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One of the most spectacular forms of modern housing in Australia is the marina home, snaking their way around artificial canals. Burke’s Backyard recently visited a Darwin home that is a truly magnificent example of canal art. Asian inspired, but ultra-modern...
Building a garden is one of the most satisfying things you’ll ever do. Don’t be overwhelmed by the task. A fairly ordinary backyard can be turned into a colourful and interesting garden using a little imagination and a few tricks. The makeover On...
Bird’s Nest or Crow’s Nest ferns (Asplenium australasicum) are lovely plants which are easy to use in the garden. Don Burke suggests using them creatively in a jungle setting. Experiment at the local nursery by mixing around the ferns with some different...
Two viewers’ letters were mentioned on Burke’s Backyard recently. One included a photo of a 10 year old Grevillea ‘Pink Surprise’ which was covered in flowers and still looking like a very healthy plant. The grevillea had been pruned heavily...
Burke’s Backyard recently visited the garden of Gitta and Gunther Rembel. Situated in bushland, it was designed with a series of walled, courtyard gardens preserving and blending with the native vegetation as well as creating separate garden rooms. The walls...
Soil which has been exposed to the hot, dry conditions that have been experienced recently in much of Australia can become resistant to water. Even after heavy falls of rain or deep watering, soil that is water resistant will remain dry just below the surface. Both...
Owner, Peter Wannan, has taken huge risks in designing his inner city house and garden. The result is brilliantly successful. East meets west design The extraordinary house and garden is a mixture of elements including Greek and Roman statues, blackamoors, Balinese...
A wheelbarrow is essential equipment for any gardener or handyperson, but which is the right one for you? It is important to feel comfortable when using the barrow. Here are a few guidelines. Shape: There are three shapes of wheelbarrow available – the home...
Built in the 1853, Clifton is a bluestone homestead set in a traditional English garden with many established trees and an extensive spread of manicured lawns. The garden Jock and Jill Whiting began work on the two acre garden in the late 1980s and have created a...
Wisterias are beautiful flowering plants but Peter Valder noted that some people seem surprised to see this plant with seed pods. Peter Valder recently looked at these plants when he visited some Mt Wilson gardens. Ornamental pods Wisteria is a legume, like peas and...