The women behind ClairObscur share some of their loves.

Here are a few simple tips on growing mulberries.

Thornless plump berries make Meg Liptrot a blissfully happy brambler.

Renovating their seafront home room by room proved the solution for a Maraetai couple.

A surplus of fish is best put to use in a smoker, writes Justin Newcombe with choosing the plant material to use part of the fun.

Presentation counts for everything so Greig Morgan has devised the perfect tray.

It's important to retain a touch of nostalgia when updating your holiday home.

Vegetable gardens are not only good for the stomach, but good for the soul. Suzanne McFadden visits four city gardens aiming to get fresh food back into our neighbourhoods — and not just for the nourishment.

These days, your bathroom can be what ever you want it to be. Designer Mark Bickerstaffe gives Viva a peek into their future.

Ben and Tam DeHaan take time out from organising Matakana's Bloom festival to tell Viva a little about what keeps them ticking.

Once plentiful, pick-your-own orchards are now a rarity. Bronwyn Sell packs hats and buckets for a family day adventure.

Here are a few simple tips on how to grow Casimiroa.

Edible subtropical plants offer fruit and are handy screens, writes Meg Liptrot.

Enthusiasm may be low, but now's the time to get ready for some late summer crops, writes Justin Newcombe.

There's inspiration to be unearthed by following the trail at a sculpture garden, writes Meg Liptrot.

Old-fashioned stilts will help the kids keep boredom at bay, says Greig Morgan.

Justin Newcombe launches himself into a seafaring project, an ancient coracle.

There's no need to waste any part of your summer catch, writes Justin Newcombe.

Don't let plants and weeds get away in the warmer weather, writes Meg Liptrot.

An easy-to-make cricket set provides endless fun, says Greig Morgan.

The Finnish capital has been named 2012's World Design Capital.

Good design is everything, says Ron Redel, who shares his favourite things with Viva.