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The Jansz/Blitz Wedding Cake

Choux buns 200g butter, cut into cubes 500ml water 260g plain flour 8 eggs 1. Put the butter and water in a large saucepan and bring to a very gentle simmer. As soon as all the butter has melted, tip in the flour. Take off the heat and beat together thoroughly. 2. Add the whole eggs, one at a time, and work into the mix. 3. Pipe dollops onto a tray lined with baking paper. Place in an oven preheated to 200°C and cook for 15 minutes. Check that th... read more

Blue Ginger

Blue ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora) is not a true ginger, but it has ginger-like, arching stems and vibrant, purple/blue flowers in autumn. This exotic Brazilian perennial is the perfect plant for moist, shady spots in the garden and looks particularly good teamed with tree ferns and palms. It also makes a good pot plant. Blue ginger grows around 2m (6′) tall and 1m (3′) wide. The 30cm (12″) long leaves are narrow, glossy and dark green. Blue... read more

Poodles

Curled up poodle
Poodles Breed: Poodle Temperament: intelligent but can be neurotic Lifespan: up to 15 years Maintenance: high Recommended for: families, singles, elderly Although some may still regard the Poodle as the epitome of canine extravagance and a symbol of the well heeled, this breed has in fact crept into the hearts and minds of many owners who would argue that this could not no be any further from the truth. History The history of this breed suggests ... read more

Making a Difference (MAD) – Birdbath

This year Burke’s Backyard is introducing a new environmental segment called Making a Difference (MAD). In this segment we will look at practical ways you can make a difference to your local environment. The recommendations we give will be based on thorough research, rather than just being politically correct. Birdbath You can help local species of native birds survive by providing them with water to bathe in and drink. This is particularly impor... read more

Outdoor Living Makeover

The theme of our first program for 2003 is outdoor living – extending the indoor living areas out into the garden. Many Australian houses have poor access to the backyard, with one door and perhaps a few small windows, so the occupants feel closed in and trapped in their own homes! Tracey Azzopardi’s house was a typical example. The Burke’s Backyard team demolished the back of Tracey’s house. Bifold doors were installed so that the indoor areas f... read more

Summer Pongers

Don looked at some of the plants that produce their perfume through the summer months. Perfume adds atmosphere and a wonderful feeling of romance to any garden. The next time you visit your local nursery, think about buying some fragrant plants. Roses (Rosa sp.) Roses are a must in any perfumed garden. Don mentioned fragrant varieties such as ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Double Delight’ and ‘Papa Meilland’, but there are hundreds of others to choose from. Roses... read more

Seafood BBQ

Asian marinade 2 stalks coriander, chopped juice of 2 limes 1/2 medium-hot chilli, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated 8 leaves Vietnamese mint, chopped 1 large stalk lemongrass, chopped 1/2 red onion, finely diced 1/2 clove garlic, mashed 50ml sunflower oil 1 tablespoon sugar 300ml water Italian marinade 1/2 red onion, finely diced 1/2 medium-hot chilli, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon capers 2 tablespoon Italian parsley, cho... read more

Courtyard Makeover

This ugly, disused courtyard was planted with sharp, spiny succulents. The owner, Sally Gebert, explained that it wasn’t a safe place for her baby, Cody, to play. Don, Scott and Tara transformed the courtyard into a stylish, outdoor living area, which the whole family could enjoy. How it was done All rubbish was cleared away. Don pointed out the position of a Telstra service cable running through the garden bed and was careful not to damage it as... read more

Frangipanis

All about Frangipanis Frangipanis (known by their botanic name Plumeria in America) bring a heady, romantic fragrance to the garden, as well as a wide choice of warm, tropical colours. In Australia, frangipanis are sold by colour, rather than variety, and the further north you go, the wider the colour choice. Frangipani was the name of an Italian perfume used to scent gloves in the 16th century and named after its creator, the Marquis Frangipani.... read more

Oxalis

Most people think of oxalis as a serious garden weed, which must be eradicated at all costs. However, Peter Valder explained that there are many beautiful, ornamental species of oxalis that can be planted safely, without any fear of them taking over the garden. Peter thinks the following species are well worth growing: Oxalis bowiei This South African species has beautiful, rose-red to pink flowers and large leaves, each divided into three leafle... read more

Succulent Shoes

Last year Don teamed up with Cheryl Maddocks to create a stunning succulent ball. The succulent they chose to make the ball was Echeveria secunda (sometimes sold as Echeveria glauca), which has grey-green leaves arranged in flattened rosettes. The ball looks even more spectacular now, because the echeverias are in flower. Succulents are easy care and so versatile – as well as making the ball, Cheryl planted more succulents in old buckets, pots on... read more

Geoff’s Brown Rice

Geoff Jansz walked the streets of Carlton in Melbourne, helping people with their culinary questions. He met Chris and Voula Paschalidis, who admitted to having a problem with brown rice. Geoff went to their place, solved their problem and cooked dinner at the same time. Ingredients Rice 1 cup brown rice 2 1/2 cups water salt oil Dressing 1 carrot, chopped 1/2 red capsicum, chopped 1/2 green capsicum, chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 1 spring onio... read more