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Most of Australia has just emerged from the awful El Nino drought. Our garden plants have suffered badly through this period. So, this is the most important spring in the last 10 years – put in some effort now and the results will be tremendous. The problems:...
Dry stone wall building is one of the oldest construction methods known to mankind. These mortar-less barriers are dotted throughout the British countryside. During the Burke’s Backyard trip to Ireland, Don visited the Rock of Cashel, a cathedral built entirely...
There are many statues and garden ornaments available these days. They are often white concrete which look great in a formal Roman or Greek old style garden but unfortunately don’t suit most gardens. In a conventional garden a more neutral colour such as...
A swimming pool and its surrounding landscape can fulfil your fantasy. Don recently visited a pool area which was jointly designed by Brad Baxter of Award Pools & Landscapes, Ty Armstrong the owner and John Storch, Landscape Architect. This particular pool could...
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...