Andrew Steens

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Gardening – Much to say about manuka

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as tea tree or manuka, is found throughout New Zealand, most often as a pioneer plant in regenerating areas. It is...

Gardening – Tough growing conditions

Well, what can we say about this summer that hasn’t already been said? It has truly been a shocker and the garden is showing the...

Gardening – Adding garden colour

We have several old concrete laundry tubs that are planted up with Alstroemeria, also known as Inca or Peruvian lilies, which have put on a...

Gardening – Spring heralds busy season

Late spring is when everything really gets into gear in the garden, including me! There are so many jobs to do before summer arrives. Indoor...

Gardening – Post-holiday bounty

Firstly, my apologies for not writing any gardening articles over winter. We were fortunate to be able to enjoy a wonderful trip to Asia and...

Gardening – Glorious fuss-free flowers

Some of the easiest and most rewarding plants in my garden are the Cymbidium orchids. I give them very little attention and in return they...

Gardening – Prepping for winter

Autumn is my favourite season, but sadly, it is a precursor to my least favourite season, winter. However, time marches on and the seasons come...

Gardening – Structure added with lateral thinking

For most gardeners, structures are important to give options for growing all sorts of crops and ornamental plants. Structures need not cost a fortune to...

Gardening – Preserving the bounty

At this time of year, the garden is a veritable cornucopia of fruits and vegetables. With only two of us at home now the kids...

Gardening – Cool bananas

I love the look of bananas. Their gloriously lush foliage transports me to more tropical climes where bananas flourish and the abundant fruit they produce...