Thur 10 - Sun 13 September 2026
Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane

SAVE WATER, SAVE MONEY: WINTER’S SECRET TO A GREENER SUMMER GARDEN

SAVE WATER, SAVE MONEY: WINTER’S SECRET TO A GREENER SUMMER GARDEN

The best time to prepare your garden for summer isn’t when the heat arrives. It’s now. From rainwater tanks and trickle irrigation to smarter planting and simple maintenance, discover how a few winter projects can keep your garden thriving while reducing your water bills.  

Winter may not seem like the time to think about watering your garden, but it’s actually the perfect season to prepare for the dry months ahead. By planning now, you can create a garden that stays lush through summer while using less water and saving money.

 One of the smartest upgrades for a better all-round garden is installing an efficient irrigation system before the weather warms up. Drip and trickle irrigation deliver water directly to the base of plants, where it’s needed most, rather than spraying it into the air where much of it evaporates or blows away. These systems use significantly less water than traditional sprinklers while encouraging healthier plants and fewer weeds.

Winter is also an ideal time to install a rainwater tank. With more rainfall over the cooler months, you can begin capturing and storing water long before summer arrives. Even a modest tank connected to your home’s downpipes can collect thousands of litres over the course of a year, providing a valuable supply for your garden when rainfall becomes scarce.

If you’re undertaking a renovation or landscaping project, consider incorporating a greywater system. Water from showers, baths and laundries can often be safely reused for garden irrigation when designed correctly, reducing both water consumption and household costs.

 

 

There are plenty of simple jobs you can tackle over winter too. Add a generous layer of mulch to garden beds before spring planting to lock moisture into the soil and suppress weeds. Check existing irrigation systems for leaks, blocked emitters and overspray onto paths or driveways, where every litre is wasted. It’s also the perfect time to rethink your planting, choosing species suited to your local climate that will thrive with less watering once established.

 

 

Perhaps the biggest mistake homeowners make is waiting until the first hot spell to start watering. Frequent, shallow watering encourages weak root systems that struggle in dry weather. Instead, water deeply and less often during the growing season to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil, making plants more resilient when temperatures climb.

 

 

Planning ahead is one of the easiest ways to save both water and money. If you’re considering a garden upgrade this year, visit the Auckland Home Show to explore the latest water-efficient irrigation systems, rainwater storage solutions and landscaping ideas. A little preparation this winter can pay dividends when summer arrives, leaving you with a healthier garden, lower water bills and more time to enjoy your outdoor spaces.

MORE THAN JUST A FEATURE WALL

Wallpaper has come a long way from the heavy patterns and complicated installation techniques many homeowners remember. Today’s products offer an enormous range of styles, finishes and textures, making wallpaper one of the easiest ways to introduce colour, character and personality into a home.

Whether you’re drawn to bold botanicals, oversized murals, elegant geometric designs or subtle textured finishes that mimic linen, concrete or timber, there’s now a wallpaper to suit almost every interior style. Some designs make a dramatic statement, while others quietly add depth and warmth without dominating the room.

One of the biggest developments has been the rise of digitally printed wallpaper. Homeowners are no longer limited to choosing from existing collections. Advances in printing technology now make it possible to create completely bespoke wallpaper using your own photographs, artwork or graphic designs. A favourite holiday landscape, a dramatic aerial photograph, a child’s illustration or even a family business logo can all be transformed into a wall-sized feature. Interior designers are increasingly using custom wallpaper to create truly individual spaces that simply can’t be replicated with off-the-shelf products.

The quality has also improved dramatically. Modern digital printing produces vibrant colours, sharp detail and durable finishes that are designed to withstand everyday living. Whether it’s a subtle repeating pattern or a full-scale mural stretching across an entire wall, custom wallpaper allows homeowners to create something that’s uniquely their own.

Installation has become much more straightforward too. Many modern wallpapers use paste-the-wall technology, where the adhesive is applied directly to the wall rather than the paper itself. This makes positioning easier, reduces mess and gives confident DIY renovators a much more forgiving installation process. Peel-and-stick products have also become increasingly popular, particularly for renters or homeowners wanting the flexibility to refresh a room without making a permanent commitment.

Of course, not every project is suited to a DIY approach. Large feature walls, intricate patterns that require precise alignment or homes with uneven surfaces are often best left to experienced installers who can achieve a flawless finish. For many homeowners, the cost of professional installation is easily justified by the quality of the result.

Wallpaper also isn’t confined to living rooms and bedrooms. Powder rooms, hallways, studies and even ceilings are becoming popular places to introduce texture and visual interest, often transforming overlooked spaces into some of the most memorable areas of the home.

Whether you choose a subtle textured finish, a dramatic mural or a design that’s entirely your own, today’s wallpaper offers almost unlimited creative possibilities. It’s a simple way to add personality, tell a story and create spaces that feel distinctly individual.