Turn your balcony or patio into a lush garden

If you have a green thumb, just imagine what you could do with a balcony with a fantastic view like this one at Murray Halberg Village. This elevated space offers the perfect blank canvas to create a lush outdoor space without lawn maintenance or heavy lifting.

Shane Fairbairn, Landscape Manager at Ryman Healthcare, shares some tips for creating the perfect outdoor space on your patio or balcony so you can enjoy the benefits of gardening without the hassles.

First, decide on a theme. Is it cosy and bohemian, sleek and minimalist, a lush urban jungle, or something else? Your vision will guide your plant and furniture choices.

For all his tips and advice click read more.

More messages from your neighbours

2 hours ago

The Whangārei Monthly Crafts Market is Back!

Kristi from Tikipunga

Join us for a vibrant celebration of local creativity at the Whangārei Crafts Market!

🗓 Sunday 29 March 2026
⏰ 9:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Reyburn House Art Studio, Town Basin
🎟 FREE ENTRY

Come along and support talented local artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs. You’ll discover:

✨ Handmade arts & crafts
✨ Pickles, jams & homemade goodies
✨ Crocheted treasures & baby clothes
✨ Blankets, toys & soaps
✨ Jewellery & unique gifts
✨ T-shirts and so much more

This is your chance to shop local, connect with our creative community, and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning by the water at the Town Basin.

Bring your friends, bring your whānau, and help us support local artists and crafters.

#WhangareiCraftsMarket #ShopLocalNZ #SupportLocalArtists #NorthlandEvents #CreativeCommunity

2 hours ago

Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival - Saturday, 7 March 2026,10:00am - 3:00pm, Kensington Sports Park

Kristi from Tikipunga

Get ready, whānau! We’re celebrating 11 incredible years of culture, connection, and community at the Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival, and this year’s theme says it all:
✨ “Nurturing Our Cultures by Strengthening Our Health.” ✨
Join us for a vibrant day filled with:

🌴 Cultural performances
🥥 Pasifika food and flavours
🎶 Music, dance, and storytelling
🤝 Community pride and connection
💙 Health, wellbeing, and whānau-focused activities
Let’s honour our Pasifika roots, celebrate our diversity, and uplift the wellbeing of our people together.
Save the date, bring the aiga, and be part of something beautiful.
🌺 Pacific pride. Northland heart. 🌺
📅 When: Saturday, 7 March 2026 | 10:00am - 3:00pm
📍 Where: Kensington Sports Park, 97 Kensington Ave, Whangārei
💰 Entry: FREE
👉 More info: FALE Pasifika