
We're celebrating our 80th with a grand garden party at Larnach Castle!
Kia ora neighbours, NZ Gardener is marking an incredible 80 years of inspiring and informing New Zealand gardeners and want to celebrate with you! Join editor Jo McCarroll at the Dunedin event to mark this significant milestone. With a very special edition coming out to mark the anniversary looking at a history of gardening in New Zealand, Jo will take you on a wildly engaging romp through the magazine’s archives, looking back at New Zealand’s horticultural history. Plus, there’ll be lots of extra goodies, with each ticket including:
* Entry and self-guided tour of Larnach Castle Gardens (you're welcome to come earlier to see our beautiful gardens).
* Glass of bubbles on arrival and a continuous grazing board.
* Meet and greet with Margaret Barker, Fiona Eadie and their team of Gardeners at Larnach Castle.
* Spot prizes and a great goody bag packed with gardening paraphernalia (including a brand new, Jack Hobbs-bred Hebe ‘The Gardener’ released to mark NZ Gardener’s 80th birthday!).
Tickets are strictly limited numbers so book early to avoid missing out. In true Garden Party fashion, you are welcome to wear an elegant hat and pop on a pretty dress!
If you are a currently Loyal Local cardholder, contact Larnach Castle's reservations team on reservations@larnachcastle.co.nz or 03 476 1616 to book your ticket.


A reminder to drive safer
Police are reminding motorists of the importance around following distances following a multi-vehicle crash on the Dunedin Southern Motorway yesterday.
Senior Sergeant Karl Hemmingsen, Otago Coastal Area Road Policing Manager, said Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on the Dunedin Southern Motorway at Fairfield around 8:20am this morning.
“Luckily, there were no serious injuries sustained in the crash, however it did create significant disruption for motorists, with a few people likely to be late for work this morning.
“The road has been cleared and since reopened; however, it is a good reminder of the impact sunstrike can have on our morning commutes this time of year.
“Police are asking motorists to keep their following distances in mind when driving to your destination, a larger gap between you and the car in front of you is often the difference in being able to safely stop, or crashing into the car in front of you, if they stop abruptly," Senior Sergeant Hemmingsen said.
This morning has already seen six crashes causing disruption to motorists across the Southern District, with variable conditions across the Southland, Otago Coastal and Otago Lakes areas.
This is an urgent reminder to pay close attention when driving on the roads, and drive to the conditions, increase following distances, slow down, and put your distractions away.
We want to see everyone getting to their destinations safely.


Do you have a great recipe for pears?
Kia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're still on the hunt for pear recipes! Send your family's favourite way to use up this delicious fruit, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by the end of this week . If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the April issue.


Poll: Would you use a pet cemetery?
Dave Stephens has created a pet cemetery on his land.
The 10-acre site in Albany, Auckland, features graves nestled among beautifully manicured gardens and unique art pieces, offering a serene space where visitors can pay their respects in their own way.
Is a local pet cemetery something you think you would use? Share your thoughts below.

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31.3% Yes
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67.1% No
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1.6% Other - I'll share below