A note from the editor

Whenever there is a question around what your preferred superpower might be, flying is always an option.

Humankind has invented everything from jumbo jets to jet packs to emulate that motion. Yet there remains nothing that truly captures the forever effortless, silent control we witness as a kārearea glides through the sky.

Then there are the feathers that fall from above or drop to the ground as talons pass by. Little hands cannot help but pick up any that lay discarded on the grass, forest floor or beach. Sublimely ethereal, there’s beauty in every one, from rod-straight fantail feathers through to the exquisite peacock’s plume, its eye given the power to cast bad luck.

Nature’s iridescence is on the wing of the ever-endearing tūī. Reader David Bowie caught this natural beauty in such a striking way that his photograph became the cover option our entire team favoured. It brings us so much joy to be able to share the talents of Kiwi Gardener readers in this way – all you need to do is have a look at the finalists (page 16) to see what talent is among you!

Birds are a gardener’s companion: our wild garden pets. Quite often, there will be at least one that becomes a familiar sight, too. I’ve had more than one gardener describe a special bird they have come to recognise either visually (a blackbird with a white feather on its wing) or through habit (a bird that makes its daily commute your lawn).

At our place, we have ducks, chickens and turkeys, but it’s the skylarks that I see adding personality to the surrounds. Small and easily camouflaged against the stony driveway or a patch of bare brown ground, they appear when you least expect it, taking flight just as your wheels crunch the gravel behind them.

Sporting a feathery mohawk, this striped bird will often be spotted scuttling across our deck, too. I’m convinced its cheeky act of bravado is made in the hope of finding spilt cat biscuits, and it keeps trying – even though the feline is now fed inside.

There’s a lot about birds to love. I hope you enjoy celebrating them – and you, our skilful readers – in this high-flying edition.

See you in spring!