Solve a problem, find a plant or look for a design inspiration
Bob Maher recently sent a letter to Don, and invited him to come and see his garden. When Bob and his family first moved into their Newcastle townhouse 12 months ago, they were confronted with a small backyard (6mx5m) consisting of a bit of grass and a fence. So, with...
Although on a tight budget, Bronwyn and John Chippendale were prepared to spend money on the structure of their garden. They realised that if the bones were right, the rest would fall into place. They called in landscape designer Phillip O’Malley, and asked him...
Don made over a messy courtyard for under $500, with really spectacular results. A gaggle of potted plants was replaced with two smart planter boxes and a bench seat, constructed by Backyard Blitz builder, Scott Cam. The existing bangalow palms, bromeliads and...
Camellias are wonderful plants. Most varieties have attractive, glossy green foliage, and they put on their fabulous flower display in the cooler months of the year when the rest of the garden often looks dull and bare. As well as making excellent specimen plants and...
Don showed a pelargonium that had outgrown the available space and nourishment in its pot. He explained why it is necessary to repot plants every few years, and demonstrated potting techniques using a large yucca (Yucca elephantipes). Don’s tips Repot any plants...
Recently Margaret and Geoff Briggs wrote a letter asking Don to help them with a gardening dilemma. Five years ago they planted over 40 sasanqua camellias (Camellia sasanqua cvs) against their back fence. Some of the plants grew well, but others mysteriously died....
Don looked at a lawn riddled with weeds, moss and lichen. He guessed that the garden owners had forgotten to reset the sprinklers for winter, so the lawn was overwatered. Also, being on the southern side of the house the lawn obviously didn’t receive enough sun...
Plants produce most of their annual growth over the next few weeks, so it’s the perfect time to give your garden some extra care and attention. Spring lawn renovation Aerate: lots of weeds and bare patches indicate that the lawn is compacted. You can fix the...
Don and Cheryl Maddocks teamed up to make a magnificent, succulent ball. While hanging baskets are eye-catching, a hanging succulent sphere is simply riveting. Visitors will be amazed when they see this beautiful ball suspended from a tree or pergola, or taking centre...
Don talked about the importance of keeping your trees and shrubs pruned well back from the footpath. Trees and shrubs growing over the footpath make access very difficult for all sorts of people, including pedestrians, parents pushing strollers and postal workers...