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Considering an Aerobin, or maybe you’ve just invested? Great choice. The Aerobin is a fantastic way to divert your organic waste from landfill, and gives you rich, high-quality compost in return. Considering about 50% of the waste we create is organic, this is an effective, practical way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - plus you’ll gain some amazing benefits in the process. Your garden will thank you! The Aerobin really is a breakthrough in the home composting game. Its central ‘aeration lung’ breaks down organic waste through aerobic composting, and eliminates the need for manual intervention. No need to turn the compost heap anymore! It also features thermally insulated walls, allowing you to compost year-round. These walls retain heat generated by the composting process, and prevent cold air getting inside. The hot temperatures achieved in the Aerobin even allow you to compost pathogens and weeds, thanks to microbic bacteria. To ensure your Aerobin is functioning at its best, there are a few things to keep in mind. Keeping the microbes in your compost happy requires a good supply of air, water, and a balanced diet (much like we do!). Read on for some tips for successful composting… First and foremost, the organic matter you put in your compost needs to be balanced. This results in more microbial activity, and therefore more efficient composting. The two key ingredients for healthy compost are both carbon-rich materials and nitrogen-rich materials. Carbon ingredients are commonly referred to as ‘brown’, as they include materials such as dried leaves, straw or cardboard. Nitrogen ingredients are often called ‘green’ as they include organic matter like fresh leaves, grass clippings and kitchen scraps. Note: although manure is brown in colour, it is actually a nitrogen-rich (green) material.As a rule-of-thumb, your compost should be formed by mostly carbon-rich material. A fairly easy way to manage this is for each part of nitrogen-rich material you add, make sure you add about 4 times that volume of carbon-rich material (if you’re going by weight instead of volume, the general ratio is 30:1). If you’re just beginning some trial and error may be required, but you’ll be able to tell fairly easily if it needs adjusting - too much nitrogen and the biomass will be smelly and slimy; too much carbon and the biomass will be dry, have no smell, and take a long time to decompose. If the compost process is working well, it will have a fresh, earthy scent. Along with balancing your organic materials, you also need to regulate moisture content. Microbes require a moist environment - not too dry, and not too wet. When loaded into your Aerobin, the biomass should feel like a moist sponge. Breaking down your organic matter speeds up the composting process. Crush, break up or cut bulky items for efficient composting. Scrunch up or shred paper (don’t lay in sheets), and mulch green waste materials if possible. You can do this by running a lawn mower over it a few times. Mix up your organic waste, and layer it into the bin - 10-15cm layers work well, although this does depend on the composition of your specific ‘ingredients’. Keep in mind, the Aerobin is most efficient when it is loaded to at least 50% capacity. Your Aerobin also features a ‘leachate tank’ to collect the liquid nutrients dispelled as part of the composting process. You can use this liquid (also known as ‘worm wee’) as a natural fertiliser for the garden. Empty this tank as required, and dilute it 20:1 with water before using it on your plants. Getting started When starting out with your Aerobin, the first thing we recommend you do is load a 10cm layer of dried leaves or twigs into the bottom. This will prevent any blockages. Next, lay in some moist, active compost (this can be purchased from a garden centre to get you started) - this ensures you have a healthy amount of microbes, providing a good base for the composting process to begin. Lastly, start adding your ingredients and you’re away! You can also visit the Aerobin Compost Simulator on the official Aerobin website. This feature allows you to simulate your compost using the specific ingredients/materials you have on hand, to ensure you achieve the ideal mix of carbon and nitrogen rich matter. You can purchase a 200L or 400L Aerobin here. Happy composting!

