Pham Bao Khanh Linh creates entire landscapes in miniature. He began learning the art from his grandfather at the age of 12, and his inspiration comes from real life and from Vietnamese culture. The tiny landscapes combine mountain scenes, forests and water, all...
Don looked at a row of sasanqua camellias espaliered against a brick wall. Espaliering means training a tree or shrub to grow against a flat surface. It
The wonderful thing about gardening in Australia is that you can create your own fantasy. That fantasy may be inspired by a holiday overseas, by photographs in books and magazines, or by some of the gardens we’ve featured on Burke’s Backyard over the years. A huge...
This list includes all sorts of handy gadgets for use in the garden and around the home. Tap Twister ($6.80) Fit Tap Twister over the handle of your tap, and you’ll find it gives you extra leverage and makes the tap easier to turn. Useful for the elderly,...
Roses are not fussy plants; in fact they can be as tough as old boots. However, they must be pruned every year to maintain vigorous growth and to keep them flowering well. You can prune in the traditional way (see tips below) but if you can
Don potted up some succulents for a balcony or paved area, using a single block of Hebel. (Hebel is a lightweight, aerated concrete product). This is a fun, easy project for the weekend! Materials and tools 1 x Hebel block (600x200x200mm) drill old chisel safety mask...
Tips for buying and using a terrarium A terrarium is the ultimate, low-maintenance indoor garden. Terrariums can be made out of any clear glass or plastic container, from the humble glass pickle jar to a specially made terrarium case. Their development is credited to...
Last year we filmed Dianne and Sam Chi’s garden, which featured a huge sculpture of a dragon. A Burke’s Backyard viewer, Anthony Williams, saw the story and suggested we visit Templex Nursery in Brisbane, where there are hundreds of sculptures, including 7 dragons!...
Parterres are ornamental flower gardens arranged in precise geometric patterns and defined by straight pathways and crisp box hedging. They often feature a central ornamental element, such as a fountain, a specimen tree or a classical urn. If you love parterres but...
Tools need to last for years, so in the long run quality tools are a good investment. Before you go shopping for garden tools, read Don’s handy guide to the jobs tools do, what to look for and how much to pay. Secateurs: the basic pruning tool. Buy the best possible,...