Do you have the luxury of a bathroom with a heated floor? If you do, you will be enjoying one of life’s great luxuries. But consider that this warm room is ideal for growing tropical indoor plants. Most indoor plants hate cold weather below about 15ºC. In my...
Do you remember the ugly shade houses that used to exist in old-fashioned gardens? Made of wooden slats to house the orchid collection and some ferns & hoyas. Mercifully they are long gone from most gardens. But you can still create wonderful areas for plant...
So many people like tender meat, yet most cheaper cuts of meat tend to be a bit tough. Of course you can put these meats in stews such as curries and this tenderises them really well. But you can use some fruit to tenderise meat but using them as a marinade....
What does the perfect outdoor entertaining area include? Firstly, it should be immediately outside the back of the house. And you’ll need a barbeque of course. …plus a comfy table and chairs …plus a pergola roof or a clear plastic or metal roof …plus good paving...
Why have a garden or backyard? To me, a garden or backyard is a place to play or relax in. If you agree, here are some ideas of things to create in your backyard. What about an outdoor fireplace to provide warmth while you sit outside or eat outside with friends...
This is a story for the blokes out there. Women tell us that we can’t create life! They seem to be unaware that 50% of the creation of any baby is due to males of the species. Anyway, enough of women’s problems. Us blokes can create new life ALL BY OURSELVES....
The word “orchid” conjures up the image of magical plants. Orchids are the favourite plant for high school formals, for high fashion women and they also make superb potted plants in gardens. An orchid corsage costs around $45 – that is for a few cut flowers joined...
I love herbs. They add flavour to almost all foods – allowing the family or guests to option-up their dinners; to improve the appeal of any dish. Herbs do really well in pots too. You can paint pots to suit your décor (mauve or light purple goes so well with...
Of all the food crops you can grow at home, potatoes are probably the most rewarding and fascinating. Firstly, potatoes get virtually no pest or disease problems – so are very low maintenance. Right now, you can buy seed potatoes from nurseries or you can grow...
Over winter, gardens stay much wetter than during the warmer months. This makes gardening easier as the plants need less watering. It also makes winter a good time to sort out drainage problems on your block. Almost all gardens have a wet spot and some gardens are...