I was looking forward to visiting friends Gilbert Wong and Jo Boese to check out a landscaping project at their Herne Bay home last week.

Gardening is the gigantic seller for New Zealand's biggest DIY, homeware, trade and household goods chains, dominating all other product category lines.

No room, no problem; options include pots and mobile beds.

Throw in longer days, warmer temperatures and regular rain, stir up the soil and you have the perfect recipe for a weed explosion. Fortunately, weeds come with benefits. If you're pulling out your hair and reaching for expensive herbicides, think again. I

When I arrived back in Auckland, the difference in temperature to Wellington was blatantly apparent.

Make use of your outdoor space for entertaining, Carol Bucknell writes.

Get your pruning right and your trees will be happier than ever.

A food forest is an orchard the way nature intended. Humans get the benefit of fruit, nuts, herbs, fibre (and sometimes firewood) and wildlife get a home.

Keeping chickens and growing your own veges is the first step to being self-sufficient.

Let's make the most of our special New Year, writes Meg Liptrot.

A homely touch in the form of a community garden set amid industrial surroundings is taking root at Wynyard Central.

Local supporters of the Ellerslie International Flower Show have offered a home in Auckland for the event.

Next year's Ellerslie International Flower Show has been cancelled as the Christchurch City Council considers how to make the event financially viable in future.

Don't hesitate if you think your soil harbours dangerous chemicals, warns Meg Liptrot.

Meg Liptrot finds fertile riches in her garden this month.