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Bonsai is the art of illusion. The aim is to recreate nature on a small scale, that is growing and training a small tree in relatively few years to give the impression of a full-sized tree hundreds of years old. Pruning a bonsai On ‘Burke’s Backyard’...
Running water in a garden can help to create the feeling of having your own little retreat, a place for contemplating and an escape from the everyday pressures of life. If well designed, fish ponds can also provide an interesting focal point and the kids will love...
During their visit to Spain, the Burke’s Backyard team was impressed by hanging pots adorning the courtyard walls in even the smallest gardens. One of the drawbacks to using wall plantings to create a Spanish look in an Australian garden is the weight of a...
Garden lighting really is one of the great inventions of recent times. Apart from adding charm and magic to the garden it means that you can enjoy the garden at night as well as during the day, especially during the warmer months. Garden lighting can also enhance the...
Stone is a strong yet rustic material to include in the garden. ‘Burke’s Backyard’ recently visited a stone sculptor who bases his designs on historical and cross cultural themes. The sculptor Jock Langslow is a stone sculptor who is now making...
Hedges are amongst the most fashionable plants that you can put in any garden. They are practical and great for privacy. Hedges can be used for defining areas in the garden, for dividing one section from another, adding structure to the garden. Privet There are many...
In an outer Sydney suburb, Don and the Burke’s Backyard team transformed a daggy Aussie backyard into a Tuscan inspired entertainment area. They tackled several problem areas including an old swimming pool and an ugly fibro garage. The spectacularly stylish...
A great ornamental plant for the garden is Golden diosma (Coleonema pulchellum ‘Sunset Gold’) which grows as a low bush to 1m (3′) with bright yellow foliage and pink starry flowers. But it can be difficult to fit golden plants such as this into a...
Topiary is a garden art form that is increasing in popularity. Cones, interesting shapes and even balls on sticks (standards) all come under this type of plant pruning technique. According to the topiarist, Geoff Howard, the idea behind topiary is the removal of the...
The history of gardening is currently at a high point with improved plant materials, products and design concepts. In line with this trend, landscape architects Neil Hobbs and Karina Harris have created a garden with strong colour and geometric design. The garden has...