Many of us think of autumn as a time when things start to wind down in the garden. But there are actually a wide range of veggies and flowers you can start sowing now, for both winter and spring yields! Sowing seeds in autumn can provide you with fresh winter vegetables, and can also make for an earlier crop & some beautiful blooms come spring-time. Enjoy our ten picks for planting this autumn… VEGGIES: Carrots Carrots are a nice easy crop to grow, and can be planted in autumn here in NZ. They’ll do well in a sunny spot with well draining soil. Plant them 2cm deep and at least 10cm apart - just make sure they’re sown directly into the garden, as carrot seedlings don’t like being transplanted! They’ll be ready for harvest in about 6 weeks. Broccoli You can plant broccoli right throughout autumn in NZ. If sewing your seeds directly into the garden, make sure you plan ahead and plant them at least 10 weeks before the first autumn frost. Otherwise, grow them in a seed tray and transplant after about 5 weeks. Pick a sheltered but sunny spot, and make sure you plant them at least 30-50cm apart (as they like their space!). The central head will be ready for harvest after roughly 18 weeks - keep an eye on them and harvest before the yellow flowers open up. You can take a second picking a few weeks after the first harvest. Beetroot Beetroot is a great cold-weather crop, as it doesn’t require much space. If you’re growing from seed, soak them in warm water for a few hours before planting - this softens the seed coating and speeds up the germination process. Plant your seeds or seedlings at least 5cm apart, and after about 4 weeks thin them out by removing the smaller seedlings. Water daily for the first 2 weeks following planting, then water as needed. The leaves are ready to be harvested after 7-8 weeks (just make sure to leave a few behind so the root can continue to grow!), and the root is ready to harvest once the outer leaves are about 15cm long. Garlic While garlic is traditionally planted on the winter solstice, it can be sown from late autumn - think May onwards. Choose a sunny, well-draining area of the garden, and start with NZ grown garlic as your seed. Split the bulb into individual cloves and keep the largest few for planting; plant each clove 5cm deep (with the pointed end facing up) making sure they’re at least 20cm apart. You should see shoots within a month, and look forward to harvesting in summer. Lettuce Lettuce is a garden staple that can be enjoyed year-round. If planting in autumn, consider a loose-leaf variety - these are less likely to rot in cold/wet weather than hearting lettuces. They’re also great as you can grow them in planters on the patio or balcony, or straight into the garden! Choose a sunny spot, and sow the seeds just 3mm into the soil (i.e. very shallow!). Water regularly, and when ready to harvest simply pick off outer leaves as needed. Peas This cool-weather crop can be planted from late autumn through to late spring. Peas like full sun, in a spot that is sheltered from the wind. You’ll need a growing structure such as a teepee, trellis or stake (you can even use a branch!) to keep them off the ground as they grow - tall varieties will need more support than dwarf varieties. Sow your peas, spacing them at least 5cm apart. Make successive sowings to draw out the growing season, and harvest frequently after 1 ½ to 2 months. FLOWERS: There are plenty of cool-season flowers that can be sown during autumn. Some will flower during winter, and others will be ready to flower by spring. Sweet Alyssum These annuals are easy to grow, and provide a sweet carpet of colour in the garden. They are especially suited to coastal areas as they thrive in more alkaline soils. If you live in a frost-free part of the country, you can sow this cool-season flower in autumn and see flowers in as little as 2 months! (If you live in a colder area, wait until spring for this one). To start sweet alyssum from seed, scatter the seeds on top of your soil and lightly press them down, ensuring they are still exposed to light. Or, pick some up from your local nursery and directly transplant it into your garden. This annual is a notorious self-seeder, so once established it will come back year after year. Poppies These iconic blooms are a winter garden staple; sow them in autumn for winter & spring blooms. Most varieties can be sown directly into the garden, or sown in trays for transplanting (Flanders Poppies dislike being transplanted so sow this variety directly). They’ll do well in a sunny spot with free-draining soil. Tip: for a more even spread of flowers, mix your seed with sand before sowing. Cover the seeds with a very light layer of soil, and keep the bed moist for about 2 weeks or until germination. Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) Nigella is a hardy annual plant, which will provide beautiful early spring blooms if planted in Autumn. They’ll do well in a sunny patch of the garden with well-draining soil. Nigella has a relatively short blooming period (about a month), so plant seeds successively every 3 weeks in Autumn to enjoy continuous blooms. Sweet Peas These beloved blooms are stunning with a beautiful fragrance, and come in many different varieties. Some find that sweet peas sown in autumn actually produce a stronger plant & more flowers than those sown in spring! Sow your seeds directly into the garden between March and early June. