Garden

Chasing Summer: How to Keep Those Gorgeous Hydrangeas Blooming All Season Long There’s something truly magical about hydrangeas, isn’t there? Those big, voluptuous blooms in shades of blue, pink, and white just scream summer to me. Every year, as soon as I see those first buds starting to swell, I get that familiar itch to get my hands dirty. I’m Emma Chen, and after about eight years of digging, planting, and a fair share of gardening mishaps, I’ve learned a thing or two about coaxing these beauties to put on a show from June right through to December (yes, even over Christmas here in Australia!). ...

The Plant That Breaks Our Hearts (And Our Wallets): Why We Keep Buying the Perilous Maidenhair Fern Oh, the maidenhair fern. Just saying the name brings back a flood of memories – mostly of wilting fronds and a sinking feeling in my stomach. You know the one. It’s the pretty, delicate plant with lacy, vibrant green leaves that seems to beckon us from the nursery shelf, promising an airy elegance to our homes. And then… well, then reality hits. ...

Hello fellow green thumbs! Emma Chen here, back from the whirlwind of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “Emma, you’re an industry analyst, what do you know about Easter Show secrets?” Well, my friends, my passion for analysis extends beyond spreadsheets and market trends. It bleeds into every aspect of my life, including my garden, and even my annual pilgrimage to the show! This year, I stumbled upon something truly remarkable, a gem that’s been hiding in plain sight, and it got me thinking about the unexpected places we can find inspiration, much like a surprise bloom in an overlooked corner of the garden. ...

My Garden Oasis: Inspired by the Wild and Wonderful Southern Coast You know, as an industry analyst, I spend a lot of time looking at trends, at what’s new and exciting in different sectors. But my real passion? It’s my garden. It’s where I get my hands dirty, where I learn the true meaning of patience, and where nature puts on a show that no spreadsheet can ever replicate. So, when I heard about the Melbourne Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) 2026’s “Best In Show” winner, I was immediately captivated. Matt York’s “We The Wild” garden, drawing inspiration from Victoria’s stunning Southern Coast, sounds like a dream. ...

The Mystery of the Missing Litter Box Visits: What Dr. Harry Taught Me (and Maybe You!) You know, sometimes life throws you a curveball, doesn’t it? It’s not always about the roses refusing to bloom or the aphids staging a coordinated attack. Sometimes, it’s about something much… closer to home. My friend Juliet recently shared a story with me that, honestly, made me think of my own garden – and how even the most seemingly straightforward things can become complicated. She was telling me about Dr. Harry, the renowned Australian veterinarian, and a rather perplexing issue Juliet and her husband Charlie were facing with their handsome British Longhair, Lord Harold’s Buttercream III. ...

My Garden’s Digital Sidekick: Best Gardening Apps for Spring Ah, spring! The air is buzzing with possibility, isn’t it? The first hints of green are peeking through, the nursery shelves are stacked high with tantalizing tiny plants, and my mind is already conjuring up visions of bountiful harvests and vibrant blooms. I’ve been getting my hands dirty for over eight years now, both in my own little patch of earth and analyzing the industry trends that shape how we all connect with our gardens. And let me tell you, while nothing can replace the satisfying ache in your back after a good day of digging, our phones can be surprisingly helpful tools this time of year. ...

Blooming Brilliance: My Journey with Australian Native Flowers (Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Emma Chen here.) You know, sometimes I just stand in my garden, cup of tea in hand, and marvel at it all. It’s not just the colours or the scents, it’s the sheer resilience and uniqueness of these plants. Especially the Australian natives. I mean, we live in a country with such incredibly diverse landscapes, from the rugged outback to lush rainforests, and our flora is a huge part of that magic. ...

Goodbye, Nosy Neighbours: My Secret to a Private Garden (That’s Actually a Garden!) You know that feeling, right? When you’re out enjoying your garden, maybe sipping a cuppa or wrestling with a particularly stubborn weed, and you just… feel eyes on you. Yep, the dreaded nosy neighbour stare. I’ve been there! For years, my go-to solution was a hedge. It seemed like the obvious answer, the classic privacy barrier. But let me tell you, after 8+ years of digging, pruning, and occasionally wrestling with prickly bits, I’ve learned a thing or two about what really works. ...

My Garden is Buzzing with Ants – And That’s a Good Thing! Oh, the ants! If you’re anything like me, seeing those tiny, determined trails marching across your garden beds right now might send a shiver of dread down your spine. Especially after a toasty summer, it feels like they’ve decided my little patch of green is the hottest real estate in town. I’ve seen them everywhere – forming little highways on the patio, building miniature mountains in my petunia pots, and generally swarming around my precious plants. My first, almost primal, instinct? Grab the bug spray! ...

Beyond the Boring Box: My Top 3 Native Screening Plants That Outshine Any Hedge You know that feeling? You’re sitting in your garden, enjoying a quiet morning coffee, and then… your neighbor decides to have a lively BBQ, or a delivery truck parks right in your line of sight. Privacy, it seems, is a precious commodity these days. For years, the go-to solution has been the humble hedge. And yes, a well-maintained hedge can be lovely. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels a bit… expected. A bit like wearing the same outfit to every party. ...