How to Build a Grape Vine Trellis (That’ll Make You Feel Like You Own a Vineyard)

How to Build a Grape Vine Trellis (That’ll Make You Feel Like You Own a Vineyard)

Okay, I’ll be honest—there’s just something about growing grapes that makes me feel fancy. Like I should be sipping something chilled under a pergola while my vines gently sway in the breeze. But in reality? I’m in my garden in muddy boots, trying to train these wild little tendrils to grow in some kind of…

How to Build a Cucumber Trellis (and Why You’ll Love Having One)

How to Build a Cucumber Trellis (and Why You’ll Love Having One)

Let me tell you, once I started trellising my cucumbers, it completely changed the game for my garden. No more tangled vines smothering each other, no more cucumbers hiding in the jungle of leaves until they got weirdly oversized and bitter. Just happy, climbing plants doing their thing in an organized, vertical fashion. If you’re…

Perfect Indoor Plant Pairings for Growth + Pest Control

Perfect Indoor Plant Pairings for Growth + Pest Control

Here in Aotearoa, we’re blessed with a mild climate, beautiful natural light, and—let’s be real—a fair share of indoor pests like fungus gnats. I started pairing houseplants to create a healthier, more pest-resistant indoor space, and it’s honestly changed the way I look at indoor gardening. From sunny north-facing windows to shaded corners that need…

How I Designed My Homesteading Garden Layout (and What I’d Do Differently)

How I Designed My Homesteading Garden Layout (and What I’d Do Differently)

I’ll be real with you—when I first started planning my homesteading garden, I was equal parts excited and totally overwhelmed. Between figuring out what to grow, where to put everything, and how to make it all work together, my brain was basically compost. 😅 But after a few seasons of trial, error, and some surprising…

Growing Herbs Indoors (Even If You Don’t Have a Green Thumb)

Growing Herbs Indoors (Even If You Don’t Have a Green Thumb)

When your kitchen herbs are fresher than your Instagram feed, you know you’re winning at life. Imagine snipping off a sprig of basil right from your windowsill while your pasta is still boiling. Or brewing fresh mint tea with leaves you just picked. Growing herbs indoors isn’t just for seasoned gardeners or people with dreamy…

Roses from Scratch: My Journey Growing Roses from Cuttings

Roses from Scratch: My Journey Growing Roses from Cuttings

When I first considered growing roses from cuttings, I honestly thought it would be complicated. But the more I learned and experimented, the more rewarding and surprisingly straightforward the process became. If you’ve been thinking about trying it yourself, let me guide you through the method that worked wonderfully for me, along with some advanced…

Small Space, Big Dreams: My Auckland Patio Garden Adventure

Small Space, Big Dreams: My Auckland Patio Garden Adventure

Turning Coffee Chats into Gardening Reality I remember when I first dreamed of having my own veggie garden in Auckland. Space was tight, and I was unsure if my small patio could support such ambitions. One sunny afternoon, my friend Jess and I were sipping coffee and brainstorming how I could make this dream a…

How to Grow Strawberries Vertically: Your Easy Step-by-Step Guide

How to Grow Strawberries Vertically: Your Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Limited on garden space but dreaming of fresh, juicy strawberries? Growing strawberries vertically is a fantastic way to maximize space, simplify harvesting, and add visual charm to your garden or balcony. Here’s how you can start your vertical strawberry garden: Step 1: Choose Your Structure Vertical gardening options include: Select the structure that fits your…

Transform Your Backyard with Artificial Grass: The Ultimate DIY Guide for a No-Grass Backyard

Transform Your Backyard with Artificial Grass: The Ultimate DIY Guide for a No-Grass Backyard

Thinking about saying goodbye to endless mowing, watering, and weeding? Artificial grass might just be the perfect solution for a lush, green, no-grass backyard all year round. Here’s your step-by-step guide to installing artificial grass yourself—no professional experience needed! Ideas and Inspirations Step 1: Measure and Plan Start by measuring your backyard to determine how…