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot, making sure there is something in place to support it as it grows (a trellis, wall, line, or even a tree will work). Most varieties climb up to 2 metres. If your soil is rich, your sweet peas can flower for up to 3 or 4 months come spring-time! MORE AUTUMN GROWING TIPS… Before planting, replenish your soil by adding a new layer of compost. Give your established plants a boost using a nutrient-rich plant tonic, like seaweed, or seaweed and fish. Invest in garden covers & cloches to protect certain plants from the colder weather, and your brassicas from pesky bugs like whitefly. If sowing seeds directly into the garden, cover with a seed raising mix to protect your seedlings adding some worm castings will encourage growth. SHOP SEEDS SHOP COVERS & CLOCHES SHOP WORM CASTINGS SHOP PEST CONTROL

When you think of the word ‘irrigation’, we wouldn’t blame you if farming or agriculture comes to mind. But you’ll soon find that the average home garden can benefit from a well-thought-out irrigation system too! Irrigation can be implemented in any garden, and brings with it a multitude of benefits that can take your garden to the next level. Read on to find out what you’ve got to gain from installing irrigation in your own garden.Watering by hand is the traditional method of irrigation, and, naturally, is what most backyard gardeners rely on. You might be using a watering can or a hose to do this, and there is certainly nothing wrong with these methods! However, setting up an irrigation system can save you a great deal of time, effort, and money. Plus it can actually make for healthier, stronger plants. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits…. Conserve water: When watering by hand, you end up using far more water than is required. Much of that water will end up evaporating, or as runoff. A well-installed irrigation system can tailor the amount of water going to each area of your garden, resulting in much less waste. Good for your water bill, and good for the environment! Happier plants: Plants grow faster when they are watered with smaller amounts, over a sustained period of time (“drip feeding”). You also cut out the risk of over or under watering, meaning they’ll be healthier & stronger! Vege gardens will have higher yields, lawns will be luscious and less patchy, and so on. Happier soil: Too much water can cause valuable nutrients to be washed out from your soil. Applying a controlled amount of water makes for a healthier soil nutrient balance - and happier soil equals happier plants! Reduce pests & diseases: Irrigation allows you to direct exactly where your water is going. This is an excellent way to reduce unwanted pests, weeds, and diseases in your garden. When water is delivered directly to the roots of your plants, weeds miss out and therefore have less chance to germinate and take hold. Irrigation systems that direct water to the root also mean water isn’t left sitting on the plant itself, reducing the chance of various leaf diseases. Sheer convenience: An obvious benefit is all the time saved. Less time watering means more time planting, planning, harvesting, and simply enjoying your garden. Also, if you’re an avid gardener, being away from your garden probably causes a bit of anxiety. After all, how can you rest assured that your plants are getting the best care while you’re away? An irrigation system solves this! You can go on holiday knowing your garden is in good hands. There are various different types of irrigation systems to choose from, all ranging in cost, automation, and design. It’s up to you to decide how simple or complex you go! Some systems will require more planning and effort to set up, while others are more simple - but either way you’ll soon be reaping the benefits. Commonly used irrigation methods for home gardens include sprinklers and drip irrigation. Our range features a selection of drip irrigation systems, all which allow you to automatically water your plants without electricity, batteries, timers or mains water pressure! There are irrigation solutions for larger flower or veggie gardens, balcony gardens, even indoor pot plants. View the range here.Without a doubt, irrigating your garden can make a big difference - to your water use, to your time, and to your plants. And as we head into summer & the holiday season, now is the perfect time to get irrigating!

