312 days ago

Backyard Awards: Best Loved Lawn winner

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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!

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?

(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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7 days ago

Poll: Have you ever had a Healthy Homes inspection done where you live?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Conflicting Healthy Homes inspection reports are raising concerns about the consistency of standards meant to ensure rental properties are safe and liveable.

In one recent case, a Cambridge rental property underwent two inspections within a week, with significantly different outcomes. The first, arranged by tenant Sara Lewis, identified multiple issues including mould, vermin, and ventilation concerns. A second inspection, arranged by property managers Harcourts, just six days later, found little to criticise.

Have you ever had a Healthy Homes inspection done where you live? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Have you ever had a Healthy Homes inspection done where you live?
  • 30% Yes
    30% Complete
  • 70% No
    70% Complete
10 votes
15 hours ago

The city's new mayor is setting out his plan

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Hamilton City Council is pledging to cut costs and avoid “gold plating” infrastructure as part of a new strategy to limit rates increases, but Mayor Tim Macindoe says central government support may be needed to meet a new national rates cap.

Macindoe said Wellington needed to be “a little more nuanced” and take population growth into account.

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