Redpolls - like small streamlined sparrows with a splash of red
Redpolls (Carduelis flammea) are tiny finches which look like they’ve been blooded in some primal hunting ritual. They are supposedly common, but yesterday evening was the first opportunity I’ve had to both study them closely and get some decent photos. I was watching a tui when a small flock of around a dozen arrived in the kowhai tree, jittering and singing like caffeinated pixies. I couldn’t believe my luck and hurt my neck peering upward, afraid they would take off before I had the opportunity to see them properly. The light was going, it was after 6.00pm and all but the very top of the tree was in shadow. I need not have worried, they were settling for the night and I left before they did. The female only has a red streak on the top of her head, whereas the male looks like he ate a rare steak without cutlery. Manor Park, Lower Hutt.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
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