So you’re thinking of adopting a bonsai? Good choice! These mystical, tiny trees make a special feature in any home or garden. As most people know, a bonsai is a miniature tree, grown in a way that gives it the look of a mature tree. But bonsai are not only small trees, they are artistic representations! In fact, bonsai is an art form that has been practiced in Japan for thousands of years, and learning the techniques of bonsai can be a very rewarding pursuit for any gardener. Read on to learn the basics of bonsai care...CHOOSING A TREEContrary to widely held belief, a “bonsai” is not a specific type of tree. Rather, it is a technique - meaning any tree species can be turned into a bonsai! However, some tree species are more successfully cultivated as bonsai than others. If you are just starting out on your bonsai journey, the first step is choosing a type of tree that is well suited for the conditions in your area. Where you plan to put your bonsai is a key factor to think about; if you are wanting to place your bonsai outdoors, you will have a much greater variety of trees to choose from. This is because bonsai trees, just like regular trees, enjoy seasonal change. Temperate trees go through a period of dormancy each winter before preparing for a new cycle of growth, so most will not thrive with the consistency and warmth indoors.However, if your heart is set on having your bonsai indoors there are still a few options. Varieties of ficus can do well in more consistent indoor temperatures, as can some tropical tree species. The bottom line is: do your research on the tree that is best suited for you! Different bonsai will have different care requirements. WATERINGYour bonsai will need to be watered far more regularly than your average pot plant. This is because bonsai are kept in shallow pots to keep their root systems small. If their soil dries out too much, your bonsai may not survive - for this reason, many bonsai need daily watering. Be careful though, make sure you don’t over-water your tree! Steer clear of a specific watering schedule - instead, monitor the plant and water as required. As a general rule don’t water your bonsai if the soil is still wet, but definitely ensure that the soil is not left to dry out completely. As a beginner, a good way to tell if your bonsai needs watering is to test the soil with your finger. Stick your finger about 1cm down into the soil, and if the top layer is starting to dry out, it’s time to water. When watering, you should soak the roots completely. Wait until you see water running out the drainage holes at the bottom before stopping. Again, the amount of water and frequency of watering will depend on the type, age and size of the tree you have, so make sure you check what is recommended for your specific tree species.PRUNING Pruning, alongside watering, is the other key step for a successful bonsai. There are two main pruning techniques: maintenance pruning and structural pruning. Structural pruning is done to give the bonsai it’s basic shape. This involves cutting larger branches. Once you’re happy with the basic shape, you can practise maintenance pruning - this is for maintaining and further refining the shape of your tree. If your bonsai is outdoors, you’ll want to keep the majority of your pruning to spring and summer (i.e. the growth seasons). Indoor bonsai can be trimmed any time of year, but remember to keep any major structural pruning work to once or twice a year at most.There are many different tools available for pruning bonsai. You can use different scissors and cutters for different parts of the tree. Smaller snips, scissors or tweezers can be used to remove foliage, and you’ll need larger cutters or secateurs for thicker branches. Regular-sized trees focus most of their growing energy upwards, and to the outer parts of their stems and branches. Bonsai are no different! For the traditional bonsai aesthetic, you’ll want to encourage your bonsai to grow in more central parts (closer to the trunk) by regularly pruning those outer areas of higher growth. When maintenance pruning, simply cut away any shoots or branches that are growing outside of the shape you’re going for. But remember - be careful not to prune any more than 1/3 of the foliage in one go, otherwise you could cause damage!FERTILISINGIn nature, trees grow their root systems deep into the soil to find nutrients. Bonsai trees (like pot plants) cannot do this - they are dependent on you for any additional supplements! Fertilising is a good way to make sure they are getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals they need.If you want your bonsai to grow bigger, you’ll want to fertilise regularly. A fully grown bonsai will appreciate some fertiliser as well, but it’s not needed as often. Again, your fertilising routine will depend on whether your bonsai is indoors or outdoors. You can fertilise an indoor plant year-round, while outdoor or evergreen trees will benefit from fertilising from spring right through to late autumn - a lot of your bonsai’s root activity occurs in autumn. Some recommended bonsai fertilisers include Nitrosol, or Mcgregors Vege & Ornamental fertiliser. An all-purpose fertiliser with balanced NPK levels will also do the trick.WIRINGBonsai beginners often stick to pruning to shape their tree, but if you’ve mastered that you may want to learn wiring. This technique allows you to reposition and direct branches by wrapping them in wire. This means you have greater control over the direction and shape of your tree’s growth! Although it sounds somewhat simple, wiring is actually a difficult technique to master. There are many tips and tricks to learn about wiring bonsai (enough to merit its own blog post!), but to simplify: wiring consists of coiling wire around and along a branch. Coils should be wrapped at a 45 degree angle, and you’ll need to make sure the coils are making contact with the branch all the way around. It will take practise to get