Weeds are almost always mentioned in a negative way, yet they can be both useful and very beautiful. The mixture of sulphur-yellow flowers of cape weed with the purple of Patterson’s Curse in many areas of western Australia is truly beautiful. The ground is washed...
Jim Fogarty says there’s more than one way to bring the great look of timber into your garden design, and some of the easiest-care options don’t use any real timber at all. Lots of people would agree that it’s hard to beat the look and feel of natural timber,...
How often should you re-pot a plant? Well ideally you should re-pot all plants every 2 years. The reason is that modern potting mixes are made from natural composted materials that break down and collapse over time: they sink down in the pot and can suffocate plant...
There is no doubt that rocks add enormous beauty to any garden. They create wonderful feature areas and look superb beside ponds. Wherever you can, when buying rock, try to use new rock salvaged from excavations. Bush rock in the bush provides critical homes for...
Do you want a frog pond in your garden? Well it’s not too hard to make one. Either purchase a plastic fibreglass pond or some black rubber liner. Put the liner or pond in the ground and cover the edges with rocks. Plant around the pond with lush plants like...
Did you know that Don is the Patron of Retina Australia NSW? Don has supported this charity for over 10 years. Retina Australia support, raise money for & create awareness of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). RP is an inherited retinal eye disease that is the leading...
At this time of the year, I love to go outdoors to see miracles. The miracle of the new and unfolding growth on a Japanese dissectum maple. The bean shoots and pumpkin shoots coming up from sprouting seeds. The beautiful flowers with exquisite smells on all citrus...
Backyards are places for relaxation or entertainment. So what about some furniture to relax in. Check out wooden seats very carefully as many are not at all comfortable to sit on: comfort is essential. Fabric seats can also be a problem as the cushions may get wet...
How About Hens? Thinking of getting some backyard chooks but not sure what to do? Poultry expert Megg Miller has lots of tips on how to get set up and keep the girls laying happily. Everyone wants chooks (and why not?): they are entertaining, they convert greens...
Now is the time to rev up your lawn. Lawns need regular fertilising to achieve good results so use a slow release lawn food like Scotts Lawn Builder now. Buy a fertilizer spreader from the local plant shop or hardware store to ensure an even result. Now is the time to...