Explore fascinating articles about gardening and sustainability.
Spring Gardening Ideas
Spring is a great time to do a post-Winter tidy up, and prepare for Summer entertaining. We’ve got some ideas to help you this Spring Gardening Season.
Watering your Garden
It’s important to water your gardens regularly. Here are some tips to ensure your garden is adequately watered for a thriving garden.
Citrus Fruit Punch Recipe
Try this delicious Citrus Fruit Punch recipe, packed with nutrients and a refreshing drink on hot sunny days.
Kids Activity – Decorating Garden Pots
Painting garden pots is a great activity for kids to get creative and get excited about gardening. Try this fun activity that the kids will love.
Top Tips for Winter Gardening
Winter is a good time to make sure your garden is well maintained. Don’t let the colder temperatures put you off, your garden still needs some love! Here are some important tips to keep your garden healthy, tidy and thriving during Winter.
Preparing For Winter Pruning
Winter is an ideal time to invest in pruning your trees. Here are some tips to get you started.
Winter Harvest Roast Vege Medley
Nothing beats a hearty winter meal using fresh vegetables that you’ve grown and harvested straight from the garden. Here’s a roast winter vegetable recipe that is perfect for those cold winter nights
Composting with Kids
Composting is a great activity for kids! It’s a great way for them to learn and do their part for the environment. Read on about ways to do Composting with Kids
Fun for the kids
Check out our fun activities for kids to help them to learn more about being sustainable.
Civil Defence Preparedness
With recent weather events, it’s a timely reminder to have a plan in place and to ensure simple measures are taken around the property to avoid damage.
Reducing Household Emissions
Climate change is intensifying floods worldwide, including New Zealand. Discover how warmer air and increased moisture lead to more severe and frequent floods. Learn why mitigating climate change through emission reduction and global warming prevention is crucial to safeguarding our communities from these devastating impacts
Green Infrastructure in Urban Environments
As autumn arrives, gardeners embrace planting season. But with climate change causing more frequent extreme weather, it's crucial to adapt. Learn about building resilient infrastructure, green spaces, and garden adjustments to absorb excess water. Discover the importance of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in mitigating climate risks.
Practise Fine Motor Skills in the Garden
Make gardening a delightful learning experience for your kids this summer! Discover how involving them in various garden tasks not only sparks their interest but also helps develop fine motor skills. Explore activities that engage small muscles and joints and encourage teamwork while having fun outdoors
Top 10 Summer Gardening Tips & Tricks
Calling all gardeners! Summer has arrived, and it's time to dive into your gardening projects. Discover valuable tips and insights that will make your planting season a blooming success. Get ready to dig in and watch your garden flourish
Be Sun Smart in the Garden This Summer
Enjoying your time in the garden? Don't forget about the sun's potential harm. Discover why sun protection is crucial while gardening, especially in New Zealand with its extreme UV levels. Learn how to shield yourself from sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the country.
Biodiversity Detective
Embark on an exciting adventure with your kids as they delve into the vibrant world of ecosystems. From soil microorganisms to towering trees, discover how living organisms build relationships to sustain life. Engage in an enriching activity that encourages young explorers to observe and appreciate the signs of life in their local environment
NZ Natives that awaken in Spring
Discover the captivating transformation of the Kōwhai in spring, as it adorns itself with brilliant yellow flowers. Dive into the rich cultural significance of these blooms in Te Reo Māori, where 'Kōwhai' means yellow. Explore the historical importance of Kōwhai as a signal of winter's end and the time to plant Kumara, while providing a sweet nectar feast for native birds
Regenerative gardening practices in your home garden
Discover the world of regenerative gardening—an eco-friendly concept that's gaining traction. It's not about following trends but nurturing a love and respect for the environment. Learn about the elements you might already incorporate into your garden and how regenerative gardening is shaping a sustainable future
How to prevent moss and mildew this winter
After a rainy July, it's common to spot moss and mildew creeping onto outdoor surfaces like concrete or tile patios. Don't wait until you slip! Explore effective ways to tackle these growths and keep your outdoor areas safe and pristine.
Top garden maintenance services
Long-time Swanson resident Chris Lange started 1st Class Gardens in 2009, but moved to bigger premises last year to accommodate the company's growth.