Backyard Awards: Best Loved Lawn winner
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!
THE WAIKANAE BEACH CHRISTMAS MARKET 2025
WHEN:-
Sunday 14 December - 10am - 1pm
LOCATION:-
Waikanae Beach Community Hall
22 Rauparaha Street,
Waikanae Beach
FUN FOR THE KIDS:-
Guess who's making an appearance at around 11am? He'll be flying out again around 12ish so make sure you take a photo of the kids with him! He may even have a few Christmas treats in his sack!
DISCOVER UNIQUE AND QUALITY ITEMS:-
With Christmas just around the corner, this is a great opportunity to do your Christmas shopping at the market where you'll find a huge variety of high-quality, reasonably priced Christmas gift ideas. You'll discover handmade treasures and local creativity by highly talented stallholders where every piece tells a story.
GIFTS FOR THE KIDS:-
Meet local author Mik Peryer (the "Waikanae Birdman") and view his many children's adventure books along with Jane and her handmade crochet toys, along with Helen and her huge range of awesome handmade children's dress ups and dolls clothes etc.
MEET UP WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY:-
Meet up with family and friends and enjoy a Sunday outing with a visit to this great, friendly community market.
Don't miss it... support local!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.3% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.1% Hmm, maybe?
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9.7% Yes!
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