Natural Living Talk

If you’ve been out in the garden lately and spotted clusters of bright red beetles or tiny alligator-shaped larvae, congratulations—you’ve got ladybugs! These little helpers are one of the best organic pest-control allies we can have. I’ve had quite a few appear naturally this season, and I’ve even added to the workforce by purchasing extra ladybug eggs from Bioforce , a fantastic New Zealand company supporting home gardeners and growers. Whether you’re growing roses, veggies

Grow healthier plants, boost your harvests, and create a resilient, chemical-free garden . Companion planting is one of the oldest gardening traditions — pairing certain plants together so they support each other. In New Zealand’s unique climate, where we garden through four seasons, sudden cold snaps, and a huge range of pests (whitefly, aphids, cabbage butterflies, psyllids, slugs, and more), companion planting becomes an incredibly useful tool. Whether you grow in pots, ra

It’s that time of year again — warm days, cool days, and everything in between here in the South Island. With the unpredictable summer weather come those unwelcome little visitors: the bugs that bother our pets, nibble our gardens, and sometimes find their way indoors. One ingredient I’ve relied on for years is neem . It’s one of those beautifully versatile, old-world remedies that fits perfectly into a natural home and garden. 🌱 What Is Neem? Neem oil comes from the seeds o