329 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
16 hours ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 9% Yes! New Year, New Me
    9% Complete
  • 21.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    21.9% Complete
  • 69.1% Nah - not for me
    69.1% Complete
311 votes
3 hours ago

Adults Arts Therapy

Arts for Health from Arts for Health Community Trust

Discover the benefits of art making at Arts for Health. Our Wednesday art therapy class offers a creative, relaxing escape. Guided by Scarlett, you'll engage in artful activities designed to help you unwind and reconnect with yourself as you paint, draw, design and experiment with a wide range of art materials. This art therapy class is ideal for adults, no experience is needed - just bring yourself, and we’ll provide all materials and equipment. With a limit of only 8 participants, you'll enjoy a personalised experience and meet some amazing people along the way.

Book now at www.artsforhealth.co.nz...

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5 hours ago

Treasured Book Workshop Series

Arts for Health from Arts for Health Community Trust

Create your own treasure book in this eight-week Hamilton workshop. Choose your cover, pick your papers, and learn simple book-binding techniques to craft a one-of-a-kind keepsake filled with pockets, textures, and space for your stories.

This workshop is all about slowing down, exploring new skills, and enjoying time just for you.
A relaxed, creative space to make something meaningful and uniquely yours.

Book now at www.artsforhealth.co.nz...

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