Pine cone Fire Lighters
These firelighters provide a strong and clean burning flame to start your indoor wood fire, your BBQ, your Brazier or camp fire. Forget the noxious, petrol based store bought fire lighters and make these instead. Each individual pine cone fire lighters has its own wick which when placed in the fire can be lit. I use natural beeswax from my own hives. Avoid using soy or paraffin candle wax as these options are not environmentally friendly. Continue Reading →
Hard paving rather than expansive lawn helps with allergies to pollen
Do you suffer from allergies and dread springtime with all the pollen floating around just trying to get up your nostrils? Asthma, hay fever, contact dermatitis, rashes and blisters can all be triggered by garden plants. An allergy free garden can allow all people to enjoy their outdoor spaces.
Up to one quarter of all New Zealanders react to pollen released by wind-pollinated plants. The worst time of the year is September and October when tree pollen reaches its peak. This is then quickly replaced by grass pollen in November through to January. Continue Reading →
Our patio I designed creates a sheltered microclimate
Sun in winter; cool breezes and shade in summer; fresh fruits in frost prone areas - these are some of the benefits of micro-climates. Micro-climates are localised conditions in an area. They can occur naturally or be manmade. By maximising existing ones or creating new ones, you can extend the time you can enjoy outside and also the types of plants grown. Continue Reading →
Diatomaceous Earth
This is the only pest control I now use in my garden. It is easy to apply and totally organic and natural with no toxic build up or risk of pest tolerance.
Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring product. It is made up of millions of fossilised agae which are mined from seas and lakes. Each tiny grain is very hard and razor sharp. When Diatomaceous Earth comes in contact with insects, the razor sharp edges lacerate the insects exoskeleton and the powdery Diatomaceous Earth absorbs the body fluids causing death from dehydration. Continue Reading →
A formal garden with rill water feature designed by Janet Luke
At Green Urban Living we are committed to providing a professional, cutting edge, client focused, ecologically sound, landscape design service.
The Director, Janet Luke, holds a degree in Landscape Architecture (the highest qualification within the profession) and a Masters in Environmental and Resource Planning with Honors. Continue Reading →
As the World’s population continues to grow the pressure for clean water continues to mount. Who knows in the future conflicts may begin over disputes for clean water! By adopting a water-wise habit and making some simple plumbing changes it is possible to almost halve your own water consumption. You can reduce pressure on limited water supplies; protect the environment by reducing sewerage outputs and save money at the same time. Continue Reading →