Greetings!
There has been a lot of talk in the papers and on the telly lately about the food we consume, and how 'real' and healthy it actually is. Really makes you think doesn't it! As we get busier with our work and social lives it is always easy just to grab something off the shelf at the supermarket, but if we actually stop to read the back of the pack we may think better of this...is it really a lot harder to grow, harvest and prepare our own veges? Wally's article this week has a look at this issue and for those interested in establishing their own vege garden, he gives us all some good tips. Vege gardens don't have to be something you hide round the back of your property either, why not make it a feature of your landscaping and mix your veges with flowers (Tod gives us some great ideas for spring favourites) and herbs - also by choosing to companion plant you not only get a really eyecatching garden but it is a great natural way to help with pest control and soil nutrients and save you some work. Think about it!
For a dose of Culture, Sandra keeps us updated on her recent UK trip - visiting the beautiful Hannah Peschar Gardens and seeing the sculpture beautifully integrated with the landscape planting, we'll all be dreaming of Northern Hemisphere holidays!
Don't forget to visit our noticeboard if you have any nagging questions...maybe you need a few tips on the best veges to plant in your area or where to find them, just ask on noticeboard and prepare for some great free advice.
If you were thinking of heading to the Ellerslie International Flower Show (Nov 14-18) this year - to visit the Landscapedesign.co.nz Exhibition Garden (EG15) of course - why not enter our competition where you could win Diamond Club Tickets for you and a friend, don't forget to tell your friend to enter too. |
Sculpture Garden - Sandra Batley
During my travels and years as a garden designer I have visited a number of stunning gardens both here in New Zealand and in Europe, I also have an interest in sculpture. So when the opportunity came up to visit an inspiring collection of sculpture set in an amazing garden, created by an award winning landscape designer I jumped at the chance.
Read full article>> | | |
Traditional Spring Favourites - Tod Palenski
Romance is back. As spring heralds the return of pretty, vintage florals in both fashion and interiors, gardens are set to get the shabby-chic treatment too, with romantic spring flowers taking centre stage.
"Gardening trends often mirror what's happening in the fashion world," says Awapuni gardening guru Tod Palenski. "And this spring we'll see a return of more traditional flowers, like your grandmother may have had." Read full article>> | |
Healthy Gardening Time - Wally Richards
We should ask ourselves the question, 'Why do we garden?' Is it because it gives us an excuse to get outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of our day to day lives? Is it because once outside we want to look like we are doing something constructive rather than just wandering around aimlessly? (Bit like owning a dog so you have an excuse to take walks.) Is it just another chore that one needs to do to keep the outside tidy? On the other hand there are people that love to get out amongst nature and enjoy the sight of plants growing and being partly responsible for this accomplishment.
Read full article>> | |
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With the last of the cold weather still lingering, why not use the last of the winter vege and make this tasty Lamb and Vege Stew.
Hearty Lamb and Vege Stew
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
500g lamb stew meat, cubed
2 cups beef broth
1 cup dry red wine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups peeled, seeded, and sliced butternut squash
1 cup peeled, sliced parsnips
1 cup peeled, chopped kumera
1 cup sliced celery
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Directions
Heat the oil in a large saucepan, and brown the lamb meat on all sides. Drain fat, and stir in the beef broth and wine. Season with garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes.
Mix in the squash, parsnips, sweet potatoes, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and flour. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup of the hot stew mixture.
Stir the sour cream mixture into the saucepan. Remove the bay leaf, and continue to cook and stir until thickened. |
Book Review - Peter Arthur - Touchwood Books
"Landscape Design USA" compiled by George Lam is a new book looking at 70 recent award winning projects in the USA. The book is split into five major sections:Plaza and Square, Institutional, Corporate , Recreational and Residential.
Each project is portrayed with lots of colour photos and in most cases , the plans or sketches . A brief text explains the purpose of the project and problems to be overcome . The book concludes with a profile of the various firms that are mentioned in the book, which is a large format 366 page hardback. Visually a very stimulating book. $160.00
www.touchwoodbooks.co.nz | |
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Thanks for your support and feedback...Remember to send us your comments and feedback, and keep posting messages to the forum. That's what community is all about. If you have something to say do it now! |
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Regards,
Tim Durrant and the LandscapeDesign.co.nz Team
landscapedesign.co.nz ltd |
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Since 2004, young New Zealanders have been involved in work camps helping to build the Aramitan community beside the slums of Sau Paulo, Brazil. Projects have included building walls, creating gardens and finishing the building. In January we hope to have the kindergarten finished so that 60 children can have a safe and nourishing environment. Aramitan is an initiative creating trust and hope for the future of children worldwide. I am part of the New Zealand management group supporting Aramitan - if you are interested in supporting us or would like more information please contact me. Tim Durrant
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The more friends you tell the more chances you have to win...
Enter the draw to Win 500g Freshly Roasted Hawthorne Coffee delivered straight to your door by telling a friend about our website. The more friends you tell the more chances you have to win.
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