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If you live in a bushland area or have a bush garden, be on the lookout for exotic weed seedlings. Things like English ivy (Hedera helix), wild asparagus fern (Protoasparagus aethiopicus), broad-leaved privet (Ligustrum lucidum), small-leaved privet (L. sinense) and...
Stanhopea Orchid There are around 30 species in the genus Stanhopea, and they are spectacular epiphytic orchids native to South America. Their most unusual feature is that the flowers actually grow downward, and they are also highly prized for their very strong,...
Jennifer Leone and her children Lana and Paul gave the Burke’s Backyard team a guided tour of their backyard, which consists of five acres of established trees, formal manicured gardens and magnificent floral displays. The property is surrounded by a high brick...
Imagine a backyard waist deep in wandering jew and fishbone ferns, with a 10 metre drop to boot! A landscaping challenge, don’t you think? Well, Burke’s Backyard recently visited such a garden, and discovered that an amazing transformation had taken place....
The Burke’s Backyard team visited a tiny backyard (6x10m or 20×33′) at the back of a semi-detached home. Landscape designer Graeme Greenhalgh explained the importance of colour in the garden, and how small spaces can appear as big spaces using tricks...
In the past, if you wanted to add some really interesting feature plants to your garden, you had to have the time and the expertise to grow them yourself. Today things are much easier for the busy gardener. It’s possible to simply go along to your local nursery...
Imagine walking into your bathroom and instantly being transported to Bali! That’s what happened to actress Arkie Whiteley after a tiny courtyard 3.1m x 1.9m (10.2′ x 2.6′) adjoining her bathroom was madeover. When we first saw the walled garden it...
Pond Courtyard A water feature in the garden can be a focal point. Whether it’s something fun like a simple pond with frogs spurting water out of their mouths or whether it’s more formal in the form of a wall fountain spouting into a sandstone edged pond...
Don looked at a very good design solution to the problem of a tiny garden. As well as the small size, there were other constraints. Large windows from the kitchen and dining room of the house face onto courtyard areas. A focal point was needed to create visual...
Don looked at a rooftop garden designed by Phillip O’Malley in a modern multicultural style. The garden, on top of a six storey older style building, has wonderful views of Brisbane. Originally the terrace featured dark, heavy brick walls and a multitude of...