Backyard Awards: Best Loved Lawn winner
Mark Elliott from Shirley in Christchurch has won the category of Best Loved Lawn for his lush green masterpiece. Congratulations, Mark!
We spoke with his about his process to keep his lawn beautiful and there may be some blades of advice for your own backyard.
Mark has a huge backyard so during Covid times, he decided to renovate the lawn and garden just for something to do. It’s turned into a passion.
His lawn is 100% rye grass - sourced from Prebble Seeds Turf World who supply many golf courses around New Zealand. In the summer he mows it every 2-3 days, sometimes daily, and waters the lawn with a deep soak of about an hour at a time, 2-3 times a week. He uses a granular slow release lawn fertiliser and other liquid fertilisers also.
Mark shares:
'I would say the secret to getting a good lawn is consistent mowing - at least twice a week. Maybe buy a bulk bag of slow release lawn fertiliser from a wholesaler. Keep the grass longer and just take the very top off the blade when you mow. It promotes growth, thickens it up and will really help with stopping weeds - oh, and water. Expect a water bill if you want a good lawn.'
The first photo below shows the 'Before' shot, 4 years ago. Give Mark a Like on this post if you think his lawn is pretty top notch!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17% Hmm, maybe?
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10% Yes!
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Glen Eden Community Market - 20 December 2025 9am - 12pm
🎉 Glen Eden Community Market – Saturday 20th December! 🎉
🕙 9am–12pm | Glen Eden Community House
Join us for our final market of the year – a festive morning full of fun, learning, and community spirit!
🚗 20 Car Boot Stalls – Treasure hunting, bargains & local goodies
🚒 Fire Truck Visit @ 10am – Meet our local heroes
💦 Water Balloon Fight – Splash into summer fun
🎄 DIY Christmas Coasters & Crackers – Get crafty and festive
🌭 Sausage Sizzle – Grab a tasty bite and support local
❤️ Hato Hone | St John CPR Demos – Learn life-saving skills
🎩 Popcorn the Clown Magic Show @ 11am – Laughs, tricks & magical fun!
Free entry – bring your whānau, friends, and festive spirit! We appreciate your support!
📍 Parking Info:
All on-site parking is taken up by the market. Please park on Pisces Road, Solar Road, Kamara Road, or Capricorn Place and walk into the park. There is walkway access from Solar Road.
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