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Sweet Peas in Pot Don showed how easy it is to pot up some dwarf sweet peas for an impressive result. Sweet pea seeds are traditionally sown on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), but in cool climates they can be sown in August and September. At this time of year...
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...
The front cover of the August issue of the Burke
Hanging Fern Basket Ferns planted in a hanging basket add visual interest to semi-shaded or shaded areas. Planting up a hanging basket is a very easy weekend project, and it
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,...
Some people think that Australian native plants are lacking in colour. In fact, many native plants have very colourful flowers that are produced over a long period of the year. There are also Australian native plants with fabulous foliage. Don potted up a group of...
Don discovered a wonderful old bush cooking vessel in a junk shop, and decided it would make a very good planter for Australian native plants. He turned it upside down and drilled some drainage holes in the base, then filled it with kangaroo paws. Don chose the...
For a great Aussie look in the backyard, why not use an old hollow log as a planter? You might have a tree in the garden that has died and fallen over, or if you live on a bush block there may already be some hollow logs lying around on the property. Rustic planters...