Solve a problem, find a plant or look for a design inspiration
Don showed how to transform ordinary light fittings into funky pots and hanging planters. Tools bucket trowel pliers drill/bits spanner/shifter scissors tape measure bolt cutters or hacksaw Materials Light shades 250mm galvanised stormwater pipe x 1800mm 4mm long...
Bonsai artists try to create the impression of very old, ancient trees, but many of these trees are not very old at all. Don showed how to fake up some bonsai using two ordinary plants from the local nursery. The plants Plants traditionally used for bonsai...
Don demonstrated how to turn coconuts into some great items for the home, including coconut plant pots, candle holders and soup bowls. What you’ll need: G clamp, vice, hand saw, chisel, rasp, coconuts, candles, cocktail umbrellas, plants. Coconut preparation: 1....
Penny and Paul Cooke-Russell wrote to Burke’s Backyard to tell us how excited they are about their backyard makeover. Over just a few months, they transformed a barren space in the garden into a wonderful oasis where family members and friends can get together,...
The vanilla plant is a perennial vine from Mexico and Central America, which climbs to around 15 metres and supports itself by means of aerial roots. It has fleshy, bright green leaves varying in length from eight to 25cm. Large, fragrant yellow-green flowers are...
Yucca elephantipes, more commonly called the spineless or soft-tipped yucca, is a fast growing member of the agave family. In fact, it can quickly outgrow its original position in the garden, as seen in our segment. Don showed how to prune the yucca without ruining...
Don showed how to propagate bromeliads by simply dividing offsets, or ‘pups’, from the mother plant. Bromeliads are native to tropical America. Many are epiphytes, meaning they live on other plants but do not parasitise those plants. Rather than growing in soil, they...
One of the best ways to save money with plants is to go out into the garden and dig them up! There are free plants in virtually every garden in Australia. Clumping plants such as aspidistras can easily be chopped up and used elsewhere in the garden, potted up and...
Don thinks that today’s gardens, particularly in Australia, are the best they’ve ever been. They are better to entertain in and better to live in, although they can be a bit ‘blokey’. Many designs feature straight lines and geometry, giving...
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. STAR...