re not just seeking […]

Sit back and relax in style this summer in these on-trend outdoor chairs. From budget-friendly to designer details, here’s how to choose the right one for your outdoor space 11 best outdoor chairs to make summer living stylish With the lazy summer months fast approaching, now is the time to get your garden, deck or […]

With November weather being so unpredictable its important to prepare your garden for anything. Use our gardening tips and tricks to guide the way How to keep your garden looking great in November + November means unpredictable weather. One minute you’re trying to stop pots from drying out, the next you’re staking plants. The motto for […]

Planning and planting a verdant home garden in Tauranga has been both healing and enriching for this hands-on couple This couple found healing in creating a bountiful urban garden For Isaac Weston and Lara Bui, 2008 and 2009 were extremely challenging years. With two unsuccessful rounds of IVF and the passing of their beloved cat, […]

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 […]

These flowers light up the garden this season, here’s how to use them in a flower arrangement Tulip magnolia is the spring bloom to have in your home This magnificent flowering tree produces goblet-shaped blooms that light up the garden in late winter and spring. These deciduous trees can vary in shape and size from […]

Spring is the season for flowers, so make sure your blooms are getting the best possible treatment. Here’s your October gardening checklist Tick these garden tasks off your list this October + Feed your roses and check out new varieties in garden centres, or older types in your neighbour’s garden to add to your own garden […]

A post-earthquake rebuild was extended to incorporate a garden makeover for this Christchurch section, which includes mature native trees and a private lake A post-earthquake rebuild incorporated a Swan Lake garden makeover Facing a complete rebuild of their house after the Christchurch earthquakes, Marisa Bryan and Mike Payne decided to take the opportunity to reshape […]

Sansevieria, also known as snake plant, produces dramatic, sculptural foliage that works with any style, plus it's easy care

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 […]

Spring is in the air and now is a great time to get busy in the garden for a bumper summer crop. Here are our top tips on what vegetables to harvest, plant and sow in your garden this September The best vegetables to plant + If the soil is well-drained and warm at your […]

Budget restrictions, ongoing drama and sneaky tactics kept the teams busy during outdoor week on The Block NZ. Get a closer look at all the room reveals and watch the judges’ comments below The Block NZ teams reveal the first part of their outdoor areas This week on The Block NZ, it was crucial for the […]

This award-winning Auckland home has huge street appeal, thanks in large part to its distinctive exterior and community-friendly garden How an award-winning home got major street appeal from its garden On a prominent corner in the inner Auckland suburb of Point Chevalier, Debra Millar and Guy Tarrant’s home turns its back to the street, and […]

Wish you could get more out of your sloping garden? Carol shares her tips on how to be strategic with steps and retaining walls These expert ideas will help you make the most of your sloping garden Many of us dream of owning a house with a flat site. However, the reality is a large […]

With its silvery green leaves, scent and sculptural quality, eucalyptus foliage is the it ideal choice for indoor arrangements Why eucalyptus should be every budding florist’s best friend There was a time when silver dollar trees (Eucalyptus cinerea) were seen in gardens everywhere. These days eucalypts aren’t as common, which is a shame as there […]

From new spring bulbs to pruning tips, get a jump start on the change of season and keep your garden looking great with our expert gardening guide Start preparing your garden for spring with these easy tips + Thoughts of spring are on every gardener’s mind at this time of year, with daffodils and other bulbs […]

It’s easy to get busy in the garden this August. Our practical tips and helpful hacks will make you a green thumbed gardener in no time Plant + Plant globe artichokes or divide existing plants and replant in well-fertilised soil. These gorgeous, silver-leaved perennial vegetables need plenty of space so don’t plant them too near […]

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 […]

Easy ways to help your garden survive and remain inviting throughout winter As we prepare for the colder months, we need to make a few adjustments to ensure our garden will survive, thrive and remain useable throughout. Adbri Masonry brand ambassador and landscape expert Jason Hodges says a change in temperature doesn’t have to force […]

Creating paved living areas and pathways in the garden requires careful planning. Check out Carol’s top tips for flat-out fabulous footpaths Landscape your garden like an expert with these essential paving tips Whether it’s a stable platform for outdoor living, an area for lounging by the pool or an all-weather route to the compost bin, […]

Known as one of the trendiest indoor plants, the lush and leafy monstera is the go-to choice for many an interior enthusiast. Here’s to how care for this stylish species How to care for monstera plants so they thrive in your home Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss cheese plant, is a firm favourite of many plant […]

Looking to renovate your outdoor area? Take a look at some of our favourite garden redesign for the ultimate landscaping inspiration 1. An overgrown St Heliers garden is now an incredible entertaining area  This garden underwent a total redesign. The original upward-sloping section was almost unusable, but this renovation has given the family more than […]

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) […]

Every dreary winter interior could do with a few bunches of heather for a fun burst colour. Here’s how you can add these long-lasting flowers to every room in your home Why you’ll want to fill your vases with heather this winter Erica is a bushy, bell-shaped floral with a woody stem, also known as […]

Get in the garden this July and spruce up your space so you’re ready for summer. From pruning to planting this is your go-to gardening guide How to tidy up your garden in July so it’s looking its best for summer + The more you prune hydrangeas, the better the flowering next season. These shrubs can […]

This remarkable couple have turned a corner of Taranaki wilderness into a lush idyll with a uniquely Pacific flavour  See how this Taranaki garden was transformed into a lush idyll It’s been nearly 40 years since Ian and Elsie Lind first moved to their bush-covered section in the heart of New Plymouth. During that period […]

Your go-to guide for garden trends.  5 top garden trends according to Pinterest Garden trends are a little harder to navigate than interior or fashion trends. A quick scroll through Instagram will expose you to white-washed Scandi-inspired rooms accented with millennial pink, or the latest ‘it’ bag swinging from the arm of an influencer, while […]

The three-level garden belonging to the dynamic duo behind My Food Bag is all about maximising fun for kids and adults The co-founders of My Food Bag open the doors to their idyllic garden When you’re a high-powered entrepreneurial couple, quality leisure time is priceless. For Cecilia and James Robinson, co-founders of My Food Bag […]

It might be chilly but that’s no reason to hole up indoors. Add a little heat, light and shelter to turn your outdoor living area into an open-air winter retreat 1. Night music  Listening to music on a comfortable outdoor sofa with a glass of wine must be one of the most relaxing pastimes there […]

A bare slope in Auckland was transformed into a calming Zen oasis with the clever use of rocks, boardwalks and Japanese planting This Auckland garden was transformed from a bare slope into a Zen oasis In 2004 when Siew Ng left Malaysia for New Zealand, her fondest hope was for a house with a garden. […]

Don’t let the chilly temperature prevent you from getting in the garden! Use this simple gardening guide on what to harvest, plant and sow this June Plant + Before planting garlic, get rid of weeds like dock, make sure drainage is top notch and add plenty of compost. You’ll need to fertilise as it grows […]

A rented garden needn’t feel temporary. Here are some easy steps to making your outdoor spaces feel like home Here’s how you can make your rented garden feel like home No longer just a transitional phase before buying a place of your own, renting has now become the norm for many Kiwis. One of 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 […]

With its delicate flowers and vibrant colour, sedum are perfect for adding a visual burst of warmth into your home during the cooler months Sedum blossoms: the fluffy flowers that will add warm texture to your home A stalwart of perennial borders and meadows around the world, Sedum spectabile (reclassified as Hylotelephium spectabile) produces eye-catching […]

Without a traditional back lawn, Shelley Ferguson had to think outside the box when it came to creating a space for child’s play, pool parties and more

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 […]

Every corner of this idyllic Waikato home has been precisely planned and perfectly styled to make family living and outdoor entertaining easy Meet and greet  Kent Fife, owner of Line & Design Landscaping & Swimming Pools, Olivia Fife, solicitor and administrator for Line & Design, Mila, 9, Luka, 7, and Greta, 4, plus cows Star […]

The landscaping plan for this new site in Christchurch took advantage of established neighbouring gardens to create leafy sight lines and a sense of privacy How the landscaping of this Christchurch new-build helps it feel established When Craig Wilson of Form Garden Architecture admired some mature trees next to a bare section in the Christchurch […]

Visiting a flower show is one of the best ways to find garden inspiration. Here are our eight of our favourite design ideas from the New Zealand Flower & Garden Show that are sure to inspire your own outdoor living 1. Gimme shelter  Being mindful of the sun’s powerful rays is part and parcel of […]

From practical tips to nutrition advice, this is more than just a gardening guide. Discover the best vegetables to harvest, plant and sow in your garden this April What to plant in April: Beetroot: Planting or sowing beetroot will give you double your money in terms of value. The root of this easy-to-grow vegetable is […]

Whether you have a big backyard or a pint-sized patio, these clever tips will help you create an inviting and stylish outdoor space that you can comfortably enjoy year round How to create the ultimate outdoor room that you can enjoy all year round Outdoor living shouldn’t be restricted to the warmer months; with a […]

Carnations have made a triumphant return and we couldn’t be happier! Use our easy care guide and make sure your next arrangement features these flowers Carnations: Everything you need to know about these frilly flowers While many of us associate carnations with bad 1980s tuxedo buttonholes, these delicate flowers are finally back in favour. Their […]

A total redesign of an upward-sloping and almost unusable section has given this family more than they ever expected – and pizza for all! This overgrown St Heliers garden is now an incredible entertaining area After six years of living in London, Brett and Sarah Dobson had one key priority when they went house hunting […]

As the days starts to get shorter and autumn begins to roll around, now is the perfect time to get planting in the garden. Here are some gardening hacks to help you get started Plant Cabbage, spinach, silverbeet, broccoli, celery, lettuce and leek seedlings can be planted out into the garden in cooler areas. Wait […]

With their kids entering adulthood, a Nelson couple relished the chance to reimagine their garden as the ultimate grown-ups’ entertainment area How a lifestyle block was transformed into the ultimate entertainers’ area This family home on an eight-hectare lifestyle block in the rural Appleby Hills boasts views of the Waimea Inlet and, as it was […]

Maximise every inch of your garden with astute storage and inventive use of spare spaces. Get your garden decluttered and organised with these tips 10 stylish ways to organise your outdoor garden area There’s no getting around the fact that our gardens are getting smaller. Unfortunately, the amount of stuff we need to keep outdoors […]

Whether you have a small patio or large backyard, these nine ideas make it easy to transform your garden from overlooked eyesore to open-air living space 1. Get outside more If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space, no matter how petite, make it your aim to use it more this year. Do whatever […]