the coil tightness just right; too loose and your wiring won’t have any effect, too tight and it could cause damage to the tree! We’d definitely recommend practising on a shrub or bush first, before giving it a go on your precious bonsai. The thickness of the wire you use will depend on the size of the branch or trunk. Thinner branches will need a more delicate strand of wire, while thicker branches or trunks will require thicker wire. As a general rule, pick a wire that is roughly 1/3 of the thickness of the branch.Once your bonsai is wrapped, the next step is to gently bend the branch or trunk into the desired shape. Try to do this in one single movement, and avoid manipulating it too much so you don’t damage the bark. Once wired, it will take several months before the branch becomes set in it’s new position. Make sure you keep a close eye on your tree during this time (particularly during growth seasons), as you don’t want the branch to grow around the wire and dig in - if this happens the bonsai could be left with permanent marks. Finally, when you go to remove your wire don’t unwind it - it’s better to use wire cutters to cut the wire off after each turn. This will ensure you don’t damage your tree. There are many more techniques within the technique of bonsai wiring, so make sure you do some research and practising before you embark on this skill!REPOTTINGThe last aspect of bonsai we’ll cover is repotting. A growing bonsai tree needs repotting about every two years. If you’ve got a mature bonsai on your hands, they can go several years longer without needing to be repotted. This is a good practise to remember, as it not only allows you to add fresh soil and nutrients, but it gives you the chance to trim back the root system if needed. If your bonsai has roots circling around inside the pot, it’s due for a trim. Trim it back enough that the root system can fit inside the pot without having to fold or force any roots - but remember, never trim more than ⅓ of the root system!You can then go ahead and add fresh soil back into the pot. A good bonsai soil needs to be well-draining and provide plenty of aeration - definitely do not use regular garden soil on it’s own! A good bonsai potting mix will generally include various mixtures of pumice and other similar well-draining substances. You can create your own bonsai potting mix by mixing pumice with soil....YOU’RE READY!If you’ve made it this far, you’ll have seen that there is a lot to learn about the art of bonsai - and we’ve just scratched the surface! But don’t be intimidated, as bonsai is something that can be learnt and enjoyed by any gardener. It may take patience and care, but practising the techniques of bonsai is very rewarding and can be a life-long pursuit!You can purchase a bonsai tree from our friends at Simply Bonsai here, an NZ business who specialise in starter bonsai trees. Most of their bonsai are between 3-8 years old. They ship NZ wide! Visit our dedicated bonsai section here to shop some handy bonsai tools, or seeds for starting a bonsai from scratch.

Did you know that a third of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators? That’s a big number! Unfortunately our pollinators are under threat, facing pressure from loss of habitat, climate change, and the widespread use of pesticides. It really highlights just how important our bees and other pollinating insects are, and the growing need to look after them.But how do we help? The good news is, there are things we can do to make a difference. One simple way is to grow wildflowers! These colourful, fun blooms are not only beautiful and super easy to grow - but they provide a range of benefits for our pollinator friends: food, nectar, pollen, and shelter.Wildflowers come in many varieties, and in all colours, shapes and sizes. Californian poppies, borage, cornflower, calendula, and lavender are just a few examples. These can be stunning additions to a garden (or any green space), that can be enjoyed by both us and the bees. If you can get your hands on native NZ wildflowers, even better!Instructions for planting wildflower seeds:  Choose a spot: your wildflower seed should be sown directly onto soil - they are unlikely to grow on grass or weeds. You’ll want to choose a sunny spot that gets direct light for at least 4 hours a day. Sprinkle about 1 gram of wildflower seeds per square meter, then sprinkle a light layer of soil over the top. Make sure your seeds are covered by no more than 2-3 mm of soil. Keep the soil moist for 6-8 weeks until germination, then continue to water as needed. Most wildflowers are happy with normal rainfall, but they will benefit from some extra water during summer. TIPS: Here in NZ, the best time to sow your wildflower seeds are the spring and summer months (September to February). When sown during these times, you can expect to see flowers in as little as 8 weeks! There is no need to fertilise your wildflowers, as this could encourage weeds. After your wildflowers have finished flowering they may start looking a bit untidy. At this stage, you can mow or cut the old plants down. You can leave the cuttings on the ground to naturally sow their seeds for the next season. Happy planting, and enjoy your wildflowers - we know the bees certainly will!

