Ed’s letter: Naomi Larkin celebrates spring’s arrival.
Much of this issue was put together under lockdown. Whilst there was a lot of familiarity – akin to muscle memory – it also seemed harder this time for a variety of reasons, not least of all the fact it was Auckland only under level 3. With schools closed, the team was back home juggling kids and work, our inboxes choked as emails replaced conversations and logistics around photo shoots proved challenging. But alongside that, the days got noticeably longer, the sun warmer and daffodils and snowdrops, which herald the onset of spring, popped up in gardens everywhere. This is the spring issue and, despite the temporary set backs, it’s full of the promise that the season brings.
Spring is when our gardens really reward us with the fruits of our labour. This issue we visit a spectacular Queenstown garden that is flourishing thanks to a trans-Tasman collaboration (page 104) and a romantic Italian-style terraced garden in Tauranga (page 118). Two of our homes are waterfocused including a landmark Taupō house with jaw-dropping views of the lake (page 50) and an interior designer’s Red Beach, Auckland, contemporary new-build that is both edgy and family friendly (page 30). There’s also the second in our new Kiwis Living Abroad series where we take you to places you can’t travel to, this time via the super-stylish Swedish apartment of Kiwi-born photographer Karl Anderson (page 72).
The Lookbook feature is all about luscious floral arrangements that celebrate spring (page 42). Our shopping pages include new buys for gardeners (page 23) and the latest homeware finds that demonstrate green is having a moment (page 24). We’ve hand-picked this season’s top scents (page 27) along with newly released beauty products to help get you prepped (page 26). With Travel this issue we #backyourbackyard and show you how to have a happy 48 hours in Marlborough (page 162), while Imbibe discusses supporting local boutique wineries (page 155). Food editor Julie Le Clerc has whipped up dishes full of Mediterranean flavors in anticipation of long, lazy lunches (page 138). And, our Special Feature (page 129) highlights three entertaining styles – French classic, modern country and outdoors – and how to get the look right.