Groundwork Mid Winter Edition 2009
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We all know how important this winter weather is for gardens and especially farmers. But when you're sick of drying clothes inside and tripping over gumboots at the back door, you might find yourself browsing cheap deals to Rarotonga... Don't despair too much though - think of the positives. A glass of mulled wine by a roaring fire, hearty soups and stews, and of course, listening to the rain on the roof when you're tucked up in bed.
Though your jobs in the garden might have slowed down a bit, this is a great time to start planning for spring planting and summer landscaping projects. Check out our revamped inspiration galleries for ideas for that new pool, deck or patio you can enjoy when the sun comes out! Consider contacting a landscape designer now for early consultation and get the ball rolling. Take a look at Kirsten Sach's award-winning 'Rain Garden', and download instructions on 'How to build a Rain Garden' of your own.
If you are looking for ideas or need answers, we have reinstated the landscapedesign.co.nz forum which is linked to the blog pages. You can still comment on articles, but you now have the opportunity to start discussions yourself. It's only a couple of days old - so go ahead and register and be the first to start a new thread.
This issue of Groundwork highlights the work of three NZ landscape designers, showcases companies providing top-quality gates, stonework and irrigation, as well as the usual seasonal recipe and regular contributors. If you're in the industry, don't forget to register for the NGIA and/or Landscaping NZ July Conferences.
Wrap up warm, put on your Norsewears and gummies - and get out there and enjoy winter!
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Meet the Designer
Jon Muller
- Landscape design
- Landscape construction
- Garden talks & Training
 Wellington Gardens Ltd. is a landscape design and construction business operated by Jon Muller for more than 10 years. Jon has been involved in the horticulture and landscape industry for 28 years. He provides a quality service for his clients based on his experience and passion for his work. As well as writing 4 books, he has been on radio and TV. He also lectures part-time at the Victoria University School of Design.
Jon makes sure he takes his clients through a step-by-step process to ensure they feel involved in the design and construction, and are happy with the end result. Read more ...
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Meet the Designer
Michelle McDonnell
 Classical yet contemporary, Michelle's designs are simple, beautiful and functional. She strives create a design that reflects and suits the customer's home, lifestyle, tastes, resources and needs.
Based in Tauranga, her experienced team include a project manager, a drawer and soft landscaping and maintenance personnel. They can provide a complete design and construction service from scratch, or help with a part of a landscaping project - be it residential or commercial.
"I believe that the landscape
process should be enjoyable.
We will work with you whether you require a little bit of help or a lot." 
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Meet the Designer
 Stewart Stevenson Landscape Design work across NZ to create designs which integrate architecture and landscape for a truly unique residential or commercial garden. Your landscape project will be created to your desires and developed to the individual characteristics of your site. Stewart prides himself on his unique ideas, so each design is ideally suited to the client. Stewart believes
the extensive client consultation before and during
each design is the key to successful landscapes.
Read more...
"Specialists in high-end Landscape Design, Landscape Contracting and Project Management."
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Featured Businesses & Products
Wooden Gates Waiuku is New Zealand's premier manufacturer of wooden gates and fences with a proven reputation for quality and service.
 No matter what your style of architecture or landscape, we can design and build a high-quality gate, fence or other structure to enhance your residential or commercial property. From traditional colonial picket fences to striking modern gates - our experienced team can provide the perfect product for you and your home.
We design, construct and install:
Gates
Fences
Planter Boxes
Archways
Letterboxes
Flag Poles and more View our range
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 Auckland Stonemasons
are New Zealand's leading commercial and residential builders of sea
walls, retaining walls, boundary walls, houses, pillars and fireplaces. The family business was established in 1927 when Ivan Lavas arrived from Korcula Island on the Dalmation coast. His sons and grandsons have carried on the stonemasons craft, and pride themselves on the quality of their work, and the rich tradition that lies behind it.  Stonework features, be they walls, paths or fireplaces, provide a dramatic, long-lasting and beautiful addition to any property. Click here to read more....* * * Megason Irrigation We design, install and service all irrigation systems, residential, commercial and municipal.From Wellington to Hawke's Bay, the Megason team provides irrigation design, installation and service with honesty, integrity and professionalism. They provide a high quality, ongoing service to all their clients. Using computer aided design and the latest irrigation products, Megason Irrigation offer up-to-date service while still considering water conservation and the environment. Read more...
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Promote your business
Contact us to discuss how you can promote your business ... and be featured here in Groundwork and other trade and public promotions.
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Groundwork seasonal recipe
Leeks are a fantastic winter vegetable. Milder and sweeter than
onions, they are great in soups, quiches, or the odd naughty pie!
Thanks to foodlovers.co.nz for this classic recipe - real comfort
food. Serve with steamed broccoli, sauteed spinach/silverbeet or a
salad to turn this treat into a hearty family meal.
Leek and Chicken Pie - read this recipe
In your garden
We've all heard how dark green leafy vege are packed with nutrients ... read moreSearch findaplant.co.nz to find your local garden centre and get yourself some seeds or seedlings. |
Competitions & Giveaways
New Competitions loaded today!
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Planting Asparagus and
Winter Pruning
Asparagus is a favorite seasonal vegetable for many gardeners and
gourmets. Bountiful too - once established, mature crowns produce many
delicious spears each spring. I spoke to a elderly lady gardener
recently who told me that she had a bed of asparagus that is now 30
years old and still producing an abundance of spears every season. What
a great asset to have in ones garden! Read more.. |
New !
After some consideration and requests we
have reinstated our Discussion Forum.
Currently you can comment on Blog articles and
posts by using the form at the bottom of each page - this gets a lot of use, however
there are a many visitors with specific questions, so now you can either
comment at the bottom of a page or discuss the article in the forum and ask
your own questions and raise topics.
It has just been made live properly today
so why not give it a whirl.
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NGIA Conference 
'How to GROW
Through a Recession - the opportunities ahead'29th-30th July in Palmerston North Featuring International Industry expert keynote speaker, John Stanley
and a range of other speakers on many topics. Don't forget the
valuable networking and good food! Find out more...* * *
Landscaping NZ Conference
The 2009 "retreat style" Conference is shaping up to be a fun event - Steve Martin (Taupo member) will head the committee. This years conference sees a great line up of talks on a range of topics from CAD planning to pine, as well as open forums and the 26th AGM. Find out more... |
Patch from Scratch June
Update
I've spent lots of time during May preparing my vege garden for winter. If you use an irrigation system, don't forget to decrease the frequency or turn it off all together in preparation for the rainy months. I've tucked up all my plants with a good feed and a thick layer of mulch, and finally, finally I am getting the potager pinned with weed mat broken shell laid on top. It is looking spiffingly smart! Read on...
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Registrations are open for the second biannual SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show in New Zealand.
The show is THE must attend event for all involved in the wet industry -contractors, architects, landscapers, pool builders, retailers, manufacturers and service technicians.
If you are committed to staying at the top of your game - this FREE expo is the place you need to be.
SEE - new products & services
LEARN - about the latest developments in the industry
NETWORK & IDENTIFY - new contacts
UNDERSTAND - new regulations and international business opportunities
What's happening in 2009?
More than 40 exhibiting companies - over two floors!
Two day seminar programme with international speakers.
Clevaquip Welcome Reception
Register for FREE at www.splashnzexpo.co.nz or call 0800 451 590 for more information. 29 -30 July Hilton Auckland | |
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That's all this month - once again please feel free to contact us, we welcome your feedback.
Kind regards,
Tim Durrant and the LandscapeDesign.co.nz Team
Adv. Cert. Landscape Design & Construction
Editor | Managing Director
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