Maybe you’ve considered getting a water tank, just to have that little extra supply on hand over the summer months. As record-breaking periods without rain become more frequent, Aucklanders in particular are becoming all too familiar with ongoing water restrictions. Many of us across New Zealand are becoming increasingly conscious of where our water comes from, and how much we use. But is installing your own water tank worth it? Do the benefits of having a water tank outweigh the costs? Collecting rainwater is a clever, simple way to utilise a free and renewable natural resource. While there is an upfront investment, you’ll be reaping the rewards for years and years to come. The good news is that there are a variety of water tanks available to suit a range of budgets, installation is relatively cheap and easy, and if you’ll be using the water for non-potable (not for drinking) purposes you shouldn’t need council consent. Note: If you are intending to use the water for drinking or bathing, you may need to check with your local council’s requirements first, as some require water used for these purposes to be treated. Although we can often forget about the issue while water is more abundant during the winter months, now is actually the perfect time to install a water tank. Installing one while there’s plenty of rain means that you’ll have water ready for summer, when droughts and restrictions are more likely.  What are the benefits? Having an additional supply of water can really impact your dependence on the mains supply. A lot of purposes we need extra water for do not require potable water - this is where collecting your own rainwater can step in! A huge benefit is for use in the garden. Even during periods of drought and restriction, you can ensure your garden doesn’t have to miss out on water and can thrive all year round. Your lawn, veggie patch, and other garden plants will all benefit from having as much water as they need, even when rainfall is scarce - a great way to make sure your hard work in the garden is preserved. Rainwater is also useful to have on hand for a variety of other purposes. From washing the car or boat, waterblasting, doing the laundry, manually flushing the toilet & more, with a water tank you don’t need to worry so much about your water usage (especially during those dry summer months!). It can also be a money saver to be less reliant on the mains water supply, if you’re in an area where water usage is taxed. Those reduced water bills add up over the long term, meaning you’ll slowly make back the money spent on purchasing a water tank - a quality tank should last for many years to come. However being able to keep your loved plants alive during a drought with water restrictions just might be invaluable! Along with all of these practical purposes, having a water tank is not just beneficial for you & your family; it’s also a sustainable choice. Taking pressure off public utilities puts less stress on those resources, and also lessens the amount of water we waste. It’s a simple and smart way to make the most of a natural resource - every little bit helps! Plus, if there is ever an emergency you can rest easier knowing you’re likely to have water on hand. Choosing the right water tank Which water tank you choose depends on a few factors: what you intend to use the water for, and the amount of water you are wanting to collect. The water tanks we stock are suitable for non-potable water collection (water that is not used for bathing or drinking). Remember that your water tank will need to be connected to a downpipe to collect rain run-off. We have a range of water tanks available, with sizes up to 300 litres. This size range is great for tucking away in your garden as they take up minimal space, making them ideal for urban and residential properties. If you’re after something a bit bigger, the 220l Jardin Water Tanks by Keter can be connected to each other, in line, for double the capacity. These water tanks are a top pick as they come with everything you need already included: downpipe converter, tap, hose connector & stand.  Maze water tanks come in a range of sizes and styles to suit any space, with downpipe converters, stands and other accessories available to purchase as extras. These tanks can also be connected to each other for increased collection capacity when you purchase connector kits! The Frenzlife Guttertank comes in a useful 250L size, with a downpipe diverter and hose linking kit available to purchase as extras. Made in New Zealand from food grade plastic, the water collected by this tank could be used for potable purposes. You can view the full water tank range here, along with various accessories. Everything you need to get set up & ready to collect your own rainwater - install one now and you’ll be thanking yourself later!

Watching birds in your garden can bring a lot of joy. Our beautiful feathered friends make any yard come alive with their colour and song!Attracting birds to your garden by feeding them not only allows you to enjoy their company, but it can help provide valuable sustenance for them over the winter months in particular - this is when their normal sources of food become scarce. If you are wanting to attract more birds, read on for a few handy tips on turning your garden into a bird haven. The first thing to do is establish regular food and water sources in your garden. If you want to go the extra step, you could create nesting sites too! It is important to keep these areas higher up off the ground so visiting birds are less exposed to predators (and on that note, if you have a cat it’s a good idea to keep them inside when birds usually feed, particularly at night and during early morning hours). Take note of which birds are around in your area, or identify which birds you would like to attract, and put out food