A hanging meadow planted in wool may be adapted to create more affordable "green walls" for the rebuilding of Christchurch.

Sally-Ann Mullin has a ball in her job dressing screen characters. She shares with Viva the things that make her tick.

Being able to imagine her furniture in a house was the deciding factor for a new arrival to Auckland.

Saarinen, Eames, Panton, van der Rohe, Colombo ... A Christchurch couple's furniture collection, about to be auctioned, is a literal roll call of key 20th century designers.

Cunning moves help Meg Liptrot drive greedy pests out of her vegetable garden.

While you may not be relishing the end of summer, it's now time to get the garden ready, writes Justin Newcombe.

Rather than throw out old tools, why not give them a makeover? Justin Newcombe gets his trusty spade ready for some serious digging.

Fond memories see Meg Liptrot on the hunt for a highly fragrant rose.

Justin Newcombe talks us through the most effective ways to water plants in the summer months

With a small garden or patio space, a bit of inspired thinking is required, writes Justin Newcombe Justin Newcombe with his flourishing garden cube.

Here are five of the best heroic country gardens to visit.

An unusual childhood toy is among Lara Fischel-Chisholm's favourite things.

Clearing the equipment from an old shed to transform it into a two-storey house proves a success.

Guest garden writer Simon Farrell sings the praises of tropical blooms.

Planting outside your boundary? You're a guerrilla gardener, writes Justin Newcombe.

Gabions or wire baskets filled with concrete can be used as a border or raised edge, to flatten out sloping paths or as a step under pavers.

A Waiheke Island couple incorporated an Asian connection in their new home.

Learn how simple modifications to existing homes can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Here are a few tips for growing those late summer seedlings.

Water features such as ponds or fountains can transform a garden, writes Meg Liptrot.

Justin Newcombe delves into the fascinating diet and agricultural practices of the first Maori in NZ.

A couple of shelves will bring instant order to your shed, notes Greig Morgan.

The NZ flag may be a contentious topic. But Justin Newcombe feels patriotic and makes his own.

Restoration projects across Auckland reflect a new generation's attitude to caring for and renewing our bush, wetlands and other ecosystems, writes Diana Clement.

Viva meets the three women behind ClairObscur who have combined their passion for fashion with their talents as film-makers.