Our Land

Some animals in an orchard are your friends and some are a definite no-no

Climate change research predicts that Canterbury and other rural areas in NZ will be hotter, drier places in the next few decades. Vegetation to prevent the spread of fire will become an important factor for many country properties.

It is a matter of the tragedy of the commons that we as small land-holders are individually powerless to make any difference in the declining state of the water quality of our local streams, rivers and lakes.

There are regular sandpits, and then there are the best kind: epic.

A flagship venture in the forests of Southland and Otago aligns commercial interests with conservation ideals

Our native trees are some of the most unique in the world, and so is the man who has dedicated his life to studying them and telling their stories, including his latest on the king of them all.

A little detective work reveals a common issue for anyone with bore-supplied drinking water.

One simple injection can be a life-saver for cold or weak lambs.

Whether home-made or custom-designed, having a large covered area in our climate enables us to extend our range of growing times and species.

Composting toilets are a sustainable waste disposal for the 21st century. Home owners share their experiences with the next generation of fuss-free, low-odour, environmentally-friendly waste systems.

thisNZlife’s Emma Rawson and Sarah van Boheemen from Love Food Hate Waste hitch a ride on an Auckland Council food waste collection truck and see, firsthand, how much food New Zealanders throw away.

Californian thistle is one of the most common weeds on NZ farms, and one of the hardest to kill off, but it is possible to do it without the use of chemicals.

A food forest can take up half a lifestyle block or be as small as an urban backyard and can create a resilient, self-sufficient garden that will feed you and your family all year-round.

Water, a precious resource, is at its most pristine in a spring-fed stream chuckling its way through the heart of Wanaka

This is one of the most under-rated greens and a great staple vege to get you through winter.

Things may go a little dull in winter, but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy leafy greens.

A little experiment with a superfood has turned into a win-win business for a young farming couple.

The last thing Cathy Dickison thought she would be doing is turning her gardening skills into a dried herb business.

Red hot pokers (Kniphofia) are a welcome sight on a dull day in winter, or on any day at any time really.

Baerbel and Thomas Hack were so determined to set up a dream seaside location for horse lovers, they built a road.

Winter may appear as the dull period at the end of the farming year, but there’s much to do and learn about management for spring.

Looking for opportunities to keep their adult children working and raising their families nearby, Philip and Anne Woodward added cave exploration and a café to their farming operation in a remote area south of Port Waikato.

The discussion around the state of NZ’s fresh water isn’t short of an opinion or two, but science is speaking out more loudly.

Apples were among the first plants that people planted on purpose.

If you like chocolate, you’re going to love chocolate flowers. Not the edible type, but real, chocolate-scented blooms.

The versatile and  subtle French herb that’s well worth adding to your garden.

Data gathered will be used to identify fire-prone ecosystems and the best plants to use as 'green' firebreaks to reduce the spread of destructive wildfires.

Whanganui based green house gardener Shane McCulloch has created a niche market for the hugely popular unusual Asian vegetable market.

Weaving wattle is an ancient craft where you can make fences out of coppiced branches and stakes to form a woven lattice.

This old craft is still immensely popular, and encourages a true community spirit on a Golden Bay lifestyle block.

Bottle that scent by way of distillation, tincture or enfleurage  and you could find yourself in the perfume business.

A well-designed orchard means you can be self-sufficient in fruit all year-round.

5 tips to drying firewood

The art of firewood isn't cut and dry. Here's how to make your wood dry thoroughly to burn well.

WWOOF host Diana Noonan offers some vital tips on how to attract and manage reliable, happy willing workers in a digital age.