accordingly. Keep the feeder or feeding station topped up regularly, as your local birds will come to remember it as a reliable food source.Natives like Silvereye (Tauhou), Bellbird (Korimako), and Tui feed on nectar, fruit and insects. Using a nectar feeder and cut-open fruit, such as an orange, can help to attract these birds. You can fill nectar feeders with homemade sugar water (dissolve 100-200g of white sugar with 1L of lukewarm water), or you can go the extra step and purchase a wild bird nectar mix. These mixes are specially formulated to provide nutritious and balanced meals for nectar feeders, and are great for keeping them healthy during winter. A great tip is to place the feeder somewhere the birds feed naturally so they can find it (e.g. for Tui, a Kowhai tree would be a good choice). For nectar feeders in particular, it can also be helpful to use a feeder with a bright red or orange colour - this mimics the colour of their favourite flowers! If you have a clear nectar feeder, try adding a drop or two of red food colouring to the nectar mix.Providing wild bird seed is good for attracting goldfinch, greenfinch, yellowhammer, sparrow and chaffinch. Don't use bread, as although many birds will devour it (it's like junk food for them!) it can cause malnutrition and a variety of other issues, as it is high in calories but not nutrients.It is essential to clean bird feeders regularly - food that has started to rot or has been sitting for too long can be harmful for birds. Apart from that, our biggest tip is to give them time! Be regular, and be patient while birds find your garden. If you’d like to go the extra mile, there are a variety of native trees and shrubs that birds love. Planting some in your garden is one of the best ways to attract native birds; Flax and Kowhai are two plants that are often frequented by Bellbirds and Tui. Choosing plants that produce berries and seeds throughout all seasons is ideal.Something else you can do is make your garden pollinator-friendly! Encouraging pollinators and beneficial insects is great for your garden, and for the environment as a whole. Providing safe spots for your local bugs to hang out, planting wildflowers, and leaving your lawn slightly longer for pollinators to burrow down in, all helps to keep your garden in natural balance. Letting a few piles of leaf litter pile up (you can rake them out of the way under bushes etc.) can be very helpful for insects. Not only that, but more insects means more birds! You’ll be more likely to attract insect eating birds such as Fantail (Pīwakawaka) and Kingfisher (Kōtare).If you would like to enjoy more of our beautiful feathered friends, our Birdcare & Wildlife section has a wide range of products that will help transform your garden into a bird and insect sanctuary. From nectar feeders to nectar, bird seed to bug huts, check out the range and treat your local birds. 

The days are shorter, the air is crisper, and we’re starting to pull out the winter woolies! Autumn has well and truly arrived. This picturesque season is the perfect opportunity to give the garden a good tidy-up, so come springtime you’re ready to jump in and get growing. Taking the time to maintain things at this time of year will save you a lot of hard work later when the weather warms up. Take a look at the tidy-up tips below before you roll up your sleeves.Clear out the oldA good place to start is tidying up vege and flower beds: now is the time to remove old vegetable plants, and any annuals that have finished blooming. Removing them now reduces the chance of pests & diseases for your next crop. Compost these old plants, or simply bury them in your garden to add some healthy organic matter (just remember not to compost or bury any diseased plants!).Taking the time to weed is also a good idea, even if there aren’t many growing at this time of year - it will make weeding much easier come spring and summer. Remove any other intrusive debris from the rest of your garden, raking up leaves and fallen fruit. Turning leaves into mulch or compost can be a useful trick that your garden will thank you for down the track! If you choose to compost your fallen leaves, make sure to add enough “green matter” such as food waste or grass clippings, which are nitrogen-rich. Dry leaves are “brown matter”, which are carbon-rich. The ratio of your compost pile should be about 2 parts green to 1 part brown. We should note that leaving a pile or two of leaves around your garden is not always a bad thing - they can provide welcome and valuable shelter for pollinators over the colder winter months. Just rake the pile into an out-of-the-way place, such as underneath a hedge. Remember to clear out gutters and any drainage too, if necessary.Replenish soil & protect plantsNow is also the perfect time to revitalise tired soil. Doing this during autumn gives any added nutrients time to break down and become active. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of your compost (if you have your own compost heap or bin) after the summer heat, as it’s likely ready for use after sitting through the warmer months.When removing old plants and annuals from the garden, loosen the soil with a gardening fork and mix in a handful of compost. This will ensure the soil is refreshed and ready for replanting in spring. You can also pack a layer of compost around the base of shrubs and perennial plants - just make sure to leave a gap of a few centimeters between the compost and the stem. If you have manure, adding this now will help to nurture the soil as well. By the time we hit spring, your soil should be refreshed and ready to go another round.This is also the time to use all those leaves you raked up! Mulched leaves can be used to prevent weeds, to protect the soil beneath from cold conditions, and to help retain moisture. Simply shred the leaves (running a lawn mower over them a few times is an easy way to do this), and they are ready to use as mulch - you don’t want them to fully decompose as you would when composting. If you don’t have an abundance of fallen leaves on hand you can use straw or grass clippings instead. A layer of mulch will ward off pests and weeds, and help keep the soil temperature from fluctuating too much. When it eventually breaks down, your mulch will enrich the soil too. Remember to weed before laying down your mulch, and be sure to leave a gap between the mulch and the plant stem. Wet mulch that is laid too close to stems could cause rot.Lawn CareAn obvious one is to give the grass a mow! Grass clippings can be added to your compost heap or even used as mulch (see above). If possible, don’t cut your lawn too short - soil-enriching bugs often like to burrow down in the grass over winter. Some of these beneficial insects to have around include Ground Beetles, Praying Mantises, and Ladybugs. These helpful critters eat many unwelcome garden pests such as aphids, keeping their populations at a manageable level. Keeping the lawn slightly longer over winter will help them to help you!Aerating your lawn in autumn also comes with many benefits, and if done regularly will make lawn maintenance much easier. Aeration helps to strengthen and stimulate grass root growth, preparing it for colder conditions. It will also prevent water from pooling by allowing it to run off. Clean and store toolsProper garden tool maintenance and storage is essential for the longevity of your equipment. Cleaning your tools should be done year-round, not just in the autumn, but your annual autumn tidy-up is a good excuse to check everything is in ship shape! For an in-depth guide on garden tool cleaning and storage, you can read our previous blog post here. Plant spring-flowering bulbsAfter removing old plants, now is the time to plant your favourite spring-flowering bulbs! Here in NZ, autumn is the ideal time for this. Not only will they provide a happy burst of colour to your garden once spring arrives, they will also provide a nice, early food source for pollinators after winter. Feed the birds...and our final tip is: remember to keep feeding your backyard birds! Although it may soon be too cold to enjoy the garden with them, they will still appreciate a bit of extra nourishment. Keep your bird feeders topped up and ready for your feathered friends to visit over the cooler months. Enjoy your autumn garden!If you’ve managed to tick off all of your autumn garden preparations already, well done! If not, we encourage you to dig in (literally) and get started. While we still have the coldest months coming up ahead, spring will be upon us before we know it, and you’ll soon be reaping the rewards of the ‘hard yards’ put in now. Doing an annual autumn garden tidy up will make for a flourishing garden that’s easier to maintain - sign us up for that! You can check out our website for heaps of handy garden tools and accessories - from rakes, to tub trugs, garden bags & more - that will make your autumn clean-up a breeze. 

Clean. Sharpen. Protect. Repeat. There’s a certain quiet pleasure in keeping your tools in good working order. It’s a small act of care — for the things that care for your garden. And much like mulching your soil or pruning at just the right time, tool maintenance is one of those jobs that pays you back in spades. A well-loved pair of secateurs, snips or shears doesn’t need to be replaced — it just needs a little TLC. With the right tools and just a few minutes, your gardening kit can stay sharp, rust-free and ready to tackle the next round of garden tasks. Start with a clean slate Dirt, sap and surface rust can build up quickly, even on the best-quality tools. The Niwaki Crean Mate is our go-to for gentle but effective cleaning — it’s a Japanese-made block designed to remove grime without damaging your tools. Add a few drops of water or Camellia Oil, and rub away the buildup on your blades and handles. If you’re dealing with surface rust, reach for the Rust Eraser. This flexible, rubbery block works like a dream to lift oxidation from carbon steel blades, especially around hinges and hard-to-reach edges. It’s surprisingly satisfying to watch the clean metal come back to life. Time to sharpen A sharp blade is safer, easier to use, and better for your plants. The Sharpening Stone is made for high-quality secateurs, loppers, and shears — just soak it briefly in water and gently glide it along the edge of your blade, following the original bevel. A few swipes is often all it takes to restore a clean, crisp edge. We recommend the #1000 grit for general sharpening — it’s the sweet spot for regular maintenance. Just take your time, and don’t rush. This is a moment to slow down and enjoy the process. Finish with protection Once your tools are clean and sharp, it’s time to protect them. A light coating of Camellia Oil keeps rust at bay and helps moving parts glide beautifully. This traditional Japanese oil is plant-based, non-toxic, and safe for use on all steel and wooden surfaces. Wipe a little onto your blades and joints with a soft cloth — think of it as a moisturiser for your tools. The ritual of care Caring for your tools isn’t just about extending their life — though it absolutely does that. It’s also a way to slow down, connect with your gear, and appreciate the role it plays in your garden. A clean, sharp tool turns a chore into a joy. It cuts where you want it to, leaves tidy wounds on your plants, and feels like an extension of your hand. So next time you come in from the garden, don’t just drop your secateurs on the bench. Give them a quick wipe down. Maybe a sharpen if they’re feeling a bit dull. Your future self (and your plants) will thank you. Explore our tool sharpening range here Tool